Highlights
Nintendo has confirmed that its next console will allow people to transfer their Nintendo accounts, indicating the development of a Switch successor.
Developers have been diligently enhancing games for the latest console, with leaks hinting at thrilling advancements like a fresh cartridge and a potential integrated camera lens.
The anticipated Switch 2 is rumored to provide backward compatibility, granting users access to their existing Switch libraries, while speculations suggest its potential to rival the power of the PlayStation 5. An expected release timeframe of 2024 has been suggested.
There have been numerous rumors and potential leaks surrounding a new console that Nintendo is possibly developing. Nintendo has confirmed that the upcoming console will allow users to transfer their Nintendo accounts. With the original Switch being released in 2017, now is an ideal time for a successor to be introduced.
Game developers have reportedly been informed about this next-generation console and have been actively optimizing their games for it. This aligns with longstanding rumors about a new Switch console being in development. Exciting new details about the Switch 2 have been leaked, and if they prove to be accurate, they could generate significant anticipation. Going by the company's usual console unveiling timeline, a release window of 2024 would perfectly align with the schedule.
The Switch 2 May Be As Powerful as a PS5
Claims have surfaced suggesting that the upcoming Switch 2 will retain the seamless transition capabilities between handheld and home console, just like its predecessors. Furthermore, it has been reported that the Switch 2, or whatever it may end up being called, will continue to support game cartridges. Speculation has also arisen regarding magnetic attachments for Nintendo's next console, although their specific purpose remains unclear.
Notably, a Reddit post by the esteemed user "I'm a Hero Too" has provided much of the recent information surrounding the Switch 2. This user has made bold statements, asserting that the console will feature a novel cartridge as well as a "new camera feature." While the details of this camera feature are somewhat vague, some individuals believe it could imply the inclusion of a built-in camera lens, allowing the Switch 2 to capture photographs. It is worth noting that Nintendo has previously incorporated camera technology in their consoles, as seen in the 2008 Nintendo DSi and the 2011 Nintendo 3DS.
The potential for backwards compatibility is one of the most exciting features of the Switch 2. Unlike previous consoles, Nintendo seems to be making an effort to allow users to play their old games on the new device. An individual on Reddit, known as "I'm a Hero Too," has indicated that this function is currently being tested on some games. If this is true, users who are considering upgrading will not lose access to their Switch game libraries.
Furthermore, the same Reddit user has mentioned that Square Enix, the creators of the Final Fantasy franchise, have already received development kits for the Switch 2. This has led to speculation that a Final Fantasy 7 Remake may be released alongside the console. There have also been claims that the next Switch will possess impressive specifications comparable to the PlayStation 5, enabling it to smoothly run high-end games.
A rendering of the potential appearance of the Switch 2 was recently uploaded by a YouTube channel called Yanko Design. The video showcased a sleek design and updated joy-cons. Opinions on the redesigned joy-cons are divided, with some commenters finding them unappealing while others appreciate the symmetrical screenshot and home buttons. There is speculation that the Switch 2 will feature an 8-inch LCD screen instead of following the OLED trend.
Following the recent conclusion of Gamescom 2023, there are rumors that select press members have already had the opportunity to see a preview of the console. If true, this suggests that the expected late 2024 release date might be closer than anticipated, though the company's financial president previously denied the possibility of any new hardware before March. It is possible that Nintendo is aiming for a release around the same time as the rumored August 2024 launch of the PS5 Pro.