During a company briefing, plans for a new Nintendo console were hinted at, indicating a rumored Switch 2 could be in its conceptual phases. Nintendo hasn’t made a jump to hardware on par with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S since the Nintendo Switch back in 2017. Instead, the company has periodically released revisions of its console, which have so far included the Nintendo Switch Lite and Switch OLED. As demand for its new-gen competitors continues to rise, many wonder when Nintendo will make an anticipated leap in console technology.

At launch, Nintendo Switch OLED reviews called it the best Switch model to date, with key differences setting it apart from the standard and Lite iterations. While the Switch OLED’s hardware didn’t make a jump to 4K, it did push several boundaries previously limited by older models. Its vibrant 7” OLED screen and enhanced audio helped secure the console’s successful release, but strong Nintendo Switch OLED sales don’t necessarily mean Nintendo is ready to move onto a more significant hardware revision or successor console anytime soon. Instead, it helps to solidify Nintendo’s stance that the Switch is in the middle of its lifecycle, meaning it could have several more years before it’s fully phased out for a hypothetical Switch 2. That being said, there have been hints about discussions regarding Nintendo’s next console happening at the company for some time, but it sounds like even Nintendo isn’t sure when the product could release.

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In a briefing summarized on Twitter by investment advisor David Gibson (via VGC), Nintendo executives discussed the possibility of a new Nintendo console – possibly the Switch 2. The “next gaming system” could see a launch window in the near future, as Nintendo looks to provide its next unique entertainment experience. Nintendo didn’t have much to say about the “20xx next gen device” and instead reinforced its claim that the Switch is in its “middle phase of [its life] cycle.” Pointing to the recent release of the Switch OLED, Nintendo says it plans to capitalize on the new model with a “wide variety of software line-up.” However, Nintendo is currently investing in “internal discussion on concept, timing” and everything else involved with designing, building, and launching a new Nintendo console.

It’s unclear how far along Nintendo is on creating its Switch successor console. However, the management briefing does point to an interest in the development of a brand new console, rather than smaller Nintendo Switch hardware refreshes. While the Switch still boasts 79 million annual playing users and has over 6,000 games on its platform, it’s possible customers could feel Switch fatigue if Nintendo continues to release slight upgrades of the console. The briefing did reveal that Nintendo is expanding its game development capabilities with a $900 million investment, so it’s plausible a presumed Nintendo Switch 2 won’t be revealed until Nintendo has squeezed everything out of its 2017 console.

Nintendo seems to be doubling down on all aspects of its entertainment empire, focusing on film adaptations of its popular IPs, investment in Nintendo Switch games, and expanding the Nintendo brand to real-world experiences like Super Nintendo World. This growth may be exciting to some, but those looking forward to a next-gen Nintendo console technology may not have anything to look forward to after the Switch OLED for some time.

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Source: David Gibson/Twitter (via VGC)

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Alden Etra
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Alden is a freelance gaming news writer for Screen Rant. He has a love for video games and tabletop board games, and is an avid fan of all things sci-fi/fantasy.

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