The Nintendo Switch 2 rumors show no signs of stopping as more reports claim that we are getting it this year. However, a new report says that the Big N will be delaying its release to 2025.
Because of this "big" news, the shares of the gaming giant took a hit on Monday, Feb. 19. Nintendo's stock in Japan plummeted by 5.84%.
Reported Delay Triggers Investor Worries
According to Bloomberg's sources familiar with the matter, Nintendo informed game publishers that the launch of the Switch 2 might be pushed back to the early months of 2025.
Initially slated for release towards the end of this year, the reported delay suggests a possible setback in the console's development timeline.
Analyst Expectations Clash with Reported Delay
Contrary to earlier predictions by analysts, who anticipated the unveiling of a new Switch console in the latter half of the year, the recent reports of a delay have sparked concerns among investors.
The discrepancy between market expectations and the delayed announcement has contributed to the decline in Nintendo's stock value.
Market Anticipation Fuels Stock Surge
Nintendo's stock witnessed a significant surge of approximately 53% over the past year, largely driven by investor anticipation surrounding the launch of a new gaming console. The potential release of the Switch 2 was seen as a catalyst for further growth, underlining investors' optimism about Nintendo's future prospects.
Uncertainty Surrounds Switch Successor
As Nintendo remains silent about details regarding the Switch successor, the speculated delay in its launch casts a shadow over the company's performance.
Missing the crucial holiday season in December with a prospective launch in early 2025 could pose challenges for Nintendo in maintaining its market momentum.
Despite the delayed reports, Nintendo continues to demonstrate remarkable sales performance with the current Switch console. Recent releases such as the "Super Mario Bros. Movie" and a new Zelda game have bolstered interest in the device, prompting Nintendo to revise its sales forecast for the fiscal year ending March upwards to 15.5 million units.
Nintendo Direct Rumors
In early February, we reported that there were rumors pointing to the upcoming Nintendo Direct event.
Of course, the highlight of the showcase was the rumored Switch 2, which, at this point, is still facing uncertainty.
For fans who expect a lot from the event, be careful that there are several claims spreading on the internet about the potential announcement. Some say that a new Pokemon game is coming, while others believe that the Xbox-exclusive titles are also arriving on the platform soon.
