Nine years. That’s how long it’s been since I first held a Nintendo Switch in my hands. Nine years of late-night gaming sessions, countless hours lost in Hyrule, and shared laughter with friends over Mario Kart races. It’s wild to think that almost a decade has flown by, and my trusty Switch has been there through it all. It feels like just yesterday I was captivated by the initial reveal, the promise of a console that seamlessly transitioned from home console to portable powerhouse. And Nintendo delivered. The Switch has been a constant companion on road trips, flights, and even just lounging around the house. Shuntaro Furukawa, Nintendo’s president, recently confirmed what many of us have been anticipating: a successor to the Switch is coming. Reading his announcement on X (formerly Twitter) sent a wave of nostalgia washing over me, making me appreciate the journey the Switch has taken me on. But alongside the nostalgia, a surge of excitement bubbled up. What will the next console bring? What new adventures await? Will it still have that same Nintendo magic?We know we’re going to have to wait a bit longer, as Furukawa mentioned a reveal sometime in the next fiscal year. So, 2025 is looking likely. Honestly, I’m okay with that. The Switch still has plenty of life left in it, and I’m looking forward to the games coming out in the latter half of 2024 (though I’m a bit bummed the June Nintendo Direct won’t be giving us any hints about the new console!).The rumor mill is already churning, spitting out tidbits about potential backward compatibility, 4K resolution, and a dock that could rival the PS4 Pro in power. I try not to get too caught up in the speculation, but it’s hard not to. The Switch has set a high bar, and I’m both eager and a little nervous to see if Nintendo can surpass it. Whatever the next console holds, I’m approaching it with the same sense of wonder and anticipation I felt nine years ago. The Switch has been a testament to Nintendo’s innovation and ability to create truly special gaming experiences. I trust they’ll do the same with its successor, ushering in a new era of gaming while holding onto that unique Nintendo charm that has captivated players for generations.