Nintendo has a long history of revising its hardware; there were multiple editions of the Game Boy, DS and 3DS, and taking this into account, it's understandable that some are expecting the Japanese company to announce a "new" Switch model in the next 12 months (the DS Lite, lest we forget, came just over a year after the original model).
However, The Wall Street Journal has spoken to sources which claim that Nintendo has no plans to produce new hardware variants of the system at this time. The sources state that a "Switch 2.0" isn't on Nintendo's radar, and that it will maintain the current model for some time yet. That's understandable, as the hybrid console is expected to hit 17 million sales worldwide by March this year - a remarkable achievement. Nintendo will instead focus on improving manufacturing and shipping for the current model.
According to the sources, Nintendo will drive Switch sales with accessories rather than hardware revisions:
The people familiar said expanded Switch features in the coming year could also include additional network-related features and peripherals to be attached to its USB Type-C port. At an investor briefing in February, Mr. Kimishima, the Nintendo CEO, said he wanted to make the Switch’s product cycle longer than the five-to-six-year span that’s become customary in the videogame console industry. One person familiar with development plans said waiting longer to introduce variations in the hardware would serve that purpose.
What do you make of this news? Do you think Nintendo will keep the current hardware configuration for some time yet, or were you anticipating a similar approach to Apple's iPad, with new variants being released every few years? Perhaps there are elements of the Switch which you'd like to see Nintendo revise in future editions? Let us know by posting a comment.
[source gadgets.ndtv.com, via wsj.com]
Comments 135
Why mess with a winning formula? That and they'd make us who'd already bought it a bit miffed to say the least.
They'll release a revised version as soon as sales begin to slow down. No point doing it any time before then.
Good decision as will confuse the market and annoy early adopters. There will be no Switch without the dock either as it wouldnt be a 'Switch'.
I expect them to keep the Switch branding for the next generation in 2021/2022 though with Switch 2.
I'd expect them to announce a revision summer of next year but not this year, It would be too early and piss off alot of people.
GOOD! NOW FOR THE LOVE OF GOD CAN PEOPLE STOP ASKING FOR A SWITCH MINI BLAH BLAH BLAH LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER RELEASE! IT'S MORONIC!
I wasn't expecting one. And to be honest as a Switch owner I'd be pretty pi... ahem, annoyed if they did release a new version in 2018.
Never trust Nintendo. 2012, one year after 3DS came out, Nintendo said they are not launching any new model. After E3 2012 they released 3DSXL without any announcement.
Tricked me once shame on you, tricked me twice shame on you Nintendo.
Of course they don’t have plans right now as sales are skyrocketing. I’m sure they will eventually release a revision in the future with upgrades, but not while they are flying off the shelves.
I saw this else where and the source stated Nintendo was planing on replacing "revision" money with accessories.
My mind suddenly jumped to alternative joy cons, slap two new types of joycon to the side and you have effectively created a revision/special edition right there. They've all ready trademarked an remote processing unit to make an console more powerful, slap that tech in a dock and boom another "revision" without altering the core console.
Maybe not Switch 2.0, but the Revision of Switch.
Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch Pro, etc.
Btw, who is that guy on the left with Aquamarine hair ? O_o
To be honest, other than adding 4K HDR support I'm not sure what else I'd want it to do.
I expect no redesign. Internal components upgrade might be possible but not anytime soon I expect. The game pad ( Switch’s actual predecessor, remember, not the DS/3DS) didn’t change and it sold poorly
The only revision I can see possible is a bundle version without the dock, HDMI cable, or the controller slot thingy to offer a value option to portable gamers.
@Masurao They are definitely already profiting from hardware sales.
This title is slightly misleading. It makes it sound as if Nintendo is abandoning the Switch's ideas after the Switch has run its course. The title should probably be something like "Nintendo has no plans for a Switch Mini/Plus, sources claim."
