Nintendo has designed a year-one release strategy for its Nintendo Switch 2 games, according to a new report, and it might not be what many people are expecting. The Switch 2 is due for release this year, and with it, fans can expect new entries into beloved franchises and third-party , but when those games are going to be released is still to be determined officially, but we may have a decent idea of what to expect in the console's first year.

According to Insider Gaming, Nintendo has a three-phase launch plan for the console. The first phase will be focused on the initial launch and will feature primarily first-party games. The second phase, however, will be for third-party studios, and that phase is estimated to occur around October and November. The final phase is set for the 2025 holiday season, though whether this phase will be big first-party titles like a new Super Mario, a lot of third-party games, or a mix of both, remains to be seen.

A Three-Phrase Approach For Nintendo Switch 2 Is Odd, Fans Think

This Approach Is Definitely Different

Reactions to the three-phase plan approach from Nintendo have been mixed, with many feeling the approach is strange. Over in a post on Reddit by Fidler_2K, fans are debating Nintendo's strategy, as well as bringing up some points of confusion. Tolucawarden01 commented, "Why on earth would they not want to bolster their launch lineup? Waiting 4–5 months for major [third-party] games seems like a horrible idea," in response to phase two of the alleged planned release that will see dev kits sent to developers in June.

Several Reddit s are claiming to know that dev kits were sent out months ago to certain developers, though none of that has been confirmed. Insider Gaming tends to be fairly reliable, and these rumors are compiled from discussions at the recent, annual Game Developers Conference (GDC), but anything not officially divulged by Nintendo should be given its due skepticism.

Nintendo Switch 2 Rumors Are Everywhere With A Week Left Until The Direct

Could We See More Switch 2 Information Before The Official Direct?

With the release of the Switch 2 this year, and possibly within the next few months, fans are eager for more information. There is a rumor of another Nintendo Direct in March going around, but with the Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2, it may be too close to have another big presentation.

There is also a rumor that Metroid Prime 4 may debut at the Nintendo Direct, but there's an equal possibility that it will be absent, according to leaker eXtas1s (via YouTube, video in Spanish). Prime 4 has had an infamously long development, and many speculate it to be a cross-gen title, though Nintendo has so far only confirmed it to release on the original Switch.

Either way, hopefully, Nintendo fans won't have to wait too much longer for some official news regarding the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and its games and what might be coming specifically this year.

Sources: Insider Gaming, Fidler_2K/Reddit, Tolucawarden01/Reddit, eXtas1s/YouTube