Rumour: "Cheaper Version Of The Switch" Expected To Launch By The End Of June

Seems interesting but we need more info.

Why is Pokemon FireRed one of the game screenshots in that thumbnail

Nintendo Swatch™

Id be all over a yellow one. Never gonna happen though, unless covered in Pokemon stuff. Clear purple too. Id be all over that as well.

I might be interested in the scaled down model if I can share my profile across two systems for games that support cloud saves AND if the cheaper version is roughly PS Vita size.

Otherwise I would have very little reason to get one for myself. However the cheaper option is great news for people with children who each want their own Switch.

But still, this is just a rumor. Until we get something official, I am not believing anything.

Kind of wish an upgraded model was coming out first. I already have a Switch and don't have a reason to get worse one. Only reason I would get another is if they come out with a Switch Pro type model.

i;m gonna wait until an official announcement happens. different rumors from different sites. are quite confusing.

I hope it has a clamshell type design. Or at the very least, be truly pocket sized.

I usually ignore the cheaper/pro Switch rumors (has a month gone by in the last two YEARS where there hasn’t been at least one article about said rumors?), but launching something like this by the end of June without having announced it by now would just be ridiculous, even considering Nintendo’s fondness for surprises. A console is far different from Tetris 99.

If true I’m more interested in what the “modest upgrade” to the existing switch would be...

If a cheaper Switch is released w/o removable joycons as some have speculated, what will we do when the sticks start to drift? P.S. if this hasn’t yet happened to your joycons, just wait. It will.

RUMOR Tactic: We'll keep making crap up until Nintendo respond.

Makes me all the more excited for June!
Not that I totally believe it

@mereel Remember the name joycon is short for joystick controller (which is why it doesn't had a d-pad) just like Pokemon is short for Pocket Monster. If the cheaper Switch does release with control already part of it and had a d-pad then it really isn't a joycon is it. By doing that it is now a game pad but with a screen it then became something we like to call a handheld. So yeah I don't think Nintendo is stupid enough to make the joysticks on that sucks like they were on the joycons, after all the sticks on the Switch Pro controllers seem to be working just fine.

In household like mine, where we have multiple gamers, I wouldn't mind picking up a cheaper Switch that is mostly handheld for when we need to be out and about while the family plays on the dock. Then again this could be similar to the 2ds and geared towards kids so a plus point would be joycons that don't come off and are less likely to break

If it has a real dpad I'll be very interested, as for the joy cons I hate using them individually so I'll be more than happy to lose that functionality

I mostly use mine in handheld mode and it's honestly a bit bulky and heavy for that. I'd snap up a lighter/smaller Switch in an instant even without detachable joycons or a dock.

@readalie The 3DS XL was released just over a month later after announcement (Announced June 21 2012 -Released July 28 2012 in both Europe and Japan with it being released in NA a few weeks later on August 19th) and most models of the 3DS having similar 1-2 month gap before announcement and release (2DS August 28th-October 12th, etc.)

It makes sense why such revisions have such short gaps between announcement and release as during that gap sales for the console slow, losing momentum.

@CrazyZelda79 It has to have detachable Joy-cons or a lot of games will be unplayable. Wouldn’t make any sense.

I always said they should just release Switch bundles without the dock.
That would shave off about 50-60 bucks from the current price and puts it in line with the New 3DS XL console price point.

@BenAV It's all about the Pokemon.

@mereel This has happened to two of my joycons already and I am not a heavy gamer by any means. Meanwhile the sticks on my 2013 Vita are still dead accurate. I wish Nintendo would subcontract making the Switch to anyone who built the Vita. That was one sturdy machine.

I wonder if it's about the smaller size. No JoyCon (totally pointless), or weaker spec?

In two months, Carl. Is it supposed to be announced at the earning report? Or dropped as a "preorder now" bomb during E3 Direct?

