By Sagar V. Mankar 
As the Nintendo Switch nears the end of its life cycle, speculation is heating up regarding when its successor will drop.
Rumors suggest Nintendo has the Switch 2 in the works for a 2024 launch with some hardware upgrades but the same core portable functionality.
What Upgrades Can We Expect?
According to Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Tokyo-based game consultancy Kantan Games, the Switch 2 will be more of an iteration of the current design rather than any massive revolution.
While the exact technical specifications are being kept confidential, Toto has suggested some additional features, though the fundamental DNA of the portable gaming device remains the same.
Given the continued dominance of Pokémon as Nintendo’s handheld Golden Goose franchise, the portability feature isn’t going anywhere.
Sony and Microsoft have released pricier gaming consoles, the PS5 and the Xbox Series X, that are more powerful than their previous versions.
Other companies will likely follow suit and release more powerful hardware for their gaming consoles as well.
As per rumor, Switch 2 will have PS4-like graphics and power.
Fans and critics think the PS4 is a fraction close to PS5 and the only difference is frame and performance.
So even though Switch 2 will lack in performance compared to PS5, would be a big upgrade for players currently playing Fortnite on the Switch.
How Much Will It Cost?
The Switch retailed for $300 at launch in 2017 which was considered quite the bargain given its hybrid functionality.
However, with upgraded components likely for the Switch 2, Toto speculates the price could jump to $400 when it eventually drops.
That may cause some sticker shock among budget-focused gamers.
But with nearly seven years of value under the belt of the original Switch, a 30% or so increase seems reasonable especially if performance gets a significant shot in the arm.
Will $70 Become the New Normal for Nintendo Games?
Sony switched to pricing most major PlayStation 5 releases at $60- $70, with Xbox largely following suit for marquee next-gen games.
Nintendo has stood firm at $50-60 for its first-party hits, but some analysts think Switch 2 could force its hand.
“There is a high chance that games will cost more too: up to $70,” predicts Toto.
Considering Nintendo’s evergreen franchises rarely if ever get discounted, that extra 10 bucks could sting for fans used to getting crazy value even at full price.
Let’s hope Nintendo remembers thrifty gamers need love too!
The Time is Now for a Fresh Nintendo Console
In November, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa remained tight-lipped about the company’s plans, leaving fans to speculate about the impending release.
As the Switch surpasses 132.46 million in lifetime sales, the need for a successor becomes apparent, especially considering the decline in hardware sales, particularly outside Japan.
So while the House of Mario keeps mum for now, all signs point to a 2024 unveil putting the aging Switch out to pasture.
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| Switch 2 Sales Reports (Image Credit – VGC news) |
The Wait is Nearly Over!
Nintendo diehards have patiently awaited the Switch 2 for years now.
And if insider sources prove correct, the finish line may finally be in sight.
Sure, losing handheld play or getting slammed with $70 MSRPs would sting for fans.
Here’s hoping Nintendo remembers that accessibility and value pave the road to increased dominance in the console wars to come!
So brace yourselves gamers…a renewed battle in the ongoing console conflict could kick off sooner than you think!