Rumour: Nikkei Suggests Smaller And More Affordable Switch Hardware Is On The Way

Makes sense. This is a great way for newcomers to get into the Switch with a lower budget. Plus, with Pokemon and Animal Crossing coming, a Switch mini would help increase hardware and software sale for Nintendo

The most interesting/surprising part of this news is a new improved online service aimed at the core audience. Exciting!

Just make the screen bigger via smaller bezel on the current version and I'll be happy... while you're at it, put a more powerful GPU in it for future games to leverage while keeping everything backwards compatible.

The 3DS has completely collapsed and is now 4% of Nintendo's overall business (The Switch is 90% of Nintendo's business). Nintendo is gonna eventually have to transition the price-sensitive portion of 3DS market to the Switch.

More affordable Switch + Pokemon Gen 8 + Animal Crossing + Luigi's Mansion 3 will be massive in 2019.

That would pretty much be a way to succeed the 3DS. Its audience is huge and millions haven't bought a Switch yet.

Regarding the Online service, well, the legacy Nintendo has could become the so-called 'netflix' of gaming of classic gems and some new indies.

smaller? i want the screen to be bigger! and i don't like the sound of the revision especially when it's going to remove things.

This rumor is stupid, Nintendo already said they aren't announcing new crap about a redesign hardware this year or any year until they feel one is needed.

it's not a bad idea.
it'd be popular with parents buying for their kids, and casual folks who just wanna play Animal Crossing and/or Pokemon on something convenient.
it's not for me, but I hope it comes true.

@holygeez03 I imagine the first revision will just be a smaller, cheaper model to counter the eventual release of the PS5/Next Xbox with a more powerful model coming later. It'll likely be sold without a dock so maybe they can get it below $200.

@huyi you don't have to buy it?

@retro_player_22 They also said they were not making a 3DS XL and then a few weeks later announced the 3DS XL.

As I don't own any DS hardware, I don't know about the pricing of the games... Because if this new Switch should replace the DS, isn't the software a little bit too pricey?

Also, to be honest, they shouldn't make the screen any smaller. The games which are optimized for the current generation are already hard to read in portable mode. If they make the screen even smaller, it even might ruin kids eyes...
Also, it should be compatible with current hardware, aka joy cons...

I'm into it. Would love to be a 2-Switch household and I only play handheld anyway.

@CharlieSmile when they phase out the older model no one will have a choice but to buy the new revision so have fun with that.

One thing about being Mini.
Being Mini, that means smaller monitor size (between 4 - 5 inch) and some games with very small texts on Handheld Mode (Lost Sphear, Dragon Quest Builders, etc) will be OUCH to watch.

@huyi If the revision is portable only, no way do they phase out the dockable version.

Not a bad idea, though I don't know if they should made the screen smaller. One thing I hope they also do this year, is that Nintendo releases more durable joycons, especially stronger analog sticks.

@Spectra Nintendo is unlikely to listen to anyone asking for more power this early in the lifecycle, but it’s their pattern to introduce cheaper versions of their portables with removed features. Last gen alone they followed up the 3DS with both, the 2DS that didn’t have flip screen or 3D, and then later the more powerful 3DS (that came very late in the cycle) got yet another also-powerful 2DS model (that flipped this time.)

I think it’s next to certain Nintendo will release a somehow cheaper version if the Switch, I just am curious if it’s truly this year or next, and what features will be omitted.

I think they already sell a version wirh no dock in Japan, same model though.

Basically a straight handheld version. Drop the dock and make it cheaper with better battery life. Cut the detachment mechanisms.

Makes having the PS4+Switch combo even more affordable.

If I remember correctly Nintendo denied the DSi up until two days before they announced it.

Make the Vita

This isn’t a revision, I’m guessing it’s a new product meant to live alongside the switch. A dedicated portable successor to the 3ds that plays switch games. I would love that.

I just speed past the revision and go straight to: more expensive online service 😕
They coulda just started with a good one and not make me upgrade or worse, have two different paid subscriptions on switch.
I'll wait for it to materialize before whining more. And if it does show up, I'll probably get it, but why not just improve the current one?

