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[IbizaPocholo]

https://gematsu.com/2019/04/nikkei-less-expensive-switch-model-due-out-this-fall

Nintendo will release a less expensive Switch model this fall, according to a Nikkei report.

The less expensive model is reportedly designed for portable use, but still dockable and playable on television sets.

Development on a “next-generation device that is a full model change of the current hardware” will reportedly follow the less expensive model. While Nintendo is said to be trying out various things—including operability and video expression improvements, operating system changes, and so on—development is currently in a state where “it is not clear who will lead the creation of the concept,” according to one developer.

 

[Yoshi]

So, the latter system is really just Switch 2 and way out still?

 

[Boss Mog]

I'm guessing there'll be no detachable joycons, and the system will be just one block, controls and all. To play it on the TV would then require you to use a separate controller.

 

[DGrayson]

Im holding out for a Switch TV. Come on Ninendo give us choices! Some dont care about portable play!

 

[brap]

This is really disappointing.

 

[Lanrutcon]

I don't want a cheaper Switch. I want a more powerful Switch, fuck the portability.

 

[Smiles and Cries]

meh, I did not want to wait much longer for the more powerful hardware but I need the games to be there too
I would be willing to wait for a Switch 2 if it is not a Pro level bump in power

 

[VertigoOA]

Next generation device!?


I feel like I just had got con’d into buying a switch for one fucking game.

Yo, I hate handhelds... they’re crap. Give me a real console and not this low powered and overpriced gameboy.

 

[DeafTourette]

I'm glad to hear that!

 

[Saber]

Kinda sad.

I mean, I would glad accept one that its a full stand console with no portability. This one sounds more like a 3DS substitute.

 

[Moses85]

This is really disappointing.

It is Nintendo, so what did you exspect? Hardware wise their biggest monster was the Cube.

I love their franchises, this is the only reason why I still buy their stoneaged consoles and handhelds

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

Nintendo Switch Mini makes a lot of sense.

Talking of a next-generation model does not make sense. Stick with your vision, Nintendo. We're barely 2 years into this thing.

 

[Daymos]

A cheaper model is fine and I might even buy one to travel with and beat up a bit while the 2nd switch stays home and safe. A switch pro is not fine though, I don't want to be forced to buy a new model in order to have decent framerates (in ps5 ports probably... ) and then basically throw away my current Switch. Just make a switch 2 with backwards compat. instead.

 

[kunonabi]

I couldnt care less about a power upgrade so if the mini update is actually portable and still allows for split joy con controls when docked that's good enough for me.

They better fix the dock though.

 

[juliotendo]

It makes sense for Nintendo to offer a smaller, compact version of current hardware. I’d imagine it would be priced around $199 to $249.

Next generation console talk is worrisome though. I mean, switch is barely 2.5 years old.

 

[ethomaz]

The report says Nintendo is having a lot of trouble with power consumption and heat with the possible "Pro" version so they have to delay it.

I believe they are trying to use the same X1 with better clocks but that is not working well for them.

nVidia still doesn't have nothing to offer to Nintendo boost performance.

 

[ultrazilla]

You guys aren't reading this correctly. Read this again very slowly. They are talking about an ALL NEW console AFTER the Switch.

Development on a “next-generation device that is a full model change of the current hardware” will reportedly follow the less expensive model.

EDIT: I suppose this could be in reference to the Switch Pro. If that's the case, this won't be simple "clock speeds being turned up and more memory". This sounds like
a complete, massive upgrade.

I still think we're going to get a Switch Pro this year. Keep the faith.

 

[ultrazilla]

The report says Nintendo is having a lot of trouble with power consumption and heat with the possible "Pro" version so they have to delay it.

I believe they are trying to use the same X1 with better clocks but that is not working well for them.

nVidia still doesn't have nothing to offer to Nintendo boost performance.

ethomaz is that from the Nikkei article? Surely Nvidia has other chips they can let Nintendo use for the Pro version? Tech Gaf, what say you?

