Nikkei: Smaller Switch model coming this fall, "next-gen" Switch will follow

[Atheerios]

Edit: Usgamer translation is incorrect. Nikkei never mentions that the Pro revision will be delayed. In fact they don't even mention a Pro revision at all, but they report that the "next-gen" Switch (successor?) will enter development soon.

Development on a "next-generation device that is a full model change of the current hardware" will reportedly follow the less expensive model. While Nintendo is said to be trying out various things—including operability and video expression improvements, operating system changes, and so on—development is currently in a state where "it is not clear who will lead the creation of the concept," according to one developer.

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https://gematsu.com/2019/04/nikkei-less-exp

Original post:

Japanese business journal Nikkei has a new report on Nintendo's plans for the Nintendo Switch with new details on future models. USG independently translated the report, which claims that a "next-generation" model of the Switch, different from a planned "inexpensive version," has been postponed. The reason appears to specifically be with getting the Nintendo Switch operating system running on this new hardware and an issue with power consumption.

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Regarding the inexpensive model:

Nikkei refers to this as a "small bargain version of its main game console 'Nintendo Switch,'" and says it's releasing this fall. While it's reportedly designed for portable outdoor use, the report also suggests that it will be dockable and playable on the TV. This goes against earlier rumors that suggested the smaller Switch would do away with the TV component of the current Nintendo Switch model.

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Via https://www.usgamer.net/articles/nintendo-switch-pro-delay-lite-dock-report

 

[The Last One]

The smaller model launching close to Pokémon makes more sense the PRO one.

 

[out_of_touch]

What's the catch with the inexpensive model if you can indeed dock it? There's always a catch.

 

[ElFly]

Good.

Don't want a dumb decision between two models in front of me. Just give me the more portable one ASAP.

 

[Dancrane212]

Ugh, I was really down for upgrading to get a better looking image on my TV.

 

[SuperSah]

popcorn gif

 

[metalslimer]

I still think they will reveal both this year. I dont think they want to get caught up next year in the next gen hype

 

[Braaier]

Were the two new models supposed to release near one another? I always thought the portable one was launching first. And that one is still on course to release this fall

 

[DNAbro]

whelp

 

[Kouriozan]

As long as they get the cheaper model out in time for Animal Crossing / Pokémon, they will be fine.

 

[Neoxon]

I don't mind waiting for the Switch Pro, especially if we get beefier hardware when it actually comes out.

 

[Eolz]

What's the catch with the inexpensive model if you can indeed dock it? There's always a catch.

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Rumor was no hd rumble, smaller screen, this kind of thing.

 

[Dad_and_Videogames]

That's really disappointing! A mini would need to have some really cool features. A Pro I'll snatch up ASAP.

 

[ThereAreFourNaan]

What's the catch with the inexpensive model if you can indeed dock it? There's always a catch.

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Smaller screen or shittier / nonexistent joycons probably.

 

[Deleted member 36708]

Holding out for next gen.

 

[Deleted member 40102]

Cool i will save moneh then

 

[anexanhume]

At least power consumption issues means they're throwing some serious horsepower in it. I hope it's a Nvidia SoC with Carmel cores in a Xavier variant.

https://en.wikichip.org/wiki/nvidia/tegra/xavier#GPU

 

[Taka]

What's the catch with the inexpensive model if you can indeed dock it? There's always a catch.

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Dock sold separately probably.

 

[Deleted member 8593]

I wasn't ready for an upgrade anyway but I am way more interested in the Pro system.

 

[twentytwo22]

What's the catch with the inexpensive model if you can indeed dock it? There's always a catch.

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It's always possible that although it's dockable, it doesn't have removable joycons and you need to use a separate controller.

 

[Deleted member 36622]

You have to upscale the OS to 1080p that's the issue.

/s

 

[Deleted member 4044]

What's the catch with the inexpensive model if you can indeed dock it? There's always a catch.

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Perhaps unattachable joycons or certain features removed from the joycons (IR). It may be following the 2DS blueprint - minimize points of weakness to make it indestructible for kids.

 

[Amauri14]

What's the catch with the inexpensive model if you can indeed dock it? There's always a catch.

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I will assume they will use a shitty screen or it will be smaller. Maybe both.

