According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Nintendo will release two new Switch models in 2019. One is a cheaper option for a more casual audience, while the other is a souped-up version akin to a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X, though not as powerful. The report says the models will be announced at E3.<doc-sep>The gaming wars of the next generation have begun in earnest as Google’s foray into the world of video games has now served as a run-up to news of new offerings from console heavy hitters Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. Nintendo has long been the option for quirky, niche, and youth-skewing gaming, so its consoles have prized unique gameplay and convenience over raw processing power or online prowess. Now the company looks to be positioning its products to cater to either side of the gaming community. According to The Wall Street Journal, this year Nintendo plans to release two versions of its best-selling Switch — possibly as early as this summer — that would change up the console for specific kinds of gamers. The first version would be an enhanced, beefed-up version to play games at higher qualities (though without specs to compete with the PlayStation 4 Pro or Xbox One X). The second would be a cheaper, more handheld-oriented version that would be for those looking for the ultimate casual experience — or to replace their decade-old 3DS. However, making these comparisons too closely would be inaccurate, per WSJ's report. “You would be wrong to think the enhanced version is similar to what Sony did with PS4 Pro and the other is just a cheap alternative that looks very similar to some past hand-held machines — say, Sony’s PlayStation Vita,” the paper quotes a source with hands-on experience. Instead, there would be more small-scale changes to cut costs, like eliminating vibrating controllers. “The company judged the new Switch models won’t need the vibration feature because there wouldn’t be many games released using the full benefit of it,” one official reportedly said. Nintendo had long dominated the mobile market until smartphone gaming took a huge chunk of the industry. Maintaining sales momentum of their hit Switch by targeting different customers is the goal of the release, which will sustain the console’s third year. The Switch has been a big hit for the company, with great console sales and first-party games to drive it — with Mario, Zelda, Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros. offerings that have stunned critics and fans alike — so capitalizing on this mid-lifecycle update is key to keeping the momentum alive. With new Pokemon, Fire Emblem, and Animal Crossing games on the way, fans are already excited for the future of Nintendo, so the new consoles’ likely announcement at E3 in June will only bolster their fandom.<doc-sep>The Wall Street Journal, who tends to be notoriously good at nailing Nintendo's recent endeavors, reported that the company is allegedly planning to reveal two new versions of the Switch this summer. The two new consoles would expand the console's current reach to a pair of different audiences. According to the report, one Switch would be designed for better graphics and processors, designed to compete with the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X/S, while the other version would serve as an alternative for more "casual" players. While it's unclear on exactly how that would manifest, it would be available at a cheaper price point and possibly lose features like detachable Joy-Cons and controller rumble. Rumors about Nintendo's new Switch builds have been circulating for over a year now, but this is the first we've heard about any specific details. Many Switch gamers have been hoping for bigger screens, 4k resolution, and better battery life, so any sort of upgrade would be a welcome addition to the Nintendo family. Nintendo isn't alone in pursuing the next big thing; both Playstation and Xbox are rumored to be announcing new consoles at this summer's E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) which would both likely see a fall or winter release. Nintendo has traditionally always been two years removed of other consoles' release dates, but a new generation of the Switch would give them a horse (or two) in this year's arms race. Cameron Sherrill Cameron Sherrill is a designer and writer for Esquire.com, where he covers technology and video games. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io<doc-sep>
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Nintendo is readying two new Switch models, following up on its earlier reporting on the topic from last year. While that earlier report just suggested a new model with, perhaps, a new screen, today’s report specifies a two-pronged approach: one model will sport “enhanced features” for the core gaming audience, while the other will be a “cheaper option,” which Nintendo sees as a successor to the now 8-year-old 3DS handheld. E3 in June is a likely opportunity to announce the models, with one source telling the Journal they could be “possibly released a few months later.” With Sony bowing out of the show this year, and Microsoft widely expected to begin unveiling its next-gen strategy — including xCloud — it will be an opportune time to focus on what’s next for Switch. While it’s unclear what kind of “enhanced features” the higher-end model will contain, the Journal reports that Nintendo will cut features from the current Switch model to create the new, cheaper option. “The company judged the new Switch models won’t need the vibration feature because there wouldn’t be many games released using the full benefit of it,” one source told the Journal. A lack of vibration suggests a console without removable Joy-Con controllers, fitting the strategy of a 3DS replacement. It’s been a relatively smooth two years with a consistent Nintendo Switch offering, but for anyone following Nintendo’s decades-old handheld strategy, it stands to reason that things are about to get weird.