Rumors that Nintendo is preparing news on a Switch 2 console release is following hot on the heels of the rumored PlayStation 5 Pro we reported on earlier this week.

It is common, if unconfirmed, knowledge that Nintendo was showing off new enhanced hardware at Gamescom in Germany in September. A select number of partner developers seem to have been showcased what the console giant was planning behind the scenes in several top-secret demonstrations.

T3 reports the reputable Samsung leaker Revegnus has said that the Switch 2 will be coming out early next year, and as early next year is close now, it seems unrealistic to expect a whole new console to hit the shelves within that timeframe.

It looks like the Nintendo Switch 2 will be coming out early next year. There will be a lot worth buying in the coming year.

— Revegnus (@Tech_Reve) December 4, 2023

Perhaps more likely is yet another enhanced Switch model – we have had rumors of the Switch Mini before now, but if Switch 2 is the next iteration, it could be possible to announce it early in the new year and launch in time for Christmas 2024.

Korean site Chosun Biz has also claimed that Nintendo approached Samsung at the beginning of December with a view to securing its next-gen OLED screens for its upcoming hardware.

We could finally be at a point where Nintendo is considering taking the Switch to a UHD model, given that Switch emulation on PC, where players can upscale Zelda to 4K with little effort and play games that look better than on original hardware is prevalent.

The Japanese giant has never been one to follow the console pack for the sake of it however, and the monumental success of the Switch without 4K indicates that Nintendo knows its market very well.

2024 is set to be a pivotal year for the current crop of consoles  – will we need massive improvements or incremental updates? We may not have long to wait to find out.

Paul McNally

Paul has been around consoles and computers since his parents bought him a Mattel Intellivision. He spent over a decade as editor of popular print-based video games and computer magazines, including a market-leading PlayStation title. Has written gaming content for GamePro, Official Australian PlayStation Magazine, PlayStation Pro, Amiga Action, Mega Action, ST Action, GQ, Loaded, and the Daily Mirror. Former champion shoot ’em-up legend.