Nintendo is planning to release a smaller and cheaper Switch along with new online service

Just last week Nintendo was hinting that a newer Switch version would not be in its near-future plans, but Nikkei’s most recent reports say otherwise. It looks like Nintendo is indeed working on a smaller and more affordable handheld console that packs less power than the original one. Additionally, Nintendo may also release a new online service.

Nikkei.com managed to get some scoops from Nintendo hardware partners and game developers that claim a new “miniaturized“ Switch console is in the works. The new model is said to focus on "portability" and "playing outside," as it will "cut features" to keep the retail price in check. Thus, the next Switch version may do away with the TV Dock, and this would shave off around US$90 from the MSRP. As for the miniaturization part, the new console could come with a smaller screen and reduced size for the detachable side-controls.

Regarding the new online service, Nikkei stated that it would be released “some time in 2019” and could be intended for “game enthusiasts.” Ars Technica suggests that this may be referring to a greater selection of classic Nintendo games from the SNES-N64 era that should complement the relatively austere selection of Switch games. It is still unclear if this service would come at a greater cost.

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