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The Nintendo Switch has only been out for a little over a month, but already one analyst has said that it believes a new iteration could be in the works.
As reported by Bloomberg, Citigroup says that despite the Switch’s early success, Nintendo is locking out a large part of its potential market due to the device’s size.
Although the Nintendo Switch can be used as a handheld device, we think smaller children could struggle to use it comfortably in that format due to its size and weight,” Citigroup wrote. Accordingly, we think Nintendo will launch a lighter, dedicated handheld version of the Switch, possibly to be called the Switch Mini.”
Citigroup also predicted total sales of 6.7m units for the still completely mythical device in the year ending March 2019, by which time total Switch sales could stand at 25.7m.
Neogaf went one further by throwing together some mock-ups for the Switch Mini. Forum user jts reckons that Nintendo’s best bet of shedding some size and reducing the cost is doing away with the Joy Cons and dock, although crucially the Mini would remain compatible with these accessories, thus maintaining its appeal for existing owners.
Jts also wants a sub-$200 RRP, representing a $100 saving over the existing model.
Take a look at the pics, which are really great:
MCV yesterday reported that the Switch has become its fastest selling video game system ever in the US.
The console shifted 906k units in March. That puts it ever so slightly ahead of the Wii U, which sold 890k in its first five weeks. It of course must also be noted that Switch has accomplished this in March and not in the months leading up to Christmas.
Elsewhere, analyst Superdata reckons that global Switch sales now stand at around 2.4 units. As a result, it has increased its 2017 sales forecast for the console from 5m units to 7.2m.
Superdata CEO Joost Van Dreunen said: "Nintendo is performing above expectations, which suggests that, at least for now, it is well on its way to restore investor confidence."
