New reports claim that the Nintendo Switch 2 is being planned for release in 2024.
Nintendo Switch 2 Development Kits Already Available
A new report by VGC claims that development kits for Nintendo’s next console are now with key partner studios ahead of the apparent launch. According to multiple sources with knowledge of Nintendo’s next-gen console plans, it is most likely to release new hardware during the second half of 2024. Why in the second half of next year? It is to ensure that it has enough stock available on day one and to avoid shortages similar to what happened to rival consoles PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Changes Coming to Nintendo Switch 2
The sources noted that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be similar to the original including its portable mode. It could also launch with an LCD instead of an OLED screen to bring down costs. The other costs will be for its increased storage for higher fidelity games since the original only had 32GB of internal memory. It will still accept physical games via a cartridge slot though just like the original, which could mean backwards compatibility with the original version’s games. The report did note that sources has not mentioned anything about backwards compatibility so that remains unclear.
2024 Launch Makes Sense
Tokyo-based industry consultant Dr. Serkan Toto revealed that a 2024 launch for the Nintendo Switch 2 would make sense for the game company. It has been predicted that there will be double-digit declines in the Nintendo Switch hardware and software sales this year since it has already cleared seven years in the market.
“I would generally say that looking at Nintendo’s financials, it seems clear that it’s time for a new piece of hardware in 2024,” he said. “Hardware is already projected to fall 16.5% year-on-year in the current fiscal, while the minus for software is expected to hit 15.9%.
“The only way to stop these losses from totally ballooning next fiscal is a new device, and the second half of 2024 sounds like a realistic release window to me.”