They won't bring out a 2.0, but i'm sure they will bring out one with more internal memory
5 years is mostly nintendo, with the year before their new console, the older console barely gets any games because of that. It seems the 5 year console life span started to end in the PS1, Genesis and Super NES era...nintendo kind of continued, ended it with the Wii, but their handhelds always lasted more than 5 years...this news is nothing great. Of course there will be a ton of accessories for the Switch...Wii had a ton, most of which are dumb or only had a few games to go with it (balance board, Zapper...etc). I'm glad that the Switch will last for more than 5 years, but I'm also worried that the PS4 and XBONE is on their 5 years mark, which means a new one will be coming from those companies within the next year or so, which also means that the Switch will be very low in power and could jeopardize many companies from moving towards it (even if it continues to sell like hot cakes, the sales will end eventually). I see nintendo making an updated one eventually...especially after the PS5 and the next Xbox comes out, just a year after them.
The only variations I like to see is alternate colors schemes. I would love a NES or Super Nintendo color
So Accessories, I hold very vague hope for an improved dock, but before I finish my typing, let me just mentally grab an ME shield to ward off all the people that will inevitably leap at my throat for daring to want something like that.
@Anti-Matter why do you want to know who the random guy with blue hair is?
Holding off buying until a price drop and or revision with some tweaks.
I can't justify it with all my other consoles for it's current price for what I think will be limited use for myself / just to play another version of Skyrim and Mario Kart.
Nintendo rarely release revisions of their home consoles so this isn’t exactly a surprise.
Of course Nintendo has plans for their next console, and why wouldn't it continue with a formula that seems to result in huge sales now? Nintendo just chooses to keep research and development within a tight circle of employees.
@nuovian Question is, does the Switch count as such with it's "dual" and far more handheld inclined nature?
Let us hope this makes all those whining for a revision shut up, at least for this year. The console is fine as it is.
A Switch mini without detachable joycons is moronic considering the joycons are the very logo of the console.
A Switch Pro with better specs is impossible on portable format considering it will eat the battery in even less than three hours.
Let’s just keep the current model. It works fine.
"Nintendo has no plans to produce new hardware variants of the system at this time."
Well obviously. With it selling so well, you wouldn't want to sabotage sales by announcing a new version of it, but you can bet it's in the works. They're just waiting for the right time to announce it — basically once sales start to slow. I personally have no problem with new versions, it worked well for their handheld market, and I don't see why it wouldn't work well here also.
What?! No New Switch XLi 3D VR Slim Pokemon Pikachu limited edition?
Misleading headline. Nintendo specified that there would be no revision in 2018. They plan on having bigger gaps between revisions than their handhelds, that's how they plan on keeping the system around for longer than 5-6 years, which you note in the quote from the source article. That matters more than you're letting on.
Does anyone really trust Nintendo
Sources? I don't believe it anyway. Nintendo have always upgraded their handheld within a couple of years.
@1UP_MARIO me.
This is corporate speak for definitely.
Which makes sense, by the way. Just not too early, and not without significant backwards compatibility for a while. Switch 2 will probably be 2 years into its lifespan, with improvedness, yet full compatibility everywhere.
3 may have some exclusiveness, otherwise 4. It's the path Iwata talked about when we didn't know what switch was yet.
@Alikan that’s great
I would love a Switch Mini.
The Switch’s form factor is the main reason I still take my Vita to work everyday.
Oh well.
LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIES gif
Just like "the Switch will not replace the 3DS"
Of course they're saying that now if they're planning to sell 20mil of the current hardware this year. It'd be dumb to say otherwise.
@Deathwalka
Ah...
Just something stole my attention.
My reaction was "Ooh... who's that guy with Aquamarine hair ?"
As long as they keep compatability with existing games and the Joy Cons, I’m happy.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Theres some links highlighted in red. At the bottom of the article under (via: )
May wanna...ya know....click em. Turns out thos are sources.
They didnt start as sources on the Wii U though
The article says that we're unlikely to see a revision this year. Which I can agree with.
I do think we'll see one in mid/late 2019 though.
@bratzdoll You have a godlike name and avatar. Actually made me laugh out loud.
No need for a revision in 2018.
Whenever they do decide to do one I really hope they get rid of the bezels and go with a bezel less screen
@bratzdoll the headline is misleading, the source that WSJ is citing said there would be longer times between revisions to keep Switch around for longer than the standard Nintendo console lifespan of 5-6 years. NL just wants to keep the narrative that Switch isn't replacing 3DS because they still want 3DS around.
they'll announce the update when the next gen of consoles are announced. they'll split the time between console refreshes with their own.
