Nintendo Switch is having a lifespan in line with its sales. Being a sales success, it’s logical that Nintendo isn’t rushing to release its successor. As long as it continues to perform well, there’s no sense in thinking about another console. Additionally, the experience with Wii U has made them cautious. They don’t want to find themselves in a situation where a great success is followed by a major failure. However, what many probably didn’t expect is that the Switch would extend its life by another year and a half beyond the six and a half years it has already been around.
As stated by Shuntaro Furukawa, president of Nintendo, to Nikkei, a Japanese newspaper that is also the world’s largest financial newspaper, Nintendo will continue to focus on Switch until the end of the current fiscal year, which concludes in March 2024. After that, they will continue supporting the console, at least, until the end of the following fiscal year: March 2025.
For the more alarmed, this might sound like Nintendo has no intention of releasing a successor to Nintendo Switch until, at least, April 2025. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Similar to how Sony and Microsoft continue releasing games for previous-generation consoles, what Furukawa means here is that even if they launch the successor to the console, they will continue supporting it with new games.
This only serves to confirm the rumors that a hypothetical Switch 2 would arrive in the second half of 2024. Having showcased a series of demos at the previous Gamescom, albeit only among developers, it appears that Nintendo is already aiming for its next-generation leap. However, as Furukawa himself states, not at the expense of leaving behind those who are already enjoying their excellent current console.
