Looks like Nintendo is looking to refresh the Switch line-up. Per a report by the Wall Street Journal, sources close to Nintendo say that the company is preparing to possibly launch two new models of the Nintendo Switch. One aimed at the dedicated fan-base and one aimed for the more casual video gamer.
The Nintendo Switch was never meant to compete with the current gen powerhouse consoles, such as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. With the new generation of consoles on their way and the Switch already behind, the gap is only going to get wider. This could be Nintendo’s response to that disparity. Give the Switch a spec bump to entice gamers that have already purchased a Switch to pick up the “new and improved” version. If this “Nintendo Switch Pro” would offer better framerates, higher native resolution or added functionality it might be enough to convince people that picking one up would be worth the investment. My wish-list is modest and I personally would like to see a bigger screen. Nintendo games have never required top of the line graphical fidelity or industry defining performance, although they do care about these factors. Nintendo games are just fun, they know that and develop around that. If there is a better way to enjoy the experiences the Switch offers, I’d be interested to see what that is.
The “Nintendo Switch Lite” is to me the more interesting of the two. The 3DS, Nintendo’s previous hand-held device just finished its final lap. As of December 31st, 2018, Nintendo reported that the 3DS has sold 74.84 million units. With Nintendo going on record and saying that 3DS sales are falling faster than expected and no big 1st party game releases slated for the remainder of the year. It looks like and is safe to say the 3DS has had a great run. The “casual” Switch refresh is looking at taking up some of the market that the 3DS is leaving open. The Switch is already a great handheld machine, but Nintendo has never shied away from calling it a home console first. This new model would be a great way of replacing the portable only 3DS as well as offering up a device that families with multiple kids can benefit from. My nephew and nieces each have a 3DS, replacing all of them with Switches is a steep ask for any parent and/or videogame loving uncle. This may be the answer to that. My only hope for this one is that the price has to be just right and that it be compatible with the dock (even if it doesn’t bring it included).
The WSJ article states that the plan is to release these 2 models later this year. Which makes sense with the Pokemon Sword & Shield games slated for late 2019. Lowering the barrier to entry for what is usually a franchise that moves hardware would be a smart move as the Switch enters its 3rd year in the market. If these redesigns are real it’s likely we’d hear about them at Nintendo’s E3 conference in June, along with the software line-up that Nintendo has for the remainder of the year. With some heavy hitters on their way, as well as a possible hardware refresh, Nintendo shows no signs of slowing down on the Switch hype. Looks like it’s going to be another big year for the Switch.
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