Not very long ago, we reported on the rumour that Nintendo is working on not one but two new Switch models – a 'Lite' version apparently aimed at the younger end of the market and a 'Pro' edition with enhanced features.
Now, Japanese business journal Nikkei has offered up some more nuggets of info. Regarding the "inexpensive" variant, Nikkei once again backs up Wall Street Journal reports by explaining how this particular system will be cheaper and more portable. It also mentions how the smaller system will be released this fall and can still be played on a television with the assistance of a dock – which goes against previous rumours claiming the "Switch Lite" would not be playable in this mode.
However, it's the part of the report relating to the more powerful model which is perhaps more interesting:
Beyond the smaller, budget-focused model lies the development of the overhauled next-generation model intended to replace the one currently available. Nintendo is believed to be experimenting on a number of different things for the device, including usability, improved image rendering, and changes to the operating system, among other things. One development source contends, however, that it still remains unclear at this stage who at the company will end up taking the lead on conceptual development for the new console.
It would seem that Nintendo is, at present, still largely undecided on what direction the 'Pro' model should take, and the wording suggests that the 'Lite' variant will hit the market first. The wording also makes it sound like this more powerful version is going to be a true successor to Switch – a 'next-gen' model – which goes against previous rumours that it would be more of a '3DS to New 3DS' upgrade.
Note: The story was previously published following a mistranslation from the source. It has now been corrected to reflect the more accurate translation.
[source usgamer.net, via nikkei.com]
Comments (131)
Obligatory: "How can they delay something that wasn't announced?!?!"
So, now there are rumours surrounding rumours? Okay......
Well, i hope Nintendo will improve the Pro version before they launch on public.
Better late than never.
If all the rumours of there being a Switch Pro on the way turn out to be true, I don't mind it being delayed a while. I just know I won't be able to resist buying one when it comes out but my current Switch still has plenty of life in it.
the reason this happened is because they are making a mother 3 themed switch pro installed with mother 3
Really? Something that may or may not exist has suddenly been conveniently delayed so the people who keep peddling the rumors conveniently won't look bad? Genius!
Was hoping for a summer release of the reduced model a la the original 3DS XL. Not overly interested in a “Pro” version, would just really like a more pocketable version as soon as possible
@JR150 when an unconfirmed report is made by both Wall Street Journal and Nikkei, it’s a bit beyond your average “rumor peddlers”. Keep in mind investors act on these sources though unconfirmed, they are just as interested in what isn’t yet announced
Give the pro version a year so it be cheaper at retail plus it be release same year PS5 Xbx next.
Since there hasn't been an official announcement the Pro version can be delayed as long as Nintendo deems it necessary. But the Mini/Lite version? I needed one of those yesterday. Chop chop, Nintendo.
Rumor of a rumor, haha. If such things exist, hopefully they delay both until ready.
Releasing a remodel only a few months after the previous remodel sounds... not smart. I mean, I still doubt the entire legitimacy of this rumor. Of course Nintendo is working on a remodel but releasing 2 at once seems entirely too messy for a system that has kept it's marketing so straightforward and clean.
Interesting to hear that the portable model is still dockable, that is assuming these rumors are legit.
At first I thought that was a no brainer but there’s always the possibility that they would disable dock mode if this version is passively cooled and can’t sustain the higher clock speed without overheating or throttling. Or maybe it will still have a fan. After a couple of years they could have got the efficiency of the chips to the point of not needing one anymore.
Fall release makes sense with Pokémon and all that but I thought they might release it around now to maximize install base and avoid troubles with distributing a new SKU in stores in the middle of the holiday season.
"Non-existent Switch Pro Will Not Make Previously Unannounced Release Date!"
Damn even the technical issue was a rumor.
I personally want the smaller Switch more. I don't really consider the Switch to be a portable; I find it too large to stuff in to a coat pocket, like I could with Nintendo's past portables.
