Smaller Nintendo Switch handheld reportedly in the works
Nintendo could be working on a Switch with features removed to drop the price and focus on portability.
Hot off the news that Nintendo has moved over 33 million Switch units worldwide, a rumor has sprung up claiming that the company is working on a smaller version of the hybrid console. In its current state, the Switch can be docked for playing at home and also played on-the-go in its handheld form. This rumored Nintendo Switch focuses on the portability and scraps some features to "reduce the price" and "expand the userbase."
Nintendo Everything reported this rumor via Japanese publication Nikkei, translating these tidbits from the outlet:
“They’re taking measures as for what is to come – one of those being a smaller version of the Switch. The company said that ‘couldn’t comment’ on their plans for the product, but has informed multiple suppliers and game development companies that they intend to release them as early as 2019. According to their affiliates, they are ‘miniaturizing the console with portability and playing outdoors in mind, as well as cutting features to reduce the price and expand the userbase.'”
“The Switch’s monthly online service launched in 2018, and plan to launch a new service aimed at game enthusiasts willing to pay more sometime in 2019.”
The Nintendo Switch is a really strong home console, but the ability to snatch it off the dock and play it anywhere is an incredibly appealing option. Some Nintendo Switch users have probably used the device in its handheld form more often than being plugged into a television, so it isn't farfetched to imagine Nintendo would create one strictly locked into being a handheld. Gutting the device of the parts that allow for docking and tossing in a higher capacity battery would be appealing, but we have no official word on what Nintendo could be considering if this turns out to be true at all.
As far as the service "aimed at game enthusiasts willing to pay more", Nintendo may be working on something similar to Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass. The service gives players access to a large library of games, including a majority of the game's new exclusive releases, for a monthly fee. Its a reach, but Nintendo's service could do the same while also adding in the titles that are no longer available via the Wii Shop Channel.
Nintendo isn't one to respond to rumors, but stay tuned to Shacknews for additional gaming and tech updates.
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replyCharles Singletary Jr posted a new article, Smaller Nintendo Switch handheld reportedly in the works
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Called this ages ago. The Switch is using the same playbook as the 3DS, a March launch with a software run up towards it first holiday followed by a cheaper model coming out the same day as its first mainline Pokemon game.
Pokemon has a younger audience and releasing an $80 2DS was important to it selling so much. I don’t think they’ll be getting the Switch down to $80 anytime soon but a $150-$200 Switch Mini seems possible. It also helps them achieve their stated goal of having multiple Switches in a single household.-
Yeah as long as they’re still making Switches that are full sized, able to dock and use detachable joycons, and so forth in addition to the smaller ones - something of a 2DS/3DS strategy, I’m fine with it.
Imagine if you’re Milleh and you’ve got 3 kids and you need to buy multiple Switches. This would be easier to swallow.
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I've always thought they should make a portable only version that's smaller with no detachable joycons. The Switch is a bit too large for a conventional handheld, and cost + durability is everything for parents buying it for their kids. And the Switch is plenty powerful to be a great handheld for years to come.
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Fear not. Soon we'll have:
Switch Mini
Switch XL
Switch U
Switch U XL
New Switch U XL
New Switch U XLi
And don't forget the New Switch U XLi VR
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