There have been a lot of Nintendo Switch rumours this year regarding the future of the console brand. And it makes sense, considering both Sony and Microsoft are planning to release gaming machines much faster and more powerful than the Switch. But if a recent comment made by Nintendo is anything to go by, the Japanese game giant isn’t worried about the impending market shakeup, and the launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
First, we heard that Nintendo was planning to launch a new version of the Switch during 2020. This has since been ruled out by the company.
Then, we heard about The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild 2 potentially hitting shelves later this year. Since then, more reports suggest Nintendo will be launching the massive game in 2021.
And now we’ve heard directly from Nintendo itself that they have full confidence in the Switch’s longevity.
According to the legendary hardware maker, the Nintendo Switch is only halfway through its lifecycle.
A console’s lifecycle is usually determined by how long a device is used as the primary hardware for a company’s games.
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa had this to say on the subject, telling investors: “The Nintendo Switch business will soon enter its fourth year, and we believe it is just entering the middle of its life cycle.
“We are looking beyond the next fiscal year to consider how to move forward in the next fiscal year and ones to come.”
Adding: “[It’s] essential to continue our efforts to extend sales of already-released software for a longer period than before.”
It’s also reported that Furukawa believes the arrival of the PS5 and Xbox Series X will not affect the Switch.
This is due to the new consoles targeting different consumer groups to the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite.
So if the Switch is set to be Nintendo’s main hardware option for the foreseeable future, it would make sense not to rush the next console in the series.
Analysts are predicting some kind of Pro version of the Nintendo Switch being launched in the future.
And that would certainly help extend the life of the current system to make it a long-lasting one for Nintendo.