Summary
It’s been a long time coming for a new Nintendo console, as the currentNintendo Switchhas been out and about for a total of seven years. Seven years is quite a long time for a piece of hardware not to get a successor, and it seemed only inevitable that theNintendo Switch 2- or whatever it will end up being officially called - would rear its head at some point. This started with a series of leaks and rumors, though, and there is no official statement about the Switch 2’s existence just yet, but it does have a rumored release month or time window, and if that is correct, it also rules out a big franchise as a candidate for launch games.
Launch games for the Switch 2are a bit of a hot topic because the console is first and foremost coming in 2024 according to all sorts of sources, including several reliable ones. Based on recent leaks from Altec Lansing, the Nintendo Switch 2 might be released as early as September of this year, which would make sense based on the current Switch’s sales and its stage of development. If it’s true, though, September is not a typical month forPokemongames to be released - and new launch titles may not be in the cards for the monster-catching franchise at that time.
The Switch 2 Releasing in September 2024 Would be a Deal-Breaker For Launch Pokemon Games
Why The Nintendo Switch 2 Is Unlikely to Have Launch Pokemon Games
What gives credibility to a releaseFall 2024 release window for the Switch 2is the fact that there are several planned games for the Switch from now throughout Summer, withLuigi’s Mansion 2 HD’s release being the last confirmed one on the calendar. There are other Nintendo games planned for 2024, though, such as the remake ofPaper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doordespite it not having a clear release date or window just yet.
Pokemon Day 2024is drawing near now, and it’s quite likely that a newPokemongame will be announced for Fall 2024, be it the rumored Johto or Unova games or something else entirely. The problem is thatPokemongames typically launch in November, and if the Switch 2’s release truly happens in September, any new game from the big monster-collecting series would indeed be released for the Switch 2, but a couple of months after its initial appearance on the market. This is not necessarily too different from the regular Switch’s fate, and if anything, it could give further credibility to the rumors.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Doesn’t Have Clear Launch Titles
The Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017, and it did have quite a lot of launch titles, but the biggest among them wasZelda: Breath of the Wild. WithZelda: Tears of the Kingdomlaunching last year, the likelihood of a new title in the series to go alongside the new console seems off the table, and if the hardware does see the light of day in September, losing the allure ofnewPokemongamestoo is not ideal. This does bear the question of whether Nintendo is hiding new games up its sleeve, but it’s impossible to answer now.
A September 2024 release date for the Switch 2 would make sense in terms of sales, as the console would have new games to offer closer to the holiday season between November and December, though. ThePaper Marioremakecould be an interesting launch title for a September release of the new console, but with it being a remake, no matter how anticipated, it may need a bigger fish alongside it. It’s unlikely a newPokemon Legendsgame, the Gen 5 remakes, or new Gen 2 titles would launch in September, and the upcoming Nintendo console is running out of options for its big launch title.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid portable and home console that aims to be the only gaming system anyone needs. The hybrid controller is an undisputed success because it provides a high degree of portable visual quality and converts easily into a home console.
