Nintendo Planning Two New Switch Models; One Without Removable Joycon?

The Nintendo Switch

Nintendo’s Switch has been wildly popular since launch. They broke their own sales record, and even outsold the Wii U. Safe to say, the Switch is one of Nintendo’s best consoles yet. And now, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Nintendo is planning on releasing two new models of the Switch, and both may be available in 2019. That’s this year folks, in case you forgot.

The first iteration of the console will be a more powerful and have enhanced features. Therefore, this version is more targeted to the more ‘avid’ gamer and power users. Although, they mention that the Switch upgrade will not be as powerful as Sony’s PS4 Pro, or Microsoft’s Xbox One X. Which to me is wholly understandable. When I think of Nintendo, I don’t necessarily think of power, rather of easy, casual gaming. Seems they might go a different route, but that still remains to be seen. Check out a concept of what the Switch could look like from Reddit user u/ProjectXero.

Concept by Reddit user u/ProjectXero

The second model will be a cheaper, more accessible model. This one will be aimed at casual gamers and is somewhat of a successor to the Nintendo 3DS. The model will be cheaper because there are certain features that’ll be cut from the lineup. WSJ mentions cutting of vibration as a feature that might me removed. This seems like a miscue though, as some games need the vibrations in the controller to function. But as it’s being touted as a replacement to the 3DS, it’s got me thinking something along the form factors of a PSP or PS VITA. That means no removable controllers, and basically a tablet with controls on the side.

However, don’t speculate too hard yet. We’ll probably get a few more announcements at E3 this year, so hopefully we get to see what Nintendo’s got lined up.

Comment what you think!