SNES Online next month? Based on the Nikkei article it sounds like that it might be coming really soon.

It will basically be the game boy advance design probably with the same screen and smaller bezels

Not for me personally but they have the gba design already

All they have to do is sell a Switch bundle without the dock and make it 100 bucks cheaper (seeing it costs 100 bucks separately).

Selling the Switch console only for 200 bucks would put it within the price range of the New 3DS XL.

Done. Then they have the handheld only gamers market of the 3DS covered.

Interesting. Would it still dock? Guessing no detachable joycons. Will be interesting to see what it looks like, sounds like the 3DS replacement

totally down for this, me and my lil bro share a switch but it's hard to take turns borrowing it for the week. im totally down to just have a cheaper switch to myself

Are you guys not crediting/reviewing news tips any more? @Liam_Doolan

@electrolite77 You mean 2019, right?

@Liam_Doolan I suppose that makes sense. News like this will be picked up everywhere, but more personal stories/curios are what tips are for, got it!

Hope you're staying cool today mate. It's a billion degrees over here in the West.

As difficult as it is to look for habits and predict Nintendo, I think it's safe to assume this thing is getting a Pokémon Limited Edition this holiday. Infact, this sku will lend itself more to them. Maybe the next Zelda game etc.

I wonder how far they will go with an expanded online service? SNES games will surely be added to the standard membership. How about $30 per year on top of the standard $20 subscription, for 4 titles from a selection of consoles, say 64/GC/Wii/GBA, added monthly. Is that reasonable?

I wonder if this mini switch might have some kind of 3DS backwards compatibility.

Mini w/same screen size, X1, no detachable joycons, non-dockable, NSO, plays 3DS games...

Switch XL-X2 chip 8-10" screen...coming soon..

@mazzel That’s a good call. Maybe development teams are working on 3DS-esque games for the Switch (think 2D Zelda), which will be priced closer to a 3DS game.

An enhanced Switch with, for instance, stereoscopic 3D or 4K would bother me as an early buyer. A new Switch cheaper, lighter but with no docked mode (although I hardly use it) I wouldn't mind at all, wouldn't be angry in that case.

I don't believe there will be a hardware upgrade just yet, but a smaller version is plausible, like the BG pocket, GBA SP, DS Lite, etc...
The Switch has huge bezels and they can reduce its size without changing the screen size. but I don't see them releasing new Joycons so they'd have to be compatible.

Am I the only one who thinks that if they drop the docked mode (that’s if that is the idea of a reduced version) that in doing so Nintendo run the risk of confusing the ‘average consumer’? Much like the Wii U did....

I'm not convinced they have a more expensive online service planned. Seems to be conflicting takes circling

@Filth_Element yes you are. Nothing confusing for an average consumer wanting a handheld

@GrailUK I don’t know that’s what I thought when Wii U released “what’s confusing about that?” But now we look back and that was a defining part of the failings of the Wii U.

The docked mode to handheld has been sold to the market so well. If they drop the ability to dock the system, doesn’t that go completely against how the Switch was sold in the first place.

I'd buy a portable only Switch just so I can leave my launch one docked at all times.

@Filth_Element yeah I get you but I think Pokemon will reinforce what it is

Has nobody actually stopped to think about this smaller Switch?

Smaller means that the current Joy-Cons won't be usable. If the controllers in that smaller Switch don't detach, that will mean that some games will be unplayable with that new model. That will split the user base and confuse a lot of people who bought a "Switch" that can't play Switch games. Not the smartest of ideas to confuse the customers.

Then there's the power/heat dissipation/battery life. Smaller means that the GPU will need to be under clocked further to prevent overheating, and makes game's performance much worse (and let's not forget that developers will need to account for a third power configuration: docked, undocked and "small") and with a smaller battery comes shorter battery life.

