nintendo switch 2
January 17, 2025, Tokyo Nintendo has shown the Switch 2, a next-generation gaming system that will go on sale later this year.
Although there were little details provided, the announcement alluded to a device that would work and look similar to the highly popular Nintendo Switch.
Important Points to Remember:
Release Details: On April 2, 2025, a Nintendo Direct event will provide more details, including the price.
Backward compatibility: Although some games might not run properly on the new system, existing Switch games will still function.
Analyst Reactions: According to market analysts, the announcement didn’t have the same impact as the initial Switch unveiling. Kantan Games’ Serkan Toto called it more of a “Switch Pro” than a ground-breaking follow-up.
Sales Expectations: Despite Nintendo’s target of producing 15 million devices this fiscal year, analysts anticipate strong demand for the Switch 2, possibly surpassing supply.
Effect on Shares: In early trade after the news, Nintendo’s shares fell 6%, indicating a range of investor reaction.
Implications for the Industry: Nintendo’s action coincides with heightened
competition in the video game industry.
Even as mobile and cloud gaming options gain traction, Japanese behemoths like Nintendo and Sony continue to dominate the console gaming market.
Historical Context:
With over 145 million devices sold since its 2017 introduction, the Switch restored Nintendo’s place in the market.
The Nintendo DS, which sold 154 million units, is the only device that has sold more.
Nintendo anticipates selling 12.5 million copies this year despite the console’s outdated hardware, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
Important Takeaways:
Fan Reactions: The console was described as a “unexcited rehash” of the first Switch in social media criticism, such as that posted by gaming YouTuber
TwoQuickOnes.
Updates to the Design: The Switch 2 retains the hybrid design of its predecessor, but it has a larger screen and controllers that snap on differently.
Teaser for the game: Concurrent with the console’s announcement was a new Mario Kart game.
Context for Sales:
After selling over 146 million units when it was first introduced in 2017, the original Switch surpassed the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS as the third-best-selling console. It helped Nintendo recover from the negative reception of the Wii U.
Wider Repercussions:
Nintendo is probably counting on the Switch 2 to maintain profitability and hardware sales, even though fans anticipated a more inventive sequel. Despite the first lacklustre response, analysts predict that demand will continue to exceed supply.
On April 2, 2025, a Nintendo Direct event will reveal further information about the system.