Makes you all the more curious who claims it, but too bad - they have "requested anonymity". I've pointed it out before, but here Bloomberg is openly admitting that "our sources are consciously engaging in contractually illegal stuff that could cause them trouble if traced back to them, and we are happily milking them with full awareness of it all". God bless all these "news" that spend months hanging in Schroedinger's state between fake and black market.

There's no chance it'd be released by the end of june, way too early. With original there was 6 months time span before announcement and release. Having this period too short would make many customers unprepared financially

@MagnaRoader Agreed. I'm the oldest of 5 in my household. Trying to share one Switch is a pain in the butt. Having at least one other Switch, especially a cheaper one, in the house would help alleviate many issues with sharing the console.

@BenAV , agree. I might get a cheaper model for my son but more durable joy cons would really help. though if i get the "cheaper" model for my kid, the joy cons i have now will last longer for sure.

Seems unnecessary right now and a little late for a June release.

I'd definitely like a cheaper one that I wouldn't feel like I have to be quite so precious about looking after.

This is Nintendo's replacement for the 3DS this is going after a different segment of the market. If you have a switch this is probably not for you.

But more consoles sold = more money for Nintendo = more great Nintendo games and potentially prolonging the life of the switch which is a win for all switch owners.

And more consoles sold = more attractive to third party devs which is another win

@Jeronan a lot? I can think of Mario Party and 1-2 Switch. I've had my Switch since launch and I never use the joy cons individually. I can see why it's a feature but its absolutely not necessary

I'm more hyped for the upgraded version, but I might get the mini too.

@BenAV we are down to pair number 3 at the moment. granted, my son always plays docked mode when he plays with is friends so only plays handheld when he is alone and his sister or we want to watch the TV.

@nintendolie i would actually buy that

@BenAV i have 2 working pairs now and one that keeps disconnecting during play

I’d welcome a smaller one / vita sizes - that I can take outdoors/pubs/train. I know I can do this with my current one but I’m oddly precious about it.

Anyway, more people will be attracted to the platform and hence, more games, never a bad thing!

A june release would be really unlikely. Since that would mean that they have to market it in less than two months. Nintendo is good, but not that good.

@KIRO Text would be really unreadble on a Vita sized Switch with it's 720p screen.

Getting tired of these rumours

Intill we get official confirmation from Nintendo these mean nothing

I want an Ultra Switch with higher res/refresh screen for VR, better processor and better battery in the same form factor. A Switch lite wouldn't be for me, especially if they made the joycon stuck to the console and the screen smaller.

Makes sense to have a cheaper model and slightly improved version of the current model that isn't to far ahead as to be considered a new Switch as such. But I would def like to see the Switch+ model at least improve the screen resolution, even if technically it doesn't improve the actual graphics of games on the system other than maybe letting it do the TV resolution/output on the handheld too, just so it can make the experience of playing Labo VR even better.

A more portable Switch would be nice but this would need to be $150 or less for me to even consider buying it on top of the regular Switch.

I suspect the 'slightly improved' model will just be to get rid of that chipset with the unfixable vulnerabilities.

'The existing Switch is also said to be receiving a "modest" upgrade later this year, but a new "powerful" one is supposedly not in development.'

Yeah they said that about the 3DS

They brought out the 3DSXL
Then they brought out the NEW 3DSXL whilst denying a more powerful one was in development.

I'll wait for the Switch 'Pro'

@retro_player_22 actually the naming is due to the fact that you can share the "joy"...

@segamegadrive
Difference being who "they" is.

Nintendo said that about 3DS.

This isnt Nintendo. This is a source who knows the company's plans, and they're not the first ones to put this mythical no -existent pro model to rest.

You're free to wait all you want, just dont be surprised when next generation rolls around while you're waiting

good! buying for my kid. ever since I bought my kid smash bro I never can pry the switch out of her hands. I hope its a tough brick like the ds was

Oh this will be huge! Waiting for the upgraded one myself, but this certainly is a great move.

I hope those mock ups are accurate with an official D-Pad; makes playing BBTAG easier.