 

[ThatGamingDude]

Next generation device!?


I feel like I just had got con’d into buying a switch for one fucking game.

Yo, I hate handhelds... they’re crap. Give me a real console and not this low powered and overpriced gameboy.

Nintendo Switch Mini makes a lot of sense.

Talking of a next-generation model does not make sense. Stick with your vision, Nintendo. We're barely 2 years into this thing.

You guys aren't reading this correctly. Read this again very slowly. They are talking about an ALL NEW console AFTER the Switch.



EDIT: I suppose this could be in reference to the Switch Pro. If that's the case, this won't be simple "clock speeds being turned up and more memory". This sounds like
a complete, massive upgrade.

I still think we're going to get a Switch Pro this year. Keep the faith.

As for the upgrade; it's just a model number change, akin to the PS4 Pro/One Elite situation. Still runs the Horizon OS.

They're not going to abandon the current hard ware, seems more like a 2DS/New 3D3 model plan. Pretty common; hell we're getting disc drive-less consoles now >.>

PlayStation Support

(PS4 Model number list)

 

[mckmas8808]

A Switch 2 already? Why?

 

[ultrazilla]

There is word that the Nikkei article was translated wrong and that it does not mention a Switch Pro version at all. It was about the "next gen system AFTER Switch".

So apparently there is no need to panic about not getting a Switch Pro announced this year.

mckmas8808 I don't know why the article even mentioned that. Of course there will be a next gen system *AFTER* the Switch but it's a long way off. The Nikkei
article was apparently translated wrong. This in itself is causing confusion now with fans.

 

[ChuyMasta]

I just want Metroid Prime Trilogy HD pls....

 

[Petrae]

I like how this Switch revision is “designed for portable use”, as if Nintendo realizes that the current model really isn’t that “portable”. I mean, I can carry a PSone with screen in a backpack just like I have to for Switch and it basically serves the same purpose, minus only the battery (which doesn’t last long on Switch anyway).

When you make the hardware version of a “jack of all trades”, it excels at none of them. It’s not a true “portable”, but it sacrifices power because of said “portability” that forces significant performance compromises when running third-party software.

Let’s see if this “portable” Switch can fit in my pocket. That said, I’m content with using the always-docked Switch I have as a Nintendo console and tertiary gaming option.

 

[ThatGamingDude]

ethomaz is that from the Nikkei article? Surely Nvidia has other chips they can let Nintendo use for the Pro version? Tech Gaf, what say you?

They do have other Tegra processors; it's a customized SoC (System on a chip) so they would have to pay for another redesign on the more powerful chip. It would be more cost effective to do that then a completely different architecture, but it could still be more cost effective to try to deal with the heat issues in other interesting ways.

They might try the "water cooled," mobile approach instead of fan/passive. Though the "water cooled," phones are just using heat piping and a fan.

 

[ethomaz]

ethomaz is that from the Nikkei article? Surely Nvidia has other chips they can let Nintendo use for the Pro version? Tech Gaf, what say you?

I can't read everything in Japanese so I'm using the translation but yeap looks like it into the Nikkei article.

This is a translation pic I found on 4channel (don't blame me please I used the google).

/v/ - Switch pro delayed due to hardware issues - Video Games - 4chan

Switch pro delayed due to hardware issues - "/v/ - Video Games" is 4chan's imageboard dedicated to the discussion of PC and console video games.

boards.4channel.org

Edit - USGamer reporting the same from the Nikkei article.

Rumored Switch Pro Possibly Delayed According to New Report, Switch Lite Reportedly Dockable [Update, Correction]

Correction

www.usgamer.net

Rumour: Switch Lite To Retain Docking Ability, Nintendo Still 'Experimenting' With More Powerful Model

Cheaper model expected to arrive this fall

www.nintendolife.com

The thread is only reporting a small part of the Nikkei article.

