Prior to E3, the internet was flooded with rumors of two new Nintendo Switch redesigns, a so-called Switch Mini and Switch Pro. While I think it’s a bit too soon to reveal a Switch Pro, I do think the Mini might be closer than we think, I’m even guessing it will launch in March 2020, accompanied by a recently delayed Switch exclusive.
A Nintendo Switch Mini?
Now, before we start, it’s extremely important to know that at this point, the Nintendo Switch Mini doesn’t exist, officially. Nintendo never confirmed the rumors and during E3 2019, the company kept its promise by not showcasing new hardware, so what is this Nintendo Switch Mini? Well, it all started as a rather believable rumor of Japanese financial newspaper Nikkei that stated Nintendo is currently hard at work on a Switch Mini. Besides this rumor, we don’t really have much to work with but let’s just use our common sense here.
A Nintendo Switch Mini would first be a cheaper model for those who think the price of the current Switch is a bit too steep. In all honesty, I’m guessing the Mini will most likely be targeted at younger gamers who are looking for a cheaper alternative to enjoy their portable games. With the Nintendo 3DS slowly saying farewell to the scene, Nintendo needs a true successor to the throne. Switch is doing extremely well as a hybrid console but could certainly use an extra boost as a portable device. It’s here where a Switch Mini would be perfect. By making it cheaper and more robust, parents will buy it more easily and gamers who travel a lot can be assured that their premium console won’t suffer from that many trips thanks to a cheaper alternative. A Switch Mini needs to be cheaper but at the same time sturdier so it won’t break easily. I’m guessing Nintendo will release something similar to the Nintendo 2DS, a basic Switch model with some missing features (quality of the screen, HD Rumble) but with the same impressive game library, all at a lower price, obviously. Just like with the Nintendo 2DS line, I think Nintendo will want to add color to those Mini models to clearly mark the difference and make it stand out in stores. The company might even go for a special bundle with one of their new games. What better game than Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
When the rumors of a Switch Mini first started to appear, I was certain a 2019 release made perfect sense since both Pokémon and Animal Crossing would release by the end of 2019. Those two games are without a doubt two of Nintendo’s most important handheld franchises, selling over ten million copies on previous Nintendo handheld devices. With their debut on Nintendo Switch, it would have been incredibly wise to introduce a cheaper, more portable option to convince gamers this is what they need. During E3, we learned that Animal Crossing: New Horizons got pushed back to a March 2020 release and that’s precisely why I think the Switch Mini will release in that month too.
Releasing a new handheld focused system together with one of the biggest handheld franchises is a smart move if you ask me. Fans of the Animal Crossing adore the games and loved the fact that you could carry around your town everywhere you wanted to go, or in this case, your island. If Nintendo releases a cheaper, more sturdy Switch model together with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, this might quickly become one of the most successful hardware bundles the company ever released. I believe Animal Crossing is a game many gamers are waiting on, and I’m pretty sure some of those are still holding back on getting a Nintendo Switch before the game drops. If they are able to get the game and a cheaper model at launch, I’m sure it’s an instant success. The other logical game would be Pokémon but I’m guessing Nintendo might release a special Pokémon Switch Mini version later too, just like they did with the 2DS line.
Conclusion:
To conclude, yes, this is pure speculation at this point as nothing is confirmed just yet. That being said, I strongly believe the Nintendo Switch Mini is real and launching it with Animal Crossing would be the perfect way to introduce it to the audience. New Horizons can serve as a launch game for the new console while a lot of gamers will be more than pleased to be able to buy and play their favorite game on a cheaper console, it’s a win-win if you ask me. We’ll have to wait and see what happens but my money certainly is on an Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch Mini bundle.
