As the sun starts to set on the lifespan of the third-best-selling console of all time, the Nintendo Switch, the whispers of what’s next for the gaming giant are starting to go rampant.
An outpouring of rumors, leaks, and insider reports suggest Nintendo is on the verge of revealing its next-gen console, tentatively dubbed the Switch 2, possibly unleashing it in next year. The gaming world is buzzing, to say the least, with purported specs, features, and strategic moves all under rampant speculation.
The Nintendo Switch has been nothing short of a phenomenon since its debut in 2017, intertwining the worlds of both handheld and home gaming like no console before. The Switch’s versatility and blockbuster game lineup have helped it become an industry staple, even as competitors like Microsoft and Sony bring more technologically advanced systems to market. It’s clear that Nintendo has a golden touch that’s been elusive for others to mimic. Even Microsoft, now in the process of acquiring Activision Blizzard, has thrown its hat in the ring, explicitly stating that “a new Nintendo Switch console is on the way.” With Nintendo’s sales plateauing, albeit after impressive success, both fans and rivals alike are keen to see what comes next.
Heard some rumors recently that Nintendo maybe showed/maybe discussed the new Switch behind closed doors to select press/devs @ Gamescom.
Full reveal/leaks may be relatively imminent.
— Jez (@JezCorden) August 29, 2023
Enter the well-known industry insider, Jez Corden, who suggested that Nintendo discreetly showcased the Switch 2 at Gamescom 2023 to a select group of media and developers.
Corden, a journalist at Windows Central, was echoed by other reports indicating that developer kits have already been distributed to partners. Of course, these rumors also come with the inevitable “grain of salt” warnings. Still, it might be worth it to listen to what the rumor mill is churning out.
According to the speculated specs, the next Nintendo console will sport the following hardware: a custom NVIDIA Tegra T239 processor, 1080p or 720p 8-inch screen, 16GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of storage. We’re talking about HDMI 2.1 support, 10-bit HDR, and 4K output at 60 frames per second. While this smorgasbord of numbers and acronyms sounds delicious, none of this is officially confirmed.
What about backward compatibility, you ask? Fans are itching for it, and the Switch 2 is rumored to deliver, maintaining compatibility with the extensive library of the Switch. There’s a lot riding on this feature, as the longevity of game collections is paramount to gamers who’ve invested in physical and digital titles.
Another intriguing side note: the Switch 2 might boast power equivalent to a PS4 or Xbox One, as claimed by Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick. If true, this move could have implications for Nintendo’s competitive standing against both Microsoft and Sony, whose next-gen consoles have been out for a while.
Speaking of competition, it’s not just gamers and industry insiders who are paying rapt attention to Nintendo’s moves; rival companies are watching closely too. With Valve’s Steam Deck in the market and others looking to capitalize on the handheld gaming trends, like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, Nintendo is facing the challenge of staying ahead while retaining its unique appeal.
The release timeline is still a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Gamescom appearances and developer kits point to a new announcement soon, but with the Switch still selling relatively well despite its age, Nintendo isn’t exactly under the gun.
Whether the Switch 2 will take cues from its predecessor or venture into uncharted territory remains to be seen. Either way, if there’s one thing Nintendo has proven, it’s that they don’t necessarily have to play by the rules to change the game. It’s not just about having another console to play; it’s about the magic that comes with it.
Whatever that magic turns out to be, it’s poised to light up the gaming world – sooner or later.
For now, fans can look forward to the release of Super Mario Bros. Wonder and the “Mario Red” Nintendo Switch OLED in October.