The article didn't say if it is a new-generation device or only a revision like Pro... the thread is jumping conclusion in that case.

 

[ethomaz]

A Switch 2 already? Why?

The Nikkei report says nothing about that... it could be either a Pro revision or a new generation Switch.
Gematsu jumped the conclusion as being a new generation device.

 

[JORMBO]

That stinks. I was hoping for a Switch Pro sooner.

 

[ethomaz]

They do have other Tegra processors; it's a customized SoC (System on a chip) so they would have to pay for another redesign on the more powerful chip. It would be more cost effective to do that then a completely different architecture, but it could still be more cost effective to try to deal with the heat issues in other interesting ways.

They might try the "water cooled," mobile approach instead of fan/passive. Though the "water cooled," phones are just using heat piping and a fan.

They do have...

A X2 that delivery the same X1 performance.
And another more powerful Tegra not aimed to gaming that reaches 30W+ TDP.

nVidia actually has no option to replace X1 in a more powerful way.

 

[ThatGamingDude]

They do have...

A X2 that delivery the same X1 performance.
And another more powerful Tegra not aimed to gaming that reaches 30W+ TDP.

nVidia actually has no option to replace X1 in a more powerful way.

Which would be why it would be more cost effective to look at cooling instead of Xavier + cooling

Spoiler

....It would be more cost effective to do that then a completely different architecture, but it could still be more cost effective to try to deal with the heat issues in other interesting ways.....

 

[mckmas8808]

They do have...

A X2 that delivery the same X1 performance.
And another more powerful Tegra not aimed to gaming that reaches 30W+ TDP.

nVidia actually has no option to replace X1 in a more powerful way.

So what does a Switch Pro look like hardware wise? Just a Switch with a bigger size and a TV HDMI out?

 

[tkscz]

Doubt the article actually means next gen as in a Switch 2. More like a Switch pro. Switch mini is a good idea, cheaper and actually able to fit in your pocket. Might get one for my kids as a Christmas gift if the rumors are true .

So what does a Switch Pro look like hardware wise? Just a Switch with a bigger size and a TV HDMI out?

A costume chipset meant for the Switch? Nvidia could easily take the Xavier or Orin tegra chipset and change them to fit gaming, they've done it with graphic cards

 

[Raven117]

I have been overall disappointed with the switch. There just haven’t been enough A to AA quality games (think the 3dS) that can fill the void between big Nintendo releases. (And even those, quite frankly, meh.)

 

[ThatGamingDude]

So what does a Switch Pro look like hardware wise? Just a Switch with a bigger size and a TV HDMI out?

It's hard to say, really. They underclock their processor, so technically they could just boost the clock on the current hard ware and do better cooling.

I'd definitely say they'd have larger internal storage and officially add the ability for external hard drives (External hard drive features have already been added on custom firm ware, so it is possible on official firm ware). Most games on the switch are packed pretty well, and it's only been more recent that the games have gotten above ~13GB.

Features will be less important in that regard, and they could kill the dock and add the HDMI port directly on the device, that would just make the device more awkward IMO though. It has a screen on it, so how would you sit it and it not look weird when connected to the TV? Dock helps protect the screen and makes it look less awkward than just some random tablet lying next to your tv connected to it.

 

[ethomaz]

So what does a Switch Pro look like hardware wise? Just a Switch with a bigger size and a TV HDMI out?

Hard to say.

They are having consumption issues for a mobile/portable form factor so I believe they are trying one of these options:

- X1 overclocked
- Xavier downclocked

I don't believe nVidia will make a custom chip only to use on Switch... it is not the way nVidia do things and if they are convinced to do that then Nintendo will need to pay a lot for that and I don't thing Nintendo want to pay to nVidia design a custom chip for them.

At the end at Nintendo really want is a new Tegra in 7nm but there is no public plan on nVidia side for a near release.

