It’s been just seven months since Nintendo offered fans a tease of what might come after the Nintendo Switch, yet for the die-hards, it feels like a seemingly endless wait. The internet has been swirling with leaks and rumors, presenting everything from reliable insights to pure speculation about the next console’s potential features. It seems like nearly every detail imaginable about the so-called Switch 2 has found its way online — whether it’s the specs, the design, or even the controllers. Despite this whirlwind of speculation, Nintendo has remained notably tight-lipped about its plans for the Switch’s follow-up, leaving enthusiasts in suspense with little concrete information to grab onto.
A major topic of conversation centers around when the Switch 2 might actually hit the market. With Nintendo hinting at an announcement by March 31, 2025, fans and analysts alike are making bets. Many believe the new console will make its debut as early as January, leading up to a summertime launch, while some insiders speculate we could see it as soon as March. Whatever the eventual release date, expectations are high for a robust lineup of launch titles, including big names from third-party developers. A game that would undeniably fit right alongside a new console release is Genshin Impact.
Genshin Impact: A Perfect Launch Title for Switch 2
Everyone in the gaming world knows Genshin Impact — it hardly needs an introduction. This gacha RPG, courtesy of HoYoverse, started modestly but quickly turned into a global sensation, generating an impressive $3.9 billion just a few years after its 2020 launch across PlayStation 4, PC, and iOS/Android platforms. Genshin Impact played a pivotal role in bringing the gacha game format to a worldwide audience, expanding its reach beyond its traditional stronghold in Asian markets.
The game might remind some players of the iconic Zelda series, as Genshin thoroughly drew inspiration from The Legend of Zelda. When first unveiled at the ChinaJoy expo in 2019, many gamers couldn’t help but notice the influences of Breath of the Wild in its expansive world and unique gliding features. Despite initial criticism, Genshin Impact found its own identity, distinguishing itself in terms of gameplay and atmosphere while retaining a hint of that beloved Zelda magic.
Redeeming a Long Wait with a Day-One Launch on Switch 2
Considering its homage to Nintendo’s legendary series, it’s surprising that Genshin Impact hasn’t made its way onto a Nintendo device yet. Announced for the Switch way back in January 2020, the game has since navigated the platforms of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S without ever making a Switch debut. Despite assurances in 2022 that a Switch version was underway, HoYoverse has gone silent, and with the Switch 2 on the horizon, there’s a good chance any previous plans have been quietly shelved.
Even though Genshin Impact is accessible on mobile devices, it demands considerable processing power, potentially more than the current Switch can offer. This makes the Switch 2 an enticing prospect for the game, especially since newer hardware from Nintendo would likely handle the game’s needs much better. Should HoYoverse release Genshin Impact on the Switch 2, launching it on day one would be a perfect remedy for the long wait Nintendo fans have enduringly faced, adding a cherry on top of an eagerly anticipated console launch.