The super popular Nintendo Switch was launched worldwide in March 2017 and they have sold more than 125 million units so far. Fans have been clamouring for a new Switch for quite some time, and it seems their wishes could soon come true.
According to Video Games Chronicle (VCG), multiple individuals familiar with Nintendo’s plans for their next-gen console stated that the company is likely to introduce new hardware in the second half of 2024.
This move aims to ensure sufficient stock availability on launch day and avoid shortages similar to those experienced with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
While specific details about the console are being closely guarded, VCG said that the next-gen device would offer portability, much like the Nintendo Switch. The sources also said that the next Nintendo console development kits are already with key partner studios.
Two sources suggested that the console might debut with an LCD screen instead of the more expensive OLED option, as it would help reduce costs, especially given the larger storage requirements for higher-quality games.
Presently, the Switch comes with only 32GB of internal memory, whereas many current-gen PlayStation and Xbox games exceed 100GB in size.
Similar to its predecessor, the new Nintendo console will retain support for physical games through a cartridge slot, according to the sources.
As for other details, such as backward compatibility for both physical and digital Switch games, the situation remains uncertain.
Nintendo aims to convert as many of its more than 100 million Switch user base as possible to the next system, although some third-party publishers have expressed concerns that legacy support for Switch games might impact sales of next-gen titles.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia, a reliable source within Nintendo has indicated that the development of the new Switch is advancing smoothly. However, the report suggests that fans will have to wait until at least next spring for the product to be officially launched.
