More Nintendo Switch 2 less Switch Pro: Analysts predict price and release date window for iterative next-gen console

A group of predictions in a report posted by GamesIndustryBiz has featured numerous references to the Nintendo Switch 2. Three of the analysts quizzed about their predictions for 2024 mentioned the next-gen console, with some controversial comments being made. Arguably, the most level-headed statement comes from Tom Wijman of Newzoo, who simply comments that the Switch 2 will turn up in 2024 with a 3D Mario game. He also predicts that Nintendo will allow game library transfers between Switch generations (original model still available on Amazon) thanks to the Nintendo Account service.

So far, no great shakes, but then Piers Harding-Rolls of Ampere Analysis throws a little spanner in the works by agreeing that the Nintendo Switch 2 release date will fall in 2024, but “towards the end of the year”, which will be disappointing for those hoping for a much earlier release. The analyst believes the release of the Switch 2 will deliver positive movement to the console market. Other commenters, leakers, and experts have offered different Switch 2 release date predictions: @necrolipe has guessed at a June launch while other sources seem to believe something interesting could happen as soon as January (announcement? Direct?).

The comments that have apparently been picked up the most by scandalized readers were provided by games industry insider Dr. Serkan Toto. For starters, the expert predicts that the Nintendo Switch 2 price tag could hit $400 and that it will be more of an “iteration rather than a revolution”. So, the hybrid console would be more of a basic sequel to the Switch with some nifty upgrades rather than being a whole new Pro model variant, which was supposedly cancelled. Toto also predicts a $70 price for big games. Once again, @necrolipe makes some opposing predictions here, believing that the Switch 2 will be more powerful than the Steam Deck and offer 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB storage, which sounds like much more than just the next "iteration".