Several publishing executives have been informed by Nintendo not to anticipate the console until March 2025, at the latest.
People with knowledge of the situation claim that Nintendo is informing game publishers that the release date of its next-generation console will be moved up to the first few months of 2025.
These people, who wished to remain anonymous because the device hasn’t been revealed, claim that while the highly anticipated Switch replacement was supposed to launch at the end of this year, multiple publishers have now been informed to anticipate it falling into 2019.
Several publishing executives have been informed by Nintendo not to anticipate the console until March 2025, at the latest. This implies that the next console would not launch during the crucial holiday shopping season, which is typically the best time for new console releases.
Seven years into its release, the Switch has sold over 139 million units and produced blockbusters such as two Legend of Zelda games that have won awards and a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that has sold over 60 million copies. Despite investors’ focus shifting beyond the upcoming few months to the next generation, Nintendo’s shares hit an all-time high this week. The handheld hybrid device has maintained enthusiasm longer than most consoles. Their patience will be put to the test as Nintendo continues to extend the life of the current Switch.
Tokyo-based analyst Serkan Toto interprets Kyoto-based Nintendo’s comparatively small lineup of games for the Switch this year as an indication that the company is saving its biggest hits for the upcoming Switch generation.
“Nintendo is likely looking at a pretty dry pipeline this year,” Toto said. “The company will still try to keep the blockbusters for the next console, so 2024 might see more remakes of old Nintendo hits. In any case, 2024 will be a lot tougher for Nintendo without a new device.”
According to a Nintendo representative, the company is commenting on nothing. The game developer has remained silent regarding any prospective Switch replacement, but President Shuntaro Furukawa has promised to talk about the company’s plans for the upcoming fiscal year once it releases its earnings for the March quarter. The Video Games Chronicle had earlier reported on the delay.