It's been a successful year for Nintendo in 2023. From the impressive releases of Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Tears of the Kingdom to the revival of popular IPs such as Pikmin 4, Metroid Prime Remastered, and F-Zero 99, Nintendo has captivated fans. The year also saw the box office success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
As the company gears up for 2024, a lineup of exciting exclusives has already been announced, fueling anticipation among fans. However, the looming question of Nintendo's next console continues to capture attention. President Shuntaro Furukawa has hinted at no official word on the next Nintendo console until at least March 2024, leaving fans eager for more details. With numerous leaks and rumors circulating, the anticipation for Nintendo's games and hardware in the coming year is palpable.
Nintendo's Exciting 2024 Exclusives
Upcoming Exclusives with Confirmed Release Dates
Several Nintendo exclusives have been confirmed for 2024 with exact release dates:
• Another Code Recollection - January 18
• Mario vs Donkey Kong - February 16
• Unicorn Overload - March 8
• Princess Peach: Showtime - March 22
Mario vs Donkey Kong and Princess Peach: Showtime boast strong IP power for early-year releases, leaving room for potential surprises from Nintendo. Additionally, high-profile remasters are expected in 2024, although their release dates remain unconfirmed.
Other 2024 Exclusives
A variety of titles are in development for the Switch, contributing to a long list of exclusives confirmed for 2024 without specific release dates:
• Contra: Operation Galuga
• Deca Police
• Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
• Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon HD
• Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Remaster
• Saga Emerald Beyond
• Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution
In addition, three indie games, Blade Chimera, Moonstone Island, and On Your Tail, will have timed exclusivity on the Switch in 2024, highlighting Nintendo's continued support for indie developers, a strategy that has strengthened the Switch's position in the market.
Metroid Prime 4: A Mystery
Discussions about Nintendo's future always circle back to the anticipated release of Metroid Prime 4. While the November 2023 financial reports confirmed the game's ongoing development, the release date remains 'TBA', leaving fans speculating on the reasons for the delay. With the recent release of Metroid Prime Remastered in 2023, interest in the upcoming title has been reignited, offering a glimpse into what the future of the franchise may hold. Despite the uncertainty, it's clear that Nintendo remains committed to the series.
Rumors and Leaks Surrounding the Switch 2
Anticipated Release of the Switch's Successor
While an official announcement regarding the next Nintendo console is not expected until at least March 2024, leaks have suggested a potential 2024 release for the rumored Switch 2. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its status as a direct sequel to the Switch, speculations point to a hybrid quality. With declining Switch sales and the looming end of support from platforms like Twitch, signs indicate a shift in the console landscape.
Expected Power and Capabilities
Revealed emails from the Microsoft vs. FTC trial have shed light on potential specifications for the Switch 2, implying 8th-gen power comparable to current consoles. Reports from developers who allegedly experienced the Switch 2 at Gamescom 2023 suggest the use of AI-powered upscaling technology, elevating the console's graphical capabilities, potentially competing with industry leaders like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
A Shift in Pricing
The pricing of Tears of the Kingdom at $70 sparked discussions about Nintendo's pricing strategy for future releases. While Nintendo clarified that $70 wouldn't be the standard pricing, a new console equipped with enhanced capabilities may host more titles at the higher price point, marking a potential shift in the industry landscape.