Recent reports suggest Nintendo's next-generation console, the Switch 2, might not launch before April 2025, despite considerable anticipation. Nintendo, meanwhile, remains focused on maximizing sales of the current Switch model.
Next Year Could Bring a "Summer of Switch 2"
Developers Eyeing April/May 2025 Launch
Industry whispers point to an April or May 2025 release for the Switch 2. GamesIndustry.biz podcast host Chris Dring, citing conversations with game developers, reported that developers have been advised to not expect a launch within the current fiscal year (ending March 2025). Many hope for an early 2025 release, aiming for April or May.
This timing may be a strategic move to avoid competing with other major releases, such as the anticipated "GTA 6," rumored for a Fall 2025 launch. Adding fuel to the speculation fire, journalist Pedro Henrique Lutti Lippe hinted at a pre-August 2024 Switch 2 announcement on the O X do Controle podcast, as reported by BGR.
These reports align with Nintendo's earlier statement of announcing the Switch 2 before the end of their fiscal year (March 31, 2025), but remain unconfirmed pending official word from Nintendo.
Nintendo Stock and Switch Sales Soften
Despite Dip, Switch Sales Remain Strong Year-on-Year
image via Google Finance Nintendo's recent financial report revealed a 2.3% dip in its Tokyo stock price following a decline in Switch console revenue. Q1 FY2025 results showed a significant year-on-year decrease in Switch hardware and software sales (-46.4%). Despite this, 2.1 million Switch units were sold during the quarter, and the company exceeded its full-year sales forecast, selling 15.7 million units in FY2024.
Further Insights into Nintendo's Switch Strategy
Nintendo also reported that over 128 million Nintendo Accounts actively used Switch software between July 2023 and June 2024, demonstrating continued player engagement. Even with the impending Switch 2 launch, Nintendo reiterated its commitment to maximizing both hardware and software sales for the current Switch, projecting 13.5 million unit sales for FY2025.
