Is the Nintendo Switch 2 on the Horizon?
The Nintendo Switch has been a massive success, but fans are eager for the next console from Nintendo. Rumors and reports suggest that a successor to the Switch, which we’ll call the Switch 2 for now, is in the works. Major game developers have reportedly been shown the new hardware, indicating that a release may not be too far off.
The Switch 2 is expected to maintain the same convertible approach as its predecessor, offering both home console and handheld functionality. Reports also suggest that display manufacturer Sharp is working on screens for the upcoming handheld console. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has hinted at a smooth transition from the current Switch to the next-generation machine.
When Can We Expect the Nintendo Switch 2?
While Nintendo has not made an official announcement about the Switch 2, reports indicate a late 2024 release target. This would be approximately seven-and-a-half years after the launch of the original Switch. Nintendo aims to avoid hardware shortages seen in previous console launches due to high demand.
There is no information about pricing yet. The original Switch launched at $300 in 2017, with the handheld-only Switch Lite priced at $200 in 2019. The more recent OLED model was priced at $350 in 2021. It remains to be seen if Nintendo will use LCD screens instead of OLED panels to keep costs down.
What Can We Expect from the Nintendo Switch 2?
The Switch 2 is unlikely to compete directly with PlayStation or Xbox consoles in terms of power and fidelity. However, leaked documents suggest that it will offer a significant improvement over the original Switch and have similar power to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The new hardware is expected to retain a cartridge port for physical games.
Nintendo has showcased private tech demos of the Switch 2 to developers, using upgraded versions of popular games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This suggests that the new hardware may be more capable than its predecessors, even if it doesn’t match the benchmarks set by current-gen consoles.
What Games Will Be Available on the Nintendo Switch 2?
At this point, there is no clear indication of specific games for the Switch 2. However, it’s safe to assume that Nintendo’s beloved franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Mario Kart will make an appearance. It remains to be seen if the new console will be backward-compatible with original Switch games and if they will benefit from the increased power of the hardware.
As more details emerge about the Nintendo Switch 2, we will continue to follow this story and provide updates. Stay tuned!
Hot Take: Nintendo Switch 2: What We Know So Far
The Nintendo Switch 2 rumors are heating up, with reports suggesting a late 2024 release target for a more powerful console that maintains the same convertible approach as its predecessor. Leaks indicate that the Switch 2 will offer improved performance comparable to previous-generation consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. While specific games have not been confirmed, fans can expect popular Nintendo franchises to be part of the lineup. As anticipation builds for Nintendo’s next big thing, stay tuned for more updates on the Switch 2.