I don't see a single plus in this rumored smaller Switch, unless they've got a much more efficient GPU/chipset to overcome all those shortcomings. And if they do indeed have a better chip, then it would make more sense to put that in a redesigned Switch of the same size format and increase battery life and heat dissipation.

I wonder if they will do a completely new handheld system & leave the switch well alone. New Gameboy say? I think if they do a switch mini which you cant actually switch that will be very confusing for the average consumer ie wii/wiiU. There is a gap in the market for a true small handheld what with Sony not bothering now. I love taking my switch out & about with me though & dont think its too big. I think they will double down on the normal switch myself & maybe bring out a package sans dock & try to drop the price a little. I dont think there will be a switch revision till 2020 at the earliest.

@maruse it wouldn't work with the dock either. Which either means it'd have no way to run it on the tv or they'll have to sell a new dock.

@Jeronan Aye.

I'm baffled as to why they haven't sold the switch solo yet. Especially considering you can buy a dock.

They could easily knock that out for under £200.

@Ogbert @maruse

Detached joy cons could still work wirelessly.

And of course they could sell a smaller dock separately.

Remember how there's no reason Netflix is not on Switch yet? Don't be surprised if that app comes locked behind the subscription service.

@retro_player_22 The last time Nintendo said they aren't releasing a new system, they announced a new one less than month later :'). Take their words with a huge grain of salt.

Crap idea, but okay. 🙄

so nintendo have said no we are not doing this and an article suggests they are.......surely if nintendo were going to do this they would of said...nothing to report at this time...instead of no!

@Filth_Element I don't think so. Despite what Nintendo says, many of us consider it a portable system with TV option actually. Even developers market their games with the "on-the-go" feature as the selling point of Switch version against the more powerful Xbox One and PS4 versions.

@gcunit Not sure where the Netflix comment comes from, i don't think they would lock a paid service behind another paid service though. i think lack of Netflix is a completely different thing.

Yeah Joy-cons could still work wirelessly, but now you'll also need to buy a separate charger for them. And throwing in another type of dock as well? It isn't half making the market complicated for people. It'd make much more sense to keep it the size it is and just improve the elements inside it. That way everything else still just works without question or caveat.

@maruse I’m on the same page.

Enter the Switch Micro! Monochrome screen, 486 DX 2 processor, 12 minutes of battery life and Joy-Cons suitable for Borrowers.

What a waste of resources, time and money ...

This notion that they'd put out a Switch SKU with built-in Joy-Con makes ZERO sense considering certain software encourages or even necessitates detached Joy-Con to play. Most recent case in point, Fitness Boxing. You can't play that in handheld unless you could detach them from the screen. All I see coming is a dock-less Switch, maybe with minor hardware revisions, but nothing extraordinary. They could sell it alongside the launch of Fire Emblem, for $229, then drop it to $199 just in time for Pokemon.

What a great time to be a nintendo fan! If I remember correctly, there was little discussion a few years back about a wii u variant. The success of the switch is a good thing, and I am a happy gamer.

@lemonjellydude Nobody should pay any attention to official comments from Nintendo at this point. They will say what they have to to protect sales. They have form for flat out lying about 'not planning to revise hardware'. They said they were not working on a revised 3DS a week before announcing the XL.

I've been begging for a more portable-centric Switch. I rarely play in docked or tabletop mode. And even though the console is light, it still causes fatigue in my arms during extended play while laying in bed. I'll definitely be a buyer if and when a Switch mini arrives.

If this is has any shred of truth my guess is it is likely a 3DS successor with Switch elements. If they did introduce a cheaper, smaller switch it would kill the momentum.

Yeah a mini would be neat. Bonus if its a clamshell and could also play 3ds games.

Online service is interesting. I think they will improve the current one before going more expensive. Everyone says they want SNES games, but I already have an SNES classic. If its more expensive then it better compete with Sony and Microsoft's services. Means current gen.

@retro_player_22 guess its needed then, cause Nintendo seems to have inform retailers about this

@Peach64 Exactly. How many times have they denied they're doing a thing, only to officially confirm that thing a week or month later?

