If Nintendo markets/brands this new hardware as a "revision", they need to plan this out very, very carefully. When Switch Lite first launched,
sales were a bit underwhelming according to JPMorgan and Citigroup. I don't think Lite ever performed as well as Nintendo hoped. And as of August 2022,
Nintendo continues to struggle to hit its Switch production targets as a result of the global chip shortage - and it's dragging down their sales. That will continue to be painful for Nintendo as we head into 2023.
As I mentioned earlier, Nintendo is in a very awkward position right now. Rising inflation, interest rates, taxes and fuel costs, are putting pressure on consumer disposable income. That affects spending on electronic products such as PCs, smartphones and gaming products. Timing is everything, and I believe Nintendo has been very smart about waiting things out.
Branding is another issue if they choose to market this as a revision. Can they clearly explain to consumers the difference between a $350 Switch OLED, a $450 Switch 4K and a Switch 2? Nintendo initially thought Wii U would be an instant hit simply because it was
"Nintendo in HD". What could possibly go wrong with
"Nintendo in HD"? Well, Nintendo found a way to fumble "Nintendo in HD". And the same company could easily fumble
"Nintendo in 4K" @ $450 during a weakened economy and a global chip shortage.
If they launch new hardware next year, I hope they're smart enough to launch "Tears of the Kingdom" alongside it.