Nintendo is quietly preparing for the successor to its hugely popular Switch console, tentatively called "Switch 2." Though details are sparse, some information is beginning to emerge.
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa recently assured investors there won’t be stock shortages for the Switch 2, as the semiconductor shortage that affected Switch production has been resolved. Reports suggest the console's release has been delayed to 2025 to ensure sufficient hardware and a strong lineup of launch games.
While the official name of the new console is unknown, "Switch 2" is being used as a placeholder. It’s expected to continue the hybrid handheld-console design, with detachable Joy-Con controllers that feature a magnetic attachment system and additional buttons. The console may have a larger screen, possibly 8 inches compared to the original Switch's 6.2 inches and the Switch OLED’s 7 inches. There’s no word yet on a handheld-only variant like the Switch Lite.
The release date is likely around March 2025, aligning with Nintendo's plan to focus on the Switch until the end of its current fiscal year in March 2024 and to support it with new titles into the next fiscal year.
One major question is whether the Switch 2 will be backward compatible with Switch games. While this remains unclear, some reports suggest it will be, including support for physical cartridges and accessories like the Pro Controller and Joy-Cons. Nintendo has hinted at bringing Switch users to the new platform with their Nintendo accounts, suggesting some form of backward compatibility.
As we await more details, it’s clear that Nintendo aims to build on the success of the Switch, balancing new innovations with the features that made the original console a hit.
