New Nintendo Switch models are reportedly already in production and coming soon

By Aaron Mamiit Published June 17, 2019

New Nintendo Switch models are on the way, sources say, and they won’t cost you an arm and a leg — despite the potential threat of Donald Trump’s tariff war with China.

We told you in March that Nintendo will launch two new models of the console this year, rumored to be revealed at E3 2019. The announcement did not happen at the annual video game event, but according to the Wall Street Journal (and sources within Nintendo’s supply chain), the devices have already entered production.

One of the new Nintendo Switch models will reportedly look the same as the original version, but with improved internal components. It will not be as powerful as the PlayStation 4 Pro or the Xbox One X, but it will be upgraded in the same sense as the New Nintendo 3DS models. Meanwhile, the other new Switch is expected to sport a new look but with lower specifications, which would make it less expensive. Rumored changes include the removal of the Joy-Con rumble feature and the decision to go hand-held only.

The report claims that Nintendo, in a bid to maintain profits, has moved some production of the original version and the two new models into Southeast Asia, due to the Trump administration’s proposed 25% import tax on electronics made in China.

The tariffs may lead to higher prices for video game consoles made in China, which includes the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft may choose to absorb the additional cost themselves, but that will severely impact how much money they make from console sales.

With the systems now in production, the Wall Street Journal said that they may release soon, though it remains unclear when Nintendo will announce the new models. At E3 2019, the company instead focused on revealing new games, including the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, No More Heroes III, Contra: Rogue Corps, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics, and a port of The Witcher 3.

Nintendo also provided more information on previously announced titles The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order, Pokémon Sword and Shield, and Astral Chain.

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