Bloomberg Reports New, Cheaper Switch Likely To Be Launched This June
Bloomberg is just the latest media outlet to mention a new model of Nintendo Switch is set to arrive this year. Prior rumors have speculated that Nintendo would release two new versions of the hybrid console: a more feature-rich system and a scaled down version. The latter would presumably be cheaper and help fill the void left by the outgoing 3DS handheld, which retails for $199.99. Indeed, a $200 Switch would be highly appealing, especially to families wanting to purchase multiple ones for their kids. Bloomberg states that this new cheaper version could arrive by the end of this June:
“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 of the people. The existing Switch will receive a modest upgrade this year, though a more powerful version is not in the works, the people said.”
“Nintendo has yet to acknowledge the new hardware, but will likely include it in its guidance, leading to a lot of guesswork and reverse-engineering of the figures, analysts said.”
Nintendo has its full year financial results meeting this Thursday, which could shed more light on the situation. While the company normally doesn’t reveal new hardware at these types of meetings, it’s not out of the question to get some sort of confirmation of a revision or a better indication of what to expect down the road. If Bloomberg is correct and this new revised model of the Switch will arrive at the end of June, that would mean most likely the console would have to enter production lines very soon. That would be difficult to keep under wraps and the likelihood of a leak increases. Other media outlets have predicted a fall release of the cheaper Switch, and if that holds true than it’s less likely we’ll learn anything new about it this week.
[Source: Bloomberg]
Craig has been covering the video game industry since 1995. His work has been published across a wide spectrum of media sites. He’s currently the Editor-In-Chief of Nintendo Times and contributes to Gaming Age.
