Anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Arriving in 2024?
Anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Arriving in 2024?
Handheld Gaming in 2023: The Rise of the Steam Deck and the Anticipation for Nintendo Switch 2
Handheld gaming has taken a new and peculiar turn in recent years. From enthusiast indie handhelds like the Panic Playdate and Analogue Pocket to streaming-capable devices like the Razer Edge, Logitech G Cloud, and Sony’s upcoming Project Q, the spirit of the old Game Boy has been revived. Additionally, gaming PCs that fit in the palm of your hand, such as Valve’s Steam Deck, have showcased the remarkable power that can now be packed into handheld devices in 2023.
As an avid Nintendo Switch user since its release, I recently had the opportunity to live with a Steam Deck for a few weeks. While the Steam Deck has its flaws, such as its size and complexity, it has impressed me with its capabilities and the seamless way it handles PC-level games on the go. In many ways, it embodies everything I would want in a Nintendo Switch 2.
According to a recent report, the moment for the Switch 2 may be near, with a possible late 2024 release. This would coincide with the rumored release of a PlayStation 5 Pro and mark two years into the Steam Deck’s life cycle. There are numerous compelling reasons for a Switch 2 to make its debut, even though the existing Switch remains one of my favorite game consoles.
The Nintendo Switch was introduced on March 3, 2017, and has seen minimal changes since its initial release. While Nintendo has made improvements to the Switch’s battery life and introduced smaller and larger screen variants, the core concept has remained unchanged. Even the CPU and GPU components have remained largely the same across all models. It’s evident that the Switch is due for an upgrade, as discussed with former Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aimé. However, Nintendo has hinted that the Switch’s life cycle could extend up to 10 years.
Although it’s uncertain whether Nintendo will release a fully revamped “Switch Pro” model that has been rumored for years, it’s no secret that the Switch, despite its success, is showing its age. While recent games like “Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” and “Pikmin 4” showcase the Switch’s gaming prowess, it has fallen behind in other areas. Nintendo has the opportunity to leap ahead with a true successor to the Switch, especially considering the expectations from industry experts and competitors like Microsoft, who anticipate a new Switch in the near future. Nintendo has already confirmed that the new platform will be backward-compatible with the current Switch.
Nintendo has a history of releasing new consoles every five to six years. Considering that the Switch was released in 2017, it’s reasonable to assume that a successor could be on the horizon. Whether Nintendo will completely overhaul the Switch, as they did with the Wii, is unclear. However, leaks and rumors suggest that a true upgraded version of the Switch, commonly referred to as the Switch 2 or Switch Pro, may be on its way sooner rather than later. This upgraded version should offer significant improvements compared to the more modestly tweaked Switch OLED released in 2021.
It’s possible that the next Switch will feature a more powerful chipset to compete with newer Xbox and PlayStation consoles. One area where the Switch has struggled is handling games that require high-end graphics performance, which has resulted in the trend of cloud-streaming games on the platform. While game streaming will continue to grow, it’s crucial for the next Switch to handle these games more effectively without relying heavily on the internet connection. Perhaps Nintendo could even explore the idea of adding graphics processing capabilities to the dock itself, although this may lead to increased costs and potential complications.
Another area that Nintendo should address in the Switch 2 is the Joy-Con controllers. While they were initially well-received for their versatility, many users have experienced issues such as drifting and worn-out buttons over time. The Steam Deck, for example, offers smooth analog triggers and haptic-enabled touchpads, features that have become standard among gamers. Nintendo should consider redesigning the Joy-Con controllers to make them sturdier, improve the triggers, and update the haptic vibrations to match competitors’ offerings.
Improving the display is another area where the Switch 2 could shine. The OLED Switch introduced an excellent 7-inch OLED screen with vibrant colors, but it still falls short with its 720p resolution. A 1080p OLED screen would be a more fitting choice for a next-gen Switch, especially considering that the current console can already output 1080p on TVs. Perhaps Nintendo could also explore increasing the screen size to 8 inches and reducing the bezel even further.
As per new EU regulations, handheld game consoles will be required to have user-replaceable batteries by 2027. This regulation could signal good news for gamers if the Switch 2 implements a more accessible battery system. It might also allow for third-party battery options or extended battery packs, providing users with greater flexibility for long trips or extended gaming sessions.
One thing to keep in mind is that Nintendo has a penchant for unconventional gaming hardware. Throughout its console history, Nintendo has introduced innovative designs, such as the split-screen and stylus-enabled Nintendo DS, the unique three-prong controller for the N64, and the game-changing motion controllers of the Wii. Speculation suggests that Nintendo could surprise players with a DS-like second screen or other unusual features for the Switch 2. Nintendo’s inclination towards unconventional approaches has made them stand out from the competition, and it would be exciting to see what they come up with for the next generation of the Switch.
Lastly, while we await the arrival of the Switch 2, the current Switch remains a fantastic handheld system with an extensive library of Nintendo-made and indie games. If you’re in the market for a new Switch, now is a great time to make a purchase, especially if you find one on sale. However, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any upcoming announcements, as it has been two years since the last Switch release, and a new iteration could be on the horizon.
In conclusion, the handheld gaming landscape is evolving rapidly, with devices like the Steam Deck pushing the boundaries of portable gaming. With rumors of a late 2024 release, the anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 is building. Nintendo has the opportunity to address areas for improvement, such as graphics performance, controller durability, display resolution, battery accessibility, and peripheral innovation. By embracing advancements in technology and considering the unconventional, Nintendo can continue to provide an exceptional handheld gaming experience for its loyal fanbase and newcomers alike.