Whatever this new pro model is, I hope they are looking at what the competition is going to offer next gen. The pro model will need to pack a punch. Get Nvidia to make a custom mobile processor for it. Put a solid state drive in there as well. Resolution doesn’t need to be 4K in docked, but get it so it can run many current gen games 1080p 60 frames.
I think the "pro" will be the successor.
@NotTelevision they have no real competitors. If they try to compete against PS5, it won't look so well. PS5 will have ray casting and support 8k.
Portability in and of itself is expensive.
I agree with many of the things Richard said in the Digital Foundry video about improving the Switch. Needing the ability to do 4K output makes sense because it reduces visual noise, not because Switch Pro needs to have games running at 4K. I've seen Switch on a 4K TV, and thought it looked better on a regular HD TV, and I think that's why. Anyways, I hope Nintendo waits as long as necessary before releasing a Switch Pro. I really want it to be powerful so old and new games can run more smoothly. Battery life and heat production will be big deals in engineering Switch Pro. They should take their time and get it right! And I am really excited to get Switch Pro whenever it does eventually come out!
Lemme get this straight. The rumor that a rumored revision can’t be docked is now rumored to be incorrect?
Rumorception.
@NotTelevision
That’s hopeful in my opinion. Nintendo made their money from switch by completely not competing with Xbox or PlayStation at all. They did their own thing and it’s paid off well.
I don’t even think about resolution when I game on my switch, frame rate either, unless it runs like a slide show. It’s a hybrid but the biggest draw is gaming on the go for many of us. Keep that and they can continue to enjoy the ATM they built.
At this rate, can SOMETHING come out? I think I'd rather deal with people discussing the pros and cons and personal preferences that make or break a new revision then rumors, rumors, and more rumors.
i take this rumor as a grain of salt since theres no announcement of a revise switch by nintendo.
Switch Pro after 20 minutes of playing.
I just hope they fix the Joy Con. I would appreciate better graphics and all that, but come on Nintendo, Give me Joy Con that actually work!
@rjejr Saddest moment in Godzilla's history.
Till Nintendo says it I don't believe rumors only facts.as of now Nintendo hasn't said anything about a mini switch or a pro
@technotreegrass people are never happy with what they have it seems. Combine that with 24/7 news sources, and you will always have this. A week after the next hardware launch expect rumors of another device.
I'll take a mini for now, and I hope they're releasing a Pokemon branded one. My screen is scuffed and I don't want to buy another switch if they're making different ones.
I bet they are waiting for the 10nm architecture chipset. That would drastically reduce heat and power consumption.
Doing a new Ryzen this year and what looks like now a new PS5 next year. So no Upgrade for the Switch for a while.
No way I can justify buying a $300 console for under 3 years. Not even used it all that much so far.
"here is a switch mini, it overheats because it's too small for the cooling and the small battery instantly dies."
"here is the switch pro, it overheats because the graphics are too much for the cooling system and the battery dies instatnly because of the graphics and 1080p screen."
I don't see this rumor as true and they also WILL screw over early adopters. Seems like a bad businesses plan to me.
I also read that the same report said the “Pro” was having trouble running the OS. Which seemed very odd. Wether it comes sooner or later, idk, but I got a bunch of games to keep me busy until then.
The fact that we have rumors about rumors shows how starved for real news we are... Come on Nintendo, throw us a bone!
...Great, now the internet has me wondering about something that hasn't even been confirmed. The rumor of all these rumors of rumors is starting to get out of hand....
Please delay the rumors.
Would love to have either model confirmed by Nintendo, heck even Sony is confirming some basics about their PS5 set to release next year. This is the type of thing we should be having a Direct on... But anyway I'm personally more interested to see what the Pro model offers including to Labo VR. Still I suppose I can hold onto my money until Nintendo actually confirms the console so retailers can start taking pre-orders.
@Dilated Yeah 60 frames may be a bit too ambitious. I actually love that Nintendo doesn’t rush out their first party games, but the dry spells are real for those who are exclusively playing on Switch. If the Switch Pro can run 3rd party next gen games, at a lower resolution and frame rate then it will justify the purchase. That however would require more than a slight hardware revision.
