Nintendo Switch 2: Former Employees Share Their Predictions on Announcement Date and Potential Features
Insider Insights: Ex-Nintendo Employees Share Anticipated Release Date and Exciting New Features of the Upcoming Switch 2 Console!
Former Nintendo employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang shared their thoughts on the upcoming Nintendo console, predicting when it might be announced and what the system could be. In a video discussing their predictions for 2024, both Ellis and Yang agreed that the Switch successor will be announced in the first half of 2024. Yang specifically believes it will be announced in Q1 (January-March).
Yang suggested that the timing of the announcement might be linked to Nintendo's upcoming financial year, commencing on April 1, 2024. "Looking at previous hardware release patterns, it appears crucial to make an official announcement before the fiscal year ends, in order to maintain a strong relationship with shareholders," Yang explained.
On the other hand, Ellis expressed his belief that Nintendo's management now considers its shareholders in a more meaningful way, taking into account their opinions and emotions. This, according to him, represents a significant shift from the past.
When is the next console expected to be released? Yang anticipates a reveal in June or July, with marketing increasing in April-May. She foresees limited stock at launch but expects these issues to be resolved before the holiday shopping season. Ellis concurs, believing the console will be available by September 1.
Regarding the potential improvements of the Switch successor, Ellis compares it to the transition from DS to 3DS. Yang envisions the console similar in form to the Switch but with more power. Both agree that it will continue to serve as a handheld with the option to dock into a television.
Yang and Ellis both concurred that the upcoming Nintendo console will have backwards compatibility. Additionally, Ellis suggested that there will likely be two models of the new console, with one supporting digital backwards compatibility through eShop purchases. He also anticipated a "higher-end" version of the console with a physical cartridge slot for games specifically designed for the newer console.
Expressing an understanding of the need to appeal to a wide audience, Ellis remarked that offering a lower-end version at a lower price point could potentially help Nintendo achieve this goal. On the other hand, Yang disagreed with this prediction, expressing her belief that there will not be multiple SKUs as she thinks Nintendo is hesitant to introduce too many options that may confuse the brand and its messaging.
Yang predicts that the next Nintendo console will probably debut at a price of $400. Additionally, he and Ellis anticipate that Mario Kart 9 will be a prominent title upon the console's release, based on the success of its predecessor, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Recently, a video game analyst made a prediction regarding the upcoming Nintendo hardware, suggesting that the Switch 2 will be priced at $400 and feature games priced at $70.
Reports from July indicated that development kits for the Switch 2 were already in the hands of developers, with a projected launch in 2024. Additionally, Digital Foundry conducted an investigation into the potential hardware capabilities of the Switch 2, and even built a PC that closely mimicked its power. Their findings hinted that the Switch 2 could potentially run games like Death Stranding at 1080p at around 35 frames per second.
Nintendo hasn't officially revealed a Switch successor yet. However, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser said the aim of a new system would be to "surprise and delight."
Editor's P/S
As a Nintendo enthusiast, I am eagerly anticipating the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2. The insights shared by former Nintendo employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang have only fueled my excitement. Their predictions about the release date and potential features of the upcoming console align with my own expectations. I believe that Nintendo will unveil the Switch 2 in the first half of 2024, possibly during Q1, to coincide with the start of its new financial year. This move would demonstrate Nintendo's commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with its shareholders.
Regarding the console's features, I am particularly intrigued by the possibility of two models: one with digital backwards compatibility through eShop purchases and a higher-end version with a physical cartridge slot for newer games. This approach would cater to different types of gamers and provide options for those who prefer digital or physical game formats. The inclusion of backwards compatibility is a crucial factor for me, as it would allow me to continue enjoying my existing Switch games on the new console.
