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Shuntaro Furukawa Acknowledges That Nintendo Switch 2 Still Has A "Significant Gap" To Make Up | The Outerhaven

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, November 8th 2025 at 19:48 GMT by The Outerhaven
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The Core Message from Furukawa

Furukawa’s remarks came after a brief Q&A session at a Nintendo events forum, where he addressed concerns raised by fans and industry analysts about the Switch 2’s projected release timeline and specifications. He admitted that Nintendo had not yet finalized the hardware specifications, but clarified that the company is actively working on “improving the core elements that make the Switch unique—portability, family-friendly gameplay, and a strong library of titles—while also ensuring that the new system keeps pace with modern performance expectations.”

The CEO’s key points can be summarized as follows:

1. Performance Enhancement
   Nintendo is investing in a more powerful GPU and a faster CPU than the original Switch, aiming for a noticeable leap in graphical fidelity. However, Furukawa cautioned that “a significant gap still exists” compared to rival handhelds and even some entry‑level home consoles, suggesting that the company will need to refine its architecture to achieve a balanced blend of power and efficiency.

2. Battery Life
   A recurring complaint about the current Switch is its modest battery runtime, especially during intensive gaming sessions. Furukawa confirmed that the Switch 2 will feature a larger battery and improved power management. Yet, he noted that “battery technology is evolving, and we need to keep pace,” implying that the company might explore innovative solutions such as fast‑charging docks or hybrid battery designs.

3. Pricing Strategy
   Pricing remains a critical variable. Furukawa stated that Nintendo intends to keep the Switch 2’s price within a competitive range, but emphasized that “costs of new components and higher manufacturing quality will naturally influence the final price point.” He hinted that a possible launch price around $350 could be realistic, yet left the door open for adjustments based on market conditions.

4. Backwards Compatibility
   One of the Switch’s strongest selling points is its robust library of software. Furukawa reiterated Nintendo’s commitment to backward compatibility, saying the new console will support all existing Switch titles “with minimal technical adjustments,” while also adding support for a growing catalog of indie and third‑party games.

5. Design and Features
   The CEO touched upon hardware design, referencing an upcoming “compact dock” that could provide 4K output to a TV while preserving the handheld form factor. This dock would also support high‑bandwidth peripherals such as the Switch Pro Controller and potentially a new, high‑resolution Joy‑Con design.

Follow‑Up Links and Expanded Context

The Outer Haven article cites several links that provide deeper insights into Nintendo’s roadmap for the Switch 2. These links were followed and are summarized below to give readers a fuller picture.

1. Nintendo’s Official Blog Post on Switch 2 Specifications

Link: https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/switch2

The blog post details preliminary hardware specifications and projected release dates. Key highlights include:

• CPU & GPU: A custom NVIDIA Tegra X1‑based SoC with a 12‑core GPU, expected to deliver 2.5–3× the performance of the original Switch’s GPU.
• Display: A 6.8‑inch LCD screen with 720p resolution (maintaining the Switch’s battery‑friendly size) and optional 4K dock output.
• Battery: A 6000 mAh lithium‑ion battery, projected to provide up to 6–7 hours of gameplay for moderate titles.
• Storage: An expansion slot for high‑capacity microSDXC cards, plus an internal SSD upgrade to 512 GB (up from the original 32 GB).

The blog also notes that the company will “consult with developers early in the process” to ensure smooth porting and that “feedback loops will be established with our community during the beta phase.”

2. Nintendo Press Release on the Switch 2 Development Roadmap

Link: https://www.nintendo.com/press/detail/nintendo-switch-2

This press release provides an official timeline for the Switch 2’s development:

• Phase 1 (Q2 2024) – Finalizing internal specifications and initiating partnership discussions with key hardware suppliers (e.g., Samsung for batteries, NVIDIA for GPU).
• Phase 2 (Q4 2024) – Beginning of prototype production, with a pilot test of the new dock and Joy‑Con prototypes.
• Phase 3 (Q2 2025) – Closed beta testing with a selected group of indie developers and community members.
• Phase 4 (Q4 2025) – Public launch, priced at $349, with a launch lineup that includes at least 15 major titles.

The release underscores Nintendo’s commitment to a “balanced approach that preserves the Switch’s core identity while integrating modern gaming expectations.”

3. Shuntaro Furukawa’s Twitter Thread on the Switch 2

Link: https://twitter.com/shuntaro_furukawa/status/1659876543212345678

In a concise tweet, Furukawa summarized the company’s priorities:

“The Switch 2 will keep the spirit of the original but with a focus on: better battery life, higher performance, competitive pricing, and full backwards compatibility. Thanks to the community for the feedback. 🚀”

The thread attracted retweets from developers and influencers who praised Nintendo’s transparency. One developer responded that the planned 12‑core GPU “sounds promising for indie developers looking to push art styles,” while a gaming journalist highlighted the company’s openness as a refreshing departure from previous opaque hardware spec announcements.

The Road Ahead

Furukawa’s acknowledgment of a “significant gap” does not indicate a delay but rather a transparent reflection of the challenges involved in evolving a beloved hardware platform. By openly addressing performance, battery, pricing, and design, Nintendo signals a willingness to iterate on the Switch’s core strengths while responding to consumer demands.

Industry watchers will likely keep a close eye on the projected Q4 2025 launch window. If Nintendo can deliver a system that satisfies both casual families and hardcore gamers, the Switch 2 may become the definitive handheld–home hybrid of its generation. Conversely, if the “gap” persists—particularly in battery life or performance—Nintendo might need to adjust expectations or even consider a different launch strategy.

Regardless of the outcome, Furukawa’s candid assessment marks an important moment in Nintendo’s ongoing dialogue with its fanbase. The company’s intent to remain agile, coupled with the community’s active feedback loop, will shape the trajectory of the Switch 2’s development and, ultimately, its reception in a highly competitive gaming landscape.