Switch 2 Rumors Hint at a 2023 "Year of the Sequel"

Recent reports suggest a potential "Summer of Switch 2" in 2025, despite an anticipated launch date no earlier than April 2025. This contrasts with Nintendo's continued focus on maximizing sales of the current Switch model.

A "Summer of Switch 2" Launch Window?

Developer Insights Point to April/May 2025 Release

Industry whispers suggest the Switch 2 won't arrive before April 2025. GamesIndustry.biz, citing developer sources, reports that developers have been advised to not expect a launch within the current fiscal year (ending March 2025). Many hope for an April or May release, aiming for an early, not late, 2025 launch.

This timing might strategically avoid a launch conflict with other major releases, such as the anticipated "GTA 6," rumored for a Fall 2025 release.

Further fueling speculation, journalist Pedro Henrique Lutti Lippe hinted at a pre-August 2024 Switch 2 announcement, as reported by BGR. This aligns with Nintendo's stated intention to announce the successor before the end of the fiscal year (March 31, 2025). However, all of this remains unconfirmed pending official word from Nintendo.

Nintendo's Current Switch Performance

Switch Sales Dip, Yet Remain Strong Year-on-Year

image via Google Finance Nintendo's recent Q1 FY2025 financial results revealed a year-on-year decline in Switch hardware and software sales (-46.4%). While only 2.1 million units were sold this quarter, the company still sold 15.7 million units in FY2024, exceeding its forecast.

Sustained Engagement Despite Lifecycle End

Nintendo emphasizes the continued engagement of its 128 million annual active users (July 2023 - June 2024). This indicates strong ongoing interest in the current Switch, even as its lifecycle nears its end. Despite the decline, Nintendo maintains its commitment to maximizing both hardware and software sales for the current Switch in FY2025, projecting 13.5 million unit sales.