Nintendo President Discusses Long-Term Vision for Nintendo Switch 2 Lifecycle

Nintendo recently held its 85th annual general meeting of shareholders on July 2, 2025, providing valuable insights into the future of its flagship gaming hardware.

As anticipation surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to build, Nintendo's senior leadership has addressed questions about their vision for the platform’s lifespan and ongoing game development strategy. During the Q&A session, a shareholder inquired about the expected lifecycle of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa responded by noting that, since the system had just launched, it was too soon to specify the exact duration of its lifecycle.

However, Furukawa reaffirmed the company's overarching objective: "Our goal is for the Nintendo Switch 2 to be enjoyed by as many customers as possible for a long period of time, just as with the original Nintendo Switch." This approach builds on the impressive legacy of the original Nintendo Switch, which first launched in 2017.

Furukawa highlighted the impact of the console’s longevity, citing an example from the company's user base: children who began playing Nintendo Switch in their early elementary school years have since progressed to middle school, underscoring the Switch’s ongoing appeal.

With the hardware’s eighth year underway, the Nintendo Switch has established itself as one of the longest-supported and most successful gaming platforms in company history, surpassing 125 million units sold worldwide as of early 2025. Furukawa further emphasized Nintendo’s proactive commitment to content development for the Nintendo Switch 2, stating that the company is focusing its resources on creating titles designed to be enjoyed by the widest possible audience.

"We are dedicated to delivering Nintendo Switch 2 experiences that will delight players of all ages, and our development teams are working hard to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy our games well into the future," Furukawa commented during the session. The Nintendo Switch 2, building upon the legacy of its predecessor, is poised to be a central focus for the company in the coming years.

Nintendo’s strategy emphasizes both hardware longevity and a robust eShop game catalog, reflecting a history of adapting to the evolving needs of the gaming community.

As new software and updates are unveiled during upcoming Nintendo Directs, fans and industry analysts alike will be watching closely. Looking ahead, Nintendo's leadership has made it clear that the philosophy guiding the Nintendo Switch 2 aligns with their tradition of delivering innovative, long-lasting entertainment experiences.

With a comprehensive vision for both hardware and software, Nintendo aims to maintain its role as an industry leader through the lifecycle of its latest console.

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