Nintendo confirms there’s “no plans” for new Switch in 2020

While an upgraded Nintendo Switch Pro has been heavily rumoured for months, it seems it won’t be in the company’s plans for 2020.  

Speaking at a corporate management policy briefing to investors, Nintendo CEO and president Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed there wouldn’t be a new Switch model in 2020.  

“Regarding Nintendo Switch, we believe that it is important to continue to communicate the appeal of both Nintendo Switch systems and expand the installed base,” Furukawa said.  

“Please note that we have no plans to launch a new Nintendo Switch model during 2020."

Nintendo released the Switch Lite last September (Picture: Nintendo) 

It’s not surprising Nintendo wouldn’t want to release a new model this year, especially so closely following the Nintendo Switch Lite which released in September 2019.  

It’s perhaps wise to step back from the noise Microsoft and Sony will create for its next-gen offerings in 2020 too, with a new Switch model now likely slated for 2021.

Saying all this, Nintendo previously stated something similar last year before announcing the Switch Lite shortly afterwards - so Nintendo's word isn't entirely reliable.  

“According to the conventional wisdom for dedicated video game platforms, Nintendo Switch should be entering the midway phase of the hardware lifecycle,” Furukawa said. 

“But we believe we have built a foundation on which we can pursue further growth opportunities for Nintendo Switch.”

Nintendo however did reveal an adorable Animal Crossing-themed Switch to coincide with the game’s release on 20th March, featuring customised Joy-Con controllers, dock, Switch console, and a download code for the title.  

Outside of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the 2020 slate for Nintendo is still relatively unknown – with major titles Bayonetta 3, Zelda: Breath Of The Wild 2, and Metroid Prime 4, all without release dates.  

Nintendo can perhaps afford to be mysterious though, following their recent financial report which saw huge sales numbers for the Switch and Pokemon Sword and Shield.