The Wall Street Journal is claiming that Nintendo is planning on developing a new hardware revision of the Nintendo Switch. Thanks to the highly successful sales of the console, Nintendo is potentially in talks to create a newer, better version of their hybrid system. These upgrades are still being considered internally, but the Wall Street Journal reports that there's a chance of this revision having a better display, one that's higher quality than the current LCD the Switch uses, but not one as sophisticated as an OLED screen. Earlier this year, WSJ believed that Nintendo would not be planning on hardware revisions, but instead would focus on peripherals, which only held true in regards to Nintendo Labo.

The source of this information comes from insider knowledge at the Wall Street Journal, along with suppliers and manufacturers that work with Nintendo. WSJ Japan's article claims that shareholders in the company confirmed this information, too. If they're correct, then the new Switch model would likely hit the market sometime in Summer 2019.

TOKYO— Nintendo Co. NTDOY -1.78% plans to release a new version of its Switch videogame console next year to maintain the sales momentum of the device, according to suppliers and others with direct knowledge of the plan.

Sales of the Switch, introduced in March 2017, are still solid but are no longer delivering the favorable surprises that marked the machine’s first year on the market. Nintendo shares, which rose sharply last year, have trailed the broader stock market this year. The move to update the Switch suggests the Kyoto, Japan, company is moving quickly to ensure its flagship product doesn’t lose competitiveness.

Nintendo is still debating what new hardware and software features to include in the upgrade and weighing the cost of the features, people with knowledge of the discussions said.

One option is improving the display, they said. The current Switch uses a lower-end liquid-crystal display without some technologies that are standard in more recent smartphone LCDs.

Updating the display with these technologies would make it brighter, thinner and more energy-efficient. The updated Switch isn’t expected to adopt the organic light-emitting diode or OLED panels used in Apple Inc.’s AAPL 1.22%iPhone X series.

Nintendo is looking to release the new Switch in the latter half of 2019, perhaps as soon as summer, the people said.

A Nintendo spokesman declined to comment.

Between its introduction last year and June 30 of this year, Nintendo sold 19.7 million units of the Switch, a pace that compares favorably with Sony Corp.’s PlayStation 4, the most popular console among the current generation of videogame players. The Switch can be used both as a living-room console and as a portable game machine.

Nintendo has said it wants to sell 20 million units in the year through March 2019, and analysts say they expect sales roughly to match that goal assuming some popular software titles planned for late this year arrive on schedule. Nintendo has said it plans to introduce “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” on Dec. 7.

Videogame makers generally come out with new consoles every five to six years, and it is common for them to update the devices in the middle of their life cycles to keep the momentum going. Sony introduced the PlayStation 4 in November 2013 and updated it with a less-expensive version in September 2016 and a high-end model two months later.

A new Switch would follow that pattern. Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, who created many of its top games and now holds the title of creative fellow, said in February he wanted the Switch’s life cycle to be longer than usual, suggesting next year’s update of the hardware may not be the last.

The upgraded Switch would likely share many features with the current version and be compatible with existing Switch game software.

Software makers and others in the industry are watching whether Nintendo will clarify the future of its hand-held 3DS videogame device when it decides on the next Switch.

Nintendo has said it would keep selling 3DS machines because they are a safe and affordable option for children. But new game releases for the platform have been declining and some popular franchises, including Nintendo’s own “Pokémon,” moved to the Switch this year.

An executive at one software maker said the 3DS was increasingly overshadowed by smartphones that are well-suited to portable games. He said he was waiting for a “clear message” from Nintendo about what it would do with the 3DS series when it puts out a new Switch.

Source
Source [Untranslated]

 

[duwen]

I would defintely be happy for this, one SKU that is cheaper and it is more a traditional console, removing battery and the screen for people that are willing to jump on the new console and their games and dont care about portability and other that is kinda like the current device, but smaller, with more internal storage and better battery life, oriented to mobile gaming, but not removing the hybrid aspect of it.

I've got no problem with portable gaming - I spend at least half an hour of my lunchbreak, every day, sat in my car either on my Vita or my 3ds - but nothing about the Switch appeals to me as a portable device. If there was a "tv only" version for a reduced price, I'd be all over it. Similarly a "more traditional handheld" device would also be more appealing.
For a "tv only" version, removing the screen, battery, and the integrated parts that enable the joycon connectivity, they could reduce the size down to something similar to that of the Vita TV (ie, tiny).

