Nintendo prepping two new Switch consoles, launch likely at E3 2019: Report

The Switch has been a runaway hit for Nintendo – for some perspective, it has (already) earned the reputation of being the fastest selling gaming console in the US. But it’s getting old now and let’s face it – the Switch did not pack killer hardware to boot. Developers (including Nintendo) did make the best of the system’s resources churning out killer games (with plenty more on the way) but the Switch remains largely a casual affair – and not necessarily a console that hardcore gamers look up to. 

But there’s little doubt that the Switch has brought huge profits and, in a way, fun back to portable gaming, and as such a successor is widely anticipated – a new The Wall Street Journal report now suggests Nintendo is working on at least two new Switch models with a launch likely set for E3 2019 in June. We do now know what Nintendo will call its next Switch console(s) but the report suggests the Japanese major is looking to launch one low-end Switch model and another high-end model with “enhanced features targeted at avid video gamers.” 

The report adds that Nintendo may be ready to ship its upcoming Switch consoles sometime this summer. The original Switch was launched in January 2017 and shipping commenced from March the same year – Nintendo had first teased the console in October 2016. 

The low-end Switch model that Nintendo is working on will reportedly drop detachable Joy-Con controllers support – it may be some sort of 3DS successor. The 3DS was originally launched at E3 2010 and was a prime competitor to Sony’s PlayStation Vita – its successor is coming at a time when there is no competition whatsoever (RIP PlayStationVita). 

But being a next-generation Switch model means it will have some big shoes to fill – this will be especially true for the higher-end model. Hardware specifics of this model (or for that matter, even that of the lower-end model) are scarce for now but the report says it will be more than just another performance boost – are we looking at a new design as well, is hard to tell at this point of time. 

The original Switch, to refresh, comes with a 6.2-inch touch-screen display with a 1280x720 pixel resolution that’s capable of up-scaling content to Full HD in Dock mode. It is powered by an Nvidia Tegra X1 processor with 32GB of internal storage which is further expandable via a microSDXC card. The battery inside is claimed to last for over six hours depending on the game and usage conditions. The Switch further packs dual speakers, a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB Type-C port.  

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