Of course they don't have anything "planned" for immediate release, not with the Switch selling so well. However, I think it's also pretty obvious that any company would be actively working to improve their product, so there are likely multiple prototypes/revisions being worked on. I think it is very likely we see a revised Switch. Personally, I would love for a smaller, portable only Switch.
Mark my words... There will eventually be a Switch phone. I expect it will be a joint venture with Apple. Phone, portable gaming, apps, and console gaming in one package.
@roadrunner343 curious what would be “switch” about a portable only device?
I suspect we will see something within that time span. I also suspect Nintendo wouldn't want to reveal such plans this early in the current Switch's lifespan anyways.
@Dethmunk
no reason for revised. they need to announce switch 2 maybe next year at E3 (or whatever N does now). all they need to do is up the proc/ram/internal storage which should yield better battery and better performance and pretty much keep everything else as is.
go the MS/PC/IOS (maybe Sony??) route. new machines, higher graphics, bc and let it ride. every 2-3 years there needs to be another model with better cpu/gpu/ram. keep all prices the same and all connections etc.
I've had my switch almost half a year, and I've given it probably 60-70 gaming hours so far. I hate that the battery drains so fast and I also hate it's ultra weak wifi signal so I do think this system needs an overhaul. I don't like a lot of other things about it as well. I have the most fun playing my 3ds, still, so I will continue to enjoy that much more than the Switch. 🤷🏼♀️
@ValhallaOutcast Clearly, it would not fulfill the original marketing of the current Switch. It would likely have it's own name - Switch Go, Switch Mini, etc... It's just a name, after all.
I should have also been more clear with what I am hoping for. I don't necessarily care if it is portable only - what I would really want is a smaller, integrated device - no need for the removable joy-con. Mine never come off anyway and only get use while portable. If this new, smaller Switch could still dock, that would be awesome, but I don't see it fitting in the current dock. For that reason, I would rather see a small, cheaper, portable only. I've already got a Switch that can be used at home and on the go that I share with my wife (And soon, my son I'm sure) so having a 2nd cheaper device I can use portably would be great.
@Anti-Matter Isn't the "guy" with the aquamarine hair a woman?
That's what they always say before they announce a new version of their hardware.
I know not a lot of people are asking for this, but I would love to see a Switch home counsel version. I'm just not going to use the portability side of the Switch and it feels like that's mostly what I'm paying for.
@roadrunner343 sounds like you want a cool product but also sounds like you want a better gameboy more than a scaled down switch
I’d be interested in something like that
@improviser portable is what’s saving this from being a disaster, imagine 3 year old ports for full price and we could justify it by saying “but now I can play that 3 year old game portable “
Nintendo saying they aren't doing something basically means "wait until tomorrow for the announcement".
Nintendo saying they are doing something means they aren't.
Nintendo giving a date for something means 6 months to a year or longer wait.
Why anybody ever takes them at their word is beyond me.
Switch 2.0, aka New Switch, an upgraded more powerful model like New 3DS, PS4 Pro or X1X, is certainly not coming out any time soon. Switch is still selling, so why bother. Like others gave said, wait until PS5 and Xbox 2 are announced in the next couple of years.
Switch 2, a next gen Switch, could happen in 6 or 7 years, but who knows, and no point talking about that now anyway.
Switch Mini could happen early next year to coincide with Pokémon, and it probably should, but it would be the same power level as Switch, not an upgrade, just smaller.
Switch Portable, aka Switch w/o the dock, could happen to lower the price without any modifications at all, so that's not 2.0, just a different bundle.
@ValhallaOutcast and anybody else along the lines of - it can't be a Switch if you don't Switch it in and out of the dock, between home and portable modes - Nintendo has plenty of explanations along those lines. First up, switching between 1 and 2 players in tabletop mode. Go watch some Japanese commercials, they are nearly TV free, it's all about switching between 1 player handheld and 2 player tabletop. That IS the switch in Japan marketing.
