Nintendo’s next console, widely referred to as “Switch 2,” may not arrive until mid-2025 or even later, despite earlier speculation about an early 2025 release.
According to Chris Dring, head of GamesIndustry.biz, developers have been informed by Nintendo not to expect the console’s launch within the current fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2025. This suggests that the earliest potential launch could occur in the summer of 2025, or possibly even later, depending on market conditions.
During a recent episode of the Games Industry podcast, Dring shared that all the developers he spoke with anticipate that Nintendo will push the Switch 2 release to the next fiscal year. While some developers remain hopeful for an April or May 2025 launch, Dring emphasized that there is no firm guarantee regarding the timeline. Importantly, Nintendo has only confirmed that it will announce the successor to the Switch by the end of fiscal year 2024, with the actual release date still to be determined.
Historically, Nintendo has not been known for simultaneously announcing and launching its products. Therefore, when the company stated its intention to announce the Switch 2 within the 2024 fiscal year, the assumption was that the console could be released soon after. However, this assumption now appears increasingly uncertain, particularly as Nintendo may aim to avoid launching the Switch 2 around the same time as other major releases, such as Rockstar’s highly anticipated “Grand Theft Auto 6,” which is expected in the fall of 2025.
The original Nintendo Switch, launched in March 2017, quickly became one of the most popular gaming consoles globally, selling over 140 million units to date, making it the third-highest-selling console ever, behind only the PlayStation 2 and the Nintendo DS. Despite its age, the Switch continues to perform strongly, with Nintendo projecting sales of 13.5 million units in the current financial year.
Upcoming Games Releases
Nintendo remains committed to the existing Switch platform, as evidenced by its recent June Nintendo Direct showcase, where it announced several new titles for the console, including “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom,” “Metroid Prime 4,” and “Mario & Luigi: Brothership.” Additionally, several third-party titles, such as “Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake,” “Hello Kitty Island Adventure,” and “Stray,” are also expected to arrive on the platform, ensuring that the Switch remains relevant even as anticipation builds for its successor.
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