The Switch Lite is all well and good, but what about the rumoured Switch Pro? If it's coming, it doesn't look like it will be this year.
In an interview with CNET, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser confirmed the Switch Lite model would be the only new Switch hardware made available this holiday season. This essentially stamps out the chances of the rumoured Pro model arriving this year.
Here's the key segment from the article, where this is clarified (thanks, Game Informer):
[Switch Lite will] also be the only new Nintendo Switch hardware this holiday, as Bowser says the larger Switch won't get an upgrade right now.
So, if the Switch Lite doesn't particularly interest you and you've been hanging out for an enhanced model, you might just have to stick with the original system for now.
Have you been hanging out for an upgraded model? Will you be buying the Switch Lite on release? Leave a comment below.
[source cnet.com]
Comments 56
Well I don't think anyone was expecting anything else.
Personally I like the idea of a more portable Switch as the current design has always been a bit bulky and complex for my taste when it comes to a handheld. I think this would be perfect for something to just take with me when I want a handheld or just to use outside or in bed on occasion. The current Switch is more of a portable home console IMO, I only want to take it with me when I know I am going to be somewhere for a while.
As for the Switch Pro, I am probably somewhat opposed to that idea but I would be fine with it existing. It's just that the concept of a bigger, more expensive, and more complex Switch seems to be at odds with the concept of the console.
Nintendo has been using the term New Hardware for years. As you should know by now Nintendo doesn't consider revisions of existing hardware to be New Hardware.
He says right now. Meaning there could be one eventually.
This device doesn't interest me. It's less than half the functionality of the Switch but still 2/3 of the price. And it's not a Switch, it's a Game Boy.
But I guess it is still a cheaper alternative for people who actually have zero interest in playing on a TV. Ever.
Better Nintendo manage the upcoming Switch games that compatible with the features from Switch Lite because the upcoming Switch games MUST be able to be played in Handheld mode option.
Fine by me. The Switch isn't even three years old yet. It's too soon to start fragmenting the audience and alienating early adopters.
The New Switch Lite Is unnecessary IMO. Why???
1. They already sell a dock less Switchs in Japan for $226. Which is only $26 more than the Lite. So just pay the $26 more and you have the option to replace sticky buttons and joysticks AKA you get joycons and the option to add a dock later if you want.
2. The lite is compatible with joycons but you have to buy them separate bringing the price to $269.99. So only $30 less than the Switch and you don't get the dock included or the ability to replace worn out button and joysticks AKA joycons.
3. It's really not that more portable it's about the same size and has analog sticks sticking out so your not going to be putting it in your pocket. Your going to be putting it in a case or backpack just like the original Switch.
The more I think about it the less I want a Switch Lite. I get the most out of my Switch because I regularly use both modes, so I think I'll try to snag a second one right before the Lite drops. Someone who wants a handheld-only is gonna unload their original model for dirt...
Eh, I'll wait for the Switch Pro. I want my Switch upgrades to be 100% step forward and even then, my Switch from launch still works fine...albeit with "drift" issues.
@Heavyarms55,
Without a doubt,Nintendo only said they would not show off any new hardware at this years E3 event,which if you read between the it's not the same as saying we have no new hardware at all to show or reveal.
We all know a pro/upgraded version of the Switch is coming the wall street journal said so ages ago,just like it said there was a cheaper model on the horizon,this will probably come out next year.
It would make zero business sense to release a pro now. Kind of a common sense thing imo. Push out the lite. Which will probably sell out over the holiday, and also sell a good chunk of the standard model during the same time. Then release the pro around Sept of next year, or position it before or in the middle of the other twos new consoles. I doubt theyd launch a pro in spring of next year, as that would just anger folks who just bought one a few months earlier. Makes sense in my brain anyway. Who knows with Nintendo though. Also, I bet we see a left joycon with a dpad after the holidays.
Been wanting to get a Switch for some time now. I had hoped for a Pro model but the Mini may get me on board so I can retire my Wii U to GBA virtual console use.
