Nintendo to Unveil Upgraded Switch Console, New Features Expected

Nintendo is gearing up to unveil the much-anticipated upgraded version of its best-selling Switch console on Wednesday, with gamers and investors alike eagerly awaiting details about the new model.

The launch event, scheduled for 1300 GMT, will feature a one-hour online broadcast, revealing crucial information such as the release date and price of the Switch 2. The update follows a brief preview in mid-January, where Nintendo offered a glimpse of what to expect from the new console.

While visually similar to the original Switch released in 2017, the Switch 2 boasts several enhancements. These include a larger screen, a wider stand, and the return of detachable “Joy-Con” controllers. The new model is also expected to offer more power than its predecessor, retaining the hybrid console concept that made the original Switch a massive success. Players will still be able to use the console both on-the-go and connected to a TV—an important factor behind the 150 million units sold worldwide.

Industry experts suggest that the Switch 2 is unlikely to present a groundbreaking shift in gaming technology, similar to the motion controls introduced with the Wii in 2006 or the Wii U’s screen-controller in 2012. Instead, analysts believe gamers are mostly looking for improved performance.

Nintendo recently revised its profit forecasts, citing slowing sales of the original Switch, prompting the need for an upgraded version to reinvigorate the console’s appeal.

Rumors suggest the Switch 2 could be released as early as June, with initial production estimates at around six million units. In the long term, experts project sales to reach 19 million units in 2025 and 21 million the following year.

Pricing is expected to range between $430 and $540, although uncertainty surrounding US import tariffs remains a concern. However, Nintendo has increasingly shifted its production from China to Vietnam, which faces lower customs duties, potentially mitigating the tariff issue.

In an industry facing a global slowdown, the arrival of the Switch 2 could provide a much-needed boost to console sales. For the new console to succeed, its game lineup will play a pivotal role. Exclusive titles will be crucial, particularly for early adopters.

During the January preview, Nintendo teased a new Mario Kart game, reigniting excitement for one of its most beloved franchises. With Mario Kart 8 being one of the best-selling games of all time, this announcement has generated significant buzz.

In another exciting development, Nintendo revealed that players would soon be able to loan digital versions of their Switch games to friends using “virtual game cards.” This new feature could encourage players to purchase a second console, making game sharing easier and more accessible.

To build anticipation, Nintendo will host events starting Friday in cities like New York, Tokyo, and Paris, where select players chosen by lottery will have the chance to test the new Switch 2 in person.