Originally rumored for a 2024 release, Nintendo‘s next-gen console, the Switch 2, is reportedly facing a delay until March 2025, according to a new report from Japanese publication Nikkei. This is consistent with a report that emerged two weeks prior, indicating the same launch timeframe.
To Combat Scalping and Ensure Ample Launch Stock
This shift in the release window is believed to be part of Nintendo’s strategy to ensure a smooth launch with ample stock and a robust lineup of games, avoiding the scalping issues that plagued the original Switch’s launch in 2017.
The March 2025 timeframe aligns with the original Switch’s March 2017 launch, potentially indicating a familiar launch strategy for Nintendo. This earlier timeframe within 2025 also falls within Nintendo’s current fiscal year, potentially alleviating financial concerns.
Switch 2 Expected Features
While details remain scarce, reports suggest the Switch 2 will boast a larger screen, backward compatibility with existing Switch games, and improved performance targeting smooth 1080p gameplay, comparable to the Xbox Series S. Additionally, rumors hint at ray tracing and NVIDIA DLSS Ray Reconstruction support, although official confirmation is still awaited.
Development and Launch Titles
The delay provides developers with additional time to polish launch titles. One potential flagship title being mentioned is Metroid Prime 4, originally announced in 2017 but facing a development restart in 2019. With its prolonged development cycle, speculation suggests it could be a launch title for the Switch 2.
With the original Switch becoming Nintendo’s best-selling console, surpassing its competitors, the Switch 2 faces high expectations. Fans are eager to see how Nintendo builds upon the Switch’s legacy, particularly in terms of addressing the initial stock shortages and subsequent scalping issues. The reported March 2025 launch window suggests a focus on a well-prepared and potentially smoother launch experience for gamers.
