With the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X just over the horizon, Nintendo fans are convinced that the company is prepping a high-performance version of the Switch, which has long been ridiculed for being underpowered. A faster revision does seem inevitable, as Nintendo is always working on new hardware, but one thing’s for sure: it’s not coming any time soon.
In a financial results briefing for the fiscal year, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed that there would be no new Switch model released this year.
“Regarding Nintendo Switch, we believe that it is important to continue to communicate the appeal of both Nintendo Switch systems and expand the installed base. Please note that we have no plans to launch a new Nintendo Switch model during 2020.”
Furukawa goes on to mention that there will be a special edition console with an Animal Crossing: New Horizons design launching in Japan on March 20, but that’s probably not what fans were hoping for.
A #NintendoSwitch system inspired by #AnimalCrossing: New Horizons is on the way! With unique Joy-Con controllers, a custom design on the back, and a special Nintendo Switch dock, it’s the perfect way to start your island life. Available 3/13 for $299.99.https://t.co/MC5dJ11F3U pic.twitter.com/VigTPi4NDB
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 31, 2020
Nintendo has been caught lying about their hardware plans before, however. Shortly after the Switch Lite was announced, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser (!) claimed that there would be no new variant released that year…yet a Nintendo Switch with longer battery life ended up debuting just a few months later.
Regardless of the situation, Nintendo seems pretty content with its current lineup. Furukawa hinted that the Switch may still have years of life ahead of it.
“March of 2020 will mark three full years since the launch of Nintendo Switch and the start of its fourth year of sales. According to the conventional wisdom for dedicated video game platforms, Nintendo Switch should be entering the midway phase of the hardware lifecycle. But we believe we have built a foundation on which we can pursue further growth opportunities for Nintendo Switch.”