For a while now, rumours have been circulating about a new, smaller version of the Nintendo Switch making its way to store shelves in 2019. Now, with leaked images appearing online showcasing a new, smaller Switch case accessory, it seems likely that the Nintendo Mini Switch is indeed real.
The leak comes from an article by German website WinFuture , who claim to have received images from a “reliable source” showing the packaging the new case will arrive in and accurate image renders.
From what we can tell, the case is designed for the “Mini Switch 2” and is being manufactured by the company Bigben , which is known for creating Switch accessories such as screen protectors, Joy-Con cases and gaming peripherals.
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The images suggest that the so-called “Mini Switch 2” will be noticeably smaller than the mainline Switch console, while still managing to have a similar screen size. The most significant changes include smaller bezels and the Joy-Cons now being permanently attached to the console.
Interestingly, the name “Mini Switch 2” doesn’t seem to match what previous rumours have suggested, with there supposedly being two new Switch models releasing in 2019, the “Nintendo Switch Pro” and “Nintendo Switch Lite”.
If we assume the Mini Switch 2 is the Nintendo Switch Lite, it may be possible that we will get a more powerful version of the Switch as well, perhaps with stronger specs and an improved display. Alternatively, the Pro and Lite consoles could be a “Mini Switch Pro” and a “Mini Switch Lite”, as speculated by WinFuture.
Whatever the case may be, it appears as though Nintendo is trying to continue the Switch’s success with the release of a new and updated mid-generation console, much like Microsoft and Sony did with the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro respectively. Regardless, it seems that there’s a chance we’ll be seeing the release of a new Switch console at some point later this year.