Things like a custom chip and a SSD (already available in many laptops) would go a long way. But is 3 years a long enough lifespan for a system? If this more powerful system releases in 2020 that plays games the standard Switch can’t, it may leave a sour taste.
I guess Nintendo will figure this out. They usually know better than internet slackers such as myself...
If there is no Direct coming then there is always E3.
https://countingdownto.com/?c=2445759
I never believed the rumors for one second that the lite-version would remove the TV display capabilities. That's the whole appeal of the console, portable AND home console in one.
@BanjoPickles Rumorception bwaaaaaam
@Oni_Dino I think your fine. The article was mistranslated and there’s several different sources pointing this out. I’m glad you did here
To me I think the Nintendo Switch "Pro" will hit in the same window as the PS5 and XBOX TWO (which means Q2-Q4 2020). And yes, I really believe that they will release a Switch Pro. And I believed that before all these rumours.
I do, however, not believe the rumors of a smaller Switch. That wouldn't work with stuff like current docks, JoyCon or LABO.
That's too bad the better one is delayed. Not really interested in a lower quality budget Switch. No reason for me to get one as I already have an OG better model.
The Switch Pro is really the only reason for me to buy another Switch because I'd rather upgrade than downgrade.
Of course Nintendo will focus it's efforts on a smaller cheaper model as this will drive sales far more than a move powerful version.
Sales of the Ps4 pro vs the regular Ps4 show this,and that's the hardcore market.
Well that would suggest it's not coming for quite some time, the Pro model that is, which makes the news about it far less interesting. From the rumours I was expecting these two new models to come out this year.
Well given the specs of the new PS5 and likely Xbox, the Switch could very quickly find itself with even less third party support than it has now for multiplatform games. The tegra X2 is the logical choice for a Switch Pro, it doesn't need 4K but it does need to hit 1080p on a regular basis at least and it should help with battery life as it's more efficient. The only value in a lite variant is to make it really cheap like the 2DS was, as the Switch price point is a little high for parents to buy for young children
And this is why they bought in the transfer your system update in the last switch update....
@Bunkerneath Well, some people MAY want to transfer to more portable variant, so your argument hardly holds up
Don't like the name of "pro" for it.
If there's a Lite then why not make a Heavy? Lol
Switch Lite? Surely a Lite Switch...
...
... tumbleweeds ...
... I'll get my coat.
@YessMasster What i said was not really an argument, more of a statement.
LOL
Sorry Nintendolife that's all I have to say about these rumors.
It's like the NX rumors all over again. Internet gaming news is basically a parody at this point. Beyond absurd and completely amateurish. Get ready for all the Nintendo YouTuber's to shovel out this nonsense tomorrow too. Joy..
by the looks of it and based on these rumors, the switch "pro" is actually the next gen console from nintendo like a switch 2
@ThatGiloFella Thank you for your service
I have no idea how timing it against the next playstation system would work for nintendo. I know they're paying attention. The next switch, the more powerful one, would probably be better off launching before that. Perhaps lite comes even after that.
@Anti-Matter this is Ninty we're speaking of. It will get there but it might takes some iterations. Look at the DS how many different versions have we gotten before the slightly more powerful 3DSXL?
I hope the new fangled pro switch can play Atari 2600 cartridges from the jump
@Anti-Matter if Nintendo's does since everyone believes rumors.
A cheaper Switch with non-detachable Joycons cannot be called a Switch anymore. Just like 2DS is renamed because it's got no 3D feature.
I believe it will be called Nintendo Swatch. This cheaper model will come with many different colours. Nintendo better make sure the Joycons won't drift as they can't be replaced.
@Oni_Dino Thanks for clarification. Basically they're R&Ding the device that will eventually supercede the Switch.
The only revisions that will come out in the near future will be improvements in battery life/screen/storage options, design tweaks and power consumption.
