Nintendo Switch Anniversary: Reflecting on the 2017 Reveal and Anticipating 'Switch 2'
Entry information
Published on: January 13, 2025
Description
On this day in 2017, Nintendo unveiled the complete details of its innovative console, the Nintendo Switch, marking a defining moment in gaming history.
The reveal, delivered through a highly anticipated global presentation, outlined the technical specifications, retail price, and—crucially—the exact release date for the hybrid system.
Fast forward eight years, and with over 139 million units sold as of March 2024, the Switch's revolutionary design and software catalog have firmly cemented its legacy.
The entire gaming world is now keenly awaiting a similar showcase for Nintendo's next hardware iteration, tentatively dubbed 'Switch 2.'
The 2017 Nintendo Switch presentation wasn't the public's first encounter with the console; the Switch made its initial splash months earlier with a now-legendary trailer featuring rooftop parties and seamless play transitions.
However, it was the January event where Nintendo laid out all essential information, rapidly building excitement across the industry.
A Treehouse Live stream followed the day after, providing in-depth looks at launch games and gameplay.
Remarkably, the Switch hit store shelves just seven weeks after its official reveal, ushering in a new era for Nintendo.
On launch day, Nintendo held a UK premiere event at London's iconic Hammersmith Apollo, granting select attendees the first hands-on experiences with the system.
The event's atmosphere brimmed with excitement as fans and media explored the Switch's unique docked and handheld play modes—features that have since become elementary parts of gaming vocabulary but were groundbreaking at the time.
Social media quickly filled with reflections and photos from the 2017 presentation, with prominent industry figures like Geoff Keighley sharing memories.
Former Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé echoed these sentiments with a brief message: “Time flies!” The nostalgia underscores just how impactful the Switch's reveal was and highlights the anticipation surrounding Nintendo’s next hardware reveal.
At the original presentation, Nintendo spotlighted an impressive initial lineup: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, ARMS, 1-2-Switch, and more.
Square Enix introduced the HD-2D art style with Octopath Traveler, while ATLUS teased Shin Megami Tensei V—an announcement which kept fans waiting until 2021 for release.
These titles not only fueled early momentum for the Switch but also set a high bar for future launches.
As of this year, Nintendo has confirmed a 'Switch 2' announcement will take place within the current fiscal year.
Reports also indicate that the upcoming system will maintain backward compatibility, allowing players continued access to the Switch eShop’s robust library.
However, additional official details remain scarce.
If Nintendo’s approach echoes its 2017 strategy, the gaming community can expect a major Nintendo Direct showcase, unveiling the new hardware and its launch lineup in similarly dramatic fashion.
Looking back, the 2017 Nintendo Switch presentation was not only a pivotal industry event but a cultural milestone for millions of fans worldwide.
With anticipation building for the 'Switch 2,' the legacy of the original Switch’s reveal remains a benchmark for hardware debuts in the gaming industry.
What are your standout memories from the Switch’s first showcase, and what do you hope to see in the next generation? Join the conversation and share your thoughts as we celebrate the Nintendo Switch’s anniversary and look ahead to the future.
