Nintendo fans eagerly awaiting the release of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 will have to exercise a bit more patience. According to a report by Japanese publication Nikkei, the release of the next-generation console has been delayed until at least March 2025. While this news may come as a disappointment to some, there are valid reasons behind this decision.
The report confirms that the Nintendo Switch 2 will indeed be a successor to the popular hybrid console, featuring similar functionality but with a larger screen. This aligns with previous leaks and rumors surrounding the device. However, one key factor influencing the delayed release is Nintendo’s desire to avoid the scalping market that plagued the initial launch of the original Switch in 2017. By allowing ample time for manufacturing, Nintendo hopes to meet the demand and prevent scalpers from taking advantage of limited stock.
March 2025 is cited as the earliest possible release window for the Nintendo Switch 2, indicating that it may not be available within Nintendo’s next financial year. Considering the pressure on Nintendo to deliver a successor to the seven-year-old Switch, a post-March 2025 launch would certainly be unexpected. However, this delay could also suggest that Nintendo is taking its time to ensure a polished and innovative product that lives up to fans’ expectations.
Despite the delay, Nintendo remains confident in the ongoing success of the current Switch console. In the first nine months of the financial year, Nintendo sold an impressive 13.74 million units, slightly lower than the previous year but still significant. The company has revised its forecast for the current financial year, predicting sales of 15.5 million units, surpassing the initial estimate of 15 million. With a total of 139.36 million units sold to date, the Switch ranks among the best-selling consoles of all time, trailing only behind the Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2.
Nintendo attributes the continued success of the Switch to its ability to appeal to a wide range of players. The company aims to have not just one console in every home, but multiple consoles or even one for every individual. To achieve this, Nintendo plans to release new offerings regularly, ensuring that consumers remain engaged and invested in the Switch platform. This strategy has proven fruitful, as evidenced by the record-breaking 122 million playing users during the 2023 calendar year.
One burning question remains: will the Nintendo Switch 2 be backwards compatible with its predecessor? With such a large player base on the current Switch, it seems unlikely that Nintendo would abandon those accounts and start anew. Fans can only hope that the company recognizes the value of backward compatibility and ensures a seamless transition for existing Switch owners.
While the delay may be disheartening for eager fans, it’s important to remember that good things come to those who wait. Nintendo’s decision to prioritize manufacturing and combat scalpers demonstrates their commitment to delivering a high-quality product and an optimal user experience. As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, let’s appreciate the continued success of the current console and look forward to the exciting innovations that lie ahead.
Wesley Yin-Poole, UK News Editor for IGN, contributed to this report. You can find him on Twitter at @wyp100 or reach out to him confidentially at [email protected] or [email protected].