Now more recently, you can switch your Switch between different Labo kits. There can be no TV mode or dock usage with the Labo variety pack 1.0. The Switch goes into 4 of the builds, you switch it between them, and you use the touchscreen for the remote. NO dock. So I'm expecting "Switch Labo Edition" as a cheaper way to get the Switch to parents, camps and libraries where it wouldn't be used on a TV for games, just as a STEM toy. And the robot kit can be used in tabletop mode though they are promoting the TV with that one. We also don't know what other kits they have planned, but we've seen a few. But anyway, there's your "switch". And I've only seen "Labo Garage" mode, the Discover part of Build. Play. Discover. in handheld mode, not on the tv, so you switch between those 3 aspects of Labo as well, reading the instructions to build, inserting it to play, touching the screen to discover. No dock, no TV. Just STEM.
@dazzleshell They did release 3DS models without 3D and now they have completely done away with the 3D. They could make a dockless Switch and just change the name to something equally as meaningless as 2DS.
a slimmer, lighter dock-less more portable version of Switch (even with slightly smaller screen) for 220 $ would sell like hot-cakes.
@ValhallaOutcast I'm not really sure what you're referring to with a "Cool Gameboy" - I want a Switch. Whether or not it can be docked, I don't really care - I want a smaller, cheaper revision of the Switch - Like Nintendo has often done with they portable systems, and to a lesser extent, their home consoles. If losing the ability to dock makes it a Gameboy, then sure, I'm fine with that. Of course I would prefer it keep that ability, but then it will also require a new dock.
Also, I think you're way to wrapped up in the name. The name was incredibly important for initial marketing push, sure. It's well recognized now, and would be well recognized as a family of products should they determine to go that route. Its all up to how Nintendo choose to market it, but they could easily come up with a name/marketing plan to make it clear what the device's purpose was. Regardless, they've never been one to shy away from terrible names (New 3DS, 2DS, Wii, Wii U) so I don't see that being a factor anyway =D
@YummyHappyPills I've no need to click the links. I'd already read the story. My point about sources is about this line:
"One person familiar with development plans said waiting longer to introduce variations in the hardware would serve that purpose."
Who? One person? Right! Great source. Why should we believe that?
I don't believe half of what Nintendo says based on past experiences. Anyway, Nintendo will release a revised Switch but they won't say anything until a few months earlier like they always do to not eat sales of current hardware. New 3DS was delayed in Europe so Nintendo could sell their older stocks in Christmas, they even admitted it.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE We shouldn't. Same reason I put no stock in anything until given definitive proof.
@improviser Was going to wait for Switch Home, no screen, and it still may happen, but not until it gets a lot more apps. There's simply no point attaching something to a TV without Netflix and the rest. And if they are going to promote Nintendo Labo long term, I still wonder why Switch isn't in the name, then maybe they just do transform Switch into a handheld and abandon the home gaming market. Will be nearly impossible for the current Switch to keep up with PS5 and Xbox 2 games in 4k, even ports would be difficult. So maybe at some point they just don't bother trying.
I would have liked one though, just don't think they'll go that way.
Switch Hardware revision before Christmas 2019 - come back and like my comment when announced.
We've heard that before. They are going to say that so if anyone is on the fence they will just go out and buy the current model.
I expect there to be a revision to a Pro Model this year. Having a variety of "attachments/accessories" will only add to the clutter in our homes and no longer allow the Switch to have a portable component.
Nintendo should do as Apple and release iterations of the Switch for all eternity.
The Switch concept is too good and I don't want another console. I just need a more powerful Switch but I can live if say revision comes in year 4 or 5 of the console.
I think Nintendo would be smart to simply upgrade the tablet every two to three years. Keep it completely backwards compatible. Allow current Switch owners to buy the updated tablet as a stand alone purchase for less than $200. That would ensure they keep their current costumers while simultaneously building their fan base.
This is as true as them saying "Don't worry guys, the NX won't replace the WiiU"! Usually, when they say they are not going to do something, that's exactly what they are going to do.
@HexagonSun
yep.
the ios/pc/ms method. i have NO clue what sony is doing. they haven't really said they're going that route so ps5 may be 10 cells snapped together and nothing bc, or who knows.
honestly N left the tv market with the switch. sure it can be docked which is something we all wanted with the psp/vita but they're not competing for tv time anymore. they lost that battle around 1996 with the N64.
"Nintendo has no plans—"
I believe it.
Yeah, right. We WILL get a Switch 2.0 somewhere down the line. A replacement model this early in its life would be profoundly stupid, of course.
