Summary
Eight percent of developers surveyed at GDC have claimed to be working on games for the unannouncedNintendo Switchsuccessor. While just under ten percent might not sound like a lot, this represents hundreds of developers. Not to mention, as the follow-up to the immensely popularNintendo Switchhybrid console remains shrouded in secrecy, there are potentially some developers who declined to confirm their involvement concerning next-gen software.
Despite still being unannounced, theSwitch successor remains Nintendo’s worst-kept secretat this point. Reports first circulated last year about Nintendo’s next console appearing behind closed doors at Gamescom. Since then, the rumor mill has been churning nearly daily with unconfirmed reports that the new console will feature a certain chip or technology. Still, while substantial details surrounding the mysterious new console remain sparse, the ripples of its existence are seen all over.
As reported byVGC, 250 of the 3000 surveyed developers at GDC claim to be working on games for the Nintendo Switch successor. The survey represents thousands of developers behind massive AAA games as well as smaller indie titles. Additionally, 32% of surveyed developers claim that Nintendo’s next console is the platform that most interest them right now.
GDC Survey Results
Again, not much is known about the Switch successor, but many believe the console will maintain the current hardware’s hybrid capabilities. The seamless transition between handheld gaming and the home console experience has resulted in the Switch becoming one ofthe best-selling video game systems of all time. While Nintendo has historically struggled with third-party support due to, at times, lagging technology and unique gimmicks, the sheer success of the Switch has brought many partners into the ecosystem. With the momentum Nintendo currently has with the hybrid technology, it seems likely that third-party developers will continue to back the company moving forward.
CurrentSwitch successor predictions from leading analystsassert that the new hardware will debut later in 2024. Again, while still unconfirmed, it is widely believed that Nintendo will stick with the hybrid form factor that has made the Switch an overwhelming success. However, analysts predict the console will leap up to $400 while games will jump up to $70 to match current going rates for major PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S titles.
Even without a Switch successor, there is plenty forNintendo fans to look forward to this year. There are a slew of first-party and third-party titles releasing on the platform over the next few months, and those are just the currently confirmed games.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid portable and home console that aims to be the only gaming system anyone needs. The hybrid controller is an undisputed success because it provides a high degree of portable visual quality and converts easily into a home console.