I hope they reveal it and it is what I said, just so I can see clowns like that SupersaltyDave screw his face up again after the thousands of hours he's poured into convincing people he's right.
Well, I doubt the Switch upgrade will be anywhere near what the PS5 and NextBox will be capable of doing.
At this point I'm fed up with Nintendo not keeping up with the hardware. Once I'm done with the Switch, I'm moving on
The first rumours of a switch pro started in late summer 2017 (not a typo and not joking) by supermetaldave64 (that had people paying attention to him because he talked about two metroid announcements at E3 and everyone laught at the time), than entering 2018 the WSJ talked also about revisions and the talk of the mini started, by this time reviewtechUsa backed Dave and they have been talking about a lot.
But what I see is that they will always tell you that they knew from the start but well if I say one day will rain someday I will be correct... Switch mini was supposedly this summer now is fall, I wouldn't be surprised if tmdid not come this year at all and for pro or 2.0 I would say 2020 or even 2021 seems more likely
@vio I was going to mention NX, but you beat me to it.
Thinking about that, though, it is weird remembering a time before the switch. It is a great system.
If they want mini and more powerfull Switch then F..K you Nintendo for the fragmentation BIG F..k YOU Nintendo.
Hope that's is only Only Rumor and they will stay with one Nintendo Switch and if they want make new, then only one: Nintendo Switch 2
@subpopz True, Nintendo even said it themselves when they launch a console they're straight onto the next one. I have to laugh at people who get all worked up and pull their hair out about these rumours.
Do what they want to make it more powerful. But hopefully it’s completely backwards compatible and uses the same controllers.
@Balta666
That's the problem, eventually it will happen. Even if it turns out to be the switch 2 years from now they can just say they delayed the pro so long it became a new console. None of these sources appear to have any actual information.
Things like this shouldn't bug me, but people making up bs and it getting it reported (no offense to Nintendolife they clearly mark it as rumors) on instead of facts really irk me.
A Switch lite just doesn't make much sense to me. If it uses the standard joy-cons then how can they make it smaller?
If it uses fixed controls then you instantly make it incompatible with many of Nintendo's flagship games. LABO, 12 Switch, Mario Party, and several more games that encourage you to use separate joy-cons like ARMs & Mario Odyssey. Sure it can be compatible with extra joycons, but then you're paying £70 for a pair of joy-cons, plus £30 for a charging grip, just to get back where you started from with a regular Switch. Which is hardly a budget option.
So the one idea that might make sense if if they are suggesting the Switch Lite as an additional console. That would require the ability to play games and share saves across multiple consoles, but could be appealing to people who want a regular Switch at home and a lite for portability.
Switch Mini seems all but confirmed TBH. Even the original poorly translated version of the Nikkei article was clear that a handheld focused version of the Switch is in the works with a scheduled H2 2019 launch.
I still think Switch Pro is a thing, but it may no longer be a 2019 release like originally anticipated.
@Diuran
You must have been really pissed when the Gameboy Color, DSi, and New 3DS were announced and released
@Balta666
Rumors of 2 Metroid games were present long before SuperMetalDave said anything (he's not an insider to begin with). I think it was Liam Robertson who suggested back in 2014/2015 that Mercurcy Steam was pitching multiple Metroid related products to Nintendo.
For folks with a PS4 or a strong PC, the Switch's portability is already its strongest selling point. I'm glad they're doubling down on this aspect for new models first. A powered-up Switch is still likely to be outdone by PS4, definitely by PS5. No need to try and compete in the arms race - better to wait until the current model starts to show its age, then bump the power to keep it modern.
I'm not buying these rumors for a second. Of course Nintendo is working on a revision of the Switch, that's just business as usual, but I doubt anybody outside of Nintendo has any idea what it is or when it will be released. This is one of those stories where you can make reasonable guesses and then pretend you had insider info when a revised Switch is eventually released.
"A more powerful Switch? Yeah, we reported that three-years ago. We were just wrong about the timing."
