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As Nintendo Switch sails through its seventh year of providing on-the-go gaming delight, gamers and enthusiasts worldwide have been rife with speculations and excitement about the next potential upgrade, the Nintendo Switch 2. This article aims to delve into the rumors and information we’ve gathered about the enigmatic ‘Switch 2.’
The Nintendo Switch 2, though unconfirmed, has started to appear more real in recent times. In September 2022, an Nvidia employee confirmed the existence of the Tegra239 (T239) system-on-a-chip. This silicon powerhouse has long been rumored to be the primary candidate for powering the Nintendo ‘Switch 2.’
The leaks about the T239 chip gained more credibility in March 2023 when further mentions surfaced. This repeated surfacing of T239 news has caused excitement in the gaming community, as it suggests that Nintendo may be working on a powerful successor to the original Switch.
Moreover, the gaming community got a surprising hint from Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, in June 2023. While discussing the lukewarm commercial performance of Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, Guillemot stated that Ubisoft plans to “update [the game] for the new machine that will come in the future,” explicitly referring to Nintendo’s Switch successor.
Is there a new Nintendo Switch coming out in 2024?
Although rumors suggest a potential upgrade to the beloved Nintendo Switch, recent comments by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa hint otherwise. In a financial briefing posted on Bloomberg, Furukawa reportedly stated to investors that Nintendo doesn’t plan on releasing any new hardware over the next fiscal year. Instead, the company intends to continue its focus on delivering an exciting lineup of Switch games for the existing device.
Nintendo Switch 2 Price and potential release date
Based on Nintendo’s recent announcements, we may be able to offer some educated conjecture for the launch date and pricing of the new Switch hybrid console.
Regarding a potential release date, it’s clear from Nintendo’s comments that we won’t see a new console until after June 2024. This would place the likely arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 sometime in the second half of 2024. As with any product release, these dates are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or strategic decisions by the company.
When it comes to price, a bit of speculation can also be drawn from the cost of Nintendo’s most recent console, the Nintendo Switch OLED model, which retails at $349. Assuming the Nintendo Switch 2 would possess similar, if not more advanced features such as the OLED display, it’s fair to anticipate that the price would align closely with these figures.
Nintendo Switch 2 specs
Given Nintendo’s history, it’s reasonable to expect that the company will remain partnered with Nvidia for the system-on-a-chip, likely opting for an evolved version of the existing Tegra X1 chip currently utilized in the current Switch model. However, recent advancements by AMD, evidenced by the Valve Stream Deck, suggest that AMD may potentially become a contender in powering the next-generation Switch.
There’s also speculation about a possible co-processor chip situated within the dock of the Switch 2 or the much-rumored next-gen Nintendo Switch Pro. This additional chip could serve to enhance the console’s power and video output when docked and connected to a 4K TV, further intensifying the gaming experience.
Improved battery life in handheld mode and better graphics are also given, with frame rates also being bumped if the rumors of the upgraded chip are true. An enhanced Switch could also sport better joy-cons (hopefully), given that many players have experienced issues with the controllers.
When it comes to the display, it’s plausible that the next Nintendo console could adopt an OLED panel, much like its predecessor, the Switch OLED. Many hope that the new console will also improve the refresh rates, taking the current 60Hz display and boosting it to a smoother 120Hz.
However, Sharp, the manufacturer of the current Switch displays, disclosed that it’s developing a new LCD panel for a “new gaming console.” If this new console turns out to be the Switch 2, it could be somewhat disappointing for fans, as the Switch 2 might end up featuring a less advanced screen technology than the Switch OLED.
Nintendo Switch 2: Final thoughts
In conclusion, while there are numerous rumors swirling around the possibility of Nintendo’s next console, concrete information remains elusive. From potential hardware specs, such as an Nvidia system-on-a-chip and OLED screens, to speculated release windows and prices, all we have are educated guesses. Officially, Nintendo remains committed to its current Switch models, with plans to focus on game releases throughout the fiscal year 2023.
FAQ
Will there be a new Nintendo console in 2023?
No, there will not be a new Nintendo console in 2023. According to Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa, the company has no plans for new hardware within the 2023 fiscal year. They will continue to focus on games for the current Nintendo Switch models.
What is new coming for Nintendo Switch?
As per the statements from Nintendo, the company is currently directing its efforts toward the development and release of new games for the existing Nintendo Switch models. Specific details about these games have not been disclosed, but we can expect a wide range of titles catering to Nintendo’s diverse audience.
Is there a successor to the Switch?
While there has been no official confirmation from Nintendo about a successor to the Switch, numerous rumors and industry speculations suggest that a Nintendo Switch 2 may be in the works. Potential evidence of this includes comments from industry insiders, as well as technological trends and the lifecycle of the current Switch console. However, until there is official confirmation from Nintendo, these should be considered rumors.