It has been rumored everywhere that the highly anticipated next-gen Nintendo console, which is often referred to as “the Switch 2”, can come out even sooner than we thought. A prominent Japanese analyst is the latest to guess that Nintendo Switch 2 could be released in late March, and possibly as early as Q1 2024 (i.e. almost a full two years after we started hearing rumors).
But also, how much water do these predictions hold and what does it mean for gamers who are excitedly looking forward to Nintendo’s next big leap?
What We Know So Far (Switch 2 Launch Rumors — Early 2024)
Ever since word of Nintendo’s next home console started to spread, the rumor mill for what it could possible hold has been in overdrive. Yasuda expects a 2024 release for the console, suggesting we could see it arrive between April and June of that year. Fans and industry watchers rightly stirred with both excitement, albeit a bit of debate.
It should be noted that these details have not been confirmed by Nintendo though. The head of the company Shuntaro Furukawa said that they are about to declassify information about their next console by March 31, 2025. That said, while the Switch 2 might be announced sooner rather than later — read: early next year at latest!i– it’s unclear when Nintendo would have more to say.
Read also: Rumor: Sony Shook Up Troubled The Last of Us Online’s Cancellation
Read also: Red Dead Redemption PC Port Leak: A Game-Changer
The Rumors Mill What Analysts And Insiders Are saying
Hideki Yasuda is not the only one with speculation, his prediction just turned a few more heads. GameIndustry.First reports came out earlier According to Biz editor Christopher Dring, Nintendo will not replace NX during the current fiscal year. Eurogamer editor-in-chief Tom Phillips bolstered this claim, having been told the same by sources.
So, while these reports do carry some credibility with them, the history of other names tied to this story is worth noting. Dring, for example, is better known as a font of UK gaming sales figures than he is on Nintendo-specific leaks. On the other hand, Phillips certifies a little more legitimacy — but as neither publication is transparent in terms of source reliability and accuracy right now this should all be taken with a grain or two of salt.
The Schedule: Is a Summer 2024 Premiere On the Table?
Assuming Yasuda is correct, the Switch 2 might arrive anywhere from April to June of that year. It keeps in line with Nintendo’s spring console releases and would allow gamers to grab the system outside of holiday rush deathmatches. It would launch in the middle of 2017, avoiding a busy holiday release schedule and potentially giving it an edge on sales throughout the year.
Yet, this timeline is far-fetched too. But considering how long it takes to plan, produce, and promote the launch of a new console over several months, Nintendo might have to act fast for even an equally loose mid-2024 release window. Still, it would suggest that the behind-the-scenes work has been done — whether or not the public statement comes any time soon.
- PlayStation 5 Review – 2023 Update
- PS Portal Shocks Critics: Sales Soar a Year After Launch
- Nintendo leaks password-protected Pokemon console Apparently Nintendo’s next hardware project is called “Ounce”
- PS5 For Less! Sony Launches Official Refurbished Consoles
- PS Plus users: do not let LittleBigPlanet 3 slip away forever
Price Speculation: Switch 2 Cost
Koei Tecmo’s comments currently predict release timing, Yasuda speculated that the Switch 2 could debut at $499 or less. That would put the new console in direct competition with other next-gen systems including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
$499 IS a lot compared to the $299 it launched at (and is still available for). That starting price would have been pretty hefty given the improvements in tech and capabilities that could be offered with a Switch 2 — things like better graphics, enhanced performance, and new gameplay possibilities.
Nintendo’s Strategic Silence: What’s the Plan?
Although there are many rumors spinning around on all of these, Nintendo has been hit the hardest with some rumor mill about its follow-up console. Yet, the company has often kept even the broadest of strokes a well-kept secret until they were ready for a grand reveal — surprising fans with unexpected and exciting news.
Shuntaro Furukawa’s comment about will be showcasing the next console was vague at best, opening itself to speculation. It indicates that while the console might be announced in the coming months, it may be quite a long way being released with Yasuda predicting an early 2024 release.
But What of the Current And Future Switch Games?
All of the Talk About Switch 2 Rumours Shouldn’t Distract From Nintendo’s Stellar Line-Up for Current Machine Possible names like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are set to keep fans’ attention well into 2025.
These two releases will determine that other Nintendo is not in a hurry to start working on QOL, or the new gaming console. However, they seem to be geared more towards sticking with the current Switch platform and are planning for what lies ahead. It might just help sustain solid sales and player numbers as next-gen fever starts to ramp up.
Does backward compatibility hint at a Switch 2?
Or will Switch 2 play the games we currently enjoy on Switch? While Nintendo has been hit-or-miss with enabling backward compatibility in the past, it would be a no-brainer for the company to enable this feature considering its big library of hits on Switch.
For gamers, backward compatibility would make it easier to define transition lines between one console class and another – they can keep their favorite games around while reaping the benefits of new hardware.
If enough people still want to retain physical ownership over their PC games, and a new Switch 2 migration path gave them an upgrade while keeping access without needing some kind of VPN workaround every time they moved from system A -> B then this might just work.
Implications for the Gaming Industry
A Switch 2 launch in early 2024 might make waves across the industry. This would only serve for Nintendo to further boost its domination of the console market as they always have been especially with their new system.
PRESSURE FROM COMPETITION ON SONY AND MICROSOFT
A mid-2024 Switch 2 release would put contact on Sony and Microsoft, which are just entering their PlayStation 5/Xbox Series X groove. Given Nintendo’s long history of creative innovations that have never been done before, mashed-up with the nostalgia-soaked franchises it boasts in its stable and this device becomes one spear aimed at attracting players from across an entire spectrum which pretty neatly covers all three current-generation consoles.
Reclamación del Mercado después de una Caida
The video game industry has not been without its share of hurdles in recent years — supply chain shortages and changing consumer preferences are just two. A Switch 2 done right could really kick-start the market again, driving excitement to buy new hardware and interest in attractive gaming software.
- The Last Step: A Little Patience
Though these kinds of predictions about the Switch 2 starting to come out are exciting, fans need to temper their expectations. Nintendo has not announced any of these details, and as we know from history rumors often end in scorn when they are shattered into a million pieces by the cruel reality.
Nevertheless, the prospect of a possible early 2024 release for a New Nintendo Console is definitely worth pondering about. Regardless of whether these predictions are right or wrong, the gaming world is anticipating what Nintendo has in store next as developers. Sorry to be so very vague, but that seems likely and we will keep an ear out for some kind of confirmation from Apple as things get a bit less… secret.
However, this will leave all of the current and soon-to-be-released games for Nintendo Switch in your hands. And when the day comes, No doubt that Switch 2 will be an exciting new chapter of gaming. Stay tuned for more updates!
[…] Read also: Insider Predicts Nintendo Switch 2 Launch in Early 2024- What Does This Mean for Gamers? […]