The original Nintendo Switch appears to be entering the final chapter of its long and successful lifespan. Following a difficult period during the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS era, Nintendo found renewed momentum with the launch of the hybrid console in 2017.
Combining handheld and home console gaming into one device, the Switch quickly became one of the company’s biggest successes. Major launch titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey helped establish the platform, which has now enjoyed nearly a decade on the market and remains one of the best-selling gaming systems ever released.
Nintendo’s Attention Has Shifted to Switch 2
More than a year after the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo’s development efforts have clearly moved toward its newer hardware.
At present, only one Nintendo-published game remains fully confirmed for the original Switch. Rhythm Heaven Groove is scheduled to launch on July 2 and may represent the final first-party release developed specifically for the aging console.
Although the game will also be playable on Switch 2 through backward compatibility, Nintendo has not announced a dedicated Switch 2 version.
Very Few First-Party Releases Remain
The original Switch has received just two Nintendo-published exclusives this year. Earlier in the year, players saw the release of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, with Rhythm Heaven Groove now set to follow.
Meanwhile, Nintendo’s newer platform has enjoyed a much busier release schedule. Titles released or announced for Switch 2 include:
Early Switch 2 Releases
- Mario Tennis Fever
- Pokemon Pokopia
- Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
Upcoming Games
- Star Fox — June 25
- Splatoon Raiders — July 23
- Fire Emblem — September 17
- Nintendo Switch Sports Resort — October 22
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake — expected later this year
The growing difference between the two libraries highlights Nintendo’s increasing focus on its latest hardware.
Upgrade Decisions May Become More Important
For owners of the original Nintendo Switch, Rhythm Heaven Groove offers one final major first-party release before Nintendo’s attention becomes almost entirely centered on Switch 2.
Those who have delayed upgrading may want to consider their options sooner rather than later. Nintendo is expected to increase the price of the Switch 2 by $50 starting on September 1, making the current months a potentially attractive window for anyone considering the jump to the newer platform.
While support for the original Switch is unlikely to disappear overnight, Rhythm Heaven Groove could serve as a fitting farewell to one of Nintendo’s most successful consoles.
Enjoy our updates? You can add GamingHQ as a preferred source in Google Search to see our articles more often.
