With the Nintendo Switch coming up in years, the speculation and rumor mill surrounding its successor has never been stronger. Even though Nintendo’s own statements show that a successor is not set to release within this fiscal year, ending March 31, 2024.

However a new report from a Chinese manufacturer indicate such a release to come out Q1 2024 (via MoneyDJ). Hongzhun, who produce metal casing for products such as iPhone, states Nintendo plans on releasing a new console.

“The purchase of game consoles is expected to increase compared with the first half of the year, and Nintendo plans to launch the Switch in Q1 next year. Based on this estimate, Hongzhun’s game console assembly business can expand It is hoped that we will start to see the momentum of pulling goods in December this year”. (Translated via Google Translate)

This is not mere rumor or speculation, but a company making official plans on their future earnings based on such a release. Though just because they expect this, likely due to business dealings, doesn’t mean that Nintendo is necessarily ready for a launch.

This is not the first time something stated by someone beyond leakers has been said about the Nintendo Switch successor. Activision CEO Bobby Kotick gave an indication that the upcoming console would be roughly the same power as the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

The Switch has been available worldwide since March 2017, and the newer OLED Nintendo Switch has been available since October 2021.