PGC NEWS

The gaming community’s attention is firmly fixed on Nintendo, as the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Steam Deck have all arrived, leaving the Switch looking increasingly dated. When will Nintendo release its next console?

According to a source who spoke with Nikkei Asia, development of Nintendo’s next-generation gaming hardware is “progressing smoothly.” However, the source also indicated that a launch is unlikely before spring 2024.

Earlier this year, Nintendo reported slowing Switch sales and suggested no new hardware would be released before April 2024, reinforcing the information from the Nikkei Asia report.

In the 2022 fiscal year, Nintendo sold 17.97 million Switch consoles, bringing lifetime sales to an impressive 125.62 million units.

For the current fiscal year, Nintendo projects sales of 15 million Switch units, representing a 16.5% decline year-over-year.

In a statement, the Japanese gaming giant said:

“Nintendo Switch has entered its seventh year since launch, and while it will be more difficult to maintain the same sales momentum as before, our goal is to have even more consumers continue to play Nintendo Switch for a longer time, leading to maximized sales.”

Nintendo Switch Sales

During an earnings call, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledged that the company isn’t entirely confident in reaching the 15 million sales target.

Bloomberg reported that Furukawa added that Nintendo’s annual forecast does not factor in potential upgrades to existing hardware or the launch of new products.

“Maintaining Switch sales momentum will be challenging in its seventh year. Our target of selling 15 million units this fiscal year is a bit of a stretch,” Furukawa stated. “But we will do our best to bolster demand during the holiday season so we can achieve the goal.” This leaves room for speculation about a potential new console launch impacting the next fiscal year.

While the future of Nintendo hardware remains uncertain, the current Switch continues to have a robust library of games.

Despite the aging hardware and increased competition, Nintendo remains committed to the Switch’s continued success. The focus on maximizing the console’s lifespan suggests a dedication to supporting the existing user base while strategically planning for the future. The anticipation for Nintendo’s next move is palpable, with the gaming community eager to see what innovations the company will bring to the table.