According to the Wall Street Journal, Nintendo is planning to release a new Nintendo Switch model in 2019. This is rumored to hit shelves in the second half of 2019, however, writer, Takashi Mochizuki, stated that it “may arrive as soon as summer next year.” He also went on to say that the final specs of the upcoming machine have not been given, but “one option is [an] improvement on display.”
Nintendo is apparently hopeful this improved console will help boost sales higher than it already has. As of June 2018, the Switch has sold 19.67 million units with more expected this holiday season. The company would appear to be making this move in order to stay competitive with both Sony and Microsoft. Both have released enhanced versions of their respective consoles, with rumored successors on the way.
The 3DS has received continued support from the company since the Switch’s launch. Luigi’s Mansion 3D, Kirby’s Epic Yarn, and Bowser’s Inside Story are just a few titles that have been announced for the handheld. Many have begun to wonder what its place in the company is, so many third-party publishers are hopeful that this will help clarify the issue.
Holiday 2018 contains releases for popular IPs, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu/Eevee!. A recent Nintendo Direct also revealed that Civilization VI, Animal Crossing, and a plethora of Final Fantasy games are set to launch on the Switch in the near future. These games, in addition to the rumored upgrade, can have a major effect on sales for Nintendo’s upcoming fiscal year.