Recent reports suggest that Nintendo is preparing to launch its next console sooner than expected. After the release of the Nintendo Switch OLED in 2021, speculation arose about the potential arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2. While initial projections indicated a release date around 2027, new information contradicts these estimates.

Multiple insiders familiar with Nintendo’s next-gen plans have revealed to VGC that the company aims to debut the new console in the second half of 2024. This strategy is designed to avoid the stock shortages experienced with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S at launch.

In comparison to PlayStation and Xbox, a 2024 release for the Switch would represent a “mid-cycle” launch for new hardware, aligning with Nintendo’s historical patterns.

Details regarding the highly-anticipated console are currently scarce. However, sources have disclosed that the upcoming Switch will retain a portable mode, similar to its predecessor. According to VGC, the new console may also feature an LCD screen instead of the premium OLED found in the Nintendo Switch OLED. While this downgrade may impact handheld display quality, it could result in more affordable pricing. Nevertheless, fans hope for notable technical advancements as the current Switch’s lack of 4K output when docked reveals its age.

Dr. Serkan Toto, a Tokyo-based industry consultant, expressed to VGC that “looking at Nintendo’s financials, it seems clear that it’s time for a new piece of hardware in 2024. The only way to stop these losses from totally ballooning next fiscal is a new device, and the second half of 2024 sounds like a realistic release window to me.”

If you’re in the market for a next-gen console, then check out which console is right for you before you spend an arm and a leg on it.