A costume chipset meant for the Switch? Nvidia could easily take the Xavier or Orin tegra chipset and change them to fit gaming, they've done it with graphic cards

Of course they could... is Nintendo open to pay nVidia to make a custom chip? I don't think so.
nVidia doesn't like to do custom solutions like AMD and so they ask a hell of money for that.

nVidia like to sell the chips they have already in their portfolio.

No company that asked nVidia to make a custom chip got a good deal in the past and that is why all of them avoid nVidia today.

 

[mckmas8808]

Hard to say.

They are having consumption issues for a mobile/portable form factor so I believe they are trying one of these options:

- X1 overclocked
- Xavier downclocked

I don't believe nVidia will make a custom chip only to use on Switch... it is not the way nVidia do things and if they are convinced to do that then Nintendo will need to pay a lot for that and I don't thing Nintendo want to pay to nVidia design a custom chip for them.

At the end at Nintendo really want is a new Tegra in 7nm but there is no public plan on nVidia for a near release.


Of course they could... is Nintendo open to pay nVidia to make a custom chip? I don't think so.
nVidia doesn't like to do custom solutions like AMD and so they ask a hell of money for that.

nVidia like to sell the chips they have already in their portfolio.

No company that asked nVidia to make a custom chip got a good deal in the past and that is why all of them avoid nVidia today.

This is one of the reasons why I hate nVidia some times.

 

[Pejo]

Noooo. I wanted it the other way around. They better make this "next gen" one backwards compatible. If the Switch just ends up being a Wii U port machine I'm going to be pissed.

 

[JareBear: Remastered]

I don't want a cheaper Switch. I want a more powerful Switch, fuck the portability.

Seconded.

I’m honestly kinda surprised Nintendo didn’t do this.

 

[DeliciousDoc]

Was waiting for fire emblem and animal crossing to buy a switch and they are switching gen already? Is it going to be like wii u and be cross gen or just" lol, buy a new 300 dollar device and wait for ports/the next version".

 

[Dr. Claus]

Next generation device!?


I feel like I just had got con’d into buying a switch for one fucking game.

Yo, I hate handhelds... they’re crap. Give me a real console and not this low powered and overpriced gameboy.

Eh - grain of salt. The "next generational device" could be nothing more than something like the New 3DS - just a very slightly upgraded version of the platform that isn't *actually* next generation, but still a model change.

I would be *heavily* surprised if they were to release an actual "generational leap" Switch successor so soon, especially when they are finally getting good press and sales again.

 

[JunkerWoland]

We're talking rumor, of course, but I'd welcome a more capable Nintendo system, instead of an incremental update.

Even putting aside the recent article about Sony and censorship, right now the company seems to be pushing in a content direction that may not make it a great platform for the types of games I enjoy, and I still have no confidence Microsoft can become Japan's next-gen leader. Since I don't expect any other company to enter the race, I'd like to see Nintendo offer hardware that does a better job bridging the gap with its beefier competitors.

 

[SonGoku]

A X2 that delivery the same X1 performance.

Not entirely true, for one its manufactured on the 16nm process as opposed to 20nm so higher clocks are possible.
GPU has a slight arch upgrade: Pascal vs Maxwell
Denver CPU cores

For a Pro revision it might offer a 2x improvement.

 

[Zannegan]

I'd buy a Switch Pro (still portable) in a heartbeat. A Switch Go or a un-Switchable console hold no appeal for me.

That's an interesting note about being unsure of who will lead the next project. I wonder if they're talking about available hardware or its core concept/design.

Hardware wise, I always thought it was sad that Imagination Technologies went under. A portable raytracing GPU was an interesting concept, and pretty forward-thinking given this last round of GPUs' chief feature/buzzword.

If they don't know what the core concept will be though... mercy, they could end up with another Wii U. You'd think after the success of the Switch that you'd have a pretty strong direction to follow.

 

[kraspkibble]

good news. i'll just keep my OG Switch. not buying a cheaper gimped model. whenever they release a more advanced Switch i'll be there.