 

[smf]

What's even the point of buying a console when a better version is just around the corner?

There are ten ps4 variants.

 

[TheDarkGreninja]

Am I the only one thinking this is going be just a minimal improvement and not some sort of major improvement? I just can't see developers developing for what is essentially 4 different console experiences including the other 4 on the Sony and Xbox side and PC (Though, due to being x86 I'm sure it's much easier for devs than the Switch)

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

This one does push 1.3TFLOPS in full-precision, however it's brand-new, unlikely to be included in the new Switch and still behind the base PS4. It about matches the original Xbox One, but it's trailing behind the One S and the base PS4. It's very impressive, but hardly a competitor for the upcoming PS5 and Xbox Two which the new Switch is supposed to be pitted against. After all, that's the only reason why Nintendo is working on a refresh - they want to be ahead of the curve before these systems release in late 2019/early 2020 - historically that has always been a bad strategy.

That's why I'd say we're a fair bit away from a "pro" Switch. Xavier was also designed with smart cars in mind rather than portable tablets, I expect they might go with a fully custom SoC (Afaik we still don't know what Mariko is), may be based on Turing or whatever Nvidia's next architecture is by 2020.

 

[LWGShane]

Doesn't costs as little as a their handhelds though.

Smartphone makers release revisions every two years and those phones cost more than a $300 console.

how about revising your servers and not your console.

Well first they'd have to purchase servers since there's nothing to revise

ew.... wall street journal #PewDiePieDidn'tDoAnythingWrongAndWSJAreSlanderingHimFor0Reason

Has nothing to do with the topic at hand.

pissed about paid online

You all knew paid online was coming since the Switch's announcement.

recycled WiiU games

How dare Nintendo port games from a failed console to a successful one. How dare Nintendo want more people to experience Wii U masterpieces.

now a new model only a year after launch purely to stop cfw

Someone needs a remedial math class. 2019 - 2017 is 2 years. If it's announced next year and instead launches in 2020 then that's 3 years. Also the Switch is a handheld; why is everyone so shocked that they're upgrading it?

What's even the point of buying a console when a better version is just around the corner?

What's the point of buying anything when the new version is right around the corner?

 

[Foxi4]

Am I the only one thinking this is going be just a minimal improvement and not some sort of major improvement? I just can't see developers developing for what is essentially 4 different console experiences including the other 4 on the Sony and Xbox side and PC (Though, due to being x86 I'm sure it's much easier for devs than the Switch)

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------



That's why I'd say we're a fair bit away from a "pro" Switch. Xavier was also designed with smart cars in mind rather than portable tablets, I expect they might go with a fully custom SoC (Afaik we still don't know what Mariko is), may be based on Turing or whatever Nvidia's next architecture is by 2020.

My general feeling is that no company in their right mind will implement a SoC with a TDP higher than 15W average into a tablet, specifically because of cooling. Xavier is a 20W chip with a 30W peak, it would have to be downclocked significantly to fit the thermal envelope.

 

[Selim873]

I would say a slimmer model with a modified (die shrunk maybe) X1 specifically for Switch. To be fair, I want a Switch mini with a 5.7" screen marketed towards people who only care about handheld mode. Probably won't happen because it would miss the point of the console itself. Still, I don't know how Nintendo could shrink the Switch anyway if they wanted to due to the joycon. My idea of a Switch mini would have hardwired buttons.

 

[Eddypikachu]

Smartphone makers release revisions every two years and those phones cost more than a $300 console.


Well first they'd have to purchase servers since there's nothing to revise


Has nothing to do with the topic at hand.


You all knew paid online was coming since the Switch's announcement.


How dare Nintendo port games from a failed console to a successful one. How dare Nintendo want more people to experience Wii U masterpieces.


Someone needs a remedial math class. 2019 - 2017 is 2 years. If it's announced next year and instead launches in 2020 then that's 3 years. Also the Switch is a handheld; why is everyone so shocked that they're upgrading it?


What's the point of buying anything when the new version is right around the corner?

The switch doesn't even have the amount of features that a typical modern cellphone has.

 

[Foxi4]

There's always something better coming out soon, that thought shouldn't really enter your mind, the PC crowd and the mobile crowd have already learned that lesson. Whichever version of a console you buy, you will have access to the majority (if not all) of the software *and* you can trade-in to upgrade, so this is a non-issue. Nobody should be upset over Nintendo trying to make their consoles better over time - they're supposed to do that.

