Some rather persistent rumors, which spread like wildfire several days ago, mentioned the imminent arrival on international markets of two new models of Nintendo switch, probably being presented during theE3 2019. For its part, Nintendo promptly pledged to deny the possibility of a similar announcement scheduled during the Los Angeles conference, and also stated that at the moment the company has no plans to launch any new versions of the hybrid entertainment system.
I rumor seemed quite convincing, however, especially if one considers both that the Kyoto company has not denied its current involvement in the design of new hardware, and that their online diffusion has also been favored by some well-known journalistic sites and experts of the generally reliable sector. On the other hand, it is also quite self-evident to think about a future updating hardware of the console with the golden eggs, which needs upgrades, improvements and changes if it wants to remain still (through future "descendants") at the top of the sales charts.
Nintendo Switch currently looks like a ottimo prodotto, a console that, for better or for worse than some of its limitations, undoubtedly knows how to be loved by its owners. It could therefore become, as stated by the rumors, the starting point for two new variants: the first, consisting of an alleged version Pro, aimed at offering cutting-edge performance to the most demanding public by increasing the quality of the gaming experience based on dock mode, while increasing (and obviously) the price; the second, an edition designed for those who prefer to rely above all on mobility, for those who are not so interested in home gaming and rather aim for a more practical and Mini to be carried around comfortably.
We believe it may be interesting to pause and speculate on the latter version of those which, in view of the announced retirement of the family Nintendo 3DS, could be the specs that can make Nintendo Switch Mini (or Lite, as you prefer) a respectable handheld console. A console that, in its most concrete compactness, would still rely on the same title park (or at least for most games) as that of its mother. So what could it really offer us that is new and different Nintendo Switch Mini compared to the "classic" console?
Body, design and materials
Il design should guarantee the console a smaller size and a more compact shape, compared to the current standard version. As it is built now, the Nintendo Switch turns out to be a little too big to be considered a truly "portable" system; therefore reducing it to dimensions of a PS Vita, for example, would allow the Nintendo Switch Mini to fit comfortably in the largest pockets of jeans, to be able to be slipped without problems in the internal compartments of backpacks, or to even fit into handbags.
Furthermore, the design should not stray too far from that chosen for the standard version of the hybrid console. By decreasing the size of the device in width, to allow a better grip in the hands, and consequently slightly moving the position of the keys, to make the continuous and prolonged movement of the fingers more comfortable and less tiring, the console would acquire a point in favor on the her comfort "on the road".
While the nostalgia factor can be felt, the structure should obviously remain similar to that of the standard Switch. Some fans have speculated a possible shell structure in homage to the old 3DS - or rather, the Game Boy Advance SP, given the presence of a single screen - but undoubtedly it would be an outdated and out of place design for a console of the Switch family.
Finally, the choice of would be highly appreciated materials more resistant, even if not necessarily premium - a harder plastic and a more solid assembly would suffice, which also reduces some annoying creaks that occur in the current version of the console. Furthermore, the possibility of resuming the factor of Customization introduced with the 3DS, thus having the possibility (since, as we will see, the Joy-Con will undergo a substantial change) to focus on colored and protective covers that can be easily installed even above the body.
Fixed Joy-Con
I Joy-Con they are perhaps the real cross and delight of the consul. Brilliant, innovative, fun too, but let's face it, terribly under-exploited. Their delicate (in every sense) structure has also made them a lot expensive, and if an alleged more portable version wanted to be even cheaper (and we hope this), it would be above all from the Joy-Con that must begin to retransform.
Moving therefore from detachable Joy-Con to fixed, Nintendo Switch Mini should therefore say goodbye to the Rumble functionality. This model will not support the innovative controller vibration introduced with Switch, theHD Rumble, because it is not supported by video games themselves and particularly expensive on the hardware front.
And once again, we would return to the discourse of materials: resistant, while not requiring premium quality, and above all made in such a way as to avoid the feared and unpleasant phenomenon of drift and the formation of white powder due to wear (wear ...) of the analog stick, which can seriously compromise gaming sessions. Also because you have to keep in mind that you won't have the Pro Controller to run to help, when you play on the train, subway or plane.
Screen
The need for convenience and compactness would require a screen slightly least, compared to the current one, however guaranteeing the usual resolution a 720p. A sensible choice, and again by virtue of the accessibility of the price, would be to reduce the original 6,2-inch IPS LCD screen to instead mount a screen of more "smartphone" size, around the 5 inches. Also, it would be great if Nintendo managed to reduce the screen bezel, which is currently quite wide on the standard version of the console.
Il multi-point touch screen it would obviously remain included, but on 3D a big "no" would be raised aloud. Already little exploited in portable consoles of the latest and retirement generation - where it was more annoying to the eye than anything else - it would imply a price increase and an addition that, if we consider the current trade in VR, would be useless and obsolete. Rather, an intelligently updated screen should have a brighter display (for playing outdoors it is essential, and at the moment the current console requires the application of a matte film when exposed to direct sunlight) and efficient, which could therefore help to significantly extend battery life.
