Next-gen Nintendo console could release in second half of 2024

A new report claims that a next-gen Nintendo console, a successor to the Switch, will release in the second half of 2024. Various sources told VGC that development kits for the unannounced Nintendo console are now in the hands of partner studios.

While details are scarce and, most importantly, should be taken with a grain of salt until official confirmation, the next-gen Nintendo console will retain its hybrid structure like the Switch, meaning it can be played both on the TV as well as in portable mode. Nintendo will reportedly utilize an LCD screen as opposed to an OLED screen, which can be found on the new Switch model, in order to keep costs down. Just like the Switch, it will also utilize game cartridges.

Right now, the biggest lingering question is backward compatibility. Nintendo has been quite in favor of the feature with its consoles, usually being able to play the newer console’s predecessor. That did, however, end with the Nintendo Switch, as Wii and Wii U games weren’t compatible due to the system taking cartridges instead of discs. With the new next-gen console reportedly taking cartridges, it’s very possible that current Switch games could run on the new console, but Nintendo hasn’t officially confirmed this yet.

Nintendo has previously indicated that they are, in fact, hard at work on a Switch successor, and indicated that it wouldn’t release until April 2024 at the earliest. Though these latest reports look like that release window has shifted a bit to the second half of 2024, most likely to ensure Nintendo has enough inventory to meet demand.