Highlights
Rumors suggest that a new Nintendo console may be launching in 2024, which is believable given the timing and the age of the Switch.
The primary concern is that the new console may lack a prominent franchise representative like Pokemon or Zelda, given that it is still too early for new installments in those series.
The most probable option for a game available on the release day of the new console is a Pokemon game, potentially including a Pokemon Legends Unova edition.
Nintendo fans have been enjoying the games and more on the Switch since its release in March 2017. Rumors about a new Nintendo console have been swirling for a while, but the latest speculation seems more plausible. It hints at a new console coming in 2024, possibly in the fall or winter. This rumor gains credibility from the timing, recent developments with Microsoft and Sony, and the age of the Switch. However, there is a concern that the new console may not have a flagship franchise representative. It is too early for another mainline Pokemon game or a new Zelda title. While there are Mario games planned for 2024 and this year, they may not follow the typical release pattern of Nintendo consoles. Nonetheless, there are still options, although they may differ from the Switch's launch with Breath of the Wild.
The Rumored 2024 Nintendo Console Lacks a Day-One Game
If the rumors of a new Nintendo console launching in 2024 hold true, it is highly likely that the company will aim for a notable release of one of its top-selling games on day one. However, the current lineup of games in development may not meet the criteria. Mario, being one of Nintendo's most popular franchises with broad appeal across all age groups, would be a suitable choice for the new console, appealing to both players and families alike.
Nevertheless, there are only a few upcoming Mario games on the horizon. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is set to arrive on October 20, 2023, followed by Super Mario RPG a few weeks later on November 17. In 2024, Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon and a Peach game are also planned. Out of these, only the latter two have the potential to be included in the new console's lineup. However, one is a remake, and the other deviates from the traditional Mario style of gameplay.
In addition, both Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are recent entries in their respective franchises, making it highly unlikely that either game will be receiving a new installment in the near future, particularly next year. While there have been rumors about a potential sequel to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, possibly serving as a third game in the series like previous generations, this is highly improbable considering that Gen 9 is soon to receive two DLC expansions. However, unless there is a completely undisclosed Super Mario project exclusively developed for this rumored new console, Pokemon seems to be the most probable candidate for a day-one game to satisfy players and encourage them to acquire the upcoming Nintendo hardware.
Although remakes of Pokemon Black and White would undoubtedly appeal to the community due to the generation's reputation and the overall popularity of the series, a Pokemon Legends Unova game may be a more logical choice. Pokemon Legends: Arceus experienced tremendous success upon its release, and while it may be somewhat premature for a game of that magnitude, it could still be slated for a winter 2024 launch to coincide with Nintendo's new console. This appears to be the most likely scenario if the rumors regarding the console and its anticipated release window prove to be true, although official confirmation is expected to be quite a ways off at this time.