As 2024 Unfolds, Industry Experts Offer Insight into the Potential Successor to the Beloved Nintendo Switch
Nintendo fans are abuzz with anticipation as rumors of the Nintendo Switch 2’s release gain traction. Industry analysts, including Kantan Games’ Dr. Serkan Toto and Ampere Analysis’ Piers Harding-Rolls, provide insights into the expected release window, price point, and features of the rumored Switch successor.
Dr. Serkan Toto, recognized as a Nintendo expert, shared predictions with GamesIndustry.biz for the upcoming year. He confirmed the existence of a Switch Pro model, stating that developers had worked with the dev kit. According to Toto, the Switch 2 is poised for a 2024 release with an estimated price of $400. Toto also suggested a potential increase in game prices to $70. Describing the next system as an iteration rather than a revolution, he emphasized that Nintendo is likely to enhance the device with additional features while maintaining the core aspects of the current Switch. Notably, Toto highlighted the significance of portability, especially with the association of Pokémon and handheld gaming.
Ampere Analysis analyst Piers Harding-Rolls echoed the sentiment, foreseeing a marginal boost in the console market’s performance, primarily attributed to the anticipated launch of a next-gen Nintendo console. He anticipates this to be the Switch 2, with a likely release toward the end of the year.
These predictions align with persistent rumors surrounding the Switch 2, intensifying since 2023 when a demo showcasing expected hardware capabilities was reportedly shared with developers at Gamescom. Although Nintendo has consistently denied the existence of the Switch 2, speculation continues, emphasizing potential features such as DLSS capabilities.
If the Switch 2 follows the pattern of being an “iteration rather than a revolution,” it could share similarities with the Nintendo 3DS, building upon the success of its predecessor with improved hardware and additional features. The question of backward compatibility remains a crucial aspect eagerly anticipated by Nintendo enthusiasts.
While the official unveiling of the new console’s details remains uncertain, speculations suggest that the customary February Direct by Nintendo might offer hints, setting the stage for the year ahead. In the meantime, the current Nintendo Switch remains active, with upcoming releases like a Paper Mario Thousand-Year Door HD remaster and a new Princess Peach game to keep fans engaged. The excitement surrounding the potential Nintendo Switch 2 only continues to grow as 2024 unfolds.