Next-Gen Nintendo Switch Successor: What to Expect in 2024

New Year, same speculation. But, maybe this time it's....not?

Throughout 2023, we've seen rumor after rumor pointing towards a Nintendo Switch 2 (or Pro) launch in 2024. At the end of the day, sometimes they're just that. Rumors. But, as more details have been shared through the year, it can be hard to ignore the story brewing.

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Next-Gen Nintendo Switch 2 Console: Launching Soon with Enhanced Features

In a recent development, industry expert Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, a Tokyo-based game industry consultancy, has shared insightful predictions about the forthcoming console. We previously covered a piece during September last year where Dr. Toto detailed some of his expectations for the rumored Nintendo Switch 2.

According to Dr. Toto, Nintendo's new offering will be more of an upgrade to the current Switch model rather than a complete overhaul.

Expected Console Portability

One of the most significant aspects of the upcoming console is its portable functionality. Nintendo, known for its dedication to handheld gaming, particularly with the immense popularity of Pokémon games, is unlikely to abandon this feature. The new console is expected to retain its portable nature, a characteristic that has been central to the success of the Switch.

Nintendo Switch 2 Price Predictions

In terms of pricing, the console is expected to debut at around $400, a $100 increase from the Switch's initial launch price. This aligns with the trend observed in the gaming industry, especially with competitors like PS5 and Xbox Series X setting the standard for game pricing.

Consequently, there’s a possibility that the games for this new console might be priced at $70, reflecting a shift in the market's pricing strategies.

Switch 2 Feature Requests: Backwards Compatibility

While not mentioned during Dr. Toto's recent interview, I think we can all agree we'd like to see a backwards compatible next-gen console from Nintendo. Based on remarks made by Shuntaro Furukawa in a statement during June 2023, it seems backwards compatibility also top-of-mind for Nintendo, too.

With any luck, we'll have a smooth transition from console-to-console in the future, while still being able to play some of our favorite tiles from the current-gen release.

Nintendo Switch Sales Trends and Market Performance

Despite its remarkable success and having sold over 132.46 million units, the Switch has shown signs of declining sales, particularly outside Japan. This trend underscores the timely need for a new console to rejuvenate Nintendo’s market presence.

From a holistic perspective, the company is operating at a record-high level not seen since the Wii-era of 2007; however, much of that success is attributable to strong software sales from recent titles, including Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Bros. Wonder as well as expansion into cinematic industry through The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

It's clear that the hardware needs some modernization to remain competitive with the broader gaming industry.

Switch 2 Analyst Reports

In addition to Dr. Toto's remarks above, a recent Bloomberg article has surfaced, pointing to an 8-inch LCD screen for the Switch 2 console as well as a follow-up finding that highlight's Nintendo's attempt to head-off supply chain shortages with 10 million Switch 2 units in production for its first year. While unconfirmed by Nintendo representatives at this time, the source's reputation lends some credibility to the latest rumors.

When Does the New Nintendo Switch Come Out?

Now, let's get to some of the more unfortunate news. While we've continued to see positive affirmation of the Switch 2's potential 2024 release, recent reports from Bloomberg have pointed towards a 2025 delay for the next-gen console, citing insiders with knowledge of the matter at hand. Additionally, recent reports from Nikkei Asia have also pointed towards a 2025 delay.

Potential Delayed Release for Nintendo Switch 2

If this holds true, we may be in for a dry pipeline of 2024 content, while Nintendo gears-up to release the next iteration titles on the Switch 2. For now, all we can do is wait and see official news on the matter.