Leaker shares mounting Nintendo Switch Mini or Switch Pocket evidence, offers up release date and price predictions

Nash Weedle has been providing mounting evidence for a Nintendo Switch Mini or Nintendo Switch Pocket gaming device. The source is insistent that the amount of patents that have been discovered that could pertain to a miniature variant of the Nintendo Switch (or Switch 2?) are almost enough to practically assert the existence of Switch Mini/Switch Pocket development. However, it’s worth remembering that leakers who are based on X (formerly Twitter) often have to resort to sensationalism and hyperbole to attract followers, so a pinch of salt is definitely required in this instance.

The information found in the patents has led to the presumption that a Nintendo Switch Mini, Switch Pocket, or Switch Micro handheld console is in the works. One focuses on button redistribution, with the home button and capture button being moved to the bottom of the device. Another patent goes further with button movement, placing the L, ZL, R, and ZR buttons in a line. Apparently, doing either of those things would produce a more compact Switch console (regular-sized model is currently US$290 on Amazon).

In yet another filing, magnets are used to attach a cover to the rear during gaming or onto the display for protection, which would be ideal for a Switch model that may be transported loosely in the pocket (more so than the current Lite variant). There is also a patent for a new cooling system, which the leaker believes is headed to the Nintendo Switch 2 but could also be viable for a Switch Mini. Last but not least, there is a filing that pertains to housing screw placement that specifically states “there is room for improvement in the design of portable electronic devices from the viewpoint of miniaturization of portable electronic devices”.

With all this mounting evidence, Nash Weedle has had a crack at the release date, price, and some specifications for a Nintendo Switch Mini, Switch Pocket, or Switch Micro device. The leaker predicts a release date of February 16, 2024 for the handheld console and goes for an optimistic and attractive price tag of €149 (~US$162/£128). In addition, the source expects cartridge support to be available and that the miniature Nintendo Switch should be able to handle up to 12 hours of gaming in terms of battery life and come in a choice of colors.