Topic: When do you think Nintendo's next console will be released?

Hi everyone.

Nintendo Switch OLED is scheduled for October 2021. This isn't exactly a new console though. When do you think the next one will be released? 2022? 2023? I would create a poll but I don't know if that can be done here / how to do it.

Why am I asking? I'm asking because I think the next console will be able to read Switch games, and if it's coming soon enough, I'll save my money until that time. If nothing is about to happen for the next two or more years, then I might consider upgrading my Switch to the OLED model.

Maybe 2023.
While waiting for the machine, you can buy the games first.

@Thrallherd 2023 sounds reasonable, but I'm guessing that Nintendo's next console will be released in 2024. They're making Splatoon 3 right now, so I am thinking that they'll make the Splatfests for that game for a couple years, before they're ready to release their next system. Not to mention that the Switch is still selling like hotcakes, so I don't think they're done with it just yet. Pretty much the only way I would want a Switch OLED is if my current Switch bites the dust somehow. It's still alive and kicking though, so I'm more likely gonna wait for the Switch 2 (or whatever they're gonna call it), especially if it's gonna be backwards compatible.

@MarioLover92
I would like to see Nintendo redesign the game box cover for next Switch machine.
The red spines with generic fonts was killing me, even PSP and PS VITA game box cover looks more appealing to see.
NDS, 3DS, Wii and Wii U have the most beautiful game box design if you see the spines and game cover design.

March 2024

Probably not for at least three more years. Switch is doing fine and no we never needed a switch pro. You graphic and power whores can just chill. You'll get your upgrade in due time. There's always PS5 or the latest Xbox if you gotta be on the bleeding edge.

2023, I reckon. I think Nintendo will probably launch it alongside the new Zelda game, which will be a cross-generation release.

There's been a distinct lack of 'big' first party projects the last few years, and I think that's because they'll likely launch the successor with a similar strategy as they did with the original, where a slew of ambitious looking software launches throughout the year to spur rapid adoption of the device.

fixed

Late 2023 or early 2024...I believe Nintendo is on their last big software wave for the Switch which will probably end either holiday 2022 or early 2023.

I wish those begging for the next console would just hibernate for a couple of years, because they have become unbearable.

I don't get why some people are so offended by the idea that the Switch is behind the curve in terms of specs. It most definitely is. In usual circumstances you would expect to see a refresh or some kind in the next year or so, I'd go as far as saying it was probably what the OLED model was going to be.

But we're in a bit of an unusual position currently. The Switch had a boom year in 2020, largely because of the superbug. Then ontop of that changes in demand cycles for tech broke supply across the board. The usual rules don't really apply currently but eventually things are going to level out a bit. When that happens you'd expect Nintendo to pull the trigger on improved hardware. From what I've read on the silicon shortage we're looking at maybe late next year, so don't expect anything in the next year.

I also think that after around 2024 they're risking someone outplaying them. The Switch has the advantage of being a portable device, this is something that until recently was only really practical with ARM SoCs. But efficiency gains on x86 is closing that door a bit. If you think the potential for a Switch-like and fully BC console from Microsoft or Sony isn't on the cards you're blind. I'm fairly confident Nintendo are not.

As for the OP's question.... buy a Switch. Even if there is something new on the horizon the Switch exists now. If you want it get it. If you approach tech from the angle of worrying about being left behind you'll never buy tech. There is ALWAYS going to be something new on the horizon.

Yes, I think I'm going to sell my current Switch and purchase the new OLED one, even though I don't play handheld very often.

I watched this video yesterday and I think the conclusion is right: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfLWM6VxAP0

2023 or 2024 is my guess. It'd also reasonably line up with when Sony and Microsoft start coming out with hardware refreshes of their flagship consoles since it'd be mid-lifecycle for both platforms by then

@skywake

Switch was behind the curve when it launched. Everybody with a PS4 was laughing at it. Heck they still are. Nintendo has never been about cutting edge technology. For them it was always about fun factor, innovation and playability. We are at the point now where pushing hardware is not what sells systems anymore. If you got the best graphics in the world but the games aren't any fun what's the point?

@Zeldafan79
You're oversimplifying it a bit. There isn't a divide with bleeding edge visuals on on side and super affordable hardware sold with large margins on the other. There's a lot of space between those two extremes. Nintendo should be occupying somewhere in the middle of that spectrum, not the far low end. And don't even start to pretend that fun and visual fidelity are two opposing things, they aren't.

Also the Switch wasn't a low spec device at launch, the Switch launched as a mid-range but sensibly specced mobile gaming device. And because it was a closed platform the visuals it could do were a class above any other mobile device on the market. But that was almost 5 years ago and the core spec, or at least the spec Nintendo allows the Switch to run at, hasn't changed. At this stage it's also well behind the curve as a portable gaming device

At the price Nintendo is selling it at they could do a hell of a lot more in terms of spec. Sure they have the mindspace advantage currently but that could quickly erode if they don't fill that space. All it takes is for someone to come in and challenge them and they'll fall very fast. That could be the Steam Deck, it could be some other device taking the same form but whatever it it's coming. Nintendo would be wise to slam that door shut while they can

I think 2024 is way too late

I expect (would like) a NSWLite refresh to close out the Switch range. I think Nintendo could want to get it even smaller, lighter, upgraded to oled. I believe it would greatly appeal to the asian market to justify the RnD. Who knows, they may even blow the doors off the whole range and give it a mini TV dock with the expectation that joy cons would be numerous enough for compatibility. Surely they can sort the cooling by then to do it.

@skywake look at the profits nintendo make. They're far behind everyone else. The switch is probably their last system. They're too small to make any margin from anything as powerful as a PS5 or a Steam deck.

Yeah, weak troll post or not this is BS. Valve is a private company so their finances aren't public but from what we do know of them they're worth about half as much as Nintendo. And sure Sony is worth about 3X as much as Nintendo but Sony is also in the movie, music and consumer electronics space amongst others.

Also while their share price has dipped significantly in the last few months Nintendo is still valued higher now than any point excluding the last 12 months and 2007/08. Console hardware is also the core part of their business. The idea that they'd drop out of the console space at a peak when console hardware is their main thing? Of all the takes I've ever seen on this forum this is by far the dumbest...

I think there will be something with extra power launching with BotW 2 though not necessarily a successor. Given Nintendo has a lot legacy content that isn't on the Switch, I could see the Switch's lifespan largely extended as a result. If you look at Nintendo releases this year for example, 7/12 are old games:

• 3D World (Wii U port)
• New Pokemon Snap (new game)
• Famicom Detective Club (NES remake)
• Miitopia (3DS port)
• Game Builder Garage (new game)
• Mario Golf Super Rush (new game)
• Skyward Sword HD (Wii remaster)
• WarioWare Get It Together (new game)
• Metroid Dread (new game)
• Mario Party Superstars (greatest hits collection type release)
• Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl (DS remake)
• Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp (GBA remake)

So by having a similar output for future years, I could see Switch lasting until like 2025.

Wait, that's an interesting point. BOTW2 will be Nintendo's true opportunity to launch their next console. So 2022 doesn't sound too far-fetched in the end, and I'm not sure If I should buy the OLED model again. Haha.

I have to say, though. Releasing an improved version of the Switch in 2021, then launching the next console the following year, may or may not be the smartest move. They should make things last a bit if they want to make money. And I bet they do.