@westman98 yeah, not saying he was the first one to talk about it (no YouTube is to be fair) but he had people loughing because he mentioned it a bit more publicly
Yea, I was going to say - sounds like the "pro" version isn't a version of Switch at all, but the next Switch altogether!
Personally I believe it would make more sense it being a cheaper version rather than a pro, because it would appeal to the people who can’t afford a switch or even refuses because it’s not an inexpensive system
@WesEds If they manage to bring out a revision which drops to £199/$200, they will sell very well.
This “lite” model may as well be called the “Pokémon” model. When that mainline game arrives they need a cheaper piece of hardware to serve the majority of that audience.
I just want a Switch that doesn't go wrong on me. I've owned every Nintendo console and never had a problem. First Switch, the right joy con wouldn't show as attached to the console, then the console battery wouldn't charge. They replaced it or so they said, but now this one has the joy con issue again. It's not the controller itself but the console. It's very annoying as I never take them off as I only use them in handheld mode, the rest of the time I use the Pro controller.
new feature request : analogue sticks that dont drift
Would be nice if more powerful Switch is still a way off, if Year 2 sales are worse than Year 1 sales it's because of the software not the hardware.
@WiltonRoots exactly, like they did with the 2DS, remove the rumble and keep the joycons fixed should bring the cost down
128gb flash, more RAM for better portable frame rates, better kickstand.
Done.
I need a more powerfull Switch! I dont want to play Xenoblade Chronicles 2 in 480p in exteriors again...
@subpoz I'm not expecting portable hardware to be on par with home consoles.
I'm just fed up that Nintendo are happy to be lagging behind processing power on their consoles in genral. There's no reason the the Switch could've taken over from the 3DS and then have a more traditional console that keeps up with what Sony and Microsoft have.
As it is, I'm buying less of Nintendo's own games and more 3rd party games nowadays especially as most of what Nintendo have put on the Switch are rereleases of WiiU games.
It also doesn't help that the Switch is the least social platform out at the moment. The fact that people have to rely on phone apps to communicate is absolutrly ridiculous.
@Grumblevolcano switch sold more on fiscal year 2018 than 2017 (or should as we still don't have official number for last quarter 2018).
In the fiscal year 2017 sold a bit over 15M units and this year is expected between 17-18M
@Oni_Dino
Your translation makes more sense and fits the facts as we know them. Nintendo clearly said the lifespan would be seven years so we are just over two years into the cycle and the most likely move, based on past Nintendo actions, is to come out with a lite version to either replace or ease out the 3DS/2DS models. The sales have slipped significantly and the console needs a refresh. A more powerful 2/3DS with unique features like docking and better graphics at the $199.00 price point would work. I also think the next Switch model will be an evolution but won't release until 2020-2021 because that would be just over the halfway point in the life cycle and they can lower the Switch price until they discontinue it.
@Dizzy_Boy Nintendo dropped out the hardware power race years ago. Sticking with portable machines is the best option now They don't need to get back into the home console market.
@Hughesy
I know some people have had issues and it sucks this happened to you. I have been lucky I suppose as I have owned every console with a few exceptions and I have never had a defective console, accessory or game.
@Rika_Yoshitake probably delay production/delay the announcement
@chardir It makes sense as both an additional, truly portable version (3DS replacement) and for those that don't care about the aforementioned games. (Not a big loss at all and if they want those games, they can buy more joycons if Nintendo doesn't update them with a handheld-friendly mode)
Remember that Pokemon is launching this year, THAT is what it's all about.
I wouldn't be surprised if a $199 Switch Mini is released on the same day as Pokemon, or very close to it.
@Mountain_Man Yep, and The Wall Street Journal is TRASH.
@Iacobus That was sad, but not as sad as this.
I also saw Destoroyah when I was in my 30's and Son of Godzilla when I was a kid or young teen so that may have something to do w/ it. But I still shed a tear for freezing, crawling in the snow baby Godzilla.