Was waiting for fire emblem and animal crossing to buy a switch and they are switching gen already? Is it going to be like wii u and be cross gen or just" lol, buy a new 300 dollar device and wait for ports/the next version".

it sounds like it's a "next gen" Switch not a next gen console.

the Switch isn't going anywhere. unless you're tight on money and would prefer a cheaper Switch then hold off a few months otherwise just go buy a switch now. this "next gen" version sounds like it'll come in 2020 at some point and i imagine if you were to upgrade you'd still be able to play all current Switch games on it.

 

[ethomaz]

Not entirely true, for one its manufactured on the 16nm process as opposed to 20nm so higher clocks are possible.
GPU has a slight arch upgrade: Pascal vs Maxwell
Denver CPU cores

For a Pro revision it might offer a 2x improvement.

Denver cores are useless to Switch like the A53... Switch will use only the A57 cores that are basically the same: 4x A57 2MB L2.
Both X1 and X2 runs around the same clocks with GPU peaking a bit over 1Ghz for the same 256SPs (something not usable for Switch due TDP for a portable)... so basically the same gaming performnace.

X2 has a slight better perf/watt... something that neither for nVidia was enough to use X2 over X1 in their products.

X2 was released way before Switch... if Nintendo wanted they could be using X2 right now but there is no real advantage over X1.

 

[Fbh]

Was waiting for fire emblem and animal crossing to buy a switch and they are switching gen already? Is it going to be like wii u and be cross gen or just" lol, buy a new 300 dollar device and wait for ports/the next version".

According to the rumour that one is pretty much in a planning state.
Console makers usually start planning and designing their next gen systems years in advance

I like how this Switch revision is “designed for portable use”, as if Nintendo realizes that the current model really isn’t that “portable”. I mean, I can carry a PSone with screen in a backpack just like I have to for Switch and it basically serves the same purpose, minus only the battery (which doesn’t last long on Switch anyway).

Yeah...the switch is literally the same as this:

Sure buddy

 

[zenspider]

This is rumor is closer to what I would expect from a Lite model - dropping the TV out and not using Joy-Cons made very little sense... and a 'Pro' model never did. They were never going to fork the accessory market.

Considering it a 'new gen' and not an iterative 'plus' mid-gen refresh really opens the door for the real improvements Switch users want, and also more of the ones the nega-nellies do to.

 

[Azelover]

Making it smaller makes more sense for Nintendo. You can play the games docked, and you can use a pair of joycons for games that need them, and basically play every game available.

A Pro version however, would split the userbase and the games. It's a little more complicated, so it's not a surprise to me that they're gonna do it a little later..

 

[zenspider]

I like how this Switch revision is “designed for portable use”, as if Nintendo realizes that the current model really isn’t that “portable”. I mean, I can carry a PSone with screen in a backpack just like I have to for Switch and it basically serves the same purpose, minus only the battery (which doesn’t last long on Switch anyway).

When you make the hardware version of a “jack of all trades”, it excels at none of them. It’s not a true “portable”, but it sacrifices power because of said “portability” that forces significant performance compromises when running third-party software.

Let’s see if this “portable” Switch can fit in my pocket. That said, I’m content with using the always-docked Switch I have as a Nintendo console and tertiary gaming option.

That's exactly how I see this. Not a way to expand their market with a new sku at a lower price point, but a gross and embarrassing admission of guilt.

Lol

 

[Lupin3]

Well, the portable one was expected. Sad to hear about the bigger/better one, though. Was looking for more power.

 

[mckmas8808]

Not entirely true, for one its manufactured on the 16nm process as opposed to 20nm so higher clocks are possible.
GPU has a slight arch upgrade: Pascal vs Maxwell
Denver CPU cores

For a Pro revision it might offer a 2x improvement.

There's no way the Switch's Tegra is 20 nm right? Did you mistype this post?