Unveiling Nintendo's Best-Kept Secret: The Switch 2 Phenomenon
The highly anticipated successor to Nintendo Switch, often referred to as the Switch 2, remains unconfirmed by Nintendo, but the overwhelming belief among devoted fans is that its existence is all but certain
Highlights
Reports, leaks, and a recently filed patent all hint at Nintendo secretly working on a successor to the Switch. Although the company has not made any official announcements, speculations suggest that the next-generation console could potentially be released sometime next year.
The Switch's success and popularity make it improbable for Nintendo to stray from its design principles for the new console. President Furukawa's affirmation to support the Switch until 2024 also strengthens the notion of an impending release.
Speculations suggest that the new console could include features such as NVIDIA DLSS compatibility and the ability to play original Switch games. By preserving the Switch's hybrid nature and offering backward compatibility, it would make the upgrade more enticing for current owners.
Nintendo's highly successful Switch hybrid console has sparked rumors, leaks, and a recent patent filing, all indicating the development of a follow-up device. With its immense popularity and appeal to various demographics, it seems unlikely that Nintendo will deviate from the design principles of the original Switch. While Nintendo has not officially announced their next flagship console, the company's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, affirmed support for the Switch until March 2024, leading many to believe that the release of the next Nintendo console is imminent. Speculated features for the potential device include NVIDIA DLSS compatibility and backward compatibility with original Switch games.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Is Practically Confirmed
Nintendo has remained tight-lipped about their next Switch console, despite the numerous rumors and leaks circulating. It is common knowledge that Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo regularly release new platforms to keep up with technological advancements and remain competitive. While it is expected that Nintendo will unveil a new console in the future, the release date and similarities to the original Switch are the subjects of speculation and leaks. Unlike Sony and Microsoft, who focus on improving power, Nintendo has a history of making significant design changes, such as incorporating touch screens and motion controls, while only making incremental hardware upgrades.
Nintendo is expected to maintain the core design and selling point of the Switch, which is its hybrid nature. It is anticipated that the new console would be more successful if it is an improved version of its predecessor, adding to its features rather than changing or removing them. Backwards compatibility with the Switch is also crucial to consider, as many owners have accumulated large digital game libraries on the device. Ensuring that these games can still be played on the new console would make it a more attractive purchase for these customers.
Regarding the release date, there are indications that the Switch 2 may launch next year. This belief is based on various factors. Firstly, comments made by Furukawa about supporting the Switch until March 2024 suggest that the company may not release its new console until 2025 or later. Additionally, rumors surrounding the appearance of the Switch 2 at events like Gamescom indicate that the device is already well into its development stage.
Despite the abundance of convincing evidence, Nintendo's official announcement regarding its next console is noticeably absent. There are several possible explanations for this, but a plausible reason could be related to the potential impact on Switch sales. The announcement of a new console could potentially slow down Switch sales, as potential buyers might prefer to wait for the newer device instead of investing in the soon-to-be outdated one. It is reasonable for Nintendo to want to prevent this trend from happening for the time being.