Sales would be through the damn roof if this happens.

Just looking at that screen shot--that woud be a cool looking device, like others said, that would sell. (and i would probably buy!)

The mock up design is very predictable. Why does a smaller console have to look like or be called Switch. And if it does then what does it switch with?

Its nintendo new fiscal year financial briefing week. So we will know if they are right or wrong soon becasue if rhey are right it will be announced today, tomorrow or Friday. If not they are wrong. We will see

Dam I was hoping for a switch with more power that would be sweet, oh well I’ll stick with the OG for now.

@RyanSilberman This was a mockup made by a fan who imagined what a Switch mini could potentially look like going off of the rumors (e.g. being strictly portable, having a traditional d-pad, smaller screen size etc.)

This is clearly not marketed towards anyone who has a Nintendo Switch already, its for people who are on the fence and cost may push them over.

The Pro will be marketed towards us but they need to try and get fence sitters to choose a side so when the pro dose drop it has maximum market penetration.

But did they upgrade the joy con build quality🤔

I have no reason to get a worse model and 99% of the time I play it docked. I'm only after a pro model. This is a good move however for Nintendo. With the 3DS sales grinding to a halt a cheaper more robust handheld switch is needed to cater for the handheld market.

@Jeronan This makes perfect sense... you would need to buy extra joycon to play certain games if a new switch has none detachable controllers.

These are already available, many people already own them....

@YessMasster How long between the announcement for the following consoles and their release -

DS Lite
DSi
2DS
New 3DS
3DS XL
Wii Family Edition
Wii Mini

Nintendo is NOT going to announce a cheaper version until the last possible moment so they don't lose sales on the current model while people wait.

For those thinking June is too soon - June is when summer vacation starts, these cheaper models are for kids. Makes perfect sense. And besides, how many more games are coming out on 3DS? Switch Vita is the 3DS replacement.

And yes, after that mock up pic I'm calling it the Switch Vita until it gets an official name, quicker than typing Switchboy, Switch Mini, Switch Go, Switch Pocket, Switch4Kids every time.

@Razer This is clearly marketed towards people who do have a Switch but their kids don't. Every kid, and a few spouses, will need their own Switch for AC and Pokémon S&S. 😁

@rjejr Alright, I stand corrected, in the instances I could find, there was 1 month period between announcement and release. I am honestly surprised. Also, on 3DS wikipedia page it say:

"Rumors of a larger model of the Nintendo 3DS being in production appeared during June 2012, when Japanese publication Nikkei wrote an article stating that the system was initially scheduled to be unveiled at E3 2012. However, Nintendo responded that these rumors were false and that the article was "entire speculation", but refrained from further commenting on the subject.[59] Finally, on June 21, 2012, the system was announced during a Nintendo Direct presentation"

And this does sound much like Nikkei rumours we hear right now

@zool docked and handheld play

Everyone talking about busted joycons is giving me serious n64 vibes. I'm waiting with buying a switch until that issue is fixed!

Don't know why firered is one of the screenshots, but I'd be down for some GBA games on switch!

@rjejr lmfao

Can't tell if your serious or just joking but real funny all the same.

They will want to get it out before Pokemon and presumably Animal Crossing.

The modest upgrade is probably a 1080p screen and something to prevent hacking that won't work.

Pro model isn't happening. Nothing would take advantage of it.

@The_Mysteronwitch VR is a nice novelty, but really new hardware will be needed for a comprehensive experience. Perhaps next gen.

@WomboCombo I've definitely had issues with my JoyCon (Delayed inputs, dropped connection, etc...) even after sending my original set in for repairs. The range/connectivity just doesn't seem to be that great.

That said, I agree with you - I don't think that should hold anyone back from buying a Switch. It's my favorite gaming platform of all time, so far. Besides, my JoyCon live permanently attached anyway and I use pro-controllers when attached to the TV.

@tekknik been done already.

I am curious as well about the modest upgrade.