 

[SonowRaevius]

What's the point of buying anything when the new version is right around the corner?

Because console/handheld devs have become extremely predictable within the last few generations and everyone can generally see what is coming. If you don't know though they eventually stop making better versions of their consoles/handhelds before moving on to the next generation.

And Let's not ignore all the issues that starting/launch versions of said things have, ranging from controllers not being able to connect to the consoles to them just bricking themselves for no real reason. Hence why I said they are basically having us pay to beta test them, I mean, sure they usually let you get a newer one on warranty, but the fact still remains that launch/day 1 issues are ever growing with consoles and handhelds.

On top of that, many new consoles/handhelds are often released with a very small/poor line-up of games as well, so why not wait those extra years for the line-up to build and then get the best version of said console/handheld and have plenty of games to play with it?

There's always something better coming out soon, that thought shouldn't really enter your mind, the PC crowd and the mobile crowd have already learned that lesson. Whichever version of a console you buy, you will have access to the majority (if not all) of the software *and* you can trade-in to upgrade, so this is a non-issue. Nobody should be upset over Nintendo trying to make their consoles better over time - they're supposed to do that.

Huge difference being that PC's can slowly be upgraded over time and don't require a $300-$400 payment for each part (unless you are getting really high-end parts, but those aren't needed). Mobiles devices are also upgrading, marginally, each year. Neither are tied to just a generation of games either and support for them doesn't just drop off immediately like with consoles and handhelds.

I'm not mad at them for doing what they are doing, but when I know a definitive version of something is going to be released later I am not going to bother with the base version because I am getting less for more.

 

[DaveLister]

Now featuring stability.

 

[Foxi4]

Because console/handheld devs have become extremely predictable within the last few generations and everyone can generally see what is coming. If you don't know though they eventually stop making better versions of their consoles/handhelds before moving on to the next generation.

And Let's not ignore all the issues that starting/launch versions of said things have, ranging from controllers not being able to connect to the consoles to them just bricking themselves for no real reason. Hence why I said they are basically having us pay to beta test them, I mean, sure they usually let you get a newer one on warranty, but the fact still remains that launch/day 1 issues are ever growing with consoles and handhelds.

On top of that, many new consoles/handhelds are often released with a very small/poor line-up of games as well, so why not wait those extra years for the line-up to build and then get the best version of said console/handheld and have plenty of games to play with it?


Huge difference being that PC's can slowly be upgraded over time and don't require a $300-$400 payment for each part (unless you are getting really high-end parts, but those aren't needed). Mobiles devices are also upgrading, marginally, each year. Neither are tied to just a generation of games either and support for them doesn't just drop off immediately like with consoles and handhelds.

I'm not mad at them for doing what they are doing, but when I know a definitive version of something is going to be released later I am not going to bother with the base version because I am getting less for more.

That's a silly comparison. The "high end" parts are the ones getting upgraded. You can coast on a motherboard or memory until the new standard rolls in which can take many, many years, you can run a drive till it starts squeaking, but the processor and the GPU, the parts that get basically yearly tick-tock upgrades, *are* the expensive parts that cost well upwards of the cost of an entire console.

 

[WiikeyHacker]

Hopefully, a new exploit will be released for the old/fat switch console, especially software exploit. I am quite uneasy at using RCM on my switch.

not everything needs to be hacked dude just use the older model if you really want to have a hacked console.

 

[boombox]

They'll probably do a one one for people who may just want it as a portable gaming device. Now that Animal Crossing Switch is coming, more people within one household will want one and won't want to get another base just to play the game.
I for one really hope they do sell one without the base as I want to be able to play it with my husband (without having to fork out another £250 or so).
It would also be really nice if they brought out Switches in different colours (the console as well as the joycons).
I'm excited for this and hope it's true with it being such a successful console already (compared to the Wii U) this should be in the cards!

 

[PlushBun]

nintendo makes switch 2

i still can't afford it

 

[smf]

nintendo makes switch 2

i still can't afford it

It's more likely going to be Switch Pro or Switch Mini, that runs the exact same games as the Switch.

A resolution bump for VR is possible though https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/275539-the-nintendo-switch-has-a-hidden-vr-mode

 

[|<roni&g]

You won't be losing much.
Actually, TBH and even if it sounds elitist, as long as you have a semi-decent PC you won't be losing much even if you skip all consoles.
All home consoles nowadays have paid online and recycled remakes/remasters galore... hmmm... stay on PC.

