Nintendo Confirms Next-Gen Console to Launch in Early 2025

In a much-anticipated announcement, Nintendo has officially confirmed that its next-generation console will launch in early 2025. The news came during a quarterly investor presentation, where President Shuntaro Furukawa addressed growing speculation about the successor to the massively successful Nintendo Switch.

Furukawa emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation while acknowledging the high expectations from fans. “We are preparing a new gaming experience that will bring fresh surprises while maintaining the values that define Nintendo,” he stated. While the company did not reveal specific hardware specs or a name, Furukawa promised that more information would be disclosed later this fiscal year.

The current Nintendo Switch, which debuted in 2017, has sold over 139 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling consoles of all time. However, whispers of aging hardware and increasing third-party limitations have had fans and developers alike calling for new hardware. Rumors of development kits being distributed to select studios earlier this year only fueled further speculation.

Nintendo’s official confirmation ends years of speculation and sets the stage for what will likely be a competitive 2025 in the console space. Though Sony and Microsoft have not announced any new hardware, both are reportedly working on upgrades for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S platforms.

One of the most talked-about aspects involves backward compatibility—a hot topic given the digital libraries many gamers have now accumulated. While Nintendo has not made an official statement on the matter, industry insiders suggest the company is exploring ways to carry forward existing Switch libraries.

Additionally, fans are hopeful that iconic franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, and Metroid will accompany the launch window. Analysts predict Nintendo will aim to replicate the Switch’s success by delivering a unique hybrid design and a strong first-party lineup.

More details are expected in the coming months, with a dedicated Direct presentation rumored for early fall. Until then, the gaming community will be eagerly watching for every new hint dropped. One thing is certain—2025 just became a lot more exciting for Nintendo fans.