The release of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been heavily rumored for a while. Following some recent news, we now think the release date will be as soon as 2024, and a reveal could come as soon as August 2023
Everyone cares about the Switch 2, even if you aren't a Nintendo fan. This will be a massively popular console and we expect it to break records upon release. But, when will the Switch 2 be released?
Up until now, everything you've seen or read about new Nintendo hardware has been based on rumors and it's been difficult to trace the origin of all these rumors. However, now VGC are claiming that they have direct info from their sources regarding a Switch 2 release date.
Update, August 2: Leakers Claim Switch 2 Will Be Revealed In August
According to a report from UK-based publication StartMenu the Nintendo Switch 2 could be revealed in August at Gamescom:
startmenu has learned that the Japanese-based firm could be confirming the existence of new hardware as soon as the end of August 2023.The source, which is in regular contact with multiple studios and platform holders across the industry, told startmenu that Nintendo plans to announce a follow-up to the Switch “at Gamescom.”
Gamescom is set for August 23-27 this year.
Although Nintendo have managed to surprise their fans with some unexpected marketing moves and reveal strategies several times in the past, we would still take the report with a grain of salt. We actually consider it more likely that Nintendo will announce their next console via a shadowdrop-like official trailer (like they did with the Switch in 2016) or as part of a Nintendo Direct event. In the end, time will tell.
Nintendo Switch 2 Could Release In 2024
VGC are claiming that their sources have given a late-2024 release date for the Nintendo Switch. They are also claiming that the console will take physical cartridges and will use a slightly cheaper screen:
Two sources VGC spoke to suggested that the console could launch with an LCD screen, instead of the more premium OLED, in order to bring down costs, especially considering the increased storage needed for higher fidelity games. The current Switch comes with just 32GB of internal memory, while many current-gen PlayStation and Xbox games are over 100GB.Like its predecessor, the new Nintendo console will also accept physical games via a cartridge slot.
But those are the only details VGC have been able to give us so far.
Nintendo's Official Statement Regarding The Switch 2 Release Window
Nintendo confirmed that no new hardware would be released before April 2024. As first reported by Bloomberg, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa gave the news to investors in an earnings call held on May 9, 2023.
So, while this doesn't confirm the recent claim from VGC about a late-2024 release date, it doesn't contradict it either.
A 2023 release date is now absolutely off the table. At least we have incredible games to play on the Switch until then.
Will you stick with Nintendo's handheld, or have you been tempted by the Steam Deck?
Speaking of great games to play on Switch...