After seven years available on the market, 130 million methods, and greater than 1 billion video games bought, it appears to be like like 2024 could possibly be the yr that Nintendo declares a follow-up to the Switch.
On this submit, we’re rounding up the whole lot we all know, and what’s been speculated, concerning the subsequent system from Nintendo. It covers the system’s potential type issue, launch date, value, launch video games, backward compatibility, and extra. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll confer with the brand new system because the Switch 2, though it appears possible that, based mostly on Nintendo’s historical past, it should have some type of new, authentic title for the console.
What’s it?
One of many largest unknowns concerning the subsequent piece of Nintendo {hardware} is what precisely it will likely be. Former Nintendo staff have predicted it should have an analogous type issue to the Switch and that it may be used as a handheld machine and in addition dock to your TV like the prevailing mannequin does. Nintendo, for its half, has mentioned nothing in any respect about what to anticipate from its subsequent system, other than how the intention is for it to “shock and delight” followers, so we solely have predictions and guesses to go on for now.
Digital Foundry reported that the Switch 2 might use Nvidia’s new customized variant T239 processor. The positioning compiled a PC based mostly on what it believed the Switch 2’s specs could possibly be and located that it might capably run Loss of life Stranding at 1080p at a mean of 35 fps.
A smoother transition
Nintendo’s earlier consoles had their very own account methods and gamers needed to create new accounts for subsequent {hardware} launches. However the brand new overarching Nintendo Account modifications this, and this might assist ease the transition to the subsequent Nintendo console.
It “permits us to speak with our gamers if and after we make a transition to a brand new platform, to assist ease that course of or transition,” Nintendo’s Doug Bowser mentioned.
“Our purpose is to attenuate the dip you usually see within the final yr of 1 cycle and the start of one other,” he added. “I am unable to converse to the attainable options of a brand new platform, however the Nintendo Account is a powerful foundation for having that communication as we make the transition.”
Nintendo’s CEO, Shuntaro Furukawa, mentioned in 2023 that the subsequent Nintendo console will use the identical Nintendo Account system because the Switch, so listening to Bowser recommend one thing comparable isn’t any large shock.
When will or not it’s introduced?
Nintendo has supplied no indication as to when it would announce new {hardware}, however some have predicted an announcement could possibly be tied to Nintendo’s fiscal calendar. Nintendo’s new monetary yr begins on April 1, so some predict an announcement simply earlier than then to assist pump the inventory value and generate momentum heading into the subsequent quarter. Nintendo’s share value just lately reached a document excessive, and a few predict even stronger outcomes forward if Nintendo does in reality announce new {hardware} quickly.
When will the Switch 2 launch?
We do not know. The Switch launched in March 2017, however there isn’t a assure that Nintendo would observe an analogous playbook with its subsequent piece of {hardware}. The Wii and Wii U, for instance, launched in November. One principle is that Nintendo may look to launch the Switch 2 within the first half of 2024 in order that any potential inventory shortages could possibly be sorted out earlier than the ever-important vacation buying season when Nintendo needs to have ample provide out there.
Lately, a September 2024 launch date for the Switch 2 emerged in an official press launch from the latest interplay of GameShark. But it surely’s in all probability not respectable.
Nintendo Switch 2023 Winter Industrial 2 – Splatoon 3
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How a lot will it price?
The Switch 2 has not been introduced, so the whole lot is guesswork at this stage. However one analyst just lately predicted that the Switch 2 will price $400 and that its top-tier video games will promote for $70. The unique Switch launched at $300, and its comparatively low value level little doubt helped the system carry out exceptionally properly out there. Whether or not or not the subsequent Nintendo console launches with only one SKU or a number of editions, at numerous value factors, stays to be seen.
By way of the prediction about recreation prices rising to $70, that would not be very shocking. In any case, Nintendo already charged $70 for Tears of the Kingdom, and it was a gross sales juggernaut at that value level. Nintendo mentioned that was a one-off for Switch recreation costs, however charging $70 for Switch 2 video games would convey Nintendo consistent with what corporations like Microsoft and Sony, in addition to a wide range of third-party publishers, cost for his or her main titles.
Mario Kart 9 and different video games
It is extensively anticipated that Nintendo will launch a brand new Mario Kart recreation for its subsequent residence console–there should not many safer bets in gaming that one might make. A report mentioned Mario Kart 9 could have some type of “new twist,” and followers are eagerly ready to see what that may be. If a brand new Mario Kart recreation is within the works, it will seemingly make enterprise sense for it to be a launch title for the subsequent console. A report from 2023 mentioned numerous builders already had the brand new Nintendo console at their places of work and have been starting to construct video games for it, however none have been introduced and even hinted at up to now.
Will or not it’s backward suitable?
A significant query followers wish to know is whether or not or not the subsequent Nintendo console will assist video games from the Switch. We do not know. However Nintendo’s earlier statements concerning the Nintendo Account system carrying ahead to the subsequent system may recommend Nintendo goes to supply some stage of backward compatibility. One principle floated by a former Nintendo worker is that the Switch 2 can be backward suitable with digital eShop video games.
Hold checking again with GameSpot for extra as we study extra concerning the subsequent Nintendo console, as we’ll proceed to replace this story as extra info involves gentle.