Nintendo has been hard at work as of late when it comes to expanding its world-market reach for the Switch, especially since Nintendo has started working with Tencent Holdings Ltd. to start selling Switches in China. Granted, the company has a bit more to do before they can start selling any products there. The company must receive the country’s “China Compulsory Certificate” approval, and each software title will need approval from the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television. Besides those steps though, there has been a rumor going around for quite some time that Nintendo might be a making an updated version of their Nintendo Switch hybrid system … and from the sounds of Bloomberg.com, it might actually be true.
During their recent stock analysis of Nintendo, they have been quoted saying, “Growth in the current period will get a boost from the launch of a new, cheaper version of the Switch” — according to two people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to discuss private plans. “The new device will likely be launched by the end of June” — according to one person. “The existing Switch will receive a modest upgrade this year, though a more powerful version is not in the works.”
From the sounds of this, it could possibly be something like a PS4 Slim or Xbox One S, where the system is made smaller and sleeker while retaining the power of its original version as they phase out those original models. These system variations usually come with a price reduction as well. It’s a common trend that you see today from the likes of Sony or Microsoft but (if I am correct) this would be the first time Nintendo actually did something like this.
Nintendo, as of right now, has yet to acknowledge the new hardware but will likely announce its existence someday soon … especially with E3 getting closer and closer as the days go by. To be honest though, I think Nintendo will announce it at E3 or just before it, so they can focus on new games they plan to show off this year and into the next. For now, I believe we can keep our eyes on Nintendo as we continue towards E3.
If you decided to hold-off on purchasing the Nintendo Switch (like myself), this new release would be the perfect time to pick one up (if this turns out to be accurate), especially if you’re a Pokemon fan or a fan of Nintendo’s properties in general. If you already have a Switch, then I wouldn’t worry too much about it. That is unless it comes with voice chat in the system itself and not a phone app, or if the system allows for larger SD cards … then you might want to consider upgrading your system. If you are a die-hard collector, you may want to own both to see all the differences that Nintendo makes to the system (if any).
Be sure to check-in with gaminglyfe.com as more information becomes available!