A Switch Lite just makes sense in terms of the games they're releasing later this year. Also in terms of achieving their goal of getting multiple people in a household to buy a Switch.

This is good news for me, I've been wanting a Nintendo Vita for years now.

I thought the appeal of the 3DS is that the games rarely cost $60 even when new, and they actually go on sale after having been out for a while, not that the hardware is cheap.

This would be great news if it comes to fruition. I am close to filling my launch day switch with 200gb card up to the brim.

Also have been considering getting a 2ds XL to go bikepacking with as switch too big for that purpose.

So whack in the biggest micro sd card possible then use it for digital only JRPG's and use my current switch for AAA releases.

🤞🏻For better battery life, one can dream.

Virtual Console Confirmed.

@Filth_Element They would have to rename it to "Static"

@OorWullie "a new improved online service"

I really think that news deserves it's own article. This column only has 85 comments probably b/c everybody is burned out on the topic as we've been discussing it ad nauseam since the NX was first revealed and in length back in October when the WSJ made the same prediction announcement. But the new online service is actually NEW news. But only about 8 people have commented on it, and 4 of those may have been you.

So while Nintendo only fans may be a bit confused about what a "Nintendo Subscription Online Plus" service might add or bring to the table, both Sony and MS offer two different online services already, and have for years. Xbox Live and PS+ are the pay-to-play online services that are necessary to play online, w/ the occasional extra game or add-on thrown in for good measure. Xbox Game Pass and PS Now are online streaming services like Netflix - can't discuss this stuff w/o mentioning NF, I think it's a law - where you pay to play a variety of games on a rental basis.

Since Nintneod has already stated NES and SNES Classic are done -

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/12/nes_and_snes_classic_consoles_wont_be_restocked_after_holidays_once_they_sell_out_theyrre_gone

• it makes sense they would offer NO+ that includes SNES, N64 and Gamecube games. This could be done either as an advanced tier that includes both online and game rentals like it does now, only with more games for more money, or as a spin-off type service that doesn't include the online, only the game rentals.

But it's probably coming. If Nitnedo is planning on it for late 2019 they wont' be able to roll it out before summer 2020 b/c they suck at everything business related besides making games and hardware, but it's coming eventually.

Maybe now that I've typed this all up here it will get it's own article later? 🤣

Two types of people in this thread, the believers and the non-believers.

beleivers have kids and cant' wait to buy them a cheaper Switch
non-beleivers dont' have kids so don't see the reason for a Mini

When they do a revision I hope it has a performance boost even it’s just a little like with the new 3ds models and a 1080p screen

@Spectra jeezus, if you think this is a bad option why not leave a comment and stop replying to everyones comments in regard about it being "BAD"?

Totally makes sense.

As with other rumors, I'm taking this with some salt until I hear this straight from the horse's mouth. If true, this move would make sense. Nintendo likely wants to claim the niche that the 3DS is slowly exiting out of. A cheaper, slightly stripped down system would probably bring more parents and those who are waiting for a lower Switch entry point on board.

@electrolite77
True but again we do not know if the rumor is accurate at all and what exactly it could be. It may be a revamped 3DS that uses the same cartridges. I think a mini or cheaper Switch is a non starter.

On the subject of cartridges I have yet to see any new news on the hi capacity cartridges(64 Gb) Nintendo was developing to use with the bigger game files. The last report I saw had Nintendo delaying the development until mid 2019 due to technical issues. I wonder if this is feeding the rumor?

Unless there's a significant improvement over the existing Switch, I don't think I'll "upgrade." Or even "downgrade" if the newer model is solely focused on portable play and omits any chance of TV play through the Dock. I play my Switch pretty much equally between TV and handheld so I definitely want my system to have both of those capabilities. Plus I find the battery in my existing Switch lasts more than long enough to get in a lot of gaming in handheld mode.

Front page of Slashdot based on articles on Ars and Ends.

https://games.slashdot.org/story/19/02/01/088204/nintendo-reportedly-plans-smaller-and-cheaper-switch-for-this-year

So if it doesn't happen now a lot of people are going to be surprised.