Of course they aren't going to confirm such things regardless if it's true or not. With the Switch flying off the shelves it could affect the sales of the current model for people who are still on the fence, even a casual "we're thinking about it" comment could affect the sales.
Personally i don't think they release something new that early but i could see that happening eventually. It happens with pretty much every console.
Can we enjoy switch 1.0 first? Thanks.
If the Switch is still selling like hotcakes, why fix a formula that isn't currently broken? I expect that there will be an updated model at some point, but IMO it's too soon for a revision.
They don't need to change a thing about it. No hardware revision is needed. Taking away the dock would mean its not a Switch anymore, and that's just the dumbest idea I've ever heard. More accessories is a great idea, however.
@Tyranexx
the wii sold like hotcakes too. cautionary tale right there.
Not a redesign but Nintendo could at least release another model with more storage space like maybe a 64gb or 128gb model while dropping the 32gb one for under $300.
Honestly, my wallet is fine with Nintendo not issuing a hardware revision. The USB-C port does offer some cool options for new peripherals, although that might be difficult to use if the system is docked. Still, I'd rather stretch the Switch as long as possible before a hardware revision or sequel console is brought to market.
I agree. Fix the current model's distribution issues and make sure retailers have plenty of stock. If there is a new Switch model being made, it probably won't release until 2020. One thing I do want is 4k. So maybe make a 4k model if possible, but the Switch is fine as it is so I don't really care if they don't make a 4k Switch model.
Awesome!!!
Yeah the Switch doesn't need a revision so early in its lifetime in the same way that the DS and 3DS did (though I'm sure they'll be a smaller, more portable version of the Switch at some point).
The driving sales with accessories part doesn't sound so promising, but oh well.
@1UP_MARIO Me. Their transparency and integrity are refreshing in such an opportunistic industry.
Skyrocketing sales? Yeah right. There's nothing on the Switch that makes it interesting. Nintendo lost its touch after the Gamecube. although the first three systems are my favorite.
I'd welcome a release with a larger hard drive.
„No plans..“ is definitely not true. They don’t want you to focus on it. And they will not release an update version soon. There is absolutely no need at the moment.
They may do a switch XL a year down the line, but i can't see a 4k switch coming out for years if ever!.
Nintendo has plans how wearing socks can be more fun - doesn’t mean they release all their ideas.
This is literally the end of modern gaming as we know it. Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have no plans whatsoever for new game consoles.
Nintendo isn't going to release a Switch revision that won't "switch", so don't expect some console-only/handheld-only/JoyCon-less Switch revision anytime soon, if ever.
Yes, Nintendo releases the 3D-less 2DS, but the 3D feature of the 3DS is optional and was never required for 3DS software/peripherals to function. Meanwhile, stuff like Labo relies on the Switch's modularity, and I'm willing to bet future Switch peripherals will also take advantage of the Switch's modular nature.
A more powerful Switch will almost certainly happen, but that's probably ~3 years out from now if the DSi and New 3DS are anything to go by. It certainly won't arrive during Nintendo's 2018 fiscal year, as the current Switch model has shown little signs of slowdown.
Successful peripherals can be a big boon for hardware sales. Just look at the Wii Fit Balance Board and the original Kinect for Xbox 360. Even the PS2 Eye Toy and PS3 Move did decently well and helped sustain PS2/PS3 sales.
Of course, I highly doubt Nintendo Labo or any other single Switch accessory/peripheral will be anywhere near as successful as the Wii Fit Balance Board/Kinect 1.0, but Labo can definitely help expand the Switch's audience and reach, even if it doesn't sell 30-40 million units.
The original DS was like a prototype in a sense, and had horrible displays. So I wouldn't really consider that as a legit reason as to why they would bring out a new Switch version.
I would love for them to do improvements such as CPU die shrink, for longer battery life, cooler running, and running at a faster clock rate during portable mode, and even a higher clock rate while dock. And I hate loading time, so faster bandwidth capabilities for the Micro SD and Gamecards.
Just look at the PS4 Pro. It's pretty much a failure.
Simply, because 99% of the people own a PS4 and not a PS4 Pro, so developers make games for the PS4 and very few bother with optimizing for PS4 Pro with minimal effort.
At least the Xbox One X has a 4K bluray player, so that's why I bothered buying that one for our 4K TV in our livingroom, since I didn't had a 4K bluray player and didn't own a Xbox One yet.
