When the Nintendo Switch was revealed in October 2016, it was clear from the start that Nintendo was preparing to make the biggest leap in its history.
Nearly seven years later, it’s clear that the company’s decision paid off, as the Nintendo Switch has become the third-most successful video game console of all time. Despite its success, it may come as a surprise that Nintendo is ready to move on. The Nintendo Switch was released on March 3, 2017, and this year marks its seventh anniversary.
With that in mind, we've gathered all the rumors and confirmed information we could find about the Nintendo Switch 2, ahead of its reveal.
Nintendo Switch 2: Release date
Almost everyone assumed that the new version of the Nintendo Switch would be released before 2024, considering Nintendo's history of releasing new consoles. This assumption is supported by many, including one from Video Games Chronicle that reports that the company will likely release its next-generation console in the second half of 2024.
See also: Super Mario Bros Wonder: A side-scrolling game of the new era
Overall, looking at Nintendo's financials, it seems like the time has come for a new update in 2024. This statement was made by gaming industry consultant Dr. Serkan Toto to VGC. Hardware upgrades are already expected to decline by 16.5% annually in the current fiscal period, while software is expected to decline by 15.9%. To prevent these losses, a new device is needed. The second half of 2024 sounds like a realistic release period.
Finally, the company broadcast its latest live Nintendo Direct on September 14th, giving us a sneak peek at the Switch 2 release date. Nintendo revealed information about several highly anticipated games, including Luigi's Mansion 2 HD, which is expected to debut in the summer of 2024.
Nintendo Switch 2: Its price
Nintendo has likely yet to set a final price for the Fall 2023 release, but that hasn't stopped leaks from pouring in. User Zippo, known for his controversial opinions, shared the following quote from a source with knowledge of Nintendo's plans:
$399 (~€373). That’s the “golden number” they have in mind. It represents the price that is related to the power of their new system, ensuring a decent profit and providing value to the audience they are trying to serve. However, that is no longer the case.
If the Switch 2 lives up to the expectations that some rumors suggest, then a $399 price tag seems likely. The original Switch launched in 2017 for $299, and the OLED costs $349. $399 for a hybrid console with an LCD screen may seem high, but the true value will be determined by the details that are revealed.
Nintendo Switch 2: Specifications and performance
In the VGC article, it was reported that there are two sources who claim that the Switch 2 will launch with an LCD screen instead of an OLED, in order to reduce costs. The same sources also believe that the new console will feature a slot for physical games in disc format.
In recent weeks, YouTuber RedGamingTech has also released a video detailing the Switch 2's specs. In his latest video, posted on September 15, he says the console will feature an 8-core processor , a GPU with 12 stream multiprocessors (SMs), 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, 256GB of flash storage, and DLSS support. Based on these specs, the new console should achieve performance that's around 10-20% of the Xbox SeriesS.
See also: Nintendo announces Super Mario Bros. Wonder Direct
Additionally, according to VGC and Eurogamer, Nintendo showed off the Switch 2 to developers during this year's Gamescom, which took place in late August. In terms of content, Nintendo reportedly showed off "an enhanced version of the popular Switch title, Zelda: Breath of the Wild," as well as Epic Games.
When asked if The Matrix Awakens could run on the Switch 2, Digital Foundry stated, “Perhaps The Matrix Awakens is doable on the Switch 2, but as with Doom 2016 and The Witcher 3, realistic performance will depend on the skills of experienced developers and the efficient use of the limited resources provided by the hardware.”.
Nintendo Switch 2: “Backwards” compatibility
There's still no clear answer as to whether the Switch 2 will be compatible with all of your old Switch games, but the company has hinted, somewhat subtly, that you won't have to part with your library when upgrading to the next-gen console.
Through Nintendo Switch, we can instantly connect with many customers using the Nintendo Account. Nintendo Account is not limited to game console owners, but also serves customers with mobile devices. The number of accounts has exceeded 290 million.
As we transition from Nintendo Switch to the next generation of consoles, we want to ensure a smooth transition for our customers, allowing them to continue using their Nintendo accounts without any hassle.
Nintendo Switch 2: Games
Nintendo often demonstrates great professionalism by keeping its games top secret from other developers and publishers in the industry, so it's best to approach all of these rumors with a grain of salt.
With this insufficent warning ,Zippo hinted in August that “a new, major Mario title is in development for Nintendo’s next system, using Unreal Engine 4.” This will likely be the sequel to Super Mario Odyssey, which was released a few months after the Switch.
See also: Nintendo is canceling Mario Kart Tour next month
In September, user TheRealImAHeroToo posted several rumors on Reddit. According to the user, Final Fantasy 7 Remake has the look and feel of a PS5 game on the Switch 2 devkit and is likely ready for release.
Source: bgr.com
