Nintendo reportedly will launch two new Switch models in 2019

Rumors regarding two new Nintendo Switch models have picked up steam, with a 2019 release apparently on the horizon.

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With a little over two years on the market, Nintendo's Switch console has done very well for itself. Sales have exceeded expectations and it's been well-received by both players and critics. But now the trick is keeping that momentum going. The publisher will reportedly attempt to do so by bringing out a couple of new Switch models.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, two new Switch models are currently in the works. One will act as an enhanced version of the model that's currently available. Think of it as Nintendo's version of the Xbox One X or PlayStation 4 Pro, with "enhanced" features that are being aimed at more "avid gamers." However, WSJ's source notes that it won't be delivered in exactly the same fashion as those upgraded consoles.

Nintendo Switch

"You would be wrong to think the enhanced version is similar to what Sony did with PS4 Pro," the source told WSJ.

The second system is said to be aimed at the more budget-minded user. With no specifications on design or dimensions, the source only indicates that the second model will be a lower-cost option that's meant to act as a full successor for the Nintendo 3DS. This one is being aimed at a more casual audience and is rumored to be cutting certain features, like controller vibration, to help keep the final MSRP lower. This is in line with rumors that surfaced back in January about a smaller Nintendo Switch that would scrap features to "expand the userbase."

There's no word on price for either of these rumored Switch models. However, WSJ's report states that Nintendo is aiming to reveal this latest line of Switch hardware at this year's E3, with plans to release later in 2019. Nintendo has yet to comment on these rumors, but if they do, come back to Shacknews for more information. For now, stay tuned.

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From The Chatty
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    March 25, 2019 12:20 AM

    Ozzie Mejia posted a new article, Nintendo reportedly will launch two new Switch models in 2019

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      March 25, 2019 1:51 AM

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      March 25, 2019 4:54 AM

      I’d buy a high performance one!

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      March 25, 2019 5:26 AM

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      March 25, 2019 5:27 AM

      Very few developers used the extra power of the new 3ds. I don't see a beefier switch being any different

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        March 25, 2019 6:12 AM

        If developers are smart they coded their same with resolution scaling so if extra power comes along they wouldn't need to change anything and they'd automatically run better.

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      March 25, 2019 5:48 AM

      My wild guess is that the enhanced edition actually doesn't run faster. But more it'll have Bluetooth support, maybe a better dock, perhaps a steaming ability via a chip like the PS4. And maybe a slightly larger screen in the same bezel space.

      Seems an odd the time to make a faster model though

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      March 25, 2019 5:55 AM

      This is in line with rumors that surfaced back in January about a smaller Nintendo Switch that would scrap features to "expand the userbase".

      This thing is like the fastest selling console in history, so it's curious why you'd pull a maneuver in line with what you'd do to goose sales.

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        March 25, 2019 6:03 AM

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          March 25, 2019 6:30 AM

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          March 25, 2019 6:49 AM

          Better to just kill the dock and make it a portable device. Change the form factor to a clamshell or something and then you have a natural successor to the 3DS.

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          March 25, 2019 7:46 AM

          I can see an opening for a switch compatible device with a smaller screen and fixed built-in controllers and using the switch-cartridges or downloaded games, to be used without a dock.
          I never used my switch in the dock only in portable mode, yet I would also not want a smaller screen, but shrug I'm probably not the target demographic either.

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            March 25, 2019 7:47 AM

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              March 25, 2019 8:27 AM

              will technically but not necessarily practically, I only removed them for one game (Mario Odyssey) I think its mostly a stupid gimmick, and I do think the game has to work with them docked right ? (barring some additional non critical features)

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              March 25, 2019 9:17 AM

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                March 25, 2019 9:21 AM

                They're going to start having to combine the charging grips with all the standard joycon then, else you'll have no way to charge them. Not including a charger would be a Nintendo thing to do though.

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                  March 25, 2019 10:49 AM

                  Honestly they should just default to the charging grip anyway. It can't be that much money - probably more difference in the inclusion of a cable than the change in the grip.

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                  March 25, 2019 4:07 PM

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              March 25, 2019 11:30 AM

              You could still use other joycons with it, no functionality is broken.

              A portable 2DS/3DS replacement is almost certainly the play, something along the lines of the Vita that will be marketed as additional Switches for the house/for the kids.

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          March 25, 2019 10:07 AM

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          March 25, 2019 11:48 AM

          Regarding your first paragraph, never count out Nintendo for being super super dumb.

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      March 25, 2019 6:06 AM

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      March 25, 2019 6:46 AM

      Mine is out of warranty, has a failing screen and the joycons need to be replaced. If they could announce any new ones as soon as possible, I'd appreciate it. I doubt I can hold out that long though.

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      March 25, 2019 6:53 AM

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      March 25, 2019 6:56 AM

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      March 25, 2019 7:26 AM

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      March 25, 2019 7:42 AM

      A lower-cost, fewer-featured Switch that would service as their replacement for the DS line would make a lot of sense. Wouldn't be surprised if they could get that sub $200. Yes, it immediately excludes a handful of games, but 'it no great loss" (1,2 Switch and SMParty being the two biggest titles).

