In a recent interview with Nikkei, Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, stated that the company will continue to release new software for the Nintendo Switch in the next fiscal year. Furukawa mentioned a focus on sustaining the momentum of popular titles like Zelda and the Super Mario Bros movie, with a particular emphasis on holiday sales. He also expressed the intention to maximize new hardware demands, including second consoles and replacements. While there are known game releases scheduled for the end of the current fiscal year, such as Princess Peach Showtime, Nintendo has not officially announced plans for its next console.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that Nintendo has sent out Switch 2 development kits to key partners, with a launch planned for the second half of 2024. However, it’s important to note that the release of the successor to the Switch does not mean an immediate end to support for the current console. Nintendo has historically continued to support previous consoles even after launching new ones, such as the 3DS. For instance, after the launch of the Switch, Nintendo released 24 retail games for the 3DS, including popular titles like Metroid: Samus Returns and Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon. The last game published for the 3DS was Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn in March 2019, two years after the launch of the Switch.
Overall, Nintendo plans to continue supporting the Nintendo Switch until the end of the current fiscal year in March 2025, with a focus on new software releases and maximizing hardware demand. While the company has not officially announced its next console, it has reportedly sent out development kits for the Switch 2, planned for a launch in the second half of 2024. Fans can expect future game releases for the Nintendo Switch, including highly anticipated titles like Princess Peach Showtime, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, and Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. Nintendo’s commitment to supporting previous consoles even after new ones are released, as seen with the 3DS, should give players confidence in the continued longevity of the Switch.