Booooo! I want an upgraded version to the current model. I’m gonna stick to my guns, with the Switch I got day one, but I’m ready for an improved version. Not a fan of Nintendo’s drip feed approach
@PhilKenSebben not sure how much overlap the “Pro” and Lite crowd will have. Seem like systems geared towards to different demographics.
im expecting their saving any major spec upgrade for switch 2 in 2023-2024 timeframe.
why is the lite model even called switch, if it doesn't switch anything
@Supadav03 Totally agree, but they also dont want to confuse consumers either. 2 new skus hitting at the same time, will throw a lot of folks off.
I still suspect any "Pro" revision at this point in time will just be the silent rumored chip update and maybe a couple of other small things. I wasn't expecting a major revision.
My wallet is okay with that.
Sooo....about those rumors, lol. The reactions have been entertaining- knew they would be after a few folks here attempted to hose down my anticipation! It’s all good. I’ll be replacing my current lemon of a Switch with that lovely lemon yellow model!
I can understand that from marketing stand point.
Myself wont get the lite the battery life is too short for me.
Switch Pro doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon... still, if Switch Lite indeed use the new SoC that fix hardware flaw that make Tegra so easy to hack, then a silent SoC refresh to the current Switch might be a reasonable expectation. Something like the same Switch model, but a 2019 refresh with new SoC with nothing else changed. The security fix is important, because of course Nintendo doesn't want more hackable Switch on the wild.
I could be mistaken but shouldn't the "Switch" portion of the name be removed considering the Lite has removed the fundamental switch functionality of the console? This is essentially a Nintendo Gaming Tablet that happens to play Switch games at this point. I understand the desire to replace the 3DS since it's essentially done at this point but removing what made the system unique and special seems like the wrong direction. They should have at least made a new dock to still be able to play on the big screen with a Pro Controller. I haven't been this uninterested in a Nintendo hardware iteration since the Game Boy Micro. I'm sure it will find its audience but something just feel's kind of off. I showed the Switch Lite to my wife and she summed it up pretty well when she said "What's the point?"
I'm really not a fan of the colours, both system and buttons look really cheap.
@JayJ I’m not so sure that a Switch Pro would be bigger than the original Switch just because it has a more powerful Chipset to the Tegra X1.
Yes it may be more expensive but I would be happy to trade in my original switch and pay the extra for a switch pro console like I did for the original 3DS to last version of the 3DS with the circle pad included and the better processor.
If there isn’t going to be a totally new ‘Pro’ version but a rumoured component upgrade that includes a better performance chipset that would mean there will be two tier switch games (ie games stating enhanced with switch version 2 similar for Xenoblade on the new 3DS for example) then again I would make the trade if I knew developers were going to take advantage of the changes.
Otherwise I will stick with the original switch.
"...only new Nintendo SWITCH hardware..."
How about the Nintendo Classic line? No chance on a N64 or Gameboy classic for the holidays?
It makes sense actually. My prediction is that a more powerful Switch will likely be the sequel to the current hardware. I’d rather them take a bigger leap in terms of performance with the next Switch anyway An incremental step doesn’t seem worth it with the next generation right around the corner. Make it a holiday 2021 release or early 2022 and give the mobile technology time to become cheaper and more efficient. This is what I’m hoping for at least.
I'm not fussed on the Lite, may pick one up for my daughter as a Christmas gift though, share accounts so she can play the likes of MK8 and the rest of my downloaded software. As it stands I don't have any physicals games at the moment. The only games I'll share are MK8, MM2, Stardew Valley and a couple of other indi titles I think she'd enjoy. There is no way I'd share BOTW as I don't want her to ruin my save file
Meanwhile Nintendo is secretly producing the N64 Classic Mini in a secret factory somewhere in China.
With the analog sticks issues and no options of tv out? Better be in 3DS price range. Even then the idea of no increased FPS and resolution from docking? Poor performance.
No N64 mini yet then?
@YANDMAN Must have taken the Marketing department months to choose those colours, yeah right...absurd choices...
@PhilKenSebben oh 100%. Def think it’s good to let the Lite breathe a bit before launching the “Pro”. More just meant an early release next year, like Spring for the Pro, shouldn’t really anger any Lite buyers because they probably weren’t going to be Pro customers anyways.
