19 February 2024 , 17:00
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Based on all of the recent rumours, all signs pointed to the Nintendo Switch 2 launching in 2024. However, a new report suggests the console's release date has reportedly been pushed back further than expected.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been a hot topic for the last few years, with fans anxiously awaiting to see how Nintendo will follow up its most successful home console ever. Such is the Nintendo Switch's popularity, if it continues its current momentum, it could beat out the Nintendo DS as Nintendo's most successful system in terms of units sold. While never being officially announced, Nintendo Switch 2 release date leaks suggested a 2024 launch, however, the latest rumour is that it may not be released this year after all.
Brazillian Journalist Pedro Henrique Lutti Lippe first reported on the OX do Controle podcast (via VGC), that Nintendo had pushed the imminent launch of the console to early 2025. This story was then corroborated by VGC itself, Eurogamer and then Bloomberg. VGC's report states: "According to the sources, third-party game companies were recently briefed on an internal delay in Nintendo’s next-gen launch timing, from late 2024 to early the following year. One publishing source suggested the delay was so that Nintendo could prepare stronger first-party software for the console."
Following the news, Bloomberg followed up with a report that Nintendo shares have fallen 8.8% since the latest news first emerged.
Switch it up
Honestly, there's a part of me that's bummed out about this rumour, but if it leads to a stronger launch lineup for the Nintendo Switch 2, then it's probably for the best. Considering it's been seven years since the last fully-fledged 3D Super Mario game came out, and since Metroid Prime 4 was first announced, those seem like prime candidates to make sure a Nintendo Switch 2 kicks things off with a bang.
Nintendo Switch 2 release set for next year as Zelda ushers in the end of Switch
However, 2024 doesn't seem like a great year for the Nintendo Switch based on what's already announced – with Princess Peach Showtime being flanked by remasters and remakes – and if there's no Nintendo Switch 2 to look forward to, it may be a disappointing year, which is a shame considering how fantastic 2023 was for the Nintendo Switch. At the very least, this may finally push Nintendo to port The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess' Nintendo Wii-U versions to the Switch, after years of requests from fans.