Contrary to what some had hoped, Nintendo has not launched a more powerful version of its Switch in 2021. Instead, the Japanese manufacturer has launched the Nintendo Switch OLED, a model of the console equipped with a better screen. And if Nintendo recently claimed that it had no plans to release “any model other than the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model,” it appears that it is already looking to the future.
Nintendo has just timidly evoked its “next game console” in a document official. The Japanese manufacturer yesterday released its financial report for the second quarter of the fiscal year which will end in March. And on one of the pages of the document, an illustration indicates that the “next game console“from Nintendo will be released in the years”20XX. “ According to this same illustration, this new machine will use the Nintendo Account system.
This system, set up on Switch, wants to be maintained by Nintendo on its next console. Shuntaro Furukawa’s firm explains that it “wants to maintain a positive and lasting relationship with consumers in the future through these accounts. “
Consoles at the heart of Nintendo’s strategy
Regarding this “next game console, “Nintendo says it is essential to its strategy. Strategy of exposing as many people as possible to its licenses:
To contribute to our efforts to increase the number of people exposed to Nintendo’s intellectual property, Nintendo plans to continue to grow its business linked to the central concept of creating unique products that combine hardware and software.
The thing is obviously very vague. But she reaffirms that Nintendo is not done with the production of consoles. And that its next console is already being prepared.
Note, however, that the arrival of this new machine is likely to be delayed by the global shortage of semiconductors. Nintendo has already indicated that this issue has impacted its ability to produce as many Switches as it would like. And it also affects its ability to prepare its next console.
During an investor conference, Ko Shiota, Nintendo’s head of hardware, expressed himself on this subject. According to him, these lasting supply issues are prompting Nintendo to review its copy:
The situation around semiconductors has some effect on hardware development. We are investigating the possibility of replacing certain components and altering designs. The goal is to try to reduce the impact of the shortage.
A new machine delayed even before being announced
Some industry watchers say the lack of a Switch Pro 4K is linked to the semiconductor crisis. They explain that shortages in raw materials have forced Nintendo to offer only a Switch equipped with a new screen.
As a reminder, Nintendo said last September that it does “no plans to release any model other than the Nintendo Switch – OLED model.“It was then already possible to doubt the veracity of these words. These new elements show that, as logic requires, Nintendo is already preparing the sequel.
The Switch being released in 2017, Nintendo must have a good idea of what its little sister will offer. It remains to be seen how long it will take him to finalize and announce his next console.
What do you say about these new elements? Are you in a hurry for Nintendo to announce its next console? Do you think it will be a new Switch or some other machine? When do you think it will be announced and marketed? Tell us all in the comments below.
