04 January 2024 , 18:00
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Analysts are expecting the Nintendo Switch 2 to launch in 2024 at a higher price point, despite similar features to its predecessor.
With Nintendo yet to officially announce the Nintendo Switch 2 console, GamesIndustry.biz's annual analysts are predicting that the next generation console could be released this year and that it could launch with a steep $400 price tag. Further comment from Dr Toto of Kantan Games predicts that the next system will 'likely be an iteration rather than a revolution', meaning that the key features of the Nintendo Switch such as the portability, and multiple ways to use the system, could be carried over.
In the full report, Dr Toto goes on to say: "Nintendo might add some bells and whistles to the device, but it will be similar to the current Switch. And because there is Pokémon, and Pokémon is associated with handheld gaming, there is no way on earth Nintendo will drop the portability feature for their next big thing."
The device is predicted to be relatively similar in terms of features to the current Nintendo Switch, which makes sense since it has consistently been one of the best-selling gaming consoles since its release. Nintendo knows there's no need to reinvent the wheel. However, since the device is over seven years old now, we hope to see a significant power upgrade.
The analyst also predicts that the console could be priced at $400 at launch, also arguing that Switch games could reach the $70 mark, which would put new releases in the same price bracket as PS5 and Xbox Series X|S AAA titles, something it has been on track to do since the price increase of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at launch.
Nintendo Switch 2 release set for next year as Zelda ushers in the end of Switch
Leaks back in July 2023 stated that developer kits for the Nintendo Switch 2 were already being distributed. Pair this with reports last year that the Nintendo Switch 2 featured ray tracing and was shown off to investors at Gamescom, it's looking likely that we can expect the device to be announced, and subsequently released, in 2024.
We want OLED
If we do see the Nintendo Switch 2 release at a $400 price point, which roughly converts to £315 or AU$595, this is a significant jump in price compared to the original Nintendo Switch, which is priced at just £259.99 / $299.99 / AU$469.95, and at a similar price to the Nintendo Switch OLED, which comes in at £319.99 / $359.99 / AU$539.
Although this price could indicate that we'll be seeing the device feature an OLED screen at launch, I believe it's pretty unlikely considering how successful the launch of the Nintendo Switch OLED was. Despite many gamers already owning a Nintendo Switch, we all still flocked to stores to pick up the same console with a better screen – and there's no shame in that, I did it too!
I think it's likely Nintendo will bank on the same thing happening again a second time around, and I don't say I blame them, given the potential financial benefits. However, the real dream here would be the Nintendo Switch 2 boasting an OLED screen on launch.