The next Nintendo gaming console, tentatively referred to as the “Switch 2”, is rumored to launch sometime later this year. Despite the lack of any official word from Nintendo, the console continues to generate considerable interest among fans and industry analysts alike.
The latest word on the grapevine, courtesy of Bloomberg reporter Takashi Mochizuki, is that Nintendo is manufacturing over 10 million units of the Switch 2 in its first fiscal year, which starts in April 2024, indicating a concerted effort to meet consumer demand and avoid the notorious stock issues that have plagued console launches in the past.
The Switch 2 will succeed the hugely successful Nintendo Switch, which debuted in 2017. The new console is rumored to feature an 8-inch LCD screen, a step away from the OLED display used in the Switch OLED. This decision to opt for an LCD screen keep the manufacturing costs lower and make the console more affordable at launch. While disappointing, this is crucial in setting a competitive price point.
Despite the lower-tech screen, the Switch 2 remains a substantial improvement over its predecessor, based on the leaks. Still-unconfirmed information suggests smoother full HD gameplay with ray-tracing capabilities, enhanced by NVIDIA DLSS Ray Reconstruction support, aiming to offer superior ray tracing compared to other consoles on the market.
Aside from this, Nintendo is reportedly considering improvements in both the quality and quantity of storage for the Switch 2. A patent discovered by analyst Laura Kate Dale hints at the use of Hall effect analog sticks, designed to mitigate the stick drift issues seen in the current Joy-Cons.
As for the forecast, 10 million units is a bold if expected move from Nintendo. On one hand, history suggests Nintendo’s consoles sell like hotcakes. The Switch, in particular, sold over 13 million units in its first year. On the other hand, Sony and Microsoft experienced supply and demand challenges with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X, respectively. The said consoles faced severe shortage issues for over two years post-launch, a situation Nintendo is evidently seeking to avoid.
By ensuring substantial stock availability, Nintendo is positioning the Switch 2 for a more successful launch, potentially avoiding the pitfalls of limited supply that often leads to scalping and inflated prices in the secondary market.
However, the success of the Switch 2 isn’t guaranteed. It is subject to market demand based on specifications, pricing, and available games. The reported focus on an LCD screen may affect the console’s appeal to more serious gamers, and the rumored price point of $400 will affect its market reception. Finally, unlike the Switch, the next Nintendo console is facing tougher competition, with handheld desktops like the Steam Deck, ASUS Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, now on the market.
While the official announcement of the Switch 2 is still pending, fan anticipation remains high. The original Nintendo Switch has enjoyed remarkable success, with sales surpassing every other console but the PlayStation 2 and the Nintendo DS. Thus, the Switch 2 is expected to build on this legacy.
Ultimately, Nintendo’s strategy of producing a large number of units at launch suggests confidence in the new console’s market appeal, despite the challenges and uncertainties of launching a new hardware platform.
