Nintendo has not announced a release date for a new Switch console as of early 2025

Nintendo's current console is the Switch, released in 2017, with a revised model called the Switch OLED released in 2021. The company has not publicly stated when a successor console will arrive. Nintendo typically waits five to seven years between major console releases, which means a new system could come anytime from 2024 onward, but there is no official announcement yet.

When Nintendo does announce a new console, the company usually gives a release date several months in advance — often between three and six months. This means you will hear about it from Nintendo's official channels (their website, a Direct presentation, or a press release) well before the console ships to stores.

The reason people ask about a new Switch is that the current model is aging by gaming standards. Games still release for it regularly, but the hardware cannot match what newer consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X can do. That does not mean the Switch is going away soon — Nintendo supports consoles for seven to ten years after launch.

Key Takeaways

  • Nintendo has not announced a new Switch console or a release date as of early 2025.
  • Nintendo typically waits five to seven years between major console releases, so a new system could arrive anytime from 2024 onward.
  • When an announcement does come, Nintendo usually reveals the release date three to six months before the console ships.
  • The current Switch OLED model (released 2021) and the standard Switch (2017) will continue to receive new games for several more years.
  • You will not miss a Nintendo announcement — the company announces major hardware releases through official channels that reach millions of players.

How Nintendo typically announces new consoles

Nintendo does not leak information or surprise the market with sudden releases. When the company is ready to announce a new console, it holds a presentation called a Direct, sends out a press release, or both. These announcements go out to gaming media, Nintendo's social media accounts, and the official Nintendo website all at the same time.

The last major console announcement was the Switch OLED in July 2021. Nintendo showed it off in a video, explained what was different (a larger screen, better speakers, more storage), and said it would release in October 2021 — three months later. Before that, the Switch itself was announced in October 2016 and released in March 2017.

If you want to know the moment Nintendo announces something new, follow the official Nintendo Twitter account or check Nintendo's website every few months. You can also set up a Google alert for "Nintendo new console announcement" so you get an email if major news breaks.

What "new Switch" rumors actually mean

You may see articles or videos claiming a new Switch is "coming soon" or "leaked." Most of these are speculation based on patent filings, developer comments, or wishful thinking. Patents do not mean a product is coming — companies file patents for ideas they may never build. A developer saying "we are working on something ambitious" does not mean a new console exists.

Real announcements come from Nintendo directly, not from leakers or rumor sites. If you see a headline saying a new Switch is confirmed, check whether it quotes an official Nintendo statement or just cites unnamed sources. Official statements will be on Nintendo's website or in a video from Nintendo's own channels.

The difference between a new console and a new model

Nintendo sometimes releases new versions of the same console — like the Switch Lite (2019) or the Switch OLED (2021). These are not entirely new systems; they are variations of the existing Switch that play the same games. A truly new console would be a different device altogether, with a new name, new hardware, and potentially games that do not work on the old Switch.

When people ask "when is the new Switch coming," they usually mean a completely new console, not another Switch variant. A new variant might arrive sooner than a brand-new system, but Nintendo would still announce it officially before release.

What to expect when a new console does launch

When Nintendo releases a new console, the first few months are usually tight for stock. Popular Nintendo consoles sell out quickly, and it can take weeks or months to find one in stores. If you want one on or near the release date, you will need to pre-order through a retailer like Best Buy, Target, Amazon, or GameStop.

Pre-orders typically open a few weeks after the announcement and a few weeks before the release date. Nintendo usually makes pre-orders available on its own website and through major retailers at the same time. Prices for new Nintendo consoles typically range from $200 to $350, depending on the model and what is included.

Games for a new console usually release around the same time or within the first few months. Nintendo typically has at least one major game ready for launch day, and third-party developers (companies like Capcom or Ubisoft) release games in the weeks and months that follow.

Why the wait between announcements matters

Nintendo keeps console announcements secret until the company is ready to sell them. This is different from how some other companies operate — Microsoft and Sony sometimes announce consoles years before release. Nintendo prefers to announce and release within a shorter window, usually six months or less.

This means you cannot plan too far ahead. If you are thinking about buying a new Nintendo console, you have two choices: buy the current Switch now, or wait for an official announcement and then decide. Waiting for rumors or speculation will not help you know when to buy.

Where to check for official Nintendo news

Nintendo's official website (nintendo.com) is the source for any real announcement. The company also posts major news on its Twitter account (@Nintendo) and through Nintendo Direct presentations, which are videos posted to YouTube. Gaming news sites like IGN, GameSpot, and Polygon will report on announcements when ready, but they are repeating what Nintendo said, not breaking news.

If you follow any of these sources, you will know about a new console the same day it is announced. You do not need to check multiple websites or watch rumor videos — just pick one official source and check it occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Switch being discontinued?

No. Nintendo continues to release new games for the Switch and has not announced an end-of-life date. The company typically supports consoles for seven to ten years after launch, so the Switch will likely receive new releases for several more years even after a new console arrives.

Will my Switch games work on a new console?

That depends on what the new console is. If it is another Switch variant (like the OLED), yes — all games work on all Switch models. If it is a completely new console with a different name and hardware, older games may not work. Nintendo will explain backward compatibility when it announces a new system.

Should I buy a Switch now or wait for the new one?

If you want to play Switch games now, buy one. The current Switch is still a good console with hundreds of games available. If you can wait and do not mind potentially paying more for a new model, you could wait for an announcement — but that could be months or years away.

Where do rumors about new Nintendo consoles come from?

Most rumors come from patent filings (which are public but do not may provide a product will be made), developer interviews taken out of context, or speculation from gaming websites. Real news comes only from Nintendo's official announcements.

How much will a new Nintendo console cost?

Nintendo has not announced a new console, so there is no official price. The current Switch OLED costs $349, the standard Switch costs $299, and the Switch Lite costs $199. A new console would likely fall somewhere in that range, but only Nintendo knows for certain.