Nintendo confirms that its immediate future includes strengthening development for Switch 2 and acquiring new studios
For years, Nintendo has been synonymous with unhurried evolutiona company that usually squeezes the most out of each console before making the generational leap. But this time the change comes sooner than expected: The Japanese company has confirmed that it will focus its efforts on Nintendo Switch 2gradually leaving the era of its original hybrid behind.
In his latest financial report, President Shuntaro Furukawa clarified: “Going forward, we will focus our main development on Nintendo Switch 2 and expand our business around this new platform.” With those words, Nintendo puts an end to a golden era which, since 2017, has made Switch one of the best-selling consoles in history.
The most interesting thing is not only the change of direction, but How do you plan to strengthen your development capacity?. Furukawa announced that the company plans to acquire new studies and continue to expand its facilities, especially with the construction of the “Corporate Headquarters Development Center, Building No. 2”, a name that is not very poetic but which marks a clear ambition: Nintendo wants to make more games, faster and with more of its own equipment.
And although the word “acquisition” awakens fantasies of gigantic movements a la Microsoft or Sony, Nintendo doesn’t usually play in that league. History shows that its strategy is safer: absorb studies with which it already maintains a close collaboration. Cases like Rawresponsible for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomor Good feelingcreators of beauty Princess Peach: Showtime!they are examples of the kind of alliances that could be formalized.
A faster change than usual
Unlike other cycles, Nintendo seems determined to end the original Switch phase first. In the past, the company has kept multiple platforms alive at once: the DS coexisted with the GameCube and GBA, and the 3DS continued to receive releases well into 2019. However, this time there is a rush. Although I like the titles Tomodachi Life: living the dream or Heaven Groove rhythm They are still scheduled for 2026, the focus will be all on the successor.
This change in speed also has a logical explanation: the Huge success of Switch 2 launch. In just four months, the console has surpassed 10 million units soldreaching that figure five months before the original Switch. A spectacular start that reinforces the decision to transfer all resources into its new ecosystem.
Nintendo wants to grow without losing its essence
With the announcement of its expansion plans, Nintendo confirms its intention to compete head-to-head in the new generationbut without losing your identity. We will not see millionaire purchases or massive mergers, but rather controlled expansion and very “Nintendo-like”giving priority to creativity and trusting relationships.
Furukawa insists that the goal is to “strengthen internal development capabilities,” which could translate into: more proprietary titles and a stronger presence in genres where the company usually treads carefully, such as online multiplayer or open worlds. Furthermore, the new infrastructure will allow this multiple teams work simultaneously on different projectssomething crucial to maintaining a constant flow of releases.
The future looks bright (and very exclusive)
Fans can expect similar sagas Zelda, Mario, Metroid or Pokemon be the great protagonists of this new cycle. In fact, some rumors suggest so Nintendo could launch a new 3D Mario and a direct sequel to Tears of the Kingdom in the early years of Switch 2.
In any case, everything indicates it the Switch 2 era it will mark a new renaissance for the companya more aggressive growth phase but without betraying its DNA of innovation and family fun. If Furukawa’s strategy works, Nintendo could strengthen its position as the only major company that doesn’t need to follow the rules of others to dominate the industry.
