Nintendo’s recent behind-the-scenes showing at Gamescom 2023 has led to substantial speculation about its upcoming next-gen console, the Switch 2.
A combination of credible reports from Eurogamer and VGC reveals that selected developers were privy to a showcase of what the new console can muster albeit done in secret.
Of the demos displayed, one that stirred intrigue was a reimagined version of the Switch’s launch title, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The game was visibly enhanced, flaunting the potential of the upcoming console. Notably, both outlets emphasized that this doesn’t necessarily mean the game will be re-released for the new console. On top of this, the technological marvel known as The Matrix Awakens – an Unreal Engine 5 tech demo from Epic, which initially graced the world in 2021 as a testament to the prowess of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, was also showcased running on the alleged Switch 2 hardware. Interestingly, the presentation offered visuals that were on par with those of Sony’s and Microsoft’s current-gen systems.
Diving deeper into the technicalities, these impressive visuals were propelled by Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology, augmented with ray tracing. These advancements hint at an earnest collaboration between Nintendo and Nvidia for a significant chip upgrade in the forthcoming console.
As for the release date, while various sources suggest a planned launch in 2024, Nintendo might release it even earlier, potentially in spring 2024. This aligns with previous patterns, considering the original Switch’s March launch.
Mirroring its predecessor, the Switch 2 will reportedly possess a portable mode. Yet, in a bid to remain economical, the company is opting for an LCD screen instead of OLED. Additionally, physical game enthusiasts can rejoice as it retains the cartridge slot. However, queries about backward compatibility with the existing Switch titles remain unanswered.
Speculations of a next-gen Switch have circulated for some time. Aside from another recent report that compared the Switch 2 to the PS5, reports from a few years back by Bloomberg suggested that 4K version of console was coming but the global chip shortage during the pandemic threw a Donkey Kong wrench into the initial plans.
While Nintendo have since rebuffed the claims of a 4K Switch Pro being under development, it’s undeniable that their existing Switch sales have been decelerating.
Meanwhile, Nintendo’s dedication to its current flagship is evident. They have an array of games slated for the Switch in the near future, which includes Detective Pikachu Returns, Super Mario RPG remake, and Super Mario Bros. Odyssey. It’s this level of commitment, coupled with President Shuntaro Furukawa’s recent remarks about bolstering demand for the Switch, that help paint a comprehensive picture of the company’s strategy.
As for the tech demos, a word of caution is warranted. While these exhibit the apex of a console’s capabilities, focusing primarily on graphics, gameplay elements might necessitate compromises on this front. Tech demos, after all, are built without gameplay overheads.
Still, the guarded booth at Nintendo’s event feeds the curiosity. Some members of the press noted restricted sections, fueling the mystique around the unveiling. As rumors and fragmented reports swirl, it’s pivotal to differentiate between “comparable visuals” and “comparable hardware/power”. But if Nintendo’s past innovations are any measure, fans are poised for another delightful surprise.
