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Nikkei: Nintendo Planning Smaller Switch For This Year

A recent report published by the Nikkei says that Nintendo is currently working on a smaller Nintendo Switch console and that it is due to be released this year. Developers and suppliers have already been made aware of their plans. The report states that the smaller Switch will costs consumers less money, but it will remove features to emphasise portability.

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49 thoughts on “Nikkei: Nintendo Planning Smaller Switch For This Year”

    1. Oh the Irony! I feel you.

      But the Switch is still selling well. I feel that it’s not a good idea to have the mini Switch released this year if it only afters the portability. What good is a game console when you can’t play your favorite games in it. It would be great if it’s more games, more power and more portable.

      Now then, by 2030, Nintendo might finally release a wristwatch game console running games via hologram. What are the odds!

    2. Oh the Irony! I feel you.

      But the Switch is still selling well. I feel that is not a good idea to have the mini Switch released this year if it only afters the portability. What good is a game console when you can’t play your favorite games in it. It would be great if it’s power and portability.

      Now then, by 2030, Nintendo might finally release a wristwatch game console running games via hologram. What are the odds!

  1. If this is true then my guess is:
    * As powerful as a normal Switch
    * Does not come with a dock, but potentially will dock either in a normal dock or a separately sold smaller one
    * No detachable Joy-Con, just built in controls
    * Works with pro controller though, and potentially Joy-Con too if you own any
    * Will be $50-100 cheaper than a normal Switch, owing to non-inclusion of dock and certain Joy-Con features

    I think this is more likely for now than a more powerful version of the Switch, though both are possible directions they may take it.

      1. If it had a pretty thin form factor and circle-pad like analog sticks, I could see something that might fit. I’m imagining you’d have to fish it out with your fingers somewhat. I doubt that’s the route they’d go, more likely they’d build a unique dock for the smaller Switch, but I’m not prepared to commit on that. I would be 99% sure that a dock won’t be included, because that’s an easy way they can reduce the price.

        I do think any new Switch is almost certain to be dockable in some way, because if it’s not then I think the name Switch definitely would be inappropriate as you say.

    1. You couldnt play some games like Super Mario Party and 1-2 Switch without detachable controllers, so Im not sure if they would do that.

      1. I’m sure you can still play Super Mario Party but I think you have to sync the detachable Joy-cons to play or they will patch the game to play with Joy-cons attached and possibly a pro controller support. I could be wrong and Nintendo won’t do anything unless people voice their feedback until they actually listen.

      2. As I mentioned, I think normal Joy-Con probably would work with this system. It would be a nuisance to have to buy Joy-Con specifically for those games but I believe that’s the direction they’ll go – doing away with detachable controllers is such an easy way to save good money and downsize the thing at the same time. Those party games you mentioned aren’t the perfect games for your new highly portable Switch anyway.

  2. The normal Switch is too small for my hands and now they want to make a smaller one? Please Nintendo, don’t forget people with bigger hands that are non-japanese

  3. I think it’s all for Pokémon if it’s true. Now this would probably get multiple Switches in households that already have the main Switch easier. Will it be more powerful though? Or just more portable?

    Ah the speculations, I really just want a Direct! 😋

  4. It would have to be considerably cheaper and you wouldn’t be able to play Mario party.
    Surely a more powerful upgrade with bigger screen and smaller bezels is the way to go.
    Forwards not backwards!

    1. Well if you can connect other controllers, you will be able to play mario party, just not using the ones attached to the console.

  5. Nintendo: *tries to keep the 3DS relevant alongside the Switch*
    Fans: The 3DS is dead, the Switch is the portable future!
    Nintendo: *might be making a smaller, more portable Switch and decreased their sales forecast on 3DS*
    Fans: What the heck? Not smaller, we want a stronger, bigger one!

    ????????

  6. this version is for the 3ds… replacement. 3ds is dead.
    but for me i realy like a switch pro+
    its powerfuller than ps4 pro.
    that must come 2020 with the powerfull mp4 that players not seeing before with technics that even a last of us 2 looks bader.
    because when that not happend. nintendo looses with ps5/one2.
    japan is not the only market… its the smallest marked.

    1. They completely restarted development on MP4, dont expect it before late 2021, also Im not sure its possible to make a mobile console as strong as Ps4 pro for a decent price.

    2. if they do that, expect that, the more powerful Switch, plus MP4, in 2022.

      To me that seems the most realistic. E3 2021 announce, see you in March 2022.

      It makes sense. Especially if they wait to release MP4, which could have been part of the decision to reboot.

      Different than Zelda though, because it will be a reboot not just a port and edit.

  7. I would have to see it. I wouldn’t mind a smaller version but it would have to have the same specs as switch. If it’s removing stuff then yea it ain’t for me

  8. It’s not something I need, but I know plenty of people will love this.

    I play it docked almost all the time anyway.

  9. This (if true) coupled with the 3DS news, it most likely is safe to say the 3DS is finally in it’s last gasp as this is probably meant to replace the 3DS. You survived 2 years of the Switch, 3DS, but I guess it’s finally time.

  10. how about a clamshell design like the 3DS? Maybe even fuse the 3DS and Switch functionality! It’s far-fetched but could be a good way to extend the 3DS life cycle. If not, then it can still just play Switch games of course. I’m not entirely sure if the clamshell design should have buttons though, as this may confuse the consumer when they need joy cons (additinoal controllers) to operate most games.

    1. That’s the Switch 2, if you make a more powerful Switch you will dilute the differences from Switch and Switch 2 making the future console less attractive.

        1. Who knows if after playing with a Pro people will not be impressed with the future PS5…? Certainly Sony could have waited and make a better jump from PS4 to PS5 without the Pro in the middle. In my opinion they did wrong.
          Also I think it’s more difficult to gain performance with a portable, because there are more thermal/battery consumption limits to take into account.

  11. Switch S: 5″, 12/14 nm, fanless, smaller battery at 199/249$? Looks like a success. And I’ll still be happy with mine. ^^
    I hope that the Switch 2 will be fanless from the get-go.

  12. Pingback: Nintendo Understandably Says “We Have Nothing To Announce On This Topic” When Asked About Switch Mini | My Nintendo News

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