Nintendo’s share prices rise considerably due to reports of new Switch models

Update (26/03/19): Yesterday, reports emerged that Nintendo is supposedly set to release two new models of Switch instead of one, targeting both the premium and budget markets. Although the company has yet to officially address these rumblings, the news has caused a significant rise in Nintendo’s share prices.

Investors have reacted positively to the concept of a premium Switch with upgraded features and a more accessible budget variant, as Nintendo’s shares have climbed as much as 6.8%. This is the highest jump in a single day since August, 2018, according to BloombergQuint. Briefly sitting as high as 32,380 JPY (£221 / $293), share prices have begun to stable just below this margin.

Image: NintendoLife

It isn’t certain what would be included in these new models, although differences in screen size and resolution seem to be at the top of the list of guesses. If these prove to be true, hopefully Nintendo ditches the dodgy naming conventions in favour of something that doesn’t start with “new” before it, keeping things clear and concise with its fan base.

Original Story (25/03/19): Although Nintendo continues to state that its focus is on current hardware, the company has been rumoured to have another version of the Switch planned for release. Reports are now suggesting that two new models are in production and could be launching at some point during 2019.

The Wall Street Journal originally published the rumour last year, stating that the new Nintendo Switch would be an upgrade on the current model complete with a bigger screen more akin to “recent smartphone LCDs.” Sometime after, it was believes that Nintendo would instead be launching a budget variant that shaves some features to make it cheaper.

The latest report suggests that both are true. While the first won’t exactly be a rival to the 4K upgrades seen on Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro and Microsoft’s Xbox One X according to WSJ sources, it will “have enhanced features targeted at avid video gamers.” The second variant will supposedly be “a cheaper option for casual gamers that Nintendo sees as a successor to its aging hand-held 3DS device,” with haptic feedback currently suggested to be on the cutting floor.

Those that have reportedly seen the devices state that they are both “different from the original and you’d be surprised.” Consumers will likely get their first look at E3, given that Nintendo isn’t following in Sony’s footsteps, and remain compatible with all current games on the market. It’s uncertain whether there will be exclusive games similar to the New Nintendo 3DS.

KitGuru Says: Nintendo does have a habit of releasing iterative upgrades every few years, jumping from the 2011 3DS to the 2012 3DS XL, to the New Nintendo 3DS in 2014. This can be irritating for current Switch owners, but it does mean that the Switch becomes more accessible than before, which is always welcome.

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