Since its release in 2017, Nintendo Switch has been a spectacular success for the Japanese video game company. It has become one of the highest-selling handheld consoles of all time and spawned dozens of must-play exclusives. In 2023, years after its initial release, many gamers are eagerly awaiting the Nintendo Switch 2.
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that Nintendo will release another Switch in the coming months. Here’s why Nintendo might not be in a hurry to release the Switch 2 and what fans can expect from the future of the console.
Is Nintendo Switch really outdated?
The Nintendo Switch has been an incredibly enjoyable console for millions of players worldwide. Its library of games includes critically acclaimed titles like Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and many more. However, some of the new Nintendo Switch games aren’t performing as well as expected. For example, the survival game Ark: Survival Evolved struggles with performance issues and frequently crashes on the Nintendo Switch while running smoothly on other consoles.
Previews of the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: The Tears of Kingdom also suggest that it isn’t performing at its best on the console, despite being exclusive. While the title is not out yet, it is concerning that the Switch might not be able to swiftly handle the demanding graphics and gameplay of the new Zelda game and other newer titles.
These issues raise the question of whether the Nintendo Switch is beginning to age and if its time for the Nintendo Switch 2 to take over. While the current hardware is powerful enough to run most games without hitches, it might be unable to keep up with future releases. Having said that, it’s worth noting that most games still run perfectly fine on the console, and many developers continue to release their games on the Switch.
Why Nintendo isn’t releasing the Switch 2 Soon
Despite the rumors and speculation surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2, there are several reasons why Nintendo might not be in a rush to release another console. Firstly, the original Nintendo Switch is a one-of-a-kind console with no direct competitors. While the PlayStation and Xbox offer different gaming experiences, they don’t have the unique selling points of the Switch.
Additionally, the Nintendo Switch continues to sell well, with a massive player base and strong sales figures. Nintendo might not want to risk cannibalizing its existing user base by releasing a new console too soon. Dozens of developers continue to endorse the Switch, and new titles are released on the console every year, ensuring a steady stream of new content for players.
Another reason Nintendo might not be releasing a new console is that many major exclusives, such as Tears of the Kingdom and the much-awaited Metroid Prime 4, are yet to come out on the console. Releasing a new console might hurt the sales of the original Nintendo Switch version of the games.
The current console is still going strong and has a lot of life left in it. Nintendo might take its time to ensure that the Switch 2 is a significant upgrade from the current one and offers a unique gaming experience.
What to expect from Nintendo Switch 2
If and when Nintendo does decide to release a successor to the Switch, fans can expect it to follow the company’s usual release schedule. Nintendo has released its last few handheld consoles with a 6-7 year gap between them. The Nintendo DS came out in 2004, followed by the Nintendo 3DS in 2011 and the Switch in 2017. Therefore, it may be another 12-15 months before Nintendo announces a new console.
All signs suggest that fans should expect a new console announcement in late 2024, with a release date of 2025 or later. It is likely that Nintendo will release another handheld console and not a TV-only console like Sony or Microsoft. The Nintendo Switch 2 might not be as strong as the current-gen consoles, but it is expected to be far superior to most handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck (or the Asus ROG Ally).
As for new features, fans can expect improved hardware specs, such as a higher-resolution screen, faster processor, and better battery life. The Nintendo Switch 2 might also feature more advanced Joy-Con controllers with additional features, such as haptic feedback or motion sensors. However, until an official announcement from Nintendo, let’s just take all the information with a grain of salt.
