任天堂未來可能推出 Lite 2
目前任天堂官方尚未正式確認「Switch 2」(暫稱)是否會推出Lite版本,因此所有相關資訊仍停留在市場推測與產業分析層級。不過,從任天堂過往的產品策略以及硬體成本結構來看,多數分析認為Switch 2在發售初期並不會同步推出Lite版本,其主力仍將放在功能完整、效能全面升級的標準機型上。
關鍵原因在於Switch 2預期將採用效能更高的處理器、更先進的顯示技術與其他硬體升級,導致整體製造成本顯著上升。在這樣的情況下,若過早推出Lite版本,勢必難以在不犧牲利潤或規格的前提下,將售價壓到足夠吸引輕度玩家的區間,這與Lite系列一貫「入門、親民」的定位並不相符。
就市場時程來看,有不少產業觀察指出,在2025年至2027年之間,現行的Switch與Switch Lite很可能會持續與Switch 2並行販售。這種「世代交錯」的銷售模式,過去在任天堂主機轉換時曾多次出現,有助於穩定用戶基礎,同時涵蓋從核心玩家到休閒玩家的不同族群。在此情境下,舊款Switch Lite將繼續扮演低價入門機的角色,直到新世代硬體的成本逐漸下降。
至於所謂「Switch 2 Lite」的出現時機,較為普遍的預測落在2027年左右,甚至可能接近當年下半年。屆時,隨著零組件價格降低、製程成熟,任天堂較有條件推出一款僅支援掌機模式、價格更具競爭力的新Lite機型,作為現行Switch Lite的實質接班產品。
整體而言,Switch 2 Lite幾乎可以視為「時間問題」而非「會不會出現」的問題。它很可能會遵循任天堂一貫的產品節奏,在主機上市一段時間、成本結構趨於穩定後才登場,而不會在Switch 2剛推出時就立即亮相。
Nintendo has not yet officially confirmed whether the so-called “Switch 2” will have a Lite version. Market forecasts generally suggest that, due to the higher hardware upgrade costs of the next-generation console, a Lite model is unlikely to appear in the short term, especially during the initial launch period. However, looking further ahead, in order to serve casual players and the lower-price segment, there is a strong possibility that around 2027 Nintendo may introduce a “Switch 2 Lite” as a successor to the current Switch Lite.
From an early planning perspective, analysts believe that because Switch 2 is expected to deliver a noticeable boost in performance and features, Nintendo’s initial focus will be on the standard model. A Lite version, which traditionally requires careful cost reduction, would therefore be difficult to release at launch without compromising pricing or margins.
In terms of market timing, some forecasts suggest that between 2025 and 2027, the existing Switch Lite could continue to be sold alongside the new Switch 2. This overlapping strategy would allow Nintendo to maintain coverage of the entry-level market while the new hardware establishes itself. Under this scenario, an updated Lite model compatible with the Switch 2 generation could appear around September 2027.
The reasoning behind these predictions aligns with Nintendo’s long-standing strategy. The company has repeatedly used Lite models to lower the entry barrier and strengthen its position in the handheld market. That said, the higher manufacturing costs of next-generation components make it challenging to produce a sufficiently affordable Lite version in the short term.
In summary, a Switch 2 Lite is very likely to exist eventually, but it is unlikely to be released at the same time as the initial launch of the Switch 2.
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