A new report from the
Japanese outlet Nikkei is claiming that Nintendo is planning to release a smaller version of the Switch and a launch a new online service aimed at "Nintendo enthusiasts." That last part of the rumor is very intriguing but frustratingly vague. Message boards are wondering whether it pertains to an often rumored digital store to the SNES Virtual Console.
Nikkei has a pretty solid track record when it comes to all-things Nintendo so it's a relatively safe bet to assume that something is in the works. A second part of the rumor states that the new online service will cost a bit more than the current version offered. Again, how much more is the question on every Nintendo fan's mind.
Here's the pertinent information from Nikkei's post:
"They’re taking measures as for what is to come – one of those being a smaller version of the Switch. The company said that ‘couldn’t comment’ on their plans for the product, but has informed multiple suppliers and game development companies that they intend to release them as early as 2019. According to their affiliates, they are ‘miniaturizing the console with portability and playing outdoors in mind, as well as cutting features to reduce the price and expand the userbase.'”
“The Switch’s monthly online service launched in 2018, and plan to launch a new service aimed at game enthusiasts willing to pay more sometime in 2019.”