RECENT comments by Nintendo’s president indicate that the Switch is intended to be the game giant’s main port of business in 2024.
But recent reports suggest the Japanese company’s next console will arrive later than previously expected.
A man playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo SwitchGetty
AlamyThe Switch, which hit the shelves in 2017, is reaching the end of its life cycle after almost seven years[/caption]
Rumours
Naturally, rumours are swirling about what features and appearance the Switch 2 will have in comparison to its predecessor.
Insiders believe that Nintendo is aiming for a $399 (£349) price point, to deliver a console at the quality players are after.
This would make the Switch 2 the most expensive Nintendo console of all time.
However, it remains cheaper than the Xbox Series X and PS5.
Onlookers are torn as to whether Nintendo will change the style of gaming cartridges in the upcoming console.
The Japanese tech giant has done it before, notably with the jump from the DS to the 3DS.
Even if the cartridge type is different, Nintendo has been willing to accept different types of cartridges in the past.
The Nintendo 3DS could accept both DS and 3DS games, and the DS even had a separate cartridge slot for Game Boy Advance games.
Release date
The Switch, which hit the shelves in 2017, is reaching the end of its life cycle after almost seven years.
Looking at Nintendo’s usual timeline, and the typical cycle between developer kits and launch, it seemed likely that the Switch 2 will launch before the end of 2024.
Onlookers had been forecasting a launch date to coincide with Christmas in late 2024.
And despite new rumours from avid leaker ‘Nate The Hate’ via GameRant, that suggested a Nintendo Switch 2 reveal could happen as soon as March – a 2024 release date is looking unlikely.
The next Nintendo console is now thought to hit the shelves in early 2025, according to a report from Video Games Chronical, citing five separate sources.
New features
The next Nintendo Switch console could be backwards compatible with current-generation games, according to a new leak.
Fans had been anticipating the changing of game cartridges.
But it looks like the new Switch will support the physical and digital games from the original Switch.
Beyond that, fans are expecting big upgrades to existing features.
They suspect the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature better TV-quality graphics on the handheld.
The Nintendo Switch currently outputs at 720p on handheld, which is on the low end of the HD range.
Though there are hopes this could be upgraded to the 1080p it outputs to the telly.
This could also go hand-in-hand with upgraded resolution for the TV, as 1080p seems like the minimum that modern gamers will accept.
Improving the control options when using a single Joy-Con and the ‘awkward’ D-Pad is a popular ask from gamers.
The build quality was improved with the Switch Lite, but adding this to the Switch 2 would be a game-changer.
Insiders have nodded to a new 512GB onboard storage size, according to Tom’s Guide, which would be a significant boost from the 32GB and 64GB original Switch and Switch OLED respectively.
Then of course, a better battery life and improved Wi-Fi connectivity would be greatly welcomed.
All the latest Gaming tips and tricks
Looking for tips and tricks across your favourite consoles and games? We have you covered…
Can you play PS4 games on PS5?
How to get more life out of your PS5 controller’s battery
All the latest Legend of Zelda news
Everything you need to know about Roblox
Who created Fortnite?
Most popular Roblox games
How to get free Robux
How many people play Fortnite?
Best PS4 games with free PS5 upgrades
Who is the highest-paid Twitch streamer?
Get all of the latest PS5, Xbox and other video game news here