Two New Nintendo Switch Models?
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Nintendo may be releasing two new models of the Switch. The speculation is E3 2019 will be when they are announced and then hit store shelves a couple of months later.
Analysts are expecting a decline in sales over the next year of the Switch to 17.4 million units but these two new Switch models could easily increase that.
Switch-Pro?
One of the models would have advanced features, but would not have the horsepower of the PS4 and Xbox One. No specifics details were given but my guess would be enough horsepower to run more games at 60 FPS 1080p. I’m not expecting a 4K Switch, but we will have to wait and see.
Switch Jr?
The next model mentioned in the article is a budget Switch that would replace the 3DS. This more affordable option with fewer features seems like the logical next step. With a more affordable Switch model, I am expecting to see a single unit that mainly plays in handheld. Put this model in a nice protective shell to kid proof it. Maybe make it a clamshell design? With this model focusing on affordability and portability I would assume that the Joycons are fixed in place. If that ends up being the case hopefully we see the inclusion of regular D-pad and better stick placement on the right side.
Nintendo’s 2019 Game Lineup Thrived On 3DS
Pokémon, Animal Crossing, Fire Emblem, and Luigi’s Mansion all did very well on the 3DS and they are all coming out again this year. We saw a plethora of limited edition Switch’s last year and I expect this year to be the same. Animal Crossing had multiple 3DS models.
Pokémon was no different so your wallet better be ready for limited editions once again this year.
For anyone who has yet to transition to the Switch from the 3DS this years game line up has to be enticing.
What Are Your Thoughts On Two New Nintendo Switch Models?
I want to hear from you. Are you surprised by this report? Will you double dip if you already own a Switch? Let me know your thoughts below and I will read them on the next episode of the Nintendo Power Cast.
Just bought a Switch back in November for my wife’s birthday but I wouldn’t be upset about them making an upgraded one. Heck I might even buy the cheaper version just so we could play Pokémon together
Not surprised as Nintendo always iterates on their handheld line. We’re also moving into the Switchs third year so it’s about that time as well. I’d definitely double dip and pick up a Switch Pro. 1080p/60FPS in handheld would be great. Bluetooth support for headphones would also be a welcome addition. An improved dock with more USB ports & a built in LAN port on it as well just to name a few things.
I hope Nintendo has learned from the 3DS line. With multiple systems on the market, they need to be clearer with their marketing so people know the differences between the systems available. Especially with there being three potential systems for sale at one time.
For me, doesn’t matter. Switch is just fine for all my needs. If I was to buy a 2nd switch down the road. The other possibilities could play a role. If there’s a more affordable version; I might go that route.
If we get 2 new Switch. Switches. Switchi, I don’t know what the proper plural is. One being more powerful and one being more portable I might end up buying one of each, depending on price and specs.
I would not be surprised if Nintendo did this. They have done it with so many of their other systems: the 3DS, Wii U, Wii, etc. Although I am not sure what additional features they can add to a Switch Pro. They are also known for making special editions (I have a few myself). My theory is that they will announce the new Switch consoles at the same time they officially announce release dates for large titles such as Animal Crossing, Pokemon Sword & Shield, etc. Just so they can promote special editions of the new consoles.
I like my Switch as is, but if we got a 2nd Switch for the house it is nice to have options. I am certain all 3 models will handle Animal Crossing the same.
Looking forward to buying the new Switch! I may pick up a 2DS XL, just in case. Never know if they will have a library/store for 3DS games on the Switch!
For me no need for a Switch Pro, because mostly i play in docked mode. But a more portable Switch mini would be much better for travel, instead of playing on the phone. Just for the real buttons. Think of a bundle of the mini with Animal Crossing – sold out in 3…2…1 And download only to save costs.
If the small version has the ability to fit in my pocket without getting caught on things(looking at you joysticks) then I would be very interested in a smaller version. As for a more powerful version I would want to see a jump to 4k or serious battery improvements otherwise my current switch does everything I need it to
If they do release a more powerful and a portable one i won’t be disappointed and I’ll probably end up getting both. Either that or I’ll keep my current switch as my portable one and the more powerful one as my home console. I actually think it’s a good idea on Nintendo’s part if they do release both. As long as they don’t do exclusives. Maybe AAA titles only on the switch pro and not on the jr but I don’t want 1st party games to be exclusive to one
I would definitely upgrade to the pro switch if it’s a big enough difference in visual fidelity.
As I finally just got a Switch this past xmas, I won’t be upgrading right away (I say that knowing the instant they announce a Zelda model I will break that vow, as I did for the New 3DS) but the Pro version would presumably be what I would aim for when I do.
However, the “lite”/”slim”/whatever model aimed at the 3DS market I’m skeptical about. I think, of the two possible models, it’s the most likely one to come out, but the speculation that it would lack detachable JoyCons is what I find questionable.
I don’t see Nintendo sacrificing the “share” aspect of the detachable JoyCons nor making several existing titles incompatible with the system (versus a Pro model, which could come out the gate with titles labeled for enhanced or exclusive compatibility ala Xenoblade for the N3DS) and complicating the Switch title compatibility into three tiers (slim/all models/pro-only) for parents who just want to give their kids a device to use.
However, scaling back certain secondary features to save on the tech seems plausible (ie: removing HD rumble) to make a cheaper JoyCon since that would only limit certain modes in certain titles at worst (akin to the loss of 3D on the 2DS). Maybe it has one built-in and one detachable or some kind of tether (to avoid the “kids losing it” scenario).
Additionally, since they’re presumably making these systems in anticipation for Animal Crossing and Pokemon, if the JoyCons are not detachable, that would have implications for those games as it would suggest that neither uses (or, at the least, requires) features from those controllers (or any other Switch features removed).
So, for those reasons, it strikes me that “a switchless Switch” that can’t be shared is unlikely (and, in general, is a bad, Pachter-like, idea to begin with).