According to sources from VGC, Nintendo is well on its way to launching its next mainline console in the second half of 2024. The company has already sent out development kits to “key partner studios.” These test units allow developers to start creating, testing, and optimizing games for the new console well in advance. It is worth noting that major console manufacturers like PlayStation and Xbox follow a similar practice.
LCD Screen and Increased Storage
The report also mentions that the upcoming console may feature an LCD screen instead of the premium OLEDs found in some of the latest smartphones. This move is likely a cost-cutting measure, allowing Nintendo to allocate more resources towards increased storage capacity. As modern games continue to grow in size, having ample storage is crucial. Current-generation AAA titles on PCs, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X can easily exceed 100GB. In comparison, the standard Nintendo Switch comes with only 32GB of built-in storage, which gets quickly filled with larger games. To address this limitation, Nintendo is expected to prioritize storage in its new console.
Physical Media and Backwards Compatibility
Despite the growth of digital downloads, Nintendo seems to be committed to physical media. The new console will reportedly include a cartridge slot for reading games. This feature will be appreciated by collectors and those who prefer owning physical copies of their favorite titles.
As for backwards compatibility, customers will be pleased to know that the next Nintendo console will support playing older games. However, according to the VGC report, certain third-party publishers have expressed concerns about this feature. They argue that it would hinder their ability to resell older games on the new hardware. It remains to be seen how Nintendo will address this issue.
Sustainability and Replaceable Batteries
In a move towards sustainability, the European Union recently implemented regulations that will require handheld gaming consoles, including Nintendo’s upcoming console, to have replaceable batteries by 2027. This means customers should be able to remove and replace the batteries using readily available tools or specialized ones provided with the console, free of charge. It remains uncertain whether Nintendo will comply with these regulations or if there will be strong opposition from console manufacturers that could prevent the changes from being implemented.
While Nintendo has yet to officially comment on these reports, the possibility of a new mainline console launching in 2024 is exciting for fans. With the rumored features like an LCD screen, increased storage, physical media support, and backwards compatibility, Nintendo seems to be aiming to deliver an enhanced gaming experience. As we await further updates, it will be interesting to see how the company navigates challenges like storage limitations and sustainability regulations while continuing to innovate in the gaming industry.
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