Nintendo’s new console might be arriving in 2024
There have been rumors that Nintendo is developing a next-generation console to follow up the incredibly successful Nintendo Switch. While Nintendo has not officially confirmed a new console, several reports are pointing to a potential release in 2024.
Some key details about “Nintendo Switch 2”:
- Court documents related to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard suggest Nintendo is working on new hardware referred to as “NG Switch” that was previewed to Activision in late 2022.
- Nintendo’s president has said the company will support the current Switch through at least March 2025, hinting a successor is on the horizon after that date.
- An AI software company claimed its 2024 product launch would coincide with the “Nintendo Switch 2” in September 2024, though it later backtracked on naming a specific date.
- Industry analysts predict a 2024 launch for the next Nintendo console, with iterative updates rather than major changes from the current Switch.
Related: When Can We Expect the Official PS6 Release Date?
Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
While nothing is confirmed yet, 2024 seems a likely target for the next Nintendo console based on these reports. But Nintendo is keeping details tightly under wraps for now.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price
There is no official pricing for a potential Nintendo Switch 2 yet. For reference, here are the current prices for existing Switch models:
- Nintendo Switch Lite: $199
- Original Nintendo Switch: $299
- Nintendo Switch OLED: $349
Given inflation and likely spec upgrades, the Switch successor could end up costing more than the current version’s starting $299 price. But Nintendo will aim to balance power with affordability.
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Nintendo Switch 2 Models
It’s reasonable to expect multiple model variations for a new Nintendo Switch, as we’ve seen with the original. Rumors suggest the Switch 2 may use an LCD screen rather than OLED.
There could be different models to choose from as Nintendo has done with the standard Switch, Lite, and OLED versions. But official details on potential models are still unavailable.
Nintendo Switch Design – What Will the Nintendo Switch 2 Look Like?
While the exact design is unknown, reports indicate the Nintendo Switch 2 will maintain portability with a cartridge slot for physical games. Updated Joy-Con controllers have been patented, which may help address drift issues.
The core hybrid portable/docked concept seems likely to carry over to the next model. But Nintendo is keeping the actual industrial design close to the vest for now, so the look and feel remain a mystery.
Will the Nintendo Switch 2 be backwards compatible?
Backward compatibility on the rumored Switch successor has not been confirmed. But Nintendo’s comments about tying digital libraries to player accounts, rather than devices, suggest backward compatibility is planned.
The ability to play existing Switch games on the new console would be a major selling point. However, Nintendo has yet to officially state whether the Switch 2 will support the original Switch’s vast library.
Here is a comparison table between the original Nintendo Switch and the rumored Nintendo Switch 2:
| Feature | Nintendo Switch (original) | Nintendo Switch 2 (rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | March 2017 | Possible 2024 |
| Processor | Nvidia Custom Tegra processor | Likely upgraded processor for more power |
| Display | 6.2″ LCD (720p) | Rumored LCD display (improved resolution) |
| Joy-Cons | Original Joy-Con design | Potentially updated Joy-Con design with reduced drift issues |
| Battery Life | 2.5 – 6.5 hours | Likely improved battery life |
| Graphics | Nvidia Custom GPU | Improved graphics power |
| Game Cartridge | Nintendo Switch cartridges | Likely still uses Nintendo Switch cartridges |
| Backwards Compatibility | N/A | Rumored to be compatible with original Switch games |
| Weight | 0.88 lbs for tablet only | Likely similar or slightly heavier |
| Dimensions | 4″ x 9.4″ x 0.55″ | Backward Compatibility |
| Internal Storage | 32GB | Likely more internal storage |
| Cooling | Internal fan | Improved cooling |
| Docking/TV Mode | Compatible with Switch dock | Likely still offers docked/TV mode |
| Controllers | Joy-Cons, Pro Controller | Same controllers, potential new color options |
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Conclusion
While details are still scarce, the rumors and reports paint a picture of an iterative but meaningfully upgraded Nintendo Switch 2 potentially arriving in 2024. This next-gen console is said to deliver improvements while maintaining the core hybrid portable/docked concept that made the original Switch so successful.
There are still far more questions than answers. But with the Switch’s lifetime sales now exceeding 120 million, Nintendo has big shoes to fill for its next console. The Switch 2 will need to balance innovation with giving fans more of what they already love about the Switch experience.
FAQs
When will the Nintendo Switch 2 be released?
While not officially announced yet, rumors point to a release sometime in 2024 based on various reports about Nintendo’s plans.
How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?
Pricing is unconfirmed, but it may be more than the current $299 starting price of the regular Switch based on inflation and expected upgrades.
Will the Switch 2 be backwards compatible with the original Switch games?
Nintendo has hinted at backward compatibility through its Nintendo Account system but has not yet confirmed if the Switch 2 will support original Switch game cartridges and downloads.
What new features will the Switch 2 have?
Details remain limited, but upgraded processing power, improved Joy-Cons, and a potential shift to an LCD have been rumored as iterative improvements over the current Switch.
Will there be different versions of the Switch 2 as we’ve seen with the original?
Given Nintendo’s pattern of releasing multiple models like the Switch Lite and OLED, it seems probable the Switch 2 could also see varied models and pricing tiers.