For me a Switch Mini/Lite/Pocket/Boy/Advance/Portable is a done deal w/ the only speculation being name, price and launch date.

Bigger question - will we get a SwitchDS w/ a clamshell design so Switch can play the entire DS, 3DS (w/o 3D) and what's left of the unported Wii U library? I think it might, but not for another 2 or 3 years yet.

Hey, they made a Gameboy Advance SP after the GBA, why not make a SwitchDS after the Switch Mini?

Can’t just let the DS die...

I would imagine this “new Switch” would not be dockable, the joycons would not be removable, and overall smaller. I don’t know if Switch game cards are too big... might be download games only.

@OorWullie When did they say that though?

@mazzel EXACTLY!! Thank you.
@Moroboshi876
I really don’t think a Switch can exist without an ability to SWITCH!

@rjejr Funny, I was thinking the same as you. If that little snippet at the end had its own article it would probably have generated more comments than this article has,with 75% of them being complaints about the current service.

As for the Switch Mini / Lite / New /2D, I agree. it's just waiting for the official announcement. I reckon it'll be out for the Spring or Summer along with Animal Crossing,then there will be special Pokémon editions for the end of the year.

@retro_player_22 On June 5th, Nikkei reported Nintendo were going to announce a bigger 3DS the next day.

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/06/rumour_nintendo_to_announce_bigger_3ds_tomorrow

Nintendo responded with a 'strongly worded' statement denying the rumours.

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/06/nintendo_denies_3ds_redesign_wii_u_price_revelation

The next day came and went, no announcement.Then 17 days later, they announce the 3DS XL.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-06-22-nintendo-3ds-xl-announced

The rumours of a new Switch are also from Nikkei, who have been right about a lot of stuff in the past. I'd say it's almost certain they are correct on this too.

@OorWullie "If that little snippet at the end had its own article"

I keep checking, b/c I still keep expecting one, but not yet.

OK, I really just keep checking back for a Direct announcement, but the online news is second.

@Spectra no bro.. you said the switch (current) was bad and also
Said that Nintendo was a liar etc.

Here's my grip as to why this is a maybe or maybe not outcome.

1. Mini needs upgraded GPU and RAM and Memory without this don't consider a Mini making it out of the slots.

So let's say a Mini is made and a GPU and Ram and Memory upgrades comes this would mean a Switch Pro is coming not to far along. And then you have to ask Which do you think will benefit more from this hardware upgrade? I would say the Pro as Switch owners will want to trade up for it and can you imagine the rush to Pre-Orders?

Let's go with there is a Mini-here's what is need to work.
1. GPU, Ram, Memory upgraded
2. HDMI dock re-designed for smaller Mini
And that is all now here's why it won't work
1. Some games requires separate Joy-Con
2. You will have to spend money on Joy-Con to work
3. Need to buy the Charging Joy-Con grip

So here's what you spend on a Mini - if made with possible price
1. Mini Switch $199.99
2. Joy-Cons removable $79.99
3. Charging Grip $29.99
4. Total= $309.97+Dock price(still to be factored)
5. Dock price?
So tell me how affordable is a Mini now????
Switch as of now:
1. $299.99 included Joy-Cons
2. Ready to go out of the box

And last reminder there is TAX as well to this that isn't included. So those advocating for a Mini should think long and hard on this. As this isn't affordable as they think it will be when everything is added doesn't quite add up to what their saying.

here's another post that might have some legs to it.

@Bigbuck
"A mini with,
-integrated controllers
-Digital download only
-no TV support.
-Wireless LAN still active
At what price point would this attract people to it?"

I would love to see a affordable Nintendo switch even though the other one is still at $299.99 & it makes common sense.

@Anti-Matter then dock it not a big deal 🤷

Great thanks for all the details.

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Funny, I was thinking the same as you. If that little snippet at the end had its own article it would probably have generated more comments than this article has, with 75% of them being complaints about the current service.

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