Its not elitest, you know what works for you and are recommending it. I do want a good PC but when I am to buy one I need one that can do everything as powerful as possible, and it's a mine field when you're not clued up on pc's so id need to buy one that's already built and does everything on "ultra" settings, I imagine that will be very pricey

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

You all knew paid online was coming since the Switch's announcement

How dare Nintendo port games from a failed console to a successful one. How dare Nintendo want more people to experience Wii U masterpieces.

You sound like an anti consumer idiot who works for Nintendo. And yeah, how dare they, releasing a bunch of games from the console directly before has never been done like this before. We should have a new Mario kart, new Mario bros, Dk and all that, not Nintendos 2013 WiiU games. TBR: 2011's saints row the third, with lower graphics than ever before

 

[LWGShane]

You sound like an anti consumer idiot who works for Nintendo

It's a fact that first and second party Wii U games are masterpieces (otherwise they wouldn't have an insane attach rate) and it's not rocket science for even the fans to want more people to experience them. It's also a fact that we all knew paid online was coming the moment the Switch was announced. I'll also be the first to admit that charging for lackluster features and peer to peer multiplayer is garbage. So care to explain how exactly I'm an "anti-consumer idiot"?

releasing a bunch of games from the console directly before has never been done like this before

Prove it.

We should have a new Mario kart, new Mario bros, Dk and all that

And we will. It's ignorant. to think that Nintendo is not developing Switch versions of their best sellers.

 

[|<roni&g]

It's a fact that first and second party Wii U games are masterpieces (otherwise they wouldn't have an insane attach rate) and it's not rocket science for even the fans to want more people to experience them. It's also a fact that we all knew paid online was coming the moment the Switch was announced. I'll also be the first to admit that charging for lackluster features and peer to peer multiplayer is garbage. So care to explain how exactly I'm an "anti-consumer idiot"?


Prove it.


And we will. It's ignorant. to think that Nintendo is not developing Switch versions of their best sellers.

I'm not going to bother proving it, if you're 27-30 then you'll just know a Nintendo console hasn't been released where they've just stuck the same games from the system before right on the new one. We SHOULD of had some new major games other than oddysee by now, Mario bros u being ported over is just crap, they should of made a new Mario bros for switch, not recycled the game from WiiU, no excuses

 

[LWGShane]

I'm not going to bother proving it, if you're 27-30 then you'll just know a Nintendo console hasn't been released where they've just stuck the same games from the system before right on the new one.

Nintendo console? Nice goal post move. Also Nintendo ported Wii games to Wii U, and Wii U games to 3DS.

We SHOULD of had some new major games other than oddysee by now

We DO have new major games besides Odyssey. We have Zelda: BotW, Arms, Splatoon 2, Kirby Star Allies, Mario Tennis Aces, and Super Mario Party. We have some more coming this year: Super Smash Bros Ultimate and Pokemon. Minor new games include Snipperclips (and Plus), 1-2 Switch and the Labo Games.

Mario bros u being ported over is just crap, they should of made a new Mario bros for switch

Just because you think it's crap doesn't mean other people think it's crap; and may I borrow your crystal ball that tells you that Nintendo will never release another 2D Mario game for Switch?

 

[|<roni&g]

Nintendo console? Nice goal post move. Also Nintendo ported Wii games to Wii U, and Wii U games to 3DS.


We DO have new major games besides Odyssey. We have Zelda: BotW, Arms, Splatoon 2, Kirby Star Allies, Mario Tennis Aces, and Super Mario Party. We have some more coming this year: Super Smash Bros Ultimate and Pokemon. Minor new games include Snipperclips (and Plus), 1-2 Switch and the Labo Games.


Just because you think it's crap doesn't mean other people think it's crap; and may I borrow your crystal ball that tells you that Nintendo will never release another 2D Mario game for Switch?

Zelda botw is a WiiU game first and foremost, the Sheika slate was meant to be the WiiU gamepad but that feature was removed because the switch would of lacked it. 1-2 switch doesn't count, only game you listed that really means anything is Mario Party.
And it is crap to release the same Mario bros & kart twice in a row. I bought and destroyed both on WiiU, now a new console is out we are meant to get new games, not sit back while the old ones we've already finished get released again