After much speculation, leaks, and rumor-mongering, the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been officially revealed by Nintendo. The short trailer for the Switch 2 showcases its design, which is remarkably similar to that of its predecessor (if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it, after all), with a few notable changes like magnetically-attached Joy-Cons that may or may not have mouse-like functionality. More information about this forthcoming console will be unveiled in the coming months, but for now, the Switch 2 is looking like a solid next step for Nintendo’s home console lineup.
But the device’s reveal does raise an ever-relevant question in the console market: how long before it completely replaces the original Switch? Nintendo’s behavior during the past few console generations would suggest that the Switch could be abandoned as soon as its successor hits the shelves, as this would mirror the company’s strategy with the Wii and Wii U. Support for these platforms endured for a few years, but they very quickly took a back seat while their younger siblings became the exclusive focus for new development. Naturally, audiences can expect Nintendo to pivot away from the first Switch following the Switch 2‘s release, but there’s reason to believe that this process will be far more gradual compared to previous generations.
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The Original Nintendo Switch May Live On for a Few Years Still
What Separates The Nintendo Switch 2 from Previous Nintendo Consoles
One of the more interesting aspects of the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, which is likely to be overlooked by many, is the confirmation of the console’s title. The fact that it is literally called the “Nintendo Switch 2” may seem like an inconsequential branding choice at first, but it has significant implications with respect to how Nintendo could be treating the new device. Looking back at the company’s previous home consoles, the naming schemes have always changed, reflecting a revolutionary approach to new hardware rather than an iterative one. Even in the case of the Wii U—which many consider to be a major marketing bungle on Nintendo’s part—the choice to include the letter “U” rather than the number “2” suggested that it was not meant to be a continuation of the first Wii.
The Nintendo Switch 2’s name indicates that it won’t be a completely new, incompatible platform, and this notion is supported by its design. As seen in the trailer, the Switch 2 has more or less the same general design as the first Switch, only with reworked Joy-Cons, a bigger screen, and various other design changes like the addition of a second USB-C port. These changes are iterative, not revolutionary, which leaves the door open for cross-platform releases and ongoing support.
It’s worth mentioning that a Nintendo Direct has been rumored for February, two months before the Switch 2 showcase. If this winds up being true, then the Direct will likely focus on Switch 1 games, hinting that the console will be supported for more than just a few months.
Cross-Platform Releases Are Becoming the Norm During this Console Generation
It’s undeniable that cross-platform releases and, by extension, last-gen console support, have become more commonplace these past few years. Although 2025 will mark five years since the launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles, big-ticket AAA releases like Elden Ring Nightreign are still being released for last-gen systems, showing how publishers are adapting to changes in the hardware market.
If Nintendo were to suddenly stop selling the original Switch, and even stop releasing games for it, it would perhaps not reflect well on the company, given the comparative strategies of its competitors. Moreover, Nintendo could effectively be leaving money on the table by not continuing to support the current-gen Switch, as the Nintendo Switch 2 could very well see a lot of late adopters, if its rollout is anything like those of the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.
Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor to Nintendo Switch, scheduled for release in 2025. Confirmed as backwards compatible, it will play both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. A full reveal is pencilled in for April 2, 2025.
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Nintendo
- Original Release Date
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2025-00-00