Nintendo has denied that it was showing the Switch 2, its rumored next-generation console, to developers at Gamescom 2023, the biggest gaming event in Europe. This comes after a report by Eurogamer claimed that Nintendo had a secret booth at the show, where it showcased a “souped up” version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild running on the Switch 2.
The Switch 2 is the unofficial name given to the potential successor of the Nintendo Switch, the hybrid console that can be played both on a TV and as a handheld device. The Switch was launched in 2017 and has been a huge success for Nintendo, selling over 100 million units worldwide and becoming the third best-selling console in history.
However, the Switch is also based on aging hardware, using a custom Nvidia Tegra X1 chip that was first released in 2015. The Switch has been unable to keep up with the graphical and performance demands of some modern games, and has been outmatched by the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the latest consoles from Sony and Microsoft.
This has led to speculation that Nintendo is working on a new console that would offer a significant upgrade over the Switch, with features such as an OLED display, 4K output, and improved battery life. Some rumors have suggested that the Switch 2 could be released as early as 2024, while others have claimed that Nintendo will support the current Switch until at least 2025.
What did Eurogamer report?
Eurogamer, a reputable gaming website, reported that Nintendo had a hidden booth at Gamescom 2023, which took place in Cologne, Germany, from August 22 to 26. According to the report, Nintendo invited select developers to see the Switch 2 in action, and showed them a new version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, one of the most acclaimed games on the Switch.
The report claimed that the Switch 2 version of Breath of the Wild had enhanced graphics, lighting, and physics, and ran at a higher resolution and frame rate than the original game. The report also said that the Switch 2 had a similar design to the Switch, but with a larger and brighter screen, and that it used a new Nvidia chip that was a significant upgrade over the Tegra X1.
How did Nintendo respond?
Nintendo has denied the Eurogamer report, calling it “completely false” and “baseless”. In a statement to Press Start, a Nintendo spokesperson said:
“We have not shown any new hardware to any developers at Gamescom 2023, nor have we demonstrated any new version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. These rumors are completely false and have no basis in reality. We are focused on delivering great games and experiences for our current Nintendo Switch family of systems, and have nothing to announce regarding any new hardware at this time.”
Nintendo has a history of being secretive about its future plans, and often denies rumors until it is ready to reveal its products. For example, Nintendo denied the existence of the Switch OLED model, a slightly improved version of the Switch with a larger and better screen, until it announced it in July 2023, just three months before its release.
Therefore, some fans and analysts are skeptical of Nintendo’s denial, and believe that the company may still be working on the Switch 2 behind the scenes. However, others have pointed out that Eurogamer’s report lacked concrete evidence, and that Nintendo has no reason to rush the release of a new console, given the strong sales and popularity of the Switch.
What does this mean for the future of Nintendo?
The truth about the Switch 2 may remain a mystery for a while, as Nintendo is known for being unpredictable and surprising its fans. However, it is clear that Nintendo is facing increasing competition from Sony and Microsoft, as well as from mobile and cloud gaming platforms, and that it will need to innovate and evolve to stay relevant and successful in the gaming industry.
Whether the Switch 2 is real or not, Nintendo has a loyal fan base and a rich library of exclusive games and franchises, such as Mario, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, and Metroid, that can keep its customers satisfied and engaged. Nintendo also has a unique vision and philosophy of gaming, focusing on fun, creativity, and accessibility, rather than on power, realism, and graphics.
Ultimately, Nintendo will likely continue to do what it does best: make great games and hardware that appeal to a wide and diverse audience, and that offer something different and distinctive from its rivals.