Having a more powerful Switch Pro would ruin everything imo. For PS4 Pro/XBOX it just means two configurations for base/pro models, but with the Switch it would mean four. Porting games for everything would probably be a pain for devs. Then if games are exclusive to the Pro, you’re alienating the existing 30+ million install base AND the supposed cheaper model. Save the big upgrade for the next console.

Yeah, I don't believe it. With the Switch still selling very well, dividing the market with a new iteration would kill momentum. I don't think Nintendo is that stupid.

Finally the rumor mill is starting to come down to Earth to the launch cycle most of us predicted back in 2017 based on Nintendo history and industry trend! Cheap Switch for Pokemon by the time Pokemon launches? Check. Insignificant updated SKU in a few years (improvements/cost reduction like "slim" consoles)? Check. Power powerful update "someday"? Check. Now the rumors are back on track.

@Mountain_Man Nah, this rumor makes total sense. The slim is a budget console. A DS Lite. An XBox SAD. An XBox Arcade. A WiiU (non-deluxe). The modest upgrade is just the revision to the base unit. Hardware releases often get a revision. It may look slightly updated like the newer Vita or PSP 3000. A new update of the same machine with some refinements, made mostly for production-cost-cutting purposes to increase margin.

The mention of a "more powerful" version. A "NEW Switch", a DSi, a Switch Pro/X....sounds like it's years away and could either be a half step console like the above or a second generation console with full BC.

That all fits expectations we don't need rumors to figure out is likely.

We already HAVE a lite version...the Nintendo Switch. I wanna see those switch two's and Pros first before yje lites and slim joints.

I like the sound of this more than the idea of bringing out a more powerful version so soon. I wasn't too happy with the concept of another "new 3DS" situation, where games might start to come out that wouldn't work on the older systems. But a compact "lite" model would be a good fit for the "play anywhere" portability. To be honest, I've never taken mine outside the house yet. But that's because I don't really go anywhere where I can stop and play it.

A simple one-piece Switch would be an even better portable, without detachable parts that could lead to more dust and grit getting into the works. It could make a good companion for the current model, but the one thing I'd like to see change is the limitation of having the games in only one system. Some kind of software mirroring would be useful, so if you have both under the same user you can have the same games on both units.

Because of the nature of the Switch, a new model can't really be a different size, and also can't have permanently attached joycons. (Otherwise it wouldn't be compatible with many games, including the Labo, which is sorta aimed towards children.)

I really can't imagine what this is gonna end up being, other than maybe the same console, but with cheaper parts inside.

@mereel You clean and recalibrate them. I will give you $20 for your "broken" controllers. They are all fixable. Absolute worst case replacing sticks is not that hard.

The switch is cheap enough already. Make a more expensive version with a better panel, not necessarily higher resolution, just higher quality and less bezels. Also give it the Tegra X2 instead of the X1.

@BalrogtheMaster There would be no porting. The Tegra X2 will run code compiled for X1. Just faster, so an update can unlock a higher framerate on the Pro.

I think you guys are just using rumors to nag Nintendo until they make a Switch Mini. I hope you put that same amount of effort into nagging Nintendo into letting people use their account on more than one Switch.

What does a modest upgrade means ? I don’t get it ... is it the same as spec ? And if it get a modest upgrade doesn’t that make it a more powerful sustain ? I don’t understand the last line from thhe quote

Someone explain me please ?

I love my existing Switch. I'd prefer fixes to the Joy Con sticks over anything at this point, they keep getting messed up after long periods of use. I have the Splatoon Joy Con & the left one is totally unusable because the left stick, even though it's in "neutral" position, I notice my character on screen is moving on its own without any input from me. It's very annoying so I hope Nintendo fixes the Joy Con durability first and then any Pro unit becomes a true successor to the current Switch, with backwards compatibility!

Cool. Wish I'd waited a bit, but ces' la vie.

@PhilKenSebben I like the green and blue ones myself.

