Nikkei rumor: Nintendo Switch Mini Launches In Mid 2019, New Online Services Aimed At Core Gamers

[zorg1000]

thismeintiel said:

Nautilus said:
*sigh* a Switch mini wont happen.It simply dosent make sense.

Im not feeling the mood to spend 30 minutes of my life writing and explaining all the reasons why this is not feasible, so Ill just list them: Joycon(cant make them smaller and Nintendo wouldnt make another version to confuse people on which works with what), battery life(For it to become smaller, you have to sacrifice something, and baterry would be one of its victims), the WHOLE Switch concept(Making it smaller not only would potentially sacrifice the whole aspect, because it might not fir in the dock and all, but you alsow ould have the issue with the joycons again, with them being too small to form a regular controller and all).

The Switch is already small, at least for todays standards.Everyone carries tablets around, and those are bigger.Not only that, but you always have someplace to store your Switch:Backpack, purse, your car(while you are doing your duties) and so on.A mini concept makes sense on paper, but when you actually go to practice, its dumb on many levels, at least for the Switch.And Nintendo knows that.

Plus, if you want to amke a cheaper SKU, you just have to do a price cut.You dont need a whole new model for that.

Agreed.  The reason Switch is doing so well is because of its hybrid nature.  Taking that away just makes it another handheld.  And part of the hybrid appeal is the detachable controllers that can be used for 2-player games.  This would force people to buy Pro controllers if they wish to use it on the TV, if that is still an option for the Mini version. Unless Nintendo wants to throw in a controller not to seem kinda scummy.  However, that would defeat the purpose of making a smaller console to reduce the cost for them.

Personally, if Nintendo wants a real boost to sales, they should make the normal Switch $249. Then, they should come out with a "Pro" version of the Switch for the same $299.  Same form factor (maybe slightly thinner), but put in a larger screen by doing away with the majority of the bezels (possibly higher res), better battery, and maybe slightly better/upclocked internals.

Handheld and console specific skus makes the platform more affordable and attractive for people who only care about one aspect. They could use the Tegra X2 to make these 3 revisions.

Switch Go-$199, 5" 720p screen without detachable Joy-Cons.

Switch TV-$199, micro console with pair of Joy-Cons bundled.

Switch Pro-$299, 7" 1080p screen, better battery, hybrid form factor.