Highlights
- Rumors suggest that a new Nintendo console may be launching in 2024, which is believable given the timing and the age of the Switch.
- The main concern is that the new console may not have a flagship franchise representative like Pokemon or Zelda, as it's too early for new games in those series.
- The most likely candidate for a day-one game on the new console is a Pokemon game, with the possibility of a Pokemon Legends Unova game accompanying the release.
Nintendo's fans have been enjoying the company's games and more on the Switch since its release in March 2017, and while rumors about a Switch 2 or Switch Pro have come and gone for a long while, the latest iteration seems more believable, hinting at a new console in 2024. According to this rumor, there would be a new Nintendo console launching sometime in the fall or winter of next year, which is made more believable based on the timing of it, the recent Microsoft and Sony arrangements for the future of CoD, and the Switch's age. However, a burning question remains considering the Switch's launch titles and the company's recent releases.
The main concern is that Nintendo's next-gen console could be launching without a flagship franchise representative, and this stems from the fact that it's too early for another mainline Pokemon game after Scarlet and Violet, as well as for Zelda after Tears of the Kingdom. There are Mario games coming in 2024 and later this year, but they don't seem to fit the typical release pattern of Nintendo consoles. However, there are still options, although they may be a bit out of the ordinary compared to the Switch's day-one launch of Breath of the Wild.
The Rumored 2024 Nintendo Console Lacks a Day-One Game
If the rumors about a new Nintendo console releasing in 2024 are to be believed, it's extremely likely that the company will try and push for a big day-one release of one of its best-selling games, but what is currently known to be in the works may not fit the bill. For example, Mario is arguably one of the most compelling franchises for Nintendo to push on a new console because of its appeal to all ages, making it a good choice for all players - and families, too.
However, there are only a handful of Mario games coming in the near future, with Super Mario Bros. Wonder coming on October 20, 2023, for the Switch, Super Mario RPG coming just a few weeks later on November 17, and then Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon and a Peach game slated for 2024. The latter half are the only ones that could make the cut for a new console, but one is a remake and the other is not a traditional Mario game.
On top of that, both Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are very recent additions to their respective franchises, and it's near-impossible that either would get a new game in the near future - namely, next year. There were rumors regarding a Pokemon Scarlet and Violet sequel, possibly acting as a third game like generations before it, but it's quite unlikely considering that Gen 9 is soon receiving two DLC expansions. Yet, barring the possibility of an entirely different, unannounced Super Mario project exclusive to this rumored new console, Pokemon is the most likely candidate for a day-one game to appease players enough to get their hands on the next-gen Nintendo hardware.
While Pokemon Black and White remakes would be quite appealing due to the generation's reputation within the community and the general popularity of the series, a Pokemon Legends Unova game would arguably make more sense. Pokemon Legends: Arceus was incredibly successful when it launched, and although it may be a bit too soon for a game of that scale, it could still be given a winter 2024 release and accompany Nintendo's new console. This seems like the most likely scenario if the rumors surrounding the console and its alleged release window are true, but it's likely that official confirmation is a ways off for the time being.
