And, just like that, the world is back to speculating about the next Nintendo console – again. However, unlike previous sources, the latest isn’t a mere tinfoil-hat wearing anonymous user.
According to Dr. Serkan Toto, a well-known industry analyst from Kantan Games, Nintendo could price their upcoming console at around $400 – a significant $100 price increase from the launch price of the Nintendo Switch back in 2017.
If Toto’s predictions hold, the Nintendo Switch 2 could end up being nearly as expensive as the PS5 and Xbox Series X despite being a drastically weaker console.
Industry analysts are a valuable resource of information, especially since their educated guesses are based on research and facts, which is why it’s worth paying attention to Toto’s latest statement, which he shared with GamesIndustry.biz.
For what it’s worth, the video game industry has trended towards making both consoles and games more expensive. In the past two years, PlayStation and Microsoft have started normalizing the $70 price point for most of their titles, with Baldur’s Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2 becoming exceptions rather than the norm. Even before the price hike, both console manufacturers increased the prices of their respective flagship consoles. The PS5 and Xbox Series X are both $100 more expensive than the PS4 and Xbox One, respectively, at the time of their release. Thus, Nintendo’s decision shouldn’t be surprising. If anything, it’s expected.
The Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, has been a major success for the Japanese gaming giant, featuring popular titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Fans have been eagerly waiting for Nintendo’s next big step, and the Switch 2 might just be the answer.
According to Toto, the next-gen console is likely to be an iteration rather than a revolution, suggesting that the Switch 2 will retain key features of the current model, including its portability. This aligns with Nintendo’s approach of building a successful successor, as seen with previous attempts, like with the SNES and Nintendo 3DS. Backward compatibility is a major aspect that fans are hoping for in the new console.
Toto also anticipates that game prices for the new console may rise to $70, aligning with recent price increases for PS5 and Xbox games. This could set a new standard for Nintendo games, with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom already marking the first Nintendo-developed game for the Switch priced at $70.
While Nintendo has been typically secretive about its plans, the consistent rumors and analyst predictions suggest a significant update is on the horizon.
The question of how powerful the Switch 2 will be and how it will differentiate itself from the current model remains a topic of speculation. Toto’s insights, combined with rumors of development kits already in developers’ hands, suggest the Switch 2 will offer an enhanced version of the hybrid console experience that has proven popular among gamers.
As the gaming world waits for official news from Nintendo, it’s worth noting that these predictions are still speculative. Nintendo’s approach to console development has often defied expectations, focusing on unique gaming experiences rather than just hardware power. The potential of the Switch 2 lies in its ability to build upon the success of outgoing consoles while introducing new features and improvements that appeal to both existing fans and new players.
While the anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to grow, it’s essential to consider predictions with a degree of caution. Nintendo’s track record of innovative and sometimes unexpected moves in the gaming industry means that the final product could surprise us all.
Regardless, the prospect of a new Nintendo console is an exciting development for gamers worldwide.
In the meantime, you might want to boot up your Switch and play some Mario. According to research, your adventures as the jumpsuit-wearing plumber can cure depression.
