By Sagar V. Mankar Will Nintendo Fans Have to Wait Longer for the Next-Gen Switch Console?
According to multiple reports, it seems Nintendo has decided to push back the launch of its next-generation Switch console to early 2025.
Originally slated for a late 2024 release, the so-called “Switch 2” may now arrive around 8 years after the debut of the original Switch hybrid console handheld.
But what’s behind this apparent delay?
And what does it mean for Nintendo fans eagerly awaiting an upgrade? Let’s break it down.
Why Was the Switch 2 Release Date Delayed?
While Nintendo has yet to officially even confirm a next-gen console, let alone announce any launch timing, the rumor mill has been buzzing about a 2024 Switch successor for a while now.
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 that Nintendo recently briefed publishers on the updated timeline.
Video game industry publications VGC and Eurogamer have since corroborated Lippe’s report, with their own sources indicating the Switch 2 has been delayed from an originally planned 2024 launch 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
Of course, Nintendo also has a strong incentive not to rush out a Switch successor before the current console has run its course.
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!
So in summary – With a steady stream of new games on the way, Nintendo fans should have plenty to stay occupied until Switch 2 finally hits the scene.
Whenever that may be, here’s hoping the console lives up to the hype! 🤞
References:
Henrique Lutti Lippe Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwHXjxu35P8
Nintendo Switch 2 will now launch in 2025 | VGC (videogameschronicle.com)
Nintendo Switch 2 release date now Q1 2025 – reports | Eurogamer.net
Nintendo President on FY2024: qa2306.pdf (nintendo.co.jp)