Nintendo Switch 2: What We Know So Far

Rumors are swirling about potential changes that the Japanese gaming company may make in regards to certain games that will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2. While conflicting information has been circulating, insiders in the video game industry agree that the console will launch in the second half of 2024, with an announcement potentially taking place during the first half of the year.

As the console enters its seventh year of existence and Nintendo game releases are expected to be scarce, the company plans to fill its catalog with new titles such as Princess Peach Showtime, as well as remakes and remasters of popular games like Mario vs Donkey Kong, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, and Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD.

Big N even more open with its Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has been tight-lipped about the details of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. However, it is clear that the company will not abandon the hybrid concept of the original Switch, which has been a huge success. While some speculate that the Switch 2 will be capable of outperforming the PS5 and Xbox Series in terms of ray-tracing, others believe that it will be a simple iteration or evolution.

Over the past few months, leaks about Nintendo Switch 2 games have been circulating. The latest leak suggests that Bayonetta will return with her trilogy, but with improved graphics and performance. According to Christopher Dring, a journalist for Gamesindustry, Nintendo is in talks with various external studios to license some of its IPs.

Nintendo has a history of collaborating with third-party studios like Bandai Namco, Team Ninja, PlatinumGames, MercurySteam, WayForward, and Grezzo. However, the company is now looking to expand this list and is actively seeking new partners for the Switch 2. Dring claims that he knows of three studios that are currently in discussions to create games based on Nintendo IPs.

It is not clear which IPs these studios will be working on, but it is likely that Nintendo will be looking to leverage its most popular franchises. It is also possible that the company will be looking to work with smaller independent studios to create new and innovative games for the Switch 2.

Overall, it seems that Nintendo is taking a more open approach with the Switch 2, collaborating with external studios to create exciting new games for its upcoming console. Fans can look forward to more news and updates about the Nintendo Switch 2 in the coming months.

Mario and Zelda games by Other Studios?

Nintendo has a history of outsourcing some of its franchises to other developers. For example, Grezzo and MercurySteam developed The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening and Metroid Dead, respectively. Christopher Dring reports that Nintendo plans to continue this trend in the coming months and years. However, Dring does not mention any specific franchises that Nintendo may lend out to other studios for large-scale projects.

Ubisoft has already collaborated with Nintendo to create Mario + The Lapins Crétins Sparks of Hope, which was well-received. This collaboration raises the possibility of other studios working on Mario or Zelda games in the future.

According to recent rumors, the Nintendo Switch 2 may cost $400 and its games may cost $70. While the console’s price has been suggested before, it was for a digital-only model. There are also rumors of multiple versions of the console, with or without cartridge support, LCD or OLED screens, and other features.

Nintendo’s willingness to outsource its franchises suggests that the company is open to new ideas and collaborations. It will be interesting to see which studios will be given the opportunity to work on Mario or Zelda games in the future.