Skip to main content

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

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.

Recommended Videos

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.

Aaron Mamiit
Aaron received an NES and a copy of Super Mario Bros. for Christmas when he was four years old, and he has been fascinated…
This classic Rare title is finally coming to Nintendo Switch Online
Banjo hangs from a ledage in a Banjo-Tooie promo.

Nintendo 64™ – October 2024 Game Update – Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Another classic Rare Nintendo 64 game is coming to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Banjo-Tooie, the sequel to Banjo Kazooie (of course), is being added to the service on October 25, Nintendo announced on Friday.

Read more
Analogue’s 4K Nintendo 64 is coming next year, but you can preorder it next week
An Analogue 3D on a grab background. It looks like a black N64. In front are a controller and to the side are some N64 cartridges.

Analogue, the retro hardware emulation company, has officially delayed the Analogue 3D, its Nintendo 64 console. However, it released the first images of the console to tide us over until it launches next year.

The Analogue 3D was originally announced in October 2023 for a 2024 release, but the company announced Wednesday that it'll now be aiming for a release in the first quarter of 2025. It'll cost $250, come in black and white colors, and preorders will open up at 8 a.m. PT on October 21 on the Analogue website. This doesn't include a controller, but Analogue partnered with 8BitDo to create a Bluetooth N64 controller you can buy separately for $40.

Read more
Nintendo’s new hardware announcement isn’t the Switch 2. It’s an alarm clock
An red Alarmo clock on a wooden bedside table. Somebody is adjusting the white knob on the top.

Nintendo dropped an unexpected announcement on Wednesday -- and no, it's not the one we've been waiting for. In the vein of novelty gadgets like the Labo VR headset, the company will release an alarm clock that can track your sleep and tell when you're still in bed.

The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo will cost $100 when it releases in early 2025, although Nintendo Switch Online members can preorder it now, but just in the U.S. and Canada. It seems it'll be available at some standard retailers, although like other oddball Nintendo creations, it'll probably be in limited supply.

Read more