TheNintendo Switch 2’s lifespan is expected to be about as long as that of its predecessor. Nintendo finally launched its latest mainline console earlier this month, with theNintendo Switch 2quickly becoming one of the fastest-selling systems in the United States alone, according to leaked sales figures. The original Switch was a major commercial success for Nintendo, and its follow-up is already on track to rival or even surpass it in terms of total sales.
With all this success, it seems like Nintendo will continue to support the Switch 2 as its flagship console for a very long time. The originalSwitch lasted for about eight yearsbefore its successor hit stores, bolstered by blockbuster first-party exclusives likeSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate,Super Mario Odyssey,andThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The Switch will likely continue to receive new games in the coming year or so, which will serve as a transition period for gamers still trying to get their hands on the Switch 2.
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa was recently asked how long his company plans to support the Nintendo Switch 2 during the 85th Annual General Meeting of Nintendo shareholders, as reported byMP1st. He says that it is still too early to give anexact timeline for the Switch 2’s lifespan, but Nintendo hopes to continue supporting its new console for about as long as its predecessor. “As with the original Nintendo Switch, our goal is for as many customers as possible to enjoy it for as long as possible,” he said.
Nintendo Wants to Support the Switch 2 for a Long Time
Furukawa also pointed out thatgames for the original Nintendo Switchare playable on the Switch 2 thanks to backward compatibility, so there will likely be many instances of gamers experiencing popular Switch games likeThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandKirby and the Forgotten Landon the Switch 2 instead. He notes that kids who were first-graders during the launch of the original Switch are now in their teens, and that a longer console lifespan leads to more opportunities for people to pick up and play its software.
Speaking of software, there are already plenty of exciting first-partyNintendo games planned for the Switch 2in its first year, withDonkey Kong Bananzabeing the next to arrive on July 17. From there, gamers can look forward to the likes ofMetroid Prime 4: BeyondandHyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, though neither has an exact release date yet. In the meantime,Mario Kart Worldhas proven to be a solid launch title for the Switch 2, with Nintendo hoping to continue this early wave of success for many more years to come.
