Nintendo Surprises Fans with Switch 2 Announcement and 2025 Launch Window

In a move that delighted fans and rattled the gaming industry, Nintendo has officially announced its long-anticipated successor to the Nintendo Switch. During today’s surprise Direct broadcast, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa revealed that “Switch 2,” the console’s working title, is set for a worldwide release in early 2025.

While the announcement was light on hardware specifics, Furukawa confirmed that more details will arrive in a dedicated presentation later this summer. “We are proud of the success and longevity of the Nintendo Switch platform,” he said. “With the next generation, we aim to evolve the hybrid console experience and bring fresh innovation to our global community.”

Rumors of a new Nintendo console have swirled for years, with analysts predicting a 2024 reveal. The delay into 2025 likely reflects both supply-chain caution and Nintendo’s characteristically meticulous approach to hardware design. Despite its age, the original Switch continues to post strong sales, recently surpassing 139 million units globally.

The announcement comes at a crucial time, as competitors Sony and Microsoft are deep into their ninth-generation cycles. Industry experts speculate that the Switch 2 will feature upgraded Joy-Con controllers, native 4K display when docked, and backward compatibility—all highly requested features from fans and developers alike.

Third-party support seems promising as well. In the hours following the Direct, both Ubisoft and Bandai Namco issued statements expressing enthusiasm for the new hardware. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Nintendo on this ambitious new platform,” said Ubisoft in a press release.

No first-party game reveals were made today, but sources close to Nintendo claim that an enhanced version of “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” and a brand-new 3D Mario title are already in the works for the new console.

With just under a year until launch, Nintendo appears to be setting the stage for another industry-defining run. The hybrid model they pioneered in 2017 transformed how gamers play at home and on the go—now the world is watching to see how they’ll level up once again.