Rumoured Switch 2 release window is bad news for Nintendo fans
Up there with GTA 6 (before it was announced), the Nintendo Switch 2, Switch Pro, or whatever you want to call it, is one of the worst gaming secrets of all time. Nintendo is yet to announce the mythical next generation of console, but let's be honest, we're all waiting for it.
Rumours of a Switch 2 have been swirling for years, however, they've recently picked up steam again. It wasn't long ago that we heard about dev kits being given out to developers, suggesting that while a Switch 2 is real, it might be a while off. Now, we have a potential Switch 2 release window.
What is the rumoured Switch 2 release window?
According to Chinese publication MoneyDJ, Nintendo could release the Switch 2 in "Q1 next year." This comes off the back of manufacturer Hongzhun reporting a massive increase in revenue and profit, presumably linking the company to the next generation of Nintendo Switch.
It's less clear what this Q1 refers to, whether it's Nintendo's fiscal year or the standard calendar. As Nintendo has vowed not to release new hardware in the current fiscal year, this seemingly pencils the Switch 2 release window for somewhere between April and June 2024.
We should take everything with a massive pinch of salt, especially as the various Switch 2 rumours have never amounted to anything over the years. Remember, there were whispers of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom being a flagship for the Switch 2, and it didn't happen.
The Switch 2 is long overdue
Click to enlargeWhen you look at the likes of Microsoft and Sony, the average lifespan of their consoles is much longer, but after five years, we're already looking at what comes next from Nintendo. Having missed out on releasing anything alongside the PS5 and Xbox Series, the OG Switch is trapped in the last generation of consoles.
It's not like the Switch is lacking in games, and as Tears of the Kingdom proved by running at 30 FPS by being a major contender for Game of the Year, we don't really need a souped-up version. Still, with the Switch OLED falling short for many, we'll take what we can when it comes to new hardware.
There is still a slew of games like Pikmin 4, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Detective Pikachu Returns all poised for the Switch, but it remains to be seen whether these will also get an enhanced release for the Switch 2. That's assuming it's real and we've not all been baited by supposed leakers... again.
