The wait for Nintendo’s next console, the Switch 2, is almost over. With a planned release date of 2025, rumors and leaks have been swirling around this new handheld hybrid console. We’ve got a relatively complete picture of what the Switch 2 will be like, but some questions still linger.
What we know so far:
Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Switch 2 exists, will be backward compatible with existing games, and won’t be priced lower than $349. The exact release date remains unknown, but it’s clear that Nintendo is taking a conservative approach to design.
The stakes for Nintendo are high. With increasing competition in the handheld gaming space, the Switch 2 needs to succeed to maintain Nintendo’s dominant position. The company has already taken steps to ensure continuity with its existing game library, which boasts over 140 million owners worldwide.
Pricing and cost:
The Switch launched at $299 in 2017 and hasn’t dropped a single cent since. With this generation of consoles facing increased pressure on pricing due to chip shortages and inflation, Nintendo will have to find a balance between advanced technology and affordability.
Nintendo’s business model relies on selling hardware and exclusive games, but the cost of producing games is soaring without market growth to pay for it. If the Switch 2 doesn’t meet expectations, Nintendo may be forced to adapt to changing market trends and potentially become a third-party publisher.
What’s at stake for Nintendo:
Almost everything. The company needs the Switch 2 to succeed to maintain its position in the gaming industry. With competitors like Valve’s Steam Deck and Microsoft and Sony planning their own handheld consoles, Nintendo must innovate while avoiding unnecessary risks.
In this environment of increasing competition and changing market trends, Nintendo has a unique opportunity to defend its dominance in the dedicated handheld space. The Switch 2 sounds like it will be a conservative design, but with the right approach, it can succeed and cement Nintendo’s position for years to come.
Source: https://www.polygon.com/nintendo/499754/switch-2-2025-release-preview