I welcome a lighter, more portable friendly Switch. I mainly use it docked right now since I play a lot of games with my son in front of the TV, but also because the ergonomics are truly horrible in handheld mode.

@Solomon18 XD Sounds like at least one of you is getting your money's worth of fun.

@Mountain_Man How praytell is it dividing the market? The money would all go to them anyways. That's a win/win for Ninty's bank account. Besides, it'll be good for cheapskates and parents with several children.

@Hungerjames I'm not sure how much lighter it could get. My 2DS has more bulk to it. Maybe DSi sized? Or GBA sized? Fold it up n put it in your pocket? That'd be nice.

til its officialy confirm by nintendo i take this rumor as a grain of salt.

@StevenG the specs would remain the same man plus nintendo is not in the upgrade mood like sony and microsoft keeps on doing.

@StevenG $350 is cheaper? Also sorry to tell you this, but not all of us are handy types who can fix controllers as easily as you.

Seems feasible. If it comes with a proper d-pad, is significantly cheaper, and unique themed models appear, I might get one. That's why you buy physical copies too! So you can play them on any machine.

I am now lucky that I did not got already a Switch last christmas.

Haha "a modest upgrade" that's funny. Anyway. I'm enjoying my current launch Switch, there's nothing wrong with it to me. But I like to upgrade my devices so when or if this modest upgrade arrives I'll keep my current and purchase the new one.

I'm sure it'll do well, but more interested in the 'modest upgrade' Switch. Wonder if it'll be worth it?

Don't you dare tease me with that FireRed/LeafGreen in the screenshot there!

If the timing is real I'd expect a reveal within the next couple of weeks.

@Tempestryke Anyone can learn to use a screwdriver. Why do you think so little of yourself?

@Tempestryke A switch is $299, not $350. Already cheap enough.

@CrazyZelda79 good point

@YessMasster Yeah, that Nintendo 3DS XL situation is the standard go to for most things Nintendo - Nintendo denies something then a week later it happens. I'm pretty sure Sony was practically selling the PS4 Pro before they even announced it, so it's not just Nintneod. And MS just announced the X1 SAD which I believe goes on sale in less than a month. Revisions never get a lot of lead time, cuts into sales of the current model. The New Switch Pro will probably get more advance notice so people save for the more expensive model and dont' buy the cheaper current model while they wait. This smaller model, whatever configuration it takes, will almost certainly be cheaper than the current $300 Switch bundle.

And you can count me among those who thought we would get a $199 "Switch Alone" bundle w/ just the Switch, Joycon and charger, no dock, HDMI cable or Grip. That Grip must be the least used bundled accessory ever. I look at ours every day and think "Why?"

Sorry I couldn't post any links this morning, I was in a rush to take my kid to the DMV to get his drivers permit.

@Razer I view all my replies as "Edutainment" but that one was mostly on point, the Pokemon game will be a driving force behind the kids version of the Switch. You can ask the the other guy in here if you don't want to take my word for it, he know's what's what.

@Savino My wife is addicted to match 3 games on her tablet, doesn't need her own Switch, but my 2 kids will, especially the one going off to college in 2020. Though if the Pro is out by then maybe he'll get that instead, college kids gotta be the cool kids, can't have a kids toy on campus. Don't see him needing a dock w/ TV out in his dorm room though.

Swell news for new customers, but even as a Nintendo diehard I don't need two Switches. What they've yet to bust out are the inevitable special edition consoles the 3DS family saw with what amounts to little more than color changes and pattern pressing

@StevenG Isn't the Tegra X2 a minimal improvement to the X1?

@Trajan

new games could. devs could patch up old games a'la the ps4 pro/xb1x.

@electrolite77 switch is more cheaper then xbox and playstation so the price is fine where its at.

I'd love to buy a cheaper Switch for my nieces and goddaughters this Christmas!

Hell, stop talking about this crap!

If true, I really really hope that this is just a SKU without the dock.
Anything splitting the userbase would be catastrophic.

I can't wait for Julys article about a cheaper version of Switch coming out in August.

