Console Delay: Nintendo Sets Expectations for Nintendo Switch 2 Launch in March 2025
As per insider sources, Nintendo is communicating to game publishers that the launch of its forthcoming next-generation console will be postponed until the early months of 2025. Originally slated for release towards the end of this year, the successor to the immensely popular Switch is now anticipated to arrive in the following year. The information comes from individuals familiar with the matter, who preferred to remain anonymous given the absence of an official announcement from Nintendo.
Reports suggest that Nintendo has informed select publishing executives to brace for a potential release date no earlier than March 2025. This adjustment would result in the next console missing the crucial holiday shopping season, traditionally considered optimal timing for the debut of new gaming hardware.
The Switch, now seven years old, has sold over 139 million units and delivered smash hits like two award-winning Legend of Zelda games and a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that’s sold over 60 million copies. The handheld-hybrid gadget has sustained enthusiasm longer than most consoles and Nintendo’s shares hit an all-time high this week as investors looked past the next few months toward the next generation. The delay will test their patience as Nintendo extends the current Switch’s life even further.
Kyoto-based Nintendo has a relatively sparse slate of games coming for the Switch this year, which Tokyo-based analyst Serkan Toto sees as a sign the company is holding back its biggest hits for the next-gen Switch.
“Nintendo is likely looking at a pretty dry pipeline this year,” Toto said. “The company will still try to keep the blockbusters for the next console, so 2024 might see more remakes of old Nintendo hits. In any case, 2024 will be a lot tougher for Nintendo without a new device.”
A Nintendo spokesperson said the company has nothing to comment on. The games maker has been tight-lipped about any potential Switch successor, with President Shuntaro Furukawa promising to discuss its plans for the next fiscal year after it reports March-quarter earnings. News of the delay was reported earlier by the Video Games Chronicle.