About Switch 2: Analysts anticipate that Nintendo may unveil a new iteration of the Switch console in 2024, as reported by CNBC. This strategic move aims to leverage the widespread appeal of iconic Nintendo characters, from Mario to Zelda.
Debuting in March 2017, the Nintendo Switch revolutionized the gaming industry with its innovative hybrid design. This console allowed players to enjoy games on their TVs and seamlessly transition to a portable mode by attaching the controller to a tablet-like device.
This fusion of traditional console gaming with the flexibility of handheld play resonated strongly with consumers. To date, Nintendo has sold over 132.46 million Switch units, positioning it as the second most successful console in the company’s history, following the Nintendo DS.
The success of the Switch has been a significant factor in Nintendo’s financial performance, with the company’s stock value increasing by over 200% since the console’s launch. A consistent output of high-quality first-party games featuring beloved characters like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon has helped maintain strong sales.
However, recent financial reports indicate a potential slowing in sales. Nintendo’s revenue saw a 4% decline year-over-year in the September quarter, with profits dropping by 19%.
Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, a Tokyo-based gaming consultancy, predicts the new Nintendo console might launch in the latter half of 2024. “With the original Switch nearing its seven-year anniversary and sales declining, it’s definitely time for Nintendo to introduce a new system this year,” Toto told CNBC.
The timing of the new console’s release could be influenced by the Switch’s performance in the holiday season. According to Goyal, if the Switch maintains its popularity, Nintendo might target a Fall release for the new console. Conversely, a dip in Switch sales in the December quarter could see an earlier release, potentially in the Spring or Summer.
Nintendo has yet to publish its December-quarter financial results.
The release of a new console in 2023 could also benefit from the heightened popularity of key Nintendo characters following recent movie successes. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” grossed over $1 billion since its April premiere, boosting Nintendo’s revenue in the June quarter of the previous year. Furthermore, in November, Nintendo announced plans to create a live-action film based on The Legend of Zelda, further highlighting the enduring appeal of its iconic characters.
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How much is “Switch 2”?
Industry analysts, including Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games and Piers Harding-Rolls of Ampere Analysis, have suggested that the Switch 2 might launch in 2024 with an estimated price point of around $400. Toto emphasized the importance of portability in the new device, citing the popularity of Pokémon and other handheld games. He also hinted at a potential increase in game prices to around $70, describing the next system as an iteration rather than a complete revolution. This approach implies that Nintendo might focus on enhancing the device with additional features while maintaining the core aspects of the current Switch.
Harding-Rolls anticipates a marginal boost in the console market’s performance, primarily attributed to the anticipated launch of this next-gen Nintendo console. He expects the Switch 2 to be released toward the end of the year.
More About Switch 2
As of now, specific details about Nintendo’s next gaming console remain largely under wraps. However, industry analysts are predicting the emergence of what they’ve termed as “Switch 2,” which is expected to continue the innovative hybrid design introduced by its predecessor.
Piers Harding-Rolls, a prominent voice in the gaming industry, anticipates that Nintendo’s upcoming console will build upon the successful hybrid model of the original Switch. He also suggests that there could be enhancements in the console’s controller functionalities.
Furthermore, Serkan Toto from Kantan Games shares a similar viewpoint but emphasizes that the forthcoming console is likely to be more than just a mere upgrade. Toto believes that after seven years since the Switch’s debut, Nintendo is poised to introduce a significant upgrade in terms of specifications.
The concept of refining and building upon the Switch’s success is a common thread in these predictions. Many industry observers agree that a strategic approach akin to Apple’s iPhone evolution is probable. This strategy would entail introducing a familiar yet more advanced version of the console, appealing to the existing Switch user base, which exceeds 130 million. It would also present Nintendo with an opportunity to market new and engaging first-party, as well as third-party, games to a large and established audience.
These insights reflect a broader consensus among analysts that Nintendo is likely to enhance and expand upon the unique gaming experience that the Switch has popularized, rather than deviating entirely from this successful formula.
- Release Date: There’s been a lot of speculation about when the Nintendo Switch 2 will be released. Reports from various sources, including Video Games Chronicle and Eurogamer, have suggested a release in the second half of 2024. However, more recent information indicates a potential delay, pushing the release to early 2025. This delay is believed to allow Nintendo to develop stronger first-party software for the console.
- Specifications and Features: The Nintendo Switch 2 is rumored to continue using Nvidia technology. There were earlier reports of a 4K Switch kit, which Nintendo denied. The current Switch uses Nvidia’s Tegra X1 chip, and it’s speculated that Nintendo will stick with Nvidia for the Switch 2. An Nvidia data leak in March 2022 revealed references to “NVN2,” suggesting a second-generation version for the Switch.
- Market Impact and Nintendo’s Strategy: Despite the aging internals of the current Switch console, its sales remained strong, particularly over the festive period. As of early 2024, Nintendo even raised its hardware sales forecast. This performance might influence the timing and strategy behind the launch of the Switch 2.
- Potential for New Games: With the release of new hardware, there’s also speculation about the games that will accompany the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo could be planning to release new first-party titles to coincide with the console’s launch, potentially following a similar strategy to that used with the original Switch.
FAQ
Q: Is Switch 2 happening? A: The latest reports suggest that the Switch 2 is indeed in the works. While initial speculations pointed to a release in Fall 2024, recent information from sources speaking to VGC indicates that Nintendo has informed publishers to expect the console in Q1 2025.
Q: What is the difference between switch and switch 2? A: The key upgrade in the Switch 2 appears to be a more advanced processor, which enhances battery efficiency. This results in a significant improvement in battery life, with the Switch 2 offering 4.5 to 9 hours compared to the original’s 2.5 to 6.5 hours.
Q: Will a new Switch model be released in 2024? A: Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, a Tokyo-based games consultancy, predicts that a new Nintendo device is likely to launch in the latter half of 2024. Given that the original Switch will be nearly seven years old by then, and with declining sales, the anticipation for a new Nintendo system this year is quite strong.
