Nintendo is reportedly gearing up for the launch of its next-gen console in the latter half of 2024, as per recent reports. Insider sources have informed VGC that development kits for the undisclosed console are already in the hands of partner studios, with the targeted release window set to ensure ample stock availability upon launch.
This upcoming next-gen console is anticipated to feature portability akin to the Nintendo Switch, boasting an LCD screen to keep costs manageable, as opposed to the more expensive OLED display. Additionally, it will retain a cartridge slot for physical game copies, according to details from VGC.
Yet, a crucial aspect that remains uncertain is the backward compatibility of the new console with Nintendo Switch games.
Notably, back in May, Nintendo had indicated that its long-rumored successor to the Switch wouldn’t hit the market before April 2024. Shuntaro Furukawa, the president of Nintendo, explained during an investor presentation that the company had no plans for new hardware in the fiscal year 2023/24, which concludes on March 31, 2024.
Despite experiencing a decline in Switch sales, with approximately 18 million units sold in the last fiscal year, down from 23 million and 28 million in the two preceding years, Nintendo appears to be taking a measured approach rather than rushing into releasing a new console to counter the dip. The company has projected yet another decrease in sales for the upcoming year.
“Sustaining the Switch’s sales momentum will be difficult in its seventh year,” noted Furukawa during the presentation. “Our target of selling 15 million units this fiscal year is ambitious, but we are committed to boosting demand leading up to the holiday season to strive towards this goal.”
Speculation regarding a new console has circulated for years, suggesting enhanced graphics comparable to the PlayStation 4 and its Pro model. Nonetheless, official details regarding Nintendo’s next hardware iteration have yet to be disclosed.
