Skip to main content

Nintendo confirms it’s working on a new console

 

Nintendo has confirmed that it’s working on a new console. But exactly when the device will launch — and what kinds of features it will offer — remain unclear.

Recommended Videos

In a lengthy Corporate Management Policy Briefing on Wednesday, September 16, Nintendo shared a graphic saying it’s working on an “integrated hardware-software next gaming system.” The graphic, which showed the Nintendo DS, Wii, and Switch along a timeline, didn’t offer any details on the upcoming console. A question mark was placed above the caption, hiding its design, and Nintendo only offered a launch date of “20XX.”

“In the future, Nintendo still plans to expand its business around the creation of unique integrated hardware-software products,” the company said in its briefing. That integration refers to Nintendo building hardware and developing software, including its famed Super Mario and Legend of Zelda franchises, for the consoles it sells.

While details are obviously scant, this is the first confirmation from Nintendo that it’s indeed working on a new console since rumors about its plans cropped up earlier this year. Most of those reports suggest Nintendo is working on a new Switch console that could launch in early 2021 with 4K video support. Whether that’s the console Nintendo is referring to in its presentation or if it’s a stopover on its way to an entirely new console is unknown.

Still, the company did provide some hints at what it’s thinking. And it may be working on a new console concept.

“We allocate internal resources very carefully so that technologies we adopt can turn into a source of fun,” Nintendo said. “We strive to create products that consumers didn’t realize they wanted until the moment they’re announced. To do this we can’t simply follow what other companies are doing or chase the latest technology trends.”

That formula has worked well for Nintendo. The Switch, which can be played both at home and on-the-go, continues to sell exceedingly well. Its competitors, Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One, can’t be ported between home and mobile.

During the presentation, Nintendo also said that it’s working on a range of new services for the upcoming console. But again, it didn’t say what they may be or how they may work. Ultimately, the company said, it hopes those additional services could create “positive long-term relationships” with players.

Nintendo did not immediately respond to a Digital Trends request for comment on the briefing.

Don Reisinger
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Don Reisinger is a freelance technology, video game, and entertainment journalist. He has been writing about the world of…
Nintendo Switch 2 preorders begin next week, but accessories will cost more
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom runs on a Switch 2 screen.

If you've been itching to place your preorder for the Nintendo Switch 2, great news: the wait is over,and you can place your preorder on April 24. Despite concerns over tariffs, the price remains unchanged. The Nintendo Switch 2 will retail for $450 for just the console or $500 for the Mario Kart World bundle; however, accessory prices have been adjusted "due to changes in market conditions." Nintendo states that "other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are possible in the future."

In its announcement, Nintendo writes, "We apologize for the retail pre-order delay, and hope this reduces some of the uncertainty our customers may be experiencing. We thank our customers for their patience, and we share their excitement to experience Nintendo Switch 2 starting June 5, 2025."

Read more
Everything revealed in the Mario Kart World Direct: A Rewind feature and more
Mario in Mario Kart World.

Today's Mario Kart World Direct revealed much more information about the upcoming title, and it looks like a great blend of familiar fun with a whole lot of new gameplay elements. From the Free Roam feature that lets you explore the entirety of the world to a slew of new tricks that include grinding on rails, Mario Kart World looks like the refresh the series needed.

Let's start with the courses. There are numerous courses scattered throughout the map, each one thematically influenced by its surrounding geography. The Direct demoed the Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, the canal-focused Salty Salty Speedway, snowy Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, Wario Shipyard, and more. Classic courses make a comeback, but with a few tweaks to the tracks you know and love.

Read more
Mario Kart World Direct: When and where to watch
Baby Peach rides away from a T-rex in Mario Kart World.

If you're itching for more information about Mario Kart World, we've got great news: Nintendo is holding an official Mario Kart World Direct tomorrow at 9 AM ET, 6 AM PT. The Direct will last for 15 minutes and provide more details and information on what to expect from the game.

You can watch a live stream of the Direct on YouTube, but you'll also be able to stream the Direct through the Nintendo Today app. No need to glue yourself to a computer if you're on the go.

Read more