Really hope they dont call these the "new" nintendo switch lite or pro. It might be a cool word in Japan but its just too confusing everywhere else
I think if we are getting a pro holding off one more year could be a good idea to give something that will compete a bit more with the new consoles that we are likely getting next year, a switch lite can give a chance to sell more consoles this year though if you can put out a cheaper version so that more families will be more likely to pick up 2nd or 3rd switches even for kids.
@kobashi100 The other factor is Nintendo thinks of their domestic market first, and the rest of the world second. Much the same as with their software. In Japan home consoles are dying a horrible death, people don't have the time or the space to vegetate at home in front of a black slab in front of a TV.
All the teraflops and raytracing in the world won't turn that around unless they find a way of putting it in the palm of your hand without turning molten. Lifetime sales of Xbox One X in Japan? About 15,000. And I believe there's almost as many copies of the latest Super Mario Party sold as PS4 Pros in Japan. Add to that the western "AAA" market is running itself into the ground right now...
There are some really good reasons to have a pro-ish model (or just new switch version). It stands to reason that the light will include a new version did the X1 chip that will be built on a smaller node and have a security fix. This will allow simplified cooling to allow them to reduce the price.
Nintendo would want to push all switches to this since the security hole on the switch is built into the hw and makes it very simple to hack. So making a smaller update to the existing switch totally makes sense. With this new model improving performance is certainly possible if they give it a higher clock speed with some new performance profiles (docked / undocked). We will just have to see. They could also just improve battery life.
I was over at nintendo a couple fo days ago and the new Switch Pro is basically like a 10 in 1, it plays nearly all retro carts amd even has an HDMI out port that displays all the 4:3 games in lush 16:9 stretched render. The dock is shaped like a Mogwai.
I can’t wait to play the SNES games that came two OS updates ago and the XBOX streaming service that came last month on the Switch Lite and Switch Pro coming in Fall when Nintendo ditches Nintendo consoles for mobile apps.
The most likely delay for a Pro model would be GPU cooling specs. Software is probably already to go but until a effective cooling spec is made that would stop it's release.
Well if it's a successor then it's best to wait after the PS5 and XboxTwo launch, we still need Metroid Prime 4 coming out before we jump to the next successor. I mean the Switch is still in its third year, give it 3 more years before killing it with a successor please. Also where are the SNES and N64 games for the Online crap, we need those before the next gen Nintendo.
i still play with my Wii U...while i want one of these consoles i just have so many games to play already.
@Grumblevolcano
Year 2 Switch sales are considerably higher than Year 1 Switch sales, even if they won't reach 20 million units.
maybe its real or not honestly life tells..
'Delayed'
How is that even possible, really?
What I want to know is how can a switch lite be cheaper if it still docks the same and has all of the same features? What exactly are they removing from it to make it cheaper? The switch now has an exact fit into the dock so I don’t see the mini fitting unless they make a special smaller dock for it. I also don’t see them taking off the joycons because that’s literally one of the main parts of it (aka the iconic click noise). So I’m confused. Your move, Nintendo. My money is waiting for your decision.
I've got a few friends on edge of buying a switch because of the price. This sounds perfect for them!
I think it is way too early to have a next gen switch. only way to not alienate the fan base might be to only have a few exclusives like the did with the new 3ds....
I think the rumors that a dockless Switch Lite came from suggestions that removing the docking ability would lower the cost and help make it smaller, and the users that say they use the Switch primarily in handheld mode and the dock feature is meaningless to them.
Don't cheap out on the thumbsticks this time. You are known for quality and what you have now is any anything but.
Finally putting some rest to the bandied "pro" model hype. If they haven't even conceptualized the design yet, we're talking about a unit not entering production for years. I.E. it's a Super Switch, not a New Switch. That makes sense in a few years. Just give me a Switch 2 with BC, physical and digital, and I'm more than happy!
