Over five years have passed since Team Cherry first announced Hollow Knight: Silksong, leaving fans eager for any update on the highly anticipated sequel's progress. While the sequel was originally slated for June 2023, a new release date has yet to be announced. Though Silksong's extended development could be a sign of Team Cherry's dedication to quality, it could also be an indicator of something more lucrative.

Silksong's development timeline could be a bad omen, but there are benefits in continuing to postpone the game's launch. While some in the community would likely prefer if the game were to drop as soon as possible, there might be a very important reason why it isn't out yet. For instance, if timed correctly, the Metroidvania could be the headliner of a next-gen console.

Silksong's Long Journey Could End With the Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is Rumored for a 2025 Launch

While Nintendo hasn't confirmed it, rumors of a successor to the Switch have been swirling since early 2021. With the original Switch launching in Q1 2017, a potential successor arriving in the near future wouldn't be unexpected, especially considering Nintendo's typical console release cycle. According to industry insiders, a potential Switch 2 could arrive in 2025, even though early reports estimated a fall 2024 window.

If Silksong is going to be in development for much longer, Team Cherry could be purposefully trying to align its release date with the Switch 2. Considering that the studio only consists of three people, this could allow them the time they need to polish the game to their satisfaction while also guaranteeing that the visuals and gameplay are primed for the next-gen hardware. Interestingly, the Switch 2 is rumored to have the following features, though none are guaranteed:

• 12 GB RAM
• LCD screen
• Raytracing
• DLSS 3.1
• Custom NVIDIA processor
• Backward compatibility

With these enhancements, Silksong's intense mechanical requirements and vibrant visuals would likely fare well. Sadly, even though people hoped Silksong would show its face during the February 21 Nintendo Direct, they were left unsatisfied. Regardless, with fans of the Hollow Knight franchise desperate for an update on Hornet's story, the rumors around the Switch 2's launch date are promising.

Silksong Could Launch on the Switch 2

Enticingly, a new console could be the perfect way to advertise Silksong's launch. Not only would it be a favorable marketing strategy for Team Cherry, but it could also be the perfect console for the game's potential. If Silksong wants to live up to the original's success, a next-gen console might be the right call because of the enhancements that would come with it.

Silksong's highly anticipated release would generate significant interest for any platform it launches on, especially a hypothetical Switch 2. Alongside the other major titles postulated to be coming out with the next-gen console, such as a Final Fantasy 7 remake, Silksong would undoubtedly be a heavy hitter. Should the Switch 2 reveal event scheduled for June turn out to be true, clues about Silksong's development timeline may also be offered.

Ultimately, with the Switch 2's arrival thought to be imminent, Silksong's prolonged silence could turn out to be optimal for Switch users. Of course, since this is pure speculation, fans of the Hollow Knight series shouldn't expect definitive news in June. Perhaps Team Cherry will have an update sooner than that, but if nothing else, it could be a month to keep in mind. Hopefully, Silksong's extensive development journey will find a conclusion when Nintendo's rumored next-gen console is unveiled.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Franchise

Hollow Knight

Platform(s)

PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X , PC , macOS , Linux

Developer(s)

Team Cherry

Publisher(s)

Team Cherry

Genre(s)

Metroidvania