Even considering the Switch’s high sale numbers–over 906,000 in the U.S. in March alone–analysts are already predicting a new “mini” variation of the hybrid console could be on the market in the next two years.
This is according to Citigroup, Inc., which says the Switch is ultimately too bulky for children to use with ease (via Bloomberg). Because of this, Citigroup expects Nintendo will release a smaller-sized version of the Switch in 2019.
The following is the official statement given by Citigroup analysts Minami Munakata, Kota Ezawa, and Alicia Yap in their April 13th report.
“Although the Nintendo Switch can be used as a handheld device, we think smaller children could struggle to use it comfortably in that format due to its size and weight. Accordingly, we think Nintendo will launch a lighter, dedicated handheld version of the Switch, possibly to be called the Switch Mini.”
While no cost estimate for the “Switch Mini” was given by Citigroup, the report did predict it could sell 6.7 million units in its first year on the market. Additionally, they expect the Switch to sell 25.7 million units by the March 2019 fiscal year.
Though it’s too early to say any of this is certain–the Switch has barely been out one month–this would be a very Nintendo move.
Nintendo has always catered to home and portable gamers alike, as well as both adults and children. The Nintendo 3DS isn’t exactly marketed towards adults, but its flip screens are easy for young children to want to snap in half. Thus, the 2DS, which is one solid hunk of plastic that plays all 3DS games perfectly.
With Nintendo’s production history, a Switch Mini wouldn’t surprise me one bit. In fact, I think it’d be a smart move in year or two.
What do you think about a smaller version of the Switch? Let us know in the comments.
