Nintendo is reportedly set to launch their next console in Q1 2025, as indicated by Brazilian journalist Pedro Henrique Lutti Lippe, backed by information from five separate sources. Eurogamer also echoes similar rumors from industry sources, although not confirmed. Previously, Nintendo had targeted a late 2024 release, according to VGC.
Switch 2 Games in Development
According to reports, two development sources are working on games for the Switch 2, planned for early next year. It’s unclear if this indicates a delayed launch for the console itself. While Nintendo hasn’t commented publicly, many anticipated the Switch successor to launch this year.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Tokyo-based game industry consultancy Kantan Games, predicts that the new Nintendo console could launch at $400, $100 higher than the Switch’s launch price. Additionally, its games may adopt the $70 pricing seen on many PS5 and Xbox Series X/S titles.
Toto said, “Nintendo is likely looking at a pretty dry pipeline this year.” Toto added, “The company will still try to keep the blockbusters for the next console, so 2024 might see more remakes of old Nintendo hits. In any case, 2024 will be a lot tougher for Nintendo without a new device.”
If this happens, it will be an interesting year for the original Switch, which has sold over 139.36 million units. Some big games coming up include Princess Peach: Showtime on March 22, and later this year, we can expect Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD and a remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
Illumination’s Nintendo Cinematic Universe Proposal
Recently, it was reported that Illumination and Nintendo have suggested a shared cinematic universe. This would expand from ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie‘ to potentially include a Super Smash Bros. film and multiple spin-offs.
Universal Pictures has described ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ as a “new franchise,” indicating the possibility of a sequel. The Super Mario Bros. Movie has earned a cumulative global box office revenue of $1,361.25 million, making it the highest-grossing film ever based on a video game and the second-highest-grossing animated film of all time.
Illumination’s idea for a shared universe with Nintendo has people wondering if there could be a Nintendo Cinematic Universe, like Marvel or DC.
