Right now, there are two versions of the Nintendo Switch. There is the original model that allows players to connect the Switch to the tv and there is the Nintendo Switch Lite, smaller, cheaper version of the console that does not connect to the tv. Now, new reports suggest that Nintendo will be releasing a new version of the Switch early next year. The report comes from the Taipei-based Economic Daily News who says that “Nintendo might launch a new version of its Switch console early next year, citing unidentified people in the supply chain. A more powerful version of the console has been rumored in the past.”
Talking about if a new Switch model would be affected with the launch of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, Hideki Yasuda, an Ace Research Institute Analyst said: “Even with the launch of the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, sales of Switch will remain strong. We believe that sales of game consoles are determined by their design and style, and the advantage of Switch, which can be played by anyone at any time anywhere, will not change.” Yasuda predicts that Nintendo will sell at least 23 million Switch units this year which is above Nintendo’s prediction of 19 million. This is despite Nintendo was having problems earlier this year in manufacturing new Switch consoles.
Bloomberg reports that the new Nintendo Switch console could include “more computing power and 4k high-definition graphics.” Bloomberg also reports that “the release of the upgraded Switch would be coupled with, or followed by, a slew of games from Nintendo itself and related outside studios. Those games would address a wide range of players, from casual gamers seeking small doses of escapism to more devoted fans putting in marathon gaming sessions.”
Despite the issues, it didn’t hurt Nintendo one bit as the company recently shared that their profits have soared over 500 percent during the pandemic, in large part due to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which is massive hit selling a total of 22.40 million copies. Recently, Nintendo held another Indie World Showcase announcing several new games coming to Switch which include Hades, A Short Hike, and an update coming to Untitled Goose Game which brings in Co-op. Last month during the latest Nintendo Direct Mini, they revealed that Shin Megami Tensei V is coming to the platform as well as new looks at other games from their development and publishing partners.