With the launch of the seemingly quite impressive Steam Deck as well as an Nvidia leak that supposedly includes an NVN2 folder (NVN being the graphics API specifically made for the original Switch), talk of the Switch 2 (or Super Switch, Switch Pro, New Switch XL or whatever crazy combination Nintendo will use to name the hybrid console’s successor) has started up again. It’s a rumour or prediction that we’ve seen for several years now. Interestingly, just before the OLED launched last year everyone was pretty much sure Nintendo was about to announce a new, more powerful, console. And yet, as is Nintendo’s custom – they went in a different direction. Providing a slightly updated console with a bolder, brighter screen and some quality of life design improvements but not the big upgrade many had imagined.
So, how far away are we from getting a Switch 2? Moreover – will we even be getting a Switch 2?
Super Switch – not this year!
Well, first we have Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa’s statement from February saying the Switch was only ‘mid-way through it’s life cycle’. Of course, this remark must be taken with a pinch of salt. You’re likely not going to say your console is ‘on it’s way out’ before you’re good and ready to announce the new one – especially when you’re talking to investors. However, the ‘mid-way’ comment does make it seem like the current Switch has some legs yet. And this year’s packed release calendar still includes a new Kirby game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC (which will run until the end of 2023), Mario Strikers: Battle League, Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp, Nintendo Switch Sports not to mention new mainline Pokémon games, Splatoon 3 and (apparently) the Breath of the Wild sequel too! Plus, you probably wouldn’t want to send out a new console too soon after the OLED – so as not to anger early adopters.
So, does that mean there’s no chance for a Switch 2? Well, there’s no doubt their new system is being designed as we speak. How far in the development cycle it is (especially given COVID and the success of the Switch) is another matter though. Yes, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are miles ahead in terms of processing power and graphical prowess – and third-party support for games that everyone would like to enjoy on all platforms definitely requires Nintendo to at least consider how far behind their technology lags to that of Sony and Microsoft. That being said, Nintendo stopped competing directly with those two a long time ago. And their current audience isn’t going anywhere (at least until the Steam Deck becomes more ubiquitous). And until that time, Nintendo has time to decide what their options will be.
Nintendo does what – everyone else – do(es)n’t!
And let’s be honest, we know they always like to mix things up. Their creativity and willingness to try something different is what gave the world the Wii, the Switch and even software like LABO and Ring Fit Adventure. However, this same willingness to be odd, also sometimes misses the mark (hello, Wii U!). So, while I think the Switch 2 is on its way – I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s only announced sometime in 2023 and perhaps even launches in 2024. And, I suspect, Nintendo will continue to flex their creative muscles on the software side of things allowing the New Switch to just be a more powerful version of the current hybrid console and not some big reinvention.
What do you think? Will we be seeing the Switch 2 anytime soon?
As always remember you can check out more Nintendo news, reviews and features at www.nintendogamer.co.za and if you would like a video recap of the Nintendo news you missed last week check out the latest episode of our quickfire video series 1-Up 1-Down here.