By Sagar Mankar 
Recent reports suggest that Nintendo might be delaying the release of its next-generation Switch console, now expected to arrive in early 2025.
Originally, the “Switch 2” was rumored for a late 2024 launch, but it appears the timeline has shifted. This means the new console might debut nearly eight years after the original Switch first launched.
But why the delay? And what does this mean for fans eagerly waiting for an upgrade? Let’s explore the reasons behind this possible postponement.
Why Is the Switch 2 Release Date Being Delayed?
Though Nintendo has not officially announced a next-gen console [Update: Confirmed by Nintendo President in April during Q4 result in May] rumors of a 2024 release have been circulating for some time.
Brazilian journalist Pedro Henrique Lutti Lippe first reported that Nintendo has pushed back the launch window for its new console to Q1 2025. He cited multiple sources who claimed that Nintendo had updated publishers about the new timeline.
Industry outlets like VGC and Eurogamer have since verified Lippe’s report, with their sources indicating that Switch 2’s launch has indeed been moved from 2024 to early 2025.
VGC suggests the reason for the delay may be Nintendo wants more time to build up a strong first-party Software lineup to launch alongside the new hardware.
It makes sense – Nintendo will want to ensure there are plenty of compelling exclusive games and franchises ready to showcase the Switch 2’s capabilities out of the gate.
The original Switch benefited tremendously from the nearly simultaneous launch of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
So in brief:
- Nintendo wants more time to prepare a stronger first-party software lineup for the Switch 2 launch
- Fits Nintendo’s historical pattern of long console lifecycles – around 5-8 years
- Original Switch is still selling extremely well – over 139 million units to date
- No rush to replace the current Switch which continues printing money for Nintendo
- Allows them to focus on remaining Switch games like Metroid Prime 4 before transitioning
Nintendo Switch Still Going Strong
It’s clear that Nintendo has little reason to rush the release of a new console.
Despite being over 6 years old now, the original Switch continues selling at a phenomenal pace – surpassing 139 million units sold globally to become Nintendo’s second best-selling home console ever.
In fact, in a recent investor briefing, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa stated the Switch would remain the company’s “main business” through at least March 2025.
He also assured there would be a “smooth transition” from the current to next-gen platforms.
So a short delay to the Switch 2 launch likely doesn’t concern Nintendo too much at this point, given the momentum the original Switch still has.
Upcoming Nintendo Switch Games
While fans may be disappointed to potentially have to wait a bit longer for Switch 2 details, Nintendo’s 2024 game lineup should help tide them over.
Just released is the puzzle platformer Mario vs. Donkey Kong, with other big Switch games coming like Princess Peach: Showtime!, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD remaster, and the Gamecube classic Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
Hey, there’s even still hope for Metroid Prime 4 to finally arrive before the Switch 2 launches!
In conclusion, with a steady stream of new games on the way, Nintendo fans should have plenty to enjoy while waiting for the Switch 2. Whenever it finally launches, we can only hope the new console will live up to the excitement! 🤞
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