      Makes a lot of sense at this time. While I am sure N has some working on what follows the Switch, we're years away from that being a type of reality.

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        March 25, 2019 1:21 PM

        I've said since the Switch launch that we'll get a low cost version to launch with Pokemon.

        I'm not a fortune teller, its literally what they've done in the past with DS price drops and launching 2DS the same day as Pokemon X&Y. A Switch Vita or something along those lines that pushes it into the $200 or sub-$200 range coming out the same day as Pokemon Sword & Shield is as safe a prediction as one can make right now.

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          March 25, 2019 1:24 PM

          As for a Switch Vita losing features, 2DS literally dropped a marquee feature from 3DS and it was fine. They can tier features based on price point just like with 2DS, 2DS XL, and 3DS.

          If they go this route I totally see them marketing it as a second or third (or fourth!) Switch for the home. Miyamoto explicitly said almost two years ago that their goal was to have a Switch for every person in a household, and this is how they would do it.

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          March 25, 2019 1:24 PM

          Yup, get the "it prints money" meme updates for the Switch lite when that happens.

          And then the Switch Pro (presuming a bump over the current switch) is just to remind hardcore gamers that N is there for them too.

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            March 25, 2019 2:28 PM

            Switch Lite is what pushes it well past 100M territory

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              March 25, 2019 2:49 PM

              Well, that and Pokemon.

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                March 25, 2019 3:59 PM

                Yup, hand in hand! I remember people complaining about 2DS when it was clearly there for Pokemon. Same here, except I bet this will be clamored for if this thing has an actual dpad if the sides don’t detach

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      March 25, 2019 7:42 AM

      I can understand a cheaper sku to fill the 3DS gap, but will be surprised if we get a more powerful revision already.

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      March 25, 2019 8:01 AM

      I don’t think people should have high hopes for this. There is plenty of money being made off their current model, so the obvious answer is whatever they do it will reduce production costs for them.

      So a cheaper one without removing joycons that can still work with the (optionally purchased) dock and a new model with the same design but less need for fans.

      This is more realistic but even the cheaper one is not likely.

      It is very possible that “two new Switch models” just turns into one new model and the punt the other one down the road.

      Just because Nintendo is having huge successes with the Switch doesn’t change their conservative business mentality.

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        March 25, 2019 8:02 AM

        *Cheaper without removable joycons

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      March 25, 2019 11:26 AM

      [deleted]

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      March 25, 2019 12:04 PM

      Amazing news! Premium Enhanced Model is a day 1 for me I can't freaking wait!!!! E3 is going to be insane!

      Also making the new 3DS a base line mini Switch is the best thing they could do, that will be amazing as well!

      Feels good Man

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        March 25, 2019 12:19 PM

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          March 25, 2019 12:35 PM

          Exactly ^^^! I won't bother with he mini either since I don't do mobile + portal gaming. Having said that it is going to be dope for developers to have a OG Switch as a baseline across the board for of all the Nintendo products going forward. That owns hardcore and makes me juiced!I

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      March 25, 2019 12:22 PM

      wtf I've barely had my switch more than a year, gdi nintendo

      feel even worse for people who bought their switches for smash bros

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      March 25, 2019 12:27 PM

      If they made it backwards compatible with 3DS games I would get a new more powerful switch. I would like the bigger screen for games i play on my 3DS, but no way they do that.

      Also, if it is just a dock that somehow adds power to the regular switch, like was rumored early on, that would be neat. Not sure how they could do that though, seems like the dock is just a pass through.

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      March 25, 2019 12:54 PM

      Super Switch

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        March 25, 2019 1:04 PM

        LOL nice :) , they should call it that

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          March 25, 2019 1:12 PM

          New Super Switch Bros. U 2: Luigi's Adventure

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        March 25, 2019 3:31 PM

        yellow switch
        red switch
        green switch
        blue switch

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      March 25, 2019 1:52 PM

      Matte-black Pocket sized switch w/ fixed joycons and I will cum

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      March 25, 2019 1:53 PM

      10" switch xl incoming

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      March 25, 2019 2:16 PM

      If they made an all red one ..

      *Droooooooools*

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        March 25, 2019 4:01 PM

        I wish they did a designer lab like MSFT does with their controller to make your own colors and patterns. Would be great for the Joy Cons.

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      March 25, 2019 3:33 PM

      What SoC/GPU/APU would Nintendo use? Is Nvidia still working on various successors to the Tegra X1?

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        March 25, 2019 4:02 PM

        To get off the Tegra X1 would be one of the reasons for this decision I imagine, it's inherently exploitable hardware.

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      March 25, 2019 9:43 PM

      A Switch Pro IMO is about better performance. Not so much graphics but better performance. I'd love to see Zelda: Breath of the Wild at 1080p/60fps docked. 720p handheld 60fps.
      Especially with titles like Mortal Kombat 11 and Doom Eternal. The Switch needs a performance boost.

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