The anticipation surrounding the upcoming Nintendo Switch successor has reached such intensity that Nintendo has felt compelled to prepend a cautionary note at each Nintendo Direct announcement: “The Nintendo Switch successor will not be discussed during this presentation.”
This disclaimer even appeared during a showcase focused on the Nintendo Museum, leading it to become somewhat of a humorous meme on platforms like X/Twitter. The necessity of including such a statement in their announcements underscores the immense excitement and speculation surrounding the next console from Nintendo.
However, amid all this enthusiasm, there are those skeptics and cynics. It is indeed a valid concern to ponder: are we possibly inflating expectations for the Switch’s successor?
The Significance of the Switch 2, Regardless of Quality
The Nintendo Switch is on track to surpass the PlayStation 2 as the all-time best-selling gaming console. Released in March 2017, the Switch has been on the market for over seven years, a significant duration in the gaming console lifecycle. It’s projected to outlast even the immensely popular Nintendo Wii, which debuted in 2006 and was discontinued seven years later. Therefore, it’s understandable why anticipation for the Switch’s successor is so high.
Nintendo traditionally launches its consoles mid-cycle compared to rivals like Sony and Xbox (if Xbox can even be regarded as a substantial player given its limited presence in Nintendo’s home market). This context emphasizes the importance of the Switch’s successor, as its performance could have critical ramifications for the future of gaming.
The gaming industry is currently experiencing a major downturn, with over 20,000 layoffs reported in the last two years alone. Both Sony and Xbox have undergone several rounds of cutbacks, even closing some of their affiliate studios. In stark contrast, Nintendo continues to expand its workforce.
Moreover, as highlighted by Bloomberg, Sony has announced that the less-than-four-year-old PS5 has already entered the “latter stage of its life cycle” following a peak in sales earlier this year. Conversely, the seven-year-old Switch continues to thrive, achieving 143 million units sold as of August. During a recent first-party Nintendo Direct, Nintendo showcased its ability to surprise, unveiling a new Zelda title just a few months ahead of its release!
The capability of the Switch’s successor to generate significant enthusiasm and translate that excitement into sales will mark a crucial moment for the entire gaming landscape. Therefore, if you have any interest in the trajectory of gaming, it’s essential to pay attention to the new console from Nintendo.
And let’s be real, from a personal fan perspective: I’m absolutely invested. I really, really care.