Seven years after the Nintendo Switch came out, a successor to Nintendo’s flagship handheld console is finally on its way. The Kyoto-based firm has disclosed a rough release window, feeding the rumour mill as the internet speculates on the console’s future catalogue and hardware capabilities. So, what is up with Switch 2? Let’s find out.
Nintendo Switch: the final days of a gaming giant
Back in 2017, the Nintendo Switch was the talk of the town in tech and gaming circles. The highly-anticipated release of a new Zelda instalment, the first open world in the franchise, bolstered the console’s commercial success. Selling over 32 million units, Breath of the Wild still pales in comparison to smash hits like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which has crossed the 62-million threshold.
The Switch quickly seduced seasoned gamers and newcomers for its versatility, establishing itself as the ultimate family-friendly option on the gaming market. With 143 million units sold globally, the Switch sits comfortably behind the Nintendo DS as Nintendo’s top-selling console. Across every model, from the Switch OLED to the Switch Lite, this hybrid console trails only twenty million copies behind the PlayStation 2 – the undisputed sales champion in the gaming world.
Despite a recent decline in sales, which is only natural in any console’s lifecycle, this smashing success might be hard to replicate. Yet, Nintendo will try to catch lightning in a bottle twice with the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2: what can gamers expect?
Nintendo has been quite elusive about its new hardware, which remains to be officially announced. Gamers were left hanging some more as the publisher skipped this year’s Gamescom – a year after the world’s largest gaming event saw the initial Switch 2 leaks swirl around the internet. However, its president Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed that an announcement about the Nintendo Switch successor would be made “within this fiscal year”, which runs through March 2025.
Meanwhile, speculation is rife among industry analysts. In September, the CEO of peripheral manufacturer Blade, which produces gaming accessories, claimed the Switch 2 was ready to go, hinting at a March or April release. Interestingly, Ruben Mercado teased a redesign of the console’s analogue sticks and JoyCon controllers – notoriously known for being finnicky on the original Switch.
Recently, the biggest hack in Pokémon history might have revealed a major scoop on Switch 2. This massive data breach indicates that Nintendo’s future console goes by the codename “Ounce.” First discussed on the r/Gamingleaksandrumors subreddit, another leak led fans to render images of a larger device with a purported second screen reminiscent of the Nintendo DS.
Games likely to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2
The Switch hyped-up sequel is rumoured to beef up the original’s power by implementing backwards compatibility and a better Nvidia processor fit to enhance the handheld’s battery life. Whispers even suggest the Switch 2 could match PS4’s performances. While these rumours are unsubstantiated at this juncture, gamers can expect the console to debut with a power-packed game lineup on par with its predecessor.
Nintendo-exclusive franchises are bound to return on Nintendo’s upcoming console, with Luigi’s Mansion and Animal Crossing chief among them. Given how well Super Mario Odyssey performed on the Switch, a sequel could be the perfect release title to drive the Switch 2’s initial sales. Another rumour suggests that Nintendo could revisit cult classics like Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Xenoblade Chronicles X, only with significant visual and hardware upgrades. To expand its player base, the Japanese firm may also capitalise on acclaimed series available on different gaming platforms.
Following its Early Access release, the much-awaited roguelike sequel Hades II may find its way on the Switch 2. Additionally, many cosy life simulations and compilation games shall enter the console’s library due to their casual nature, reviving worldwide classics like blackjack or Texas Hold ‘em. In the meantime, card sharks may look up websites like VegasSlotsOnline UK to have a go at tabletop games. From baccarat to roulette, players can find dozens of exciting variants to spice up their gaming sessions. Thousands of slot machines also await online, covering an array of themes like adventure and mythology. Both real-money and free slots run as smoothly on PC as on mobile.
Hearsay has it that the Nintendo Switch 2 could be hitting the shelves by next Spring. Although Nintendo rarely disappoints, only time will tell if its future hardware can meet the lofty standards set by its predecessor.
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