Switch 2 – EP
The gaming community is on edge with the possibility that Nintendo will present the successor to the popular Nintendo Switch this week. Substantiated rumors and exciting leaks suggest that the Kyoto company will reveal its new console before the end of the current fiscal year, which runs from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. This strategy is reminiscent of that of 2016, when the Nintendo Switch was shown to the world on October 20, just before the publication of quarterly results.
With Nintendo’s next financial report scheduled for November 5, many are speculating that the release of a trailer detailing the features of the so-called Nintendo Switch 2 could be imminent. However, Nintendo’s current situation is noticeably different from 2016, which could influence its marketing strategy.
The difficulty of launching during the Christmas season
If Nintendo decides to go ahead with this presentation, it could have a negative impact on sales of the current Nintendo Switch during the crucial Christmas campaign. With the announcement of a new device on the horizon, many consumers will likely choose to wait, rather than purchase the current console for the holidays.
Despite the 46% year-over-year decline in Switch distribution, the console still managed to sell 2.1 million units in the last quarter. Additionally, its exclusives continue to dominate the sales charts, with titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons at the top. Despite this, the situation in 2016 was different, since the Wii U was almost dead, and Nintendo needed a push that could have come from the presentation of the Switch.
A unique philosophy
However, all is not lost for the current console. Nintendo has shown an incredible ability to ignore market trends and follow its own path. Despite not offering the most advanced graphics, the Switch has maintained constant success, and everything indicates that this philosophy will continue with its successor.
A recent internal email from Activision Blizzard, revealed in the midst of the litigation over Microsoft’s purchase of the company, suggests that Nintendo’s new console will not compete directly in terms of graphical power with the current PS5 and Xbox Series. According to Bobby Kotick, former CEO of Activision, the Nintendo Switch 2 is likely to be more aligned with previous-generation platforms.
Shigeru Miyamoto has also stressed Nintendo’s vision of not participating in the “console war” and focusing on creating unique experiences. “I hope people understand that Nintendo will continue to do unique things using various current technologies,” Miyamoto said.
Waiting for an official announcement
So, despite the numbers and speculation, Nintendo could surprise everyone with the announcement of its new console this week. The company has shown throughout its history that it is capable of breaking molds and creating expectations, so all eyes will be on any official move they make. Meanwhile, players continue to speculate and wait for the next big announcement from the Big N. Stay tuned!
