Nintendo recently announced a new type of Nintendo Switch bundle, a cheaper one that doesn't come with a dock. Or a charger. Or a Joy-Con grip. It's for people who already have a Switch, Nintendo said, and it's perfect for Japanese households, which typically don't have more than one TV.
At the time of announcement, it wasn't clear if Nintendo was planning to make the bundle available in countries outside Japan, but now it's official: this bundle is not going anywhere. That's right, U.S. folks: No dockless Switch for you.
As USGamer reports, Nintendo has officially confirmed that it has "no plans to release this configuration in the Americas." There you have it, Nintendo fans. For those who want a second Switch, they have the pay for the full price.
Nintendo Switch But With No Dock
Nintendo's new bundle essentially lets Japanese players nab a second Switch unit for $50 less than the original bundle's price, which is both a genius and slightly risky move. Why? Well, selling a Switch without the other components encourages the idea that it's a handheld console, which might send the wrong message to players. That's the last thing Nintendo needs after the Wii U's disastrous marketing campaign.
It's genius because there are a lot of players who are probably willing to forego playing their Switch on their TV sets and instead play exclusively in handheld mode at all times. In fact, in a Reddit thread, a lot of players said they're already doing this.
Why Nintendo doesn't want to release the bundle in the United States remains a mystery, but the company might still be trying to determine whether its "multiple Switch per household" concept will work.
Why Nintendo Doesn't Want To Release A Dockless Switch In The US
More importantly, though, Nintendo doesn't really need to release that bundle in the United States. After all, the standard Switch bundle is selling like hotcakes still. The company is doing fine as it is. The Switch is a success, and its message couldn't be any clearer: it's a home console you can take with you anywhere. Sometimes marketing is everything, and Nintendo is in an advantageous position with the Switch. It's unique, it's revolutionary, and players understand why. Perhaps the company doesn't want to mess with that momentum.
Would you like Nintendo to release a dockless Switch stateside? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