Curious how a Switch Pro will compete with the PS5 and next Xbox? By the time it comes out few 3rd Party games would even run on it. It might be all Nintendo and Indies by then which may be fine for some people but the majority won't be happy.
Makes sense, the current Switch is basically the pro model, and a cheaper, smaller, kids-focused one would go a long way to getting more people who haven't already bought a Switch to get one, anyone with a 3DS, or who was waiting for something more compact/portable. I'm not entirely sure we need a pro version, but at least that's further out now and I'll continue to enjoy my launch Switch
There are so many things that just don't make sense logically, even if the rumor itself wasn't bunk based on a mistranslation. Exactly how do you get a smaller footprint without reducing the already very small joycon controller? The only way I know you could would be by sacrificing the ability to detaching them, which then removes table-top mode.
How do you deal with the eyestrain caused by games not considering the portable screen they have, let alone a smaller one? Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Paladins already sent me to the eye doctor over tiny fonts.
About the only realistic thing they could do is release the existing Japanese model that lacks a dock, but that really doesn't reduce the price that much over one with the dock.
Stop. Everybody please stop reposting these general rumors. Feel like ANY ONE can start one now.
For pete's sake, when are people going to stop believing in this stupid rumor. it's a rumor, RUMOR. I don't think this will happen anytime soon.
There will never be a 'Switch Pro' and it amazes me how many still believe and use this nonsense term. It's just not Nintendo's way. Think more of a 'New' revision were they fix obvious omission like bluetooth and maybe give us an undocked 1080p with equal to dock performance. That will be it.
I don't think we need a new Nintendo console anytime soon. The current model is fine. I'm not dying to spend another $300.
@MattFox Honest question.- what doesn’t work for you? I had mine replaced not long after purchase (after original launch) and have been totally fine.
@FTL The left and right sticks of my Joy Con don't work. While one makes my character run to the sides, the other makes it look down( or up ). I've calibrated a hundred times, cleaned them with compressed air and alcohol. I couldn't really send them to Nintendo because I bought it from a third party, seeing as Nintendo is not selling its products officially in my country.
Because I have so little free time at home, I ended up playing my Switch exclusively on portable mode, for more than one year already. It turned out to be a portable gaming device for me.
I even bought a portable HDMI dongle that I never, ever, used.
So if the more compact model at least maintains the same screen size, and offers a smaller form factor and perhaps better battery life (newer tech), I will get it as soon as it becomes available.
Yes, delay something that hasn't been shown/confirm with no release date to sprinkle on top.
@MattFox The Joycon sticks are pure garbage and this is pretty common knowledge now. My left stick started drifting only a couple months after I got my Switch. Nintendo is begging for a class action lawsuit with those things. No amount of cleaning is going to fix them for you due to what the culprit is. It was recently discovered. Please watch this video by Spawn Wave to fully understand. It's very informative.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7um_1jr2vg
I'm here day one for a Switch Mini
@MysticGengar "I've got a few friends on edge of buying a switch because of the price. This sounds perfect for them!"
Go buy used units then that is a excuse to now buy one. I doubt it's going to be less because they are on edge it's still selling and so buy new or used they have their choices.
@Darknyht "There are so many things that just don't make sense logically, even if the rumor itself wasn't bunk based on a mistranslation. Exactly how do you get a smaller footprint without reducing the already very small joycon controller? The only way I know you could would be by sacrificing the ability to detaching them, which then removes table-top mode.
How do you deal with the eyestrain caused by games not considering the portable screen they have, let alone a smaller one? Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Paladins already sent me to the eye doctor over tiny fonts.
About the only realistic thing they could do is release the existing Japanese model that lacks a dock, but that really doesn't reduce the price that much over one with the dock."
That's the missed point it can only shrink so much before eye strain starts and the controller is small enough already to make it smaller would be a Display only no controllers on it.
Waiting on official word first...
@vio Yep, I just watched the video. I read a little while ago pretty much the same thing, that it's due to the components Nintendo used to make the Joy Con. I used to think Nintendo was above things like this, but I stand corrected. I think Nintendo would only do something about it if they were sued. I wont buy new ones for over 100 dollars here just so they drift AF again.
