We already know that Nintendo is developing a successor to the Switch, called the Switch 2. However, a new set of leaks suggests that the company could be working on another handheld gaming console. It seems to be a smaller version of the Switch or the Switch 2 and more compact than the Switch Lite, and Nintendo might call it the Switch Mini, Switch Micro, or Switch Pocket. Interestingly, these leaks reveal a few specifications of the upcoming product and also take a crack at its launch date and price.
An account on X (previously known as Twitter) that goes by Nash Weedle has revealed patents of an unreleased product from Nintendo that looks like the Switch. However, there are at least five differences between the two devices which hint that it is a smaller version of the Switch/Switch 2 and more compact than the Switch Lite.
Repositioned buttons
For starters, one of the patents reveals that the device has R, L, ZR, ZL, Home, and Capture buttons in different positions than the Switch. This change, according to the post, saves a lot of space and makes the device compact, which is the first hint pointing out that it would be smaller than the Switch/Switch 2/Switch Lite.
Protective case
In another filing, Nintendo has used magnets to attach a protective cover to the back or the front (display) of the device. So, it looks like the company thinks that people would carry this gaming console more casually or frequently compared to the Switch Lite. It hints that this could be even more compact than the Switch Lite.
Compact cooling system
Then there’s a patent for a new screw placement position which states “There is room for improvement in the design of portable electronic devices from the viewpoint of miniaturization of portable electronic devices.” Last but not least, the company is also working on a revamped cooling system that is “more compact.”
According to Nash, this device will have a maximum battery life of 12 hours and it will be compatible with cartridges, which doesn’t seem out of the ordinary. The leak claims that Nintendo will launch the Switch Mini/Switch Micro/Switch Pocket on February 16, 2024, with a price tag of €149 ($161). Unfortunately, there’s no evidence supporting the launch date and the price of the device. So, these things should be taken with a pinch of salt. That being said, Nintendo seems to have two new handheld gaming consoles in the pipeline.
