Nintendo's Cheaper Switch Model Coming In June, Report Says

A new, cheaper version of the Nintendo Switch will launch "by the end of June," according to a source speaking to Bloomberg. This is at least the second time this year that we've heard reports about a less expensive Switch model, as The Wall Street Journal reported in March that Nintendo would release a pared-down, less expensive Switch system in 2019. [Update: If the new Switch model is indeed launching in June, we apparently won't be seeing it at E3. As part of its earnings report, Nintendo said it won't discuss new hardware at E3.]

That report also mentioned a second new Switch model, one that has "enhanced" features that is targeted at "avid" gamers. However, the specs won't match PS4 Pro or Xbox One X, the report said. Bloomberg's sources, meanwhile, suggest that the current Switch model will get a "modest upgrade" in 2019. However, it's unclear what the upgrade will entail. Whatever the case, Bloomberg reported that the more powerful Switch system "is not in the works."

The Wall Street Journal's report suggested that the new, less expensive Switch would cut features like controller vibration to save on costs. Bloomberg's story had no details on that.

It could be a big week for Nintendo news, as the company is holding its next earnings report on April 25. It could be here that Nintendo confirms it's working on new consoles. That also might not happen. We'll have to wait a few days to find out for sure.

Another big news story surrounding Nintendo currently are the rumors and reports about the company launching the Switch in China with the help of Tencent. Nintendo might share more details about this during its earnings report this week.

The new Switch consoles are rumoured to be announced at E3 and then released relatively soon thereafter. Keep checking back with GameSpot for the latest.

It would be no surprise at all to see the Switch get a hardware revision. Historically, Nintendo--along with Microsoft and Sony--have released hardware revisions over time.