It looks like game developers don’t just have their hands on a prototype of the Nintendo Switch 2, they’re already busy making their games for the still-unannounced console.
The 2024 State of the Game Industry report from the Game Developers Conference (GDC) provides compelling, if not clear, evidence that the next iteration of Nintendo’s popular console is more than just a rumor, and is instead a near-future reality.
This report, which encompasses feedback from over 3,000 game developers, reveals that 8% of respondents, which is roughly 240 developers, are actively working on projects for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Despite Nintendo’s consistent denials and labeling these reports as mere “rumors,” fans are celebrating the prospect of the Switch 2’s arrival. The anticipation has been fueled further by a Japanese retailer’s premature listing of the Nintendo Switch 2 on their website, suggesting that the console’s launch could be imminent. The listing, likely a placeholder, is a sign of the increasing likelihood of the console’s imminent release, corroborated by industry insiders predicting a launch in 2024.
The Switch 2’s development appears to be an open secret, with reports of hardware capabilities showcased to studios and developers as early as August 2023 around Gamescom in Cologne. These reports suggest that Nintendo displayed an improved demo version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to flaunt the technical prowess of the next-gen console.
Moreover, an email from former Activision Blizzard boss Bobby Kotick, disclosed during court proceedings last year, hinted at Nintendo sharing details of the Switch 2 with major publishers.
Finally, Ubisoft hinted that Nintendo had asked them to wait for the Switch 2 before releasing Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, a decision that paid off for the French publisher after nearly two years.
The Switch, since its launch in March 2017, has enjoyed phenomenal success, becoming the third best-selling console of all time. However, its fairly dated now, and the need for a more powerful and updated successor has become evident. Many developers are expressing their eagerness to work on the new platform. The GDC survey further highlighted that 32% of developers are keenly interested in creating games for the Switch 2, surpassing interest in the Xbox Series S/X.
There’s speculation the Switch 2 won’t undergo a drastic redesign, but will instead focus on offering enhanced hardware capabilities. Predictions suggest a price tag around $400 for the new console, with game prices potentially aligning with the $70 standard of other contemporary gaming platforms. The prospect of improved hardware and new experiences has fans on the edge of their seats while awaiting official confirmation and details from Nintendo.
