Exciting news for Nintendo fans: development for games on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is already underway, according to the latest GDC State of the Game Industry survey. About 8% of developers have disclosed that they are working on titles for the anticipated successor of the popular gaming console. There's also a strong interest from the developer community, with 32% expressing their interest to develop for the platform, trailing just behind PC and PS5. In terms of current development, PC leads with 66%, while PS5 and Xbox Series X/S follow closely.

However, the survey also revealed the industry's darker side, with a third of game developers experiencing layoffs in the last year. These cuts notably affected the QA sector, while business and finance sectors faced fewer layoffs. Developers have cited the post-pandemic environment, industry consolidation, and economic uncertainties as primary causes for the layoffs. In response to the industry's instability, there's an increased interest in unionization amongst developers, especially the younger workforce, to combat the surge in job insecurity and oppose large corporate acquisitions.

What can players expect from the Nintendo Switch 2 when it launches?

While specific details about the Nintendo Switch 2's capabilities and features remain under wraps, players can look forward to a new generation of games, as developers are actively creating content designed to leverage the new console's hardware. Fans should expect advancements in gaming experiences with the introduction of the new platform.

The Nintendo Switch has been a huge success since its release in March 2017, offering a hybrid experience that allows gamers to play in both handheld and docked modes. Its innovative design and strong library of games have made the original Switch a favorite among players. The follow-up console, tentatively known as the Switch 2, is highly anticipated and expected to build on the strengths of its predecessor with improved hardware, features, and an all-new lineup of games specially developed to harness its potential.