Is the new Switch Lite a replacement for the 3DS?

Nintendo recently announced the Switch Lite, which is basically a… lighter version of the current Nintendo Switch. Unlike the current version, the upcoming Switch Lite is designed to be exclusively played in handheld mode. It’s also purportedly coming with a 5.5” 720p display, which suggests that the smaller console could be a replacement for the Nintendo 3DS.

But Nintendo has doesn’t seem to agree, after the company explained that they will continue to support the 3DS line of devices—even after the Switch Lite is released.

“We’ll continue to support our 3DS family of systems as long as there is demand.”

– Nintendo of America president, Doug Bowser

An update to the current Nintendo Switch

It’s also been revealed that Nintendo is also preparing to update the current version of the Switch. According to a filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Nintendo is looking to upgrade the SoC of the current console, along with new flash storage chips.

Given that the current model isn’t exactly a ranging powerhouse in terms of graphics, it does make sense that Nintendo is thinking of slipping in a quick update to improve performance.

Here’s a screenshot of the “Class I Permission Change” application that Nintendo filed:

This isn’t, however, a peek into what the rumoured Nintendo Switch Pro that is expected to arrive soon. The FCC filing refers to the identical model number as the current Switch, and this incremental update will probably be slipped into the current model without much fanfare or publicity.

At the moment, the Switch is utilising a 4-year old Terra X1 processor, while the Switch Lite will come with a more power-efficient chip layout Nintendo says will bring “slightly” better battery life. As for the Switch Pro, it’s still rumoured that a faster, more powerful Nvidia Tegra will power the successor to the current Nintendo Switch.

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