I do have the PS4 downstairs in our gaming room, but not gonna bother upgrading to PS4 Pro. Get too little for the PS4 for trade-in and not worth it.
So I like that Nintendo is sticking to their guns and not already planning to come out with a Switch 2.0 too soon.
It will only confuse and piss off developers, hurting their platform as a whole.
The New 3DS only got one official game since it launched almost 3 years ago, XenoBlade Cronicles 3D and that's it.
So that should also be a hint.
@Nickster076 when switch was first announced I was not happy it never came with gorilla glass screen but now I totally understand why.
If nintendo are thinking about people who drop there switches then plastic screen definitely the better option.
Hot Tip: Nintendo has no plans for a Switch 2.0 because . . . .
The Wii U 2 is coming!!! Reserve yours today!!!
The successes of Wii fell off a cliff after year 3. Nintendo would be fools to repeat that mistake. Sounds like something Nintendo would most certainly do.
This is the same company that, one day before E3 2012, said they were happy with the 3DS. The next day they announced the 3DS XL. Or that TP was still a GameCube exclusive. Or that they wouldn't do mobile games because it make "Nintendo not be Nintendo". Or that online gaming was a fad, etc, etc.
@gatorboi352 On the contrary, the Wii continued to sell very well until its last year, when the Wii U was launched.
No need to lie.
All I can say is Nintendo is missing out on a big opportunity by ignoring the desire for a more compact Switch. At this point I just want a HDS because Switch is not feasible enough to carry around in my pocket.
Knowing Nintendo, "no plans" means "Switch 2 confirmed".
The only revision I'd ask for is fixing a proper d-pad to the left Joycon, but that could be done just by releasing it separately.
remember that this is just a rumour, take it with a grain of salt
@Muddy_4_Ever: That would alienate their non-Apple userbase.
nintendo is once again lying through their teeth.
mini switch and or switch with more memory coming in 2019.
Hello?! The Switch is barely one year old.
Besides, if they're gonna introduce a new system in the near future, it has to be a home console.
"at this time"
@Dethmunk the tegra 2 was made to help optimize battery life for the devices that use it. It couldn’t possibly do any better graphically than the current Tegra chip in the switch. The only reason Nintendo didn’t go with the Tegra 2 our of the gate is because it would’ve increased production cost and that price increase would’ve been passed to the consumer, which would have hurt sales. There isn’t even the slightest chance that the tegra 2 chip could produce any kind of “4K” graphics, period. The tegra 3 would be the logical upgrade moving forward, but even then it would probably only make the tablet play things smoothly at 1080p, and docked it MIGHT, MIGHT get 1440p depending on the CPU and the amount of ram they can put in the tablet.
Honestly I wish Nintendo would team up with Apple to get permission to use their “all-in-one” chips like the A10X that they put in the iPhone X, the newest iPads, and the Apple TV 4K. Those chips benchmarked are faster than some modern laptops and could really turn nintendo’s hybrid console into a next gen powerhouse. I know it won’t happen, but a guy can dream!
I said when I bought the switch day one that we would see an upgrade in late 2019 or early 2020, I stand by that comment.
I certainly don't want the Switch to be like the iPad and smartphones with a new version every year. But I DID expect a Switch Plus and Switch mini at some point, one being a slightly improved and perhaps bigger Switch and the other being smaller, more kid friendly and cheaper.
@gatorboi352
You are Fool to keep salty about Nintendo !
What's now ?
Boring with Nintendo news and keep being Negative all the time ??
@jzf69 Oh geez, thanks for reminding me of the Tegra 2 phones of 2011. The Atrix was a great phone back then lol.
@Nincompoop
#DoNotForgiveNintendo
@Heavyarms55: Like mostly @Everyone_Else: here, I suspect Nintendo will release an upgraded, or downgraded NX/NS in the time they deem(consider) appropriate.
@Everyone_Else: Nintendo does not need to worry about 2nd-hand Switches being "previous hardware designs/revisions", provided:
1. They wait a significant amount of time, before releasing, or announcing a newer model. Let the original, & older models stay on the market for enough time.
2. Give people enough reason to purchase the upgraded model.
Correction: Nintendo has no immediate plans for a Switch 2. One will come, especially a dedicated portable one, which might be announced late 2019. As to enhancing existing hardware, I can't see that announced until late 2020 at the earliest.
