Nintendo's “Switch 2” was widely anticipated this year, but a new rumor calls that timeline into question. Now the company is telling publishers that the next-gen console is expected to release in the first quarter of 2025, according to VGC, Eurogamer and other sources. This would correspond to the release of the original Switch, which was announced in October 2016 but I went out March 2017.
Publishers were reportedly recently informed of the launch date change from late 2024 to early 2025. Multiple sources have said they are working on Switch 2 games with releases planned for early 2025. One key title could be the long-delayed game. Metroid Prime 4which is still on Nintendo's release schedule but doesn't have a specific date.
Earlier this month, Nintendo slightly bumped its Switch sales forecast for fiscal 2024 of 15 million to 15.5 million, compared to 18 million and 23 million in 2022 and 2021. Nintendo stock fell today on release delay rumors, according to Reuters.
Not much is known about the upcoming device, including its name. Rumors suggest it will have backwards compatibility with Switch, as well as 4K capabilities and similar visual quality to the PS5 and Series X. Either way, this is bound to be a busy year for the company – if the new console launches in the first quarter of 2025, it will likely be announced during a Nintendo Direct showcase later this year.