Next Level Play: Nintendo Set to Unveil Successor to Switch Amid Profit Surge

Nintendo, the Japanese video-game giant, revealed on Tuesday its intention to unveil a successor to its popular Switch home console before March 2025. Although the company remained tight-lipped about specific details surrounding the announcement, speculation is rife regarding whether the new product will hit the shelves within this fiscal year or if it's merely an unveiling of future plans.

Shuntaro Furukawa, President of Nintendo, confirmed, "We will make an announcement about the successor to Nintendo Switch within this fiscal year. It will have been over nine years since we announced the existence of Nintendo Switch back in March 2015.

Based in Kyoto, Nintendo Co. declared a notable 13 percent increase in profit for the fiscal year ending in March, buoyed by robust demand for Switch software like "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom." The company's net profit for the fiscal year through March 2024 soared to 490.6 billion yen (approximately US$3 billion), marking a significant rise from the previous fiscal year's 432.7 billion yen. Annual sales also saw a four percent uptick, reaching 1.67 trillion yen (about US$11 billion), with nearly 80 percent of revenues stemming from outside Japan.

Apart from the blockbuster success of "The Legend of Zelda," which amassed global sales of 20.6 million units, other titles like "Super Mario Bros. Wonder" sold 13.4 million units, and "Pikmin 4" nearly reached 3.5 million units in sales, according to Nintendo. The release of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" a year ago also contributed significantly to the company's sales figures.

The weakening of the yen against the dollar further bolstered Nintendo's financial performance, amplifying the value of overseas earnings. Over the past fiscal year, the U.S. dollar averaged around 151 Japanese yen, a surge from 133 yen in the preceding fiscal year.

However, Nintendo's outlook for the fiscal year ending March 2025 appears more subdued, with the company forecasting a dip in net profit to 300 billion yen (approximately US$1.9 billion). Despite this, Nintendo remains confident in its ability to sustain momentum, having sold over 141 million Switch consoles, with 15.7 million units sold in the just-concluded fiscal year.

Acknowledging the inevitable decline in console sales over time, Nintendo continues to prioritize a steady flow of engaging games. "Endless Ocean Luminous," released this month, immerses players in a virtual scuba diving adventure teeming with whales, colorful fish, and other marine life. Next month, fans can anticipate the launch of "Luigi’s Mansion 2," featuring Mario's beloved brother in another thrilling escapade.

Nintendo has its sights set on expanding its entertainment empire further, with plans underway for a new film set to premiere globally in April 2026. In a strategic move to captivate a broader audience, the company is banking on the forthcoming launches of Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan and a dedicated Nintendo museum in Kyoto, both slated for later this year.

These ambitious ventures not only aim to attract more fans to the beloved Nintendo franchise but also signify the company's commitment to innovation and immersive experiences beyond gaming. With anticipation building for these exciting developments, Nintendo is poised to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape once again.