Nintendo Switch 2 Might Start Production In 2023

If one console has certified its place among the greats in the modern era, it’s the Nintendo Switch. But, even with the humongous commercial success, there are no signs of a next-gen sequel to the handheld console. Now, a reputable Japanese journalist thinks that Nintendo Switch 2 will enter development in 2023.

Zenji Nishikawa, a renowned tech journalist, thinks Nintendo is making moves behind the scenes. It is acquiring hardware from an American semiconductor company, and Nishikawa thinks something will happen in 2023. 

Fans have been waiting a long time for an upgrade to the Nintendo Switch. It has been almost 6 years since its release in 2017, and the console is definitely in need of better tech. However, there has been no official announcement of a sequel to the Switch or even a Pro version.

On the contrary, Nintendo announced that it would accelerate the production of the console to meet demand. So, it seems like the company has no immediate plans to release a successor. And, with how successful the Nintendo Switch is right now, you can’t really blame the company. 

But, it is obvious that the handheld will need a tech upgrade sooner or later to run new games. With the Steam Deck also on the market to give competition, a Nintendo Switch 2 with better specs is needed more than ever. According to Zenji Nishikawa, the company has started working on this behind the scenes.

Zenji Nishikawa is a popular tech reporter in Japan, and his word holds weight. When asked what 2023 will bring to light regarding the console, he said he isn’t going to make “irresponsible predictions.” But, He does say that there has been some movement from Nintendo in 2023 concerning a new console. 

In an issue by Famitsu at the start of this year, Nishikawa gave us this interesting info. The journalist said that he knows Nintendo Switch 2 is making progress in the hardware department due to “human activities.” We get a better idea from the quotes provided to us by Game Revolution,

I personally think Nintendo will make some moves in terms of new hardware. even if it didn’t actually go on sale.”

So, the console is far away from being on the market; it might start production with new hardware. What Nishikawa said after this is even more interesting. According to the reporter, a “super VIP” from an American company that makes semiconductors is visiting Japan quietly. 

It is a very private visit, and the company rarely comes to Japan. He goes on to say the company’s products have been previously used in Nintendo consoles. Potentially meaning, the purpose of this visit is regarding Nintendo Switch 2 production.

I got news by chance that a ‘super VIP’ person from an American semiconductor manufacturer who seldom comes to Japan is quietly conducting a personal visit in Japan. The company’s products have also been used in Nintendo’s game consoles in the past.”

As a result of this movement behind the scenes, Nishikawa thinks the sequel to the Switch might enter development in 2023. Fans on Reddit have been discussing which American company is supplying hardware to Nintendo. Many think it is Nvidia, as its processor is present inside the Nintendo Switch. 

The Terga X1 processor is part of the 2017 handheld, while the upcoming sequel is also rumored to have an Nvidia chip. According to leaks, the Tegra T239 chip will be a constituent of the Nintendo Switch 2. But, there is one hitch in this theory, Nvidia doesn’t manufacture semiconductors itself.

It doesn’t matter which company is supplying the hardware, though, as we are concerned with Nintendo Switch 2’s development. These are just rumors right now, and you should take them with a grain of salt. Hopefully, we will see some official reveal sooner rather than later.