Jut yesterday, The Wall Street Journal tech reporter Takashi Mochizuki revealed that Nintendo was working on two new revisions for their handheld hybrid console — the popular Nintendo Switch — and that they would be releasing as early as summer of this year.
While this is still considered a rumor, given that Mochizuki's report comes from some of his sources, yet another rumor has surfaced — which claims that the budget Nintendo Switch version aims to cater to the same demographic that has been purchasing the cheaper versions of the Nintendo 3DS; namely the Nintendo 2DS and New Nintendo 2DS XL.
This new information comes from Eurogamer, that has been in contact with some sources close to Nintendo. According to their sources, the enhanced version of the Nintendo Switch is also borrowing some ideas from the Nintendo 3DS — as it's been reported that the Switch will be to the Nintendo 3DS what the enhanced Switch will be to the New Nintendo 3DS.
Some features currently available on the Nintendo Switch, have also been reported to be removed from the cheaper version. So it is very likely that the Joy-Con controllers are the first things to go, making the new budget Switch look more like a classic Game Boy Advance.
The New Nintendo 3DS is a slightly revised version of both the original 3DS and the 3DS XL, and while it includes most of the features found in the original model, it does have bit more of horse power to run slightly more powerful games, but it is in no way a giant leap.
If this was indeed the case, upgrading to an enhanced Nintendo Switch will not be a huge requirement for those who already own the console — while the budget version of the upcoming Nintendo Switch will help bridge the gap between those who still game on their 3DS, and haven't yet had the chance to purchase a Switch.
Again, this is still only but a rumor, so we will have to keep waiting for Nintendo to officially announce something like this. As of now, it all points to it being true, but we'll still have to keep our eyes peeled.