Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusives Are Essential to Its Success, Says CEO

Nintendo CEO Shuntaro Furukawa has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the original Switch while underscoring the necessity of Switch 2–only games to ensure a strong start for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware. During Nintendo’s post-quarterly earnings Q&A, Furukawa pointed to a mix of continued software development for the Switch, alongside exclusive new titles that will drive players to adopt the next console.

“We have already announced Pokémon Legends Z-A and Metroid Prime 4 Beyond for Nintendo Switch in 2025. We will continue developing Nintendo Switch titles, but launching exclusive games for Nintendo Switch 2 is essential for its success. However, we aim to ensure a smooth transition between the two platforms.” — Shuntaro Furukawa, CEO, Nintendo

While Pokémon Legends Z-A and Metroid Prime 4 Beyond—both planned for the original Switch—demonstrate Nintendo’s ongoing support for the platform, Furukawa notes that exclusive Switch 2 games will be a critical factor in driving consumer interest and distinguishing the next generation console.

The original Nintendo Switch hardware reached an impressive 150 million units sold. Yet, recent numbers point to declining quarterly sales, suggesting it may be on the downslope of its lifecycle. Third-party developers, already prioritizing PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S over last-gen hardware, are expected to transition away from the original Switch rapidly—especially as Nintendo Switch 2 promises more robust features like NVIDIA DLSS.

With a 2025 release for major Switch games and a rumored late 2025 debut for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo aims to avoid abruptly cutting off the current console’s large install base. The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to launch later this year, with worldwide hands-on events set for April through June, followed by a more detailed reveal from Nintendo on April 2. Early analyst feedback to the teaser trailer shown in January has been largely positive, raising expectations for how well Nintendo will manage the generational jump and its exclusive new software lineup.

Are you hoping for more first-party exclusives to tempt you into upgrading to Nintendo Switch 2, or do you think the original Switch can still serve players effectively? Share your thoughts on how Nintendo should balance exclusive content and backward compatibility.