Yay rumours! Just as reliable as Nintendo's servers (cough cough Smash 3.0)

@21Galarian_Lassie Thanks for the info!

Another week, another Switch Lite rumour

@mereel The sticks in the Joy-Cons are an off the shelf part with that flaw. There's no reason to assume they'd use the same part on a built in stick, it might use a different kind of joystick entirely. Hopefully not circlepads though...

Why do people still believe this isn't happening?

Anyways, wake me up when that Switch Pro drops!

I’m glad and hope it releases! I’m happy with my Switch, but it would be nice to get my little cousins a Switch!

@electrolite77 I have a family, we have two switches. Even a four year old can be careful enough with it. This is not a real problem.

@CrazyZelda79 Yeah I agree, damaged controllers would kill the console prematurely. Even if it allowed you to sync other controllers imagine hauling around the damaged un-removeable ones forever.

@Jeronan Detachable Joycons are not a requirement. For the odd game that does require detached Joycons buying a set of Joycons solves the problem. There is no issue with a smaller Switch accessories cannot solve. The target of a smaller Switch wouldn't be very interested in adult party games. It's mostly targeted at kids that would be playing games alone. A cheaper model would have some sacrifices, that's why it's cheaper, but it still expands the playerbase and is good for the longevity of the Switch and Nintendo.

@StevenG I know multiple parents that have complained about Joycons going missing and now won't let the kids use the Switch unattended. Going for a classic handheld design for kids makes sense, especially if it costs less.

I could possibly see myself double dipping and buying one of these, especially if they come in a variety of colors and the price is fair (without a dock or detachable Joycons, I think $200 or $225 would be a fair price).

Can you share digital games if you have two Switches?

@BenAV I would't really buy the Cheaper version of the the switch either. It think it wouldn't run as well as the regular switch. I would want to try it out though just to compare.

@LuciferOnReddit Agreed

I’ll stick with my current switch console. If there will be a “pro” version I’ll skip it because there won’t be much benefit for me.

The new 3DS for example was an upgraded version but only a handful of games took advantage of it

@Krazzar If you raise your kids poorly, that can be expensive. I don't think a seperate device is the right solution, but I am sure it appeals to lawnmower parents.

The right solution is to not let the kid play until he finds the controller or pays for a replacement.

It'll launch along with pokemon sword/shield

@rjejr I used the Joy-con grip for MONTHS before shelling out for a Pro Controller, mostly for Smash.

I still find two Joy-cons and a grip more comfortable for Octopath Traveler, actually.

@PhilKenSebben Those would look amazing. We had 2 GameBoy Color consoles in my house; one was Atomic Purple and the other was Dandelion. We also had the Atomic Purple N64 controller. Man those were the days. Now we only get boring colors.

@CoastersPaul My kids like the Joycons by themselves. I use the Pro. Our Grip collects dust. Good to know somebody is using it though. I suppose if we had enough people playing it would get used but it's mainly just my kids and I.

@WomboCombo The only gaming device you've ever owned is a Nintendo Switch?

Obvious edit: there's no reason joycons couldn't still sync to a model without detachable ones. Idk why so many people are harping on this.

Meanwhile Nintendo just said "No new hardware at E3".. Guess what that mean

@Godzil
You beat me to it. So the rumors are bunk.

@zool ok? so because they have a switch currently they must do something fresh? this is nintendo where they’ll release incremental updates and sell the same platform with different exteriors

@electrolite77 I won't, but nintendo would make a lot more releasing a pro version. X2, which is a little faster for more FPS in AAA games and a better but same resolution display. Make the bezels tiny, use a good quality IPS or OLED panel and charge $500 for it.

@electrolite77 Selling units you make $1 profit on it's going to take a lot more than $100 profit on each.

@electrolite77 The usual place. The numbers are just illustrative, the point is selling higher profit units is a better move.

@tekknik that was my point, the new console does not have to look like the existing one.

How much you want to bet some are just for show..