 

[New Donker]

BOOOOOO guess I'm sticking with my current Switch for a bit longer

 

[Big One]

I really don't see the point, "It's a Switch, but small." tbh. If they go with that they need to do something unique like making it dual-screen.

 

[Deleted member 1413]

You probably need to buy a dock and joy con to dock the new switch but it should be nice otherwise.

Bummer about the switch pro.
Guess no title really needs it this year, but they better have it out for Zelda/Mario

 

[OnanieBomb]

Just hit us with a proper Switch 2

 

[ILikeFeet]

if anything, I'd say the delay means more than we realize

 

[DNAbro]

I really don't see the point, "It's a Switch, but small." tbh. If they go with that they need to do something unique like making it dual-screen.

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It's the "Switch but cheaper"

 

[Shoichi]

What's the catch with the inexpensive model if you can indeed dock it? There's always a catch.

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• No rumble
• No IR
• No included dock (most likely)
• No charger (possible)
• Locked in Joycons
• Smaller battery
• Cheaper build quality

 

[ILikeFeet]

What's the catch with the inexpensive model if you can indeed dock it? There's always a catch.

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there's probably one clock speed between the handheld mode and tv mode

 

[Deleted member 6582]

The reasons for the Pro delay seem rather interesting. Power consumption I would expect but trouble porting software is odd. Did they make a big change to an underlying component?

 

[Glio]

It always made more sense to launch the mini version before the pro

 

[HardRojo]

Ah well, gives me more time to enjoy my current Switch, but I wish it were the other way around as I don't care about a more portable version.

 

[chrisPjelly]

Bah. That's fine I guess. At least the OG Switch will have gotten 3 full years before a true upgrade.

The OS thing seems odd. I get power consumption being a problem with an even more powerful handheld, but wtf could be the problem with using the OS on what I assume is another Tegra?

 

[Crimson Angelus]

What's the catch with the inexpensive model if you can indeed dock it? There's always a catch.

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It doesn't come with a dock and the official dock costs $90 would my guess. Also, non-detachable joycons probably.

 

[delete12345]

The reason appears to specifically be with getting the Nintendo Switch operating system running on this new hardware

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Sounds like Mariko.

 

[Executive Taxi]

This honestly gives me hope that this is a meaningful bump in the specs of the system and not just a minor upgrade. I hope they work out the issues soon

 

[Big One]

It's the "Switch but cheaper"

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Surely by this point the Switch itself could get a price cut.

 

[Comic Obsessed]

Aw man!

I hope the Lite model is good enough at least.

 

[Deleted member 36708]

This honestly gives me hope that this is a meaningful bump in the specs of the system and not just a minor upgrade. I hope they work out the issues soon

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I'm thinking the same thing.

 

[JoRu]

What's the catch with the inexpensive model if you can indeed dock it? There's always a catch.

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Bad screen, removed features in Joy-Con, no dock included, those kinds of things. I do think there'll still be detachable controllers, as I think the nature of being able to share and turn them on their side is too integral in a lot of games, but I think they'll be a bit worse in the cheaper model.

 

[Beamerball]

I will delete my account if the next version of the Switch doesn't have detachable joy cons.

 

[CGiRanger]

The power consumption issue makes sense since that was always going to be the big deal for a portable. And especially Nintendo wants to make sure that their portable battery life is acceptable.

I guess, I often wonder what kind of graphics cards are out there that can do both high fidelity while not costing so much power? I'm guessing not many at all

 

[Mekanos]

I really don't see the point, "It's a Switch, but small." tbh. If they go with that they need to do something unique like making it dual-screen.

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What was the point behind the DS Lite and the Game Boy Pocket?

 

[Phendrift]

What's the catch with the inexpensive model if you can indeed dock it? There's always a catch.

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Lower specs...

 

[Big One]

What was the point behind the DS Lite and the Game Boy Pocket?

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Better form factor and features, actually. The Switch's form factor is already great.

 

[Braaier]

It doesn't come with a dock and the official dock costs $90 would my guess. Also, non-detachable joycons probably.

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Yeah the dock is way too expensive. Like wtf
Wonder what this would sell for. $200?

 

[SinCityAssassin]

Providing a cushion for big name rumors when these things don't come out in summer after all.

 

[kirbyfan407]

I'm very curious why the OS of all things is causing issues on more powerful hardware. Can anyone with more tech knowledge provide some educated guessed on what this could imply?