While it might hurt Christmas Switch sales and Nintendo’s lofty financial targets, all signs are pointing towards an imminent Nintendo Switch 2 reveal as part of a September Nintendo Direct conference. According to the latest leaks, rumours and reports, Nintendo’s next console has entered the manufacturing stage in China. The new console is reportedly larger than the current model, with a smaller bezel for more screen space. Perhaps to give it more universal appeal, it’s said to feature a black and white colour scheme, not too dissimilar to the PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S. While this particular report feels a little wishy-washy, there’s plenty more evidence to suggest Nintendo is planning something big this month.
First up are the reports that Nintendo has invited numerous developers and publishers to its North American HQ over the past week.
One insider said that lots of developers had met with Nintendo this week, something that was later confirmed by Limited Run Games CEO Josh Fairhurst on X.
“We had an awesome visit to Nintendo of America today!” reads a Fairhurst tweet. “I am grateful that we have such great partners at NOA.”
The timing of the meetings would suggest that Nintendo is prepping some of the smaller companies about its plans for the Switch 2.
Perhaps most interesting of all, however, is a recent tweet from VGC founder Andy Robinson, who pointed out that Nintendo always holds a Direct conference in September.
Indeed, Nintendo has held a Direct conference every year in September since the launch of the Switch in 2017.
Based on previous timings, Nintendo would hold its September Direct this week, or early next week at the very latest.
While this is no guarantee of a Switch 2 reveal, the timing does seem right, especially with the increased risk of leaks now that the console has entered production.
The inevitable September Nintendo Direct could also be used to promote upcoming games such as The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Mario and Luigi: Brothership, and Super Mario Party Jamboree.
An imminent Nintendo Direct would benefit Echoes of Wisdom, in particular, which has a September 26 release date.
Instead of controlling Link, the new Legend of Zelda game sees fans play as Princess Zelda herself.
It features a unique new gameplay mechanic where players can create objects in order to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles and even defeat enemies.
This includes simple things like creating chairs to be used as platforms, to conjuring rocks in order to sink wooden boxes blocking access to water.
Expect all of these games to be playable on the Nintendo Switch 2 when it launches next year.