WSJ: Nintendo to Launch Two New Switch Models. Premium "Enhanced" Model and Cheaper Portable Model.

[JehutyRunner]

Nintendo Co. plans to launch two new versions of its Switch gaming console as early as this summer, people familiar with the matter said, as the company seeks to sustain sales momentum for the product going into a crucial third year.

One version will have enhanced features targeted at avid videogamers, although it won't be as powerful as Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 4 Pro or Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox One X, according to parts suppliers and software developers for Nintendo who have early access to a prototype of the machine.

The other version is a cheaper option for casual gamers that Nintendo sees as a successor to its aging hand-held 3DS device, the suppliers and developers say.

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Spoiler: Twitter Text

My latest on new Nintendo Switch coming as early as this summer. There would be two models, and people who've seen them said designs of new devices are "different from the original and you'd be surprised."

 

[JCW]

As long as one of them's more powerful in some way, I'm down.

 

[ItWasMeantToBe19]

Are there any details in the article.

 

[requiem]

Pro and lite model presumably. Very interested to see if they stick with detachable joycons for the budget SKU.

 

[AlexFlame116]

One version will have enhanced features targeted at avid videogamers, although it won't be as powerful as Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 4 Pro or Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox One X, according to parts suppliers and software developers for Nintendo who have access to a prototype of the machine.

The other version is a cheaper option for casual gamers that Nintendo sees as a successor to its aging hand-held 3DS device, the suppliers and developers say.

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So one enhanced version and one cheaper version ala 3DS in a way.

 

[MondoMega]

Does anyone have access to the full article? The preview only tells us that one will be targeted at "avid gamers" and "enhanced" in some way.

 

[Ant_17]

Game boy advance sp models? That would be a shock for me.

 

[out_of_touch]

Fuck yeah Switch Mini.

 

[Andri]

Man, i love split Evolutions.

 

[Deleted member 8001]

Wow this is fascinating.

 

[Deleted member 4346]

As long as one of them's more powerful in some way, I'm down.

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Yeah. Current model is underpowered. A home console-focused model and a portable model would be ideal.

 

[ItWasMeantToBe19]

Releasing two new models at the same time is kind of weird.

IDK.

 

[VZ_Blade]

In for the pro and curious to see how they decide to implement the lite model. The speculation thread sure presented a bunch of possibilities.

 

[Deleted member 6730]

"different from the original and you'd be surprised"
"The other version is a cheaper option for casual gamers that Nintendo sees as a successor to its aging hand-held 3DS device "

I'm thinking one of them is a clamshell.

 

[Herb Alpert]

Ho damn i'd be hyped for a more powerful switch.
I wasn't expecting it for this year, I thought 2019 would only bring a "2ds"-like version (cheaper model)

 

[ItWasMeantToBe19]

They're cutting HD Rumble from the cheap version, noooooooo.

 

[Deleted member 2840]

Do it, Nintendo.

 

[perfectchaos007]

From a 3DS perspective, it sounds like one is the NEW 3DS, and the cheaper model is the 2DS

 

[@dedmunk]

I'm in for a more powerful version. Give it to me baby!

 

[duckroll]

I don't believe any of these models are going to have enhanced internal hardware that will make any difference in game performance. Instead they will be simply more ways to play. Nintendo is big on making the Switch about possibilities and how different people engage with gaming in terms of lifestyle. One of these will be a smaller portable only model that comes without a dock, for those who want to play Switch games but are more handheld inclined. The other will probably be an improved and more streamlined version of the existing one - possibly with better battery life and screen. There will be a dock expansion for those who get the portable unit and want to use it as a console later.

Not insider, but I feel this is common sense for where the Switch can go.

 

[MondoMega]

Releasing two new models at the same time is kind of weird.

IDK.

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I'm assuming that only one of those two devices would be releasing "as early as this summer". Probably the cheaper model, with the more powerful version releasing later.

 

[Deleted member 8001]

I hope the more powerful one one has...

BIG

MEATY

JOY CONS!!!!

 

[CanUKlehead]

Releasing two new models at the same time is kind of weird.

IDK.

