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.
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.
"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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replyOzzie Mejia posted a new article, Nintendo reportedly will launch two new Switch models in 2019
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It's the precursor for the New Switch U XLi
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I dock mine 99% of the time so if they release an XL I’d probably not need it. I doubt they change the HW specs this early though.
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Most of the Bethesda ports use this already, I do wonder if it's capped or not though.
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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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> Good Lord what is happening in there>
> The Witcher 3
> Uh, The Witcher 3? at 60FPS? 1080P? ON A HANDHELD?
> Yes!
> May I see it?
> No.-
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Not if the reports from Switch hackers getting the performance of the ARM cores from 750ishMhz to 1.5Ghz with little increase in power draw are true.
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Agreed, think it’s more QoL improvements than proper spec bumps.
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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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That thing still played all the 3DS games and came in at a lower price to capture the younger market for parents to buy them for.
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Yeah I think the big gap in their product line right now is a handheld that you can give to your kids. The Switch is fragile and expensive. It'll never ever drop to $80 like the 2DS. They can keep the unified software lineup and still have products for two different types of users.
Maybe the handheld version is smaller and the controllers are built in, but if you connect it with a cable and provide your own joycons you can still get it onto a TV.
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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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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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Yeah that is a potential issue, there could be a fair amount of consumer confusion about it. But I think the kids market is super important to them, and right now they're sort of dropping the ball on it beyond the 2DS. That's many millions of users riding on their ability to put out an affordable handheld.
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Most touch-focused games allow you to use a joycon as a pointer/cursor (see Bridge Constructor as an example)
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It was on the 3DS too...
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Yup, had a superior implementation on the Wii U, much like Super Mario Maker
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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.-
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.-
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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There could be a "better version" just because better parts are cheaper than the original parts but it won't function any different beyond maybe a better battery life and maybe a better screen. Not that it needs a better screen but the screen with switch uses isn't in high demand anymore and that could drive up manufacturing costs.
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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. -
As long as it's out in time for SMM2. If I am investing in a Switch I want the fasted one they make. I'll be super hurt if IU buy one and then a better one comes out a month later. :(
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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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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 -
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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Leisure Suit Luigi: Passionate Peach in Pursuit of the Pulsating Power Blocks
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Luigi's Mansion 3!
NSL:U is also included in NSMB:D
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If they made an all red one ..
*Droooooooools*-
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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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.