@Sim1 Right? I like the Lite, but all the colors outside the Pokémon edition, are ugly. Would have rather got the 3DS color scheme of red/blue/& black
It's not surprising. It would confuse the market if 2 new versions came out so close together. I would guess March at the earliest.
@Sim1 Not the greatest are they.
@TreonsRealm From a software standpoint it still "Switches" though. Your particular hardware client with a Lite can't "Switch" but your games can still jump between handheld to TV if you have or a family member has a full sized Switch - and your save games jump to the TV with you when you do. Imagine a household of 2 parents, 2 kids, all gamers. Not everyone may need their own dockable switch. The kids each get their own handheld Lite to play their games, the parents can grab the dockable Switch for occasional handheld play or play on the big screen, and when the kids want to play on the big screen (that the kids probably aren't allowed to tocuh without permission, they can just put their game card in, log in to the account (or if digital just be sure it's installed), and play on the TV as well. You don't have to think of it as either-or. IT includes households with BOTH. I have a full switch as my secondary portable-only. It works better for me. But I could easily have seen myself getting a Lite to tote around and play portably, since I can just continue my game on the docked switch. Would have been a cheaper route...but I'm a sucker for the largest screen I can buy for a portable device
What it does do though is benefit heavily from digital purchases and an NSO sub. With physical games it's far from as streamlined.
@JayJ "Well I don't think anyone was expecting anything else."
You must not visit NL much, huh?
@JayJ
funny I'm the exact opposite. I see absolutely no point in a small lite model, that is just limited in every way.
A pro model on the other hand that is more powerful and with increase storage size why would you oppose that?
Well that's to be expected. I wasn't holding out for an upgrade anyway. My current Switch works perfectly fine.
@PhilKenSebben off topic, isn't your profile picture the boss man from Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law?
That's fine with me. I would admittedly like a Switch Pro but I can wait.
Biggest question have they fix the joy-cons? Between drifting and just breaking, fixed joy-cons seems like a bad idea?
could you imaging sending the whole console away because pf issue that were already know about on the last model.
Either way the potential for damaged joy-cons is the main reason I would pass on this device if i didn't have a switch already.
Polygon recognise the issue
https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/11/20689252/nintendo-switch-lite-joy-con-analog-sticks
Really wanted the Pro to come out. Would like to see better performance on ALOT of games the switch has.
@BacklogBlues except the fact they still will have to buy a controller for some games. Wired controllers are cheap but not really ideal for a on the go system as to wireless ones are way more. In all the original switch is still the better option.
@BootyMessiah it will most likely come out in 2021 as Sony and Microsoft will release next year. The pro will be the year after to update graphics hardware.
@nintendork64 Yessir, my name is his as well.
I think a missed opportunity was not adding a DS/3DS slot to the lite. Most people don't mind playing 3DS games in 2D and bringing over some of the virtual console games would have been cool.
I'm all in for a Pro version. Assuming it'll be 4K HDR capable and comes with a larger internal data storage capacity.
"Bowser says the larger Switch won't get an upgrade right now" . The king of the koopas has spoken! I imagine it sound more like "rooooarrr grahhh rooar" and Bill trinnen translated for us.
The Switch lite is purely for that pokemon cash. This will be a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuge seller in Japan.
@Borshi Me too, it would be great to have a system that can more easily handle ports and is closer in capability to what we see with PS4 and xbox, Although the gap will widen even further very soon with the arrival of the other new variants of sbox and PS.
@YANDMAN
Indeed it will widen the gap, but i still think it's better to lag behind 8K PS5/Xbox2 with a 4K Switch Pro, than to still be at 1080p when those two arrive.
@Borshi agreed.
That's fantastic news. Nintendo needs to figure out how to include a bigger battery first and foremost, especially if they are making any upgrades to the CPU, GPU and/or RAM. And cooling will be an issue as well. We don't need the battery exploding like the Samsung Note from a few years back.
@PhilKenSebben I thought so! I love that show. Have the whole thing on DVD.
The smart thing to do would be to release a beefed up model at the same time as PS5 and the next Xbox so all the systems thunder isn't taken away.
I am fine with a pro in 5 years after release to give more buyers into Switching pun. 2022 if anything we might get a 2.0. But if sooner with 4k and 60fps and 1080 screen I can go with that.
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