Rumors regarding Nintendo's next-generation console, commonly referred to as the "Nintendo Switch 2," are picking up the pace. According to reports from Video Games Chronicle (VGC), the much-anticipated follow-up to the incredibly successful Nintendo Switch could be closer than we think. Nintendo has reportedly dispatched development kits to key partner studios for this next-gen console, with a potential release window set for the latter half of 2024.
According to insiders, the strategy behind the late 2024 release date is Nintendo's bid to ensure sufficient stock on the console's launch day. The company aims to learn from the launch shortages that plagued the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S releases.
The upcoming console is expected to continue the hybrid design that made its predecessor so popular. The ability to switch between portable and docked modes will be retained, as per sources in the know. Interestingly, to offset the higher storage costs necessitated by high-fidelity games, Nintendo may opt for an LCD screen over the pricier OLED alternative. This would be a huge mistake IMHO, but then again, Nintendo may be doing this just to be able to give customers a mid-cycle upgrade once again as they did with the original Nintendo Switch. The current Switch has only 32GB of internal memory, a marked difference from the storage space needed for the modern PlayStation and Xbox games, which often exceed 100GB.
The new Nintendo console, like its predecessor, will maintain support for physical games through a cartridge slot, ensuring the continuation of the nostalgic tactile gaming experience for its users. However, there's still a question mark hanging over the system's backward compatibility for both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. This topic has raised concerns among some third-party publishers, who worry that supporting previous-gen games could negatively impact the sales of new titles.
Industry consultant Dr. Serkan Toto and ReedPop's head of games B2B, Christopher Dring, both confirmed to VGC that a 2024 console launch would align with Nintendo's financial strategies and historical trends. Dring also hinted that if the Switch successor's release is planned closer to the holiday season, Nintendo might be looking at a more robust launch lineup compared to its predecessor's early-year release.
Information about the new Nintendo console's development is still under wraps, with Nintendo refraining from commenting on these reports. But as the rumors continue to mount and more industry insiders share their thoughts, it becomes clear that Nintendo's next move could potentially be a significant step forward in the console gaming landscape. The Nintendo Switch 2 might be just around the corner, and it's time to prepare for a new era of gaming that's as innovative as it is exciting.
What do you think? Are you ready for the next-gen Nintendo Switch?
~Smash
I barely play the Switch I've got, LOL.