It looks like the follow-up to the Nintendo Switch is almost here. According to a new report from VGC, the successor to the Switch is likely to release in the second half of 2024.
In the report, several key partners to Nintendo have claimed to have received development kits for the new console. Development kits for consoles are typically sent out well before the retail release so developers learn the new hardware and ensure some titles are ready to launch on the new platform.
The sources went on to share some alleged details on the new system. Like the Nintendo Switch, the next-gen console will have portable mode. Furthermore, the console will launch with an LCD screen rather than an OLED screen to reduce costs.
Those worried about the digital revolution need not worry as, allegedly, the new console will also accept physical games via a cartridge slot.
No word on backward compatibility support
Unfortunately, there has been no indication if the new console will have backward compatibility support with the Nintendo Switch. With over 100 million Switch units sold, backward compatibility support is going to be a huge deal. Nintendo will look to convert as many Switch owners as it can, and backward compatibility will certainly make that easier. However, adding a chip to enable such compatibility can further increase the cost of the system, which Nintendo may be trying to avoid in order to keep the price down.
Honestly, the second half of 2024 makes sense in terms of a new Nintendo system release. Sales for the Switch have been in decline for a few years now. Usually, that’s an indicator there’s room in the market for a new console release. Also, if the Switch successor were to release in the second half of 2024, that puts the Switch life-cycle at a little over seven years. That’s par for the course for Nintendo’s competitors, as the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One all had a similar life cycle.
Are you ready for a new Nintendo console? I’m definitely not against the idea. I really do hope it’s backward-compatible, though.
