Nintendo is currently working on its next push for an integrated hardware-software gaming system that would expand its business in building and marketing such gaming devices.
The Japanese gaming giant, however, has been silent on when these devices will be deployed.
Nintendo gives vague details on new console product details, release date
In a presentation to investors, Nintendo loosely defined the release of its new console for “20XX”, adding that the company was expanding its core business of “creating unique integrated hardware and software products.” Nintendo’s Switch console, which was introduced in 2017, allowed users to link their Nintendo accounts to the device, which provided a solid foundation for maintaining strong relationships with customers.
Despite confirming the ongoing development of the new console, Nintendo has remained silent when asked for further details about the device. Company executives said in a question-and-answer session that Nintendo “was still in internal discussion about the concept, the timeline,” among others.
Fans are speculating on Switch 2 rumored to be the next-gen console
Many Nintendo fans are speculating that this console is in fact the Nintendo Switch 2, after the Switch Pro rumor was shelved and replaced by the recently released Switch OLED as an enhanced hybrid Nintendo console. Tom’s Guide reported. There have been rumors that the developers will be receiving development kits for the upgraded Switch hardware, which is slated for release in 2023.
Also Read: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Drift Issue Fixed: Better Controllers Coming?
In the investor presentation, however, Nintendo pointed out that the current Switch is in the “middle phase” of its product life. For this reason, it’s highly unlikely that the company will release an upgraded Switch anytime soon.
Nintendo also admitted in the presentation that the continued rollout of the current Switch and Switch OLED consoles is being hampered by the global chip shortage. This reduced their shipping forecast for Nintendo Switch hardware from 1.4 million units to 24 million units.
Nintendo Switch forecast drops due to continuing chip shortage
Previously, a Nikkei Asia According to the report, Nintendo is launching 20% fewer Switch consoles than expected due to the chip crisis and increased demand for the product, especially during the pandemic.
Its forecast of 24 million units had already been lowered from an initial target of 30 million for the current fiscal year through March 2022.
Nintendo sales, profits fall, but executives remain bullish
Sales and profits for the first half of fiscal 2022 were also impacted. Sales are down 18.9%, from 769.5 billion yen ($ 6.78 billion) in the same period of fiscal 2021 to 624.2 billion yen (5.5 billion of dollars). Net profits also fell 19.4%, from 213.1 billion yen ($ 1.88 billion) in the first half of fiscal 2021 to 171.8 billion yen ($ 1.51 billion) ).
Nintendo sales and profits increased in the first half of last year due to the release of “Animal Crossing: New Horizons”.
Despite this, Nintendo remained optimistic, stressing that the results of the current financial year so far “remain at a high level, in line with our expectations”.
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