Nintendo could change things with an updated console in 2019

The Nintendo Switch has not even been out for two years, but it seems that Nintendo is working hard to find new hardware. According to the Wall Street Journal, Nintendo will release a new Switch model in 2019. The report cites "suppliers and others with direct knowledge of the plan".

Although the report does not offer much details about the hardware, it "will probably share many features with the current version and will be compatible with existing Switch gaming software".

Regarding the improvements, Nintendo could consider updating the switch screen. The current display of the switch is "without some technologies that are standard in newer smartphones LCDs," says the report. Nintendo plans to add a technology that "would make it brighter, thinner and more energy efficient." It's unclear exactly how "current" technology could use Nintendo for an updated display, but it should not adopt organic light-emitting diodes or OLED panels used in Apple Inc.'s iPhone X series. "

Battery life is probably the biggest drawback of moving games, so a more energy-efficient screen would be a welcome addition. At the moment, the Switch has a charge of about three hours to play AAA games such as Super Mario Odyssey.

While it may seem surprising that Nintendo is already planning a new Switch hardware, this is actually Nintendo's typical release schedule on their handheld. Nintendo launched the DS Lite in 2006, two years after the launch of the original model. Just one year after the release of the Nintendo 3DS, the manufacturer has launched the Nintendo 3DS XL. Nintendo constantly iterates on his handhelds (three Game Boy Advance models, four DS models, six 3DS models). Since the switch also serves as a handheld, we would not be surprised that this is the only hardware upgrade the system receives during its life cycle.

The Switch started on a tear, moving about 10 million units in its first nine months. In July, Nintendo announced it has sold nearly 20 million units. However, only about 1.9 million consoles were sold between April and June, less than expected by Nintendo. Although this is not a cause for alarm, it is logical that Nintendo wants to reinvigorate the interest in his console.