I think I know exactly what Nintendo is doing: they are possibly thinking about prolonging the Switch, through modular-style enhancements. Think about it. Nintendo has said they are looking to prolong the NS lifespan through accessories.
I think Sega could have better handled this concept in the 90's. Peripherals that enhance hardware capabilities are not inherently bad, provided they are handled properly by the console manufacturer.
Peripherals, as opposed to console revisions, have the added benefit of win-win: Nintendo can continue to manufacture the Switch, as it currently is, which for them means cheaper production, as costs on the relevant technology come down. Meanwhile, they can also sell peripherals for certain games, & features. It's a double profit for them, & Switch users only have to purchase the enhancement peripherals they want for the specific games, & features. That, is a win for the Switch userbase.
It's a similar concept to upgrading a pc over the years, rather than purchasing a new one every few (years).
I could be totally off, but didn't they have some sort of patent for a box that would boost the power of the console? I could see them going that direction to meet demands for power
Hmm.. gonna need a midlife boost at some point I feel, but we'll see how it pans out.
If I remember correctly they insisted they were not going to make a 3ds xl either.
@Nincompoop Nintendo has a weird logic. They could have meant upgraded versions, as the 3DS XL was just the regular 3DS with larger screens.
@Nincompoop
It's actually "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me"
@Rhaoulos That's why my quote is better. No matter how many times you fooled/tricked me, you are to be blamed.
@SuperSnivy Of course they are talking about upgraded version, a console last for at least 5+ years, Switch is barely a year old.
@Nincompoop Agreed! They said the Pikachu 2DS XL was a Japan-exclusive then released it right after people bought the Pokeball edition
There is literally no way there won't be a more powerful Switch in 2020 or so. Same thing goes for a cheaper version to replace the 3DS line of hardware.
17 million sold in a year. Wow. Far from the dark days of WiiU. I loved my WiiU but man, it was hard to defend it. It looked like a cheap toy from the early 2000s, it didn't have any 3rd party support after year one and Nintendo dropped it like a bag of steaming poop once it wasn't doing the numbers. Shame really. It had some great games.
@Sentinator "Nintendo is missing out on a big opportunity by ignoring the desire for a more compact Switch"
Be careful what you wish for. A smaller Switch would mean a smaller screen, or a slimmer bezel around the screen, both of which would be undesirable for a lot of people, myself included. I would struggle to play a lot of Switch's best games on a smaller screen, and a slimmer bezel would harm its durability. My kids have dropped the Switch from a height multiple times and it hasn't broken. That trumps slightly better portability in my eyes.
I see the switch as a handheld so not a big deal. I'll upgrade my PS4 and PC for everything else.
Hands up anyone who believes this? Anyone at all? No didn't think so.
We should bookmark this and look back on it in 2025 when we've had 3 main Switch revisions, one or two mini versions for kids and probably a cheap home system only version.
@The_Mysteron
A handheld Switch would just be out for a certain group. Granted it wouldn't take off like the default model but it would be ideal for those who want a cheaper alternative without the added HDMI, dock or plastic grippy thing.
I definitely think a clam shell model with the joysticks on the side would be most ideal for me but we'll see. This rumour doesn't say it will never happen. Just not for the foreseeable future. Assuming their sources aren't outright lying.
@Sentinator "definitely think a clam shell model with the joysticks on the side would be most ideal for me"
Great idea. Love a clam shell design.
I can’t believe that this is even being discussed after 1 year. Enjoying what I have now and won’t (and don’t want to) worry about this for several years.
The Switch itself is fine, could use a slight internal redesign to help with that little 'warping' problem some people seem to have, but my biggest issue is with the Joycon. Revise the tiny thumbsticks a little bit and change out that little plastic clip that clicks into the console with a metal one, and I'm golden.
Nintendo would do well to release revised joy-cons instead. Physical designs suited to fighting games would be fantastic.
There's only so much the standard joy-cons can do in that regard.
@Dog In comparison to Wii U, sure. In comparison to its own first 3 years? Not even close. Go check the numbers.
"Nintendo Has No Plans For A Switch 2.0"
At the moment. When sales dwindle in a couple of years, there may be a new version.
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