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Yeah, but doing both covers their bases, especially with 3DS gasping for air now.

 

[Sander VF]

I wonder if they are also going to replace the standard model down the line.

I'm talking an iteration in line with, say, PS4 Slim or Xbone S.

 

[Barnabas Reynolds]

Not as powerful as Pro or X. That's some insider insight right there.

 

[JCW]

Yeah. Current model is underpowered. A home console-focused model and a portable model would be ideal.

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I'll meet you halfway and say that I want a more powerful handheld mode because I use the Switch 99.9% in handheld mode.

Docked mode can be more powerful too, sure.

 

[TripaSeca]

That's interesting and puts to rest all the arguments here in era lol.
"You get a Switch and you get a Switch and YOU get a Switch!"
Nintendo making era United again.

 

[Deku]

I hope there won't be exclusives for the Pro Switch, but it seems like there will be certain games the Lite Switch won't be able to play. It'll be interesting to see.

 

[massoluk]

Switch with two screens and glasses-free 3D effect

 

[Zalman]

No surprise they're doing a cheaper one to replace the 3DS. I didn't expect a pro model already though.

 

[Deleted member 59]

I can't envisage them launching at the same time. I'm expecting the cheaper model this year for AC and Pokémon, and the beefier model next year.

 

[cw_sasuke]

Switch Pro, as in a more powerful one wont be out before 2020.
The new Switch for this year will be a DS Lite, as in streamlined version with some enhancements so that they can keep the price at 300 bucks.

The smaller/cheaper one is obv. there to replace the 3DS.

Either way the current Switch will be replaced.

 

[Saint-14]

A portable Switch defeats the whole purpose of the Switch unless you can still dock it.

 

[inner-G]

They're going the iPad route

Air/Pro/Mini

 

[Yoshimitsu126]

I want to play games in handheld mode like Odyssey without dynamic resolution.

Sakurai's team did a good job with Smash Brothers, though.

 

[Tempy]

Whatever they are, I bet I'll get both of them like the consumer whore I am...

 

[takriel]

YES. Give me more powa!

 

[TheDutchSlayer]

I really hope that the prem model does tv out with a cable and display it on the screen at the same time, for MM2.

 

[Nathan.exe]

So everyone is happy in the end ?

 

[Sinder]

Switch Pro, as in a more powerful one wont be out before 2020.
The new Switch for this year will be a DS Lite, as in streamlined version with some enhancements so that they can keep the price at 300 bucks.

The smaller/cheaper one is obv. there to replace the 3DS.

Either way the current Switch will be replaced.

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This report says the pro and cheaper one are both out this summer.

 

[Champion]

They're going the iPad route

Air/Pro/Mini

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You mean the NDS route, right?

 

[LebGuns]

Switch Pro, as in a more powerful one wont be out before 2020.
The new Switch for this year will be a DS Lite, as in streamlined version with some enhancements so that they can keep the price at 300 bucks.

The smaller/cheaper one is obv. there to replace the 3DS.

Either way the current Switch will be replaced.

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Where are you getting your timelines from? Don't spread your own conjecture as misinformation. The insider article states that they suspect the announcement to happen at E3 and releases a few months later. None of this 2020 nonesense you're peddling and obfuscating this thread with.

 

[RuffMadman]

I wonder when they're going to officially announce this. I could probably see them showing them as early as next month which is pretty exciting.

 

[Deleted member 3700]

Well, Switch Pro here I come!

 

[Deleted member 8001]

Whatever they are, I bet I'll get both of them like the consumer whore I am...

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[Deleted member 8791]

If this is true it's truly a dream. People want both a Switch Mini and a Switch Pro.

Day 1 for Switch Pro.

 

[Sander VF]

A portable Switch defeats the whole purpose of the Switch unless you can still dock it.

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I imagine Switch Mini would still be capable of docking, but would require optional hardware to access that functionality.

 

[Deleted member 6730]

Eh sure whatever I'm down.

 

[Deleted member 43657]

I hope the enhanced version has an option to buy it without the dock to keep the cost down.

 

[mjw]

I expected them both to come, but not at once