LOS ANGELES (AP) — Gaming giant Nintendo unveiled its new console Thursday in a highly anticipated announcement that gamers have been waiting for since rumors of its release spread years ago.
But initial reaction to the Nintendo Switch 2 was lackluster, and the company’s Tokyo-traded shares fell 4.3% on Friday. Nintendo shares had hit a record high before the announcement.
The successor to the Nintendo Switch console will be released this year, the promotional video said.
In the video, Nintendo shows off a larger version of the Switch that looks similar to its predecessor. It also shows that the system’s controllers, or Joy-Cons, will attach to the side of the Switch 2’s main unit rather than sliding into it.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will allow you to play exclusive Switch 2 games, as well as physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported or fully compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2, the company said.
The announcement didn’t provide many details about the console. Nintendo says more information about the console will be available during April’s Nintendo Direct event. The Kyoto-based game developer announced that it will also hold “Nintendo Switch 2 Experience” events in several countries, where players can get hands-on experience with the new system.
These events are planned in cities including Los Angeles, New York, London and Paris starting in April. Ticket registration for these events begins Friday, Nintendo announced.
