(Bloomberg) — Nintendo is advising game makers to delay the release of next-generation consoles until early 2025, according to people familiar with the matter.
A successor to the popular Switch was targeted for release at the end of this year, but multiple publishers expected it to slide into the next model, according to the people, who asked not to be named because the device hasn’t been announced yet. It is said that there is. announced.
Nintendo has told some publishing executives not to expect consoles to be released until March 2025 at the earliest. That means the next console won’t arrive in time for the important holiday shopping period, which is usually the ideal timing for a new console’s debut.
Seven years after its release, the Switch has sold more than 139 million units and spawned blockbuster hits like two award-winning Legend of Zelda games and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which sold more than 60 million copies. Ta. This handheld hybrid gadget has maintained the hype longer than most gaming consoles, with Nintendo stock hitting an all-time high this week as investors look to the next generation beyond the coming months. did. This delay will test Nintendo’s patience as it continues to extend the lifespan of its current Switch.
Read more: Nintendo’s record profits will be tested awaiting ‘Switch 2’: Tech Watch
Kyoto-based Nintendo has released a relatively small number of games for the Switch this year, but Tokyo-based analyst Serkan Toto says this means the company will not be releasing its biggest hits on the next-gen Switch. I see this as a sign that things are coming.
“Nintendo is likely looking at a fairly dry pipeline this year,” Toto said. “We may see more remakes of old Nintendo hits in 2024, as the company looks to keep its blockbusters going for its next console. Either way, without new devices, 2024 will be an even tougher year for Nintendo.”
A Nintendo spokesperson said the company had nothing to comment on. The game maker has remained tight-lipped about the possibility of a Switch successor, with President Shuntaro Furukawa promising to discuss next year’s plans after reporting its March quarter results. News of the delay was previously reported by Video Games Chronicle.
(Updates with details and analyst comments)
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