Speculation rises over a next-gen console debut alongside Pokémon’s 2025 release
The Pokémon franchise is set to expand with the announcement of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, an ambitious new entry scheduled for a global launch in 2025. Revealed during Pokémon Day celebrations, this upcoming game has ignited discussions about the possibility of a new Nintendo Switch console release to complement its debut.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A will transport players to Lumiose City in the Kalos region, promising a unique blend of urban development and harmony between humans and Pokémon.
The phrase “Nintendo Switch family of systems” used in the announcement has sparked speculation among fans and industry insiders alike. While this could simply refer to the existing variations of the Nintendo Switch, such as the Lite and OLED models, recent reports hint at the potential arrival of a successor to the Switch in 2025. This speculation is supported by the gaming community’s reaction to the announcement, with many expressing excitement over the prospect of experiencing Pokémon Legends: Z-A on a more advanced console.
The gaming world has eagerly awaited news of a new Nintendo console, especially since the launch of the Switch OLED model over two years ago. With nearly seven years since the original Switch’s release, the anticipation for a next-gen console, colloquially referred to as “Switch 2,” has reached a fever pitch.
The recent announcement of Pokémon Legends: Z-A has only added fuel to the fire, with fans speculating that Nintendo aims to introduce the new console in time for the game’s release to avoid performance limitations of the current hardware.
Industry reports, including a survey from the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in 2024, have further fueled these rumours. According to the survey, 8% of developers indicated they were working on titles for the Switch’s successor, suggesting that the existence of a new console is an open secret within the industry.
As the Pokémon franchise continues to evolve, the potential simultaneous release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A and a new Nintendo Switch console represents an exciting prospect for gamers worldwide. This combination could mark a significant milestone in gaming, offering enhanced experiences and new possibilities for one of the industry’s most beloved series.
