Nintendo looking to release the Switch 2 in late 2024

Drawing lessons from the past, Nintendo will have to avoid the blunders it made with the Wii U. Although some argue that the product's shortcomings were more about its inherent weaknesses rather than its branding, the failure of the Wii U to generate buzz was a critical factor. As an awkward bridge between the Wii and Switch, the Wii U left many consumers in confusion. To make its next move a success, Nintendo needs to improve on the Switch and perhaps offer cross-gen buys with free upgrades for older games, instead of compelling users to repurchase their entire game libraries.

Luckily, VGC's sources claim that the Nintendo Switch 2 could feature a cartridge slot - a nod to physical games, even as the era veers towards the digital.

Nintendo is well aware of the expectations set by the Switch after it surprised everyone, including Activision Blizzard CEO, Bobby Kotick. One way of leveraging the Switch's success while guaranteeing sales for its successor is to backward compatibility.

In Nintendo's chess match with the gaming industry, the company never rushes to make its next move. Even as the Switch's sales start to decelerate, Nintendo stays its hand, refusing to flood the market prematurely. This measured approach, however, doesn't reflect a diminished focus on their hardware.

In recent weeks, leakers have come forward with information about the next Nintendo console. Case in point, test units are reportedly already in the hands of MercurySteam, the developers of Metroid: Dread. In addition, a developer "accidentally" leaked information about the Switch 2, which was followed by Nintendo's increase in Research and Development spending. Finally, the most recent report before VGC's claims that the Switch 2 could be out as early as early next year.

Amidst this fog of speculation, Nintendo remains as enigmatic as a sphinx, leaving its ardent fans and casual observers alike suspended in a tantalizing state of uncertainty. Is Nintendo preparing to release the Switch 2? Is the Switch Pro real? When can we expect the next Nintendo console to come out?

These are all questions that we'd love to know the answer to but probably won't until Nintendo is ready.

If it's any consolation, Nintendo doesn't look like it's dropping support for the Switch anytime soon. There's a smorgasbord of first-party exclusives that are coming out later this year, including Detective Pikachu Returns (October 6), Super Mario Bros. Wonder (October 20) and Super Mario RPG (November 17), among others.