So there's alot of rumors also stating that there could be infused joy-cons..
there be a problem with the infused joy-cons.. Like zelda and there dungeons that have them puzzles that require you to move and turn the joy cons in a certain way for like that ball to roll on a surface with that gyro.. I really can't picture how this would even work for this game.. You can't watch the screen at the same time turning the entire console all around. Impossible. Plus the ARMS. This game would be impossible to play too. I think infused joy cons will not work for these games.
I know that at the minute all of this is just speculation and I certainly welcome both of these models if and when they come but it's this: "the development of the overhauled next-generation model intended to replace the one currently available" that has me a bit worried. I understand that the competitors coming out with their next-gen console means that Nintendo is going to have to bring the Switch up to par with those standards if they want to continue the already amazing third-party support that's coming out. However, with the original Switch just coming up to it's third year, wouldn't it make more sense to have the current model serve as the mid-point entry, to suit all price points, as another website article published today from the Daily Star (not the most reliable of sources I know) has suggested? I think this would work better, bring more profits to Nintendo while still being more streamlined then what the 3DS family of systems currently is. If that ideal situation does come into play, then I could see it working like this (this is just what I would view as the clearest and most ideal situation):
Switch Mini: The 3DS replacement which is positioned around the £150 - £199 price point (maybe with a bundled game like Oddesy, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Just Dance in order to increase the value), focused primarily on portable mode with a more durable design, longer battery life and a lighter weight. As this article has rumoured, docked mode would still be supported. All current games out for the OG Switch would also support this model, but probably not any Switch Pro exclusives/enhanced editions, due to the lack of power in comparison to the other models. Part of the 8th generation of gaming consoles along with the original Switch.
OG Switch: The current Switch out now. The mid-range model, for those users who wants the best of both portable and docked mode. Discounted slightly to the £230 price point with a bundled game in order to reflect this new position in the family of systems. Supports all current games out now for the system in addition to Switch Pro enhanced games (with lower graphics/performance settings in both modes in order to account for weaker specs) but not Switch Pro exclusives due to the lack of power and being technically last-gen.
These models would ideally still support the vast majority of first-party Nintendo games currently in production for the Switch such as the upcoming Animal Crossing, Luigi Mansion and Meteoroid games, since Nintendo games tends to be better optimised for systems of weaker specification, and in order to ensure at least some game library continuity. Also, the current Nintendo Switch Online would still be used for these two models, due to their cheaper price and more casual-friendly feature list.
Switch Pro: The 9th generation Switch roughly equivalent to the upcoming Xbox console and PS5 (although slightly weaker in order to accommodate portable mode). Aimed at those who primarily play in docked mode (with the option to play in portable mode still being available), it would ideally cost around £300, equivalent to the home console competition. Would still have a similar setup to the current Switch but with more power and better graphics, especially in docked mode. Would be able to run Switch Pro enhanced and exclusives (which would probably consist of mostly third-party multi-platform releases on the scale of CoD, GTA or RDR in order to ensure game parity within the Switch lineup). The new Nintendo Online system that is rumoured to be released for hardcore gamers could possibly be exclusive to this system, in order to match the high-end feel of the console.
This would be my pipe dream at least, that way every possible type of gamer would be catered for, marketing the family of systems would be less complicated, and Nintendo would be able to increase sales of the Switch as a whole, instead of discontinuing the current model in favour of only having an extremely expensive and a (relatively) dirt cheap option. The mainstream market, and Nintendo fans of every kind, would be satisfied, and all of Nintendo's past mistakes could finally be forgiven. Also, I would hope that any "changes to the operating system" would be standard across all three of these models as well, and not exclusive to the Pro edition, in order to further enhance the continuity factor. Of course it's Nintendo so who knows what's going to happen, but their track record is improving quite rapidly. This is just my two cents and anyways.
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