Battery life
And here we are, in fact, at the sore point. There battery life Nintendo Switch has always been regarded as a kind of Achilles' heel by many of the fans. Indeed, although it presents itself to the public as a hybrid between portable and fixed, the console offers approximately a autonomy of sunshine three hours in mode handled. It is also true, however, that the controversy over the duration of the office has somewhat calmed down with the passing of the post-launch months, since the players have realized, in the end, that they do not actually need a duration equal to that of their smartphones, which last on average a full day. Not to mention the possibility of relying on many alternative solutions, such as classic power banks, to easily circumvent this worry.
However, if the Nintendo Switch Mini were truly in development and aimed at an audience looking almost exclusively for mobility, stretch the battery to a charge of around six hours it could be what would consecrate the console to an actual portable device. Given the lack of detachability and the less complexity of the Joy-Con, a little more space would be gained inside the chassis for a possible bigger battery, therefore able to give a few more hours of play than a 4310 mAh.
System, processor and memory
Ideally, Nintendo Switch Mini, like the standard, would hide the same composition under the body hardware. So, in essence we would find the triad processor (NVIDIA Tegra ODNX02-A2, with production costs down, given its four years of age), CPU (ARM Cortex-A57 quad core 2GHz 64-bit) e But by the full GPU acceleration tech (NVIDIA 256 CUDA core from 1 GHz) totally unchanged, just as the RAM from 4 GB.
The brightness sensor, the accelerometer and the gyroscope. In particular the latter, in the event that the buttons of the Joy-Con (primarily the analog sticks) do not receive an adequate restyling, it may even be necessary, to fully enjoy more frenetic video games without the help of the Pro Controller - paying attention this time to the fact that it results adequately supported from third party titles.
However, it would also be interesting to consider the inclusion of two important improvements, such as support Bluetooth it's one storage space decidedly greater internal. The convenience of being able to use a pair of headphones without having to continually untangle the harnessed wires, would be very appreciable, especially if you aim at the extreme portability of the new console; and, of course, the addition of a microphone would certainly not hurt, even more so if it allowed you to avoid relying continuously on Nintendo Switch Online app when you are out and about - and maybe you prefer to keep your phone safe, to avoid losing or forgetting it.
Finally, the storage memory of 32 GB is relatively limiting: although Nintendo Switch currently has a slot to be able to insert expandable memory, adding more internal memory, perhaps bringing it to double the current one, would be more convenient for users, especially since an exclusively portable console is generally once to limit bulk and inconvenience, including the nest egg of cartridges. There digital library it is undoubtedly more comfortable and convenient, without considering that many games that make up the Switch title park are indie available only in this format.
The dock station and support for Nintendo Labo
By virtue of its portability feature, Nintendo Switch Mini would eliminate in its bundle of accessories including the dock station - which would also lower the launch price of the device. This does not mean that it will not be possible connect it to the TV, of course: compatibility with the aforementioned accessory would remain unchanged, as would the position of the input cable for charging / connecting to the dock. To remain unchanged, of course, would also be further compatibility with all accessories dedicated to the Switch family, such as the Pro Controller or the detachable Joy-Con.
Native compatibility with Nintendo Labo and its recent release VR, given the different dimensions of the console and, above all, given the lack of detachable Joy-Con, whose sensors are however essential for the operation of these accessories.
Nintendo should therefore devise a system to adapt the kits already available on the market to the shape of the Switch Mini; but it would then be up to the user to choose whether, in addition to the price of the kit, it will really be worth spending the 80 euros provided for the purchase of a pair of Joy-Con, to take advantage of accessories whose functionality, in the end, basically remains gimmick.
The strong point: the price
Nintendo would launch the Switch Mini on the market to replace the now old 3DS, consequently offering a lower price than the current hybrid console. Given that today the Nintendo Switch bundles are easily available a little everywhere at a cost of about 300 euros, and also given that the 3DS has undergone a boom in sales only after a price drop that ended below the threshold of 200 euros - and with whom he then spent most of his life - Nintendo Switch Mini, to be truly palatable, should end up on the shelves with a list price not more than 200 €.
From a marketing point of view, Nintendo should propose its new Mini device as purely aimed at users interested only in the portability of the console and who do not seek the gimmick features included with the standard console, consequently tempting such customers with a decidedly price aggressive.
In conclusion, the idea of launching a Mini variant on the market, after all, may not be so bad. Even if Nintendo Switch Mini would lose the ability to adapt to three different game styles - what makes Switch unique in its genre - users who only point to some of the many Nintendo IPs in particular, could find in such a device the solution that best suits your needs. Economical and compact, it would be a good compromise both for those coming from the 3DS family (maybe fond of Pokémon or ad Animal Crossing), both for newcomers to the Nintendo family in general, who with the excuse would have the opportunity to get their hands on masterpieces such as Zelda: Breath of the Wild - even if playing it only on a laptop would perhaps be almost heresy.
