Nintendo is now selling the Nintendo Switch in Japan without the dock. This means that it is going for a reduced price and is being known as the Switch 2nd Unit Set. The name shows that this console is being aimed at households that already have a Nintendo Switch and dock, but want a second console.
Why buy a Switch 2nd Unit Set
This makes sense for families or if multiple people in your home want a Nintendo Switch as you can get the core console by itself without needing to pay for the dock. In a Google Translated Nintendo announcement there were other situations where you might want a Nintendo Switch 2nd Unit Set such as if you want to play a multiplayer game with other and want to play the Switch but it is already being used.
It might not be Nintendo’s intention, but this new bundle could also appeal to those who don’t want to use their Switch on their TV. Instead, they can get the console at a reduced price and still enjoy all of the games and features that the console has to offer in handheld form.
Nintendo has stated that this new bundle will include the Switch tablet and right and left Joy-Con controllers and straps. This is retailing for 24,980 yen before tax (roughly £170) and this makes it 5,000 yen (roughly £34) cheaper than the regular Switch bundle. Although this cheaper version also doesn’t include an HDMI cable, AC adaptor, and Joy-Con Grip.
You can charge your Nintendo Switch using any compatible USB-C cable and you likely won’t need an HDMI cable as you are playing in handheld mode only, but the Joy-Con Grip would have been a nice addition.
If you later decide that you want to upgrade to an official charger and dock, then the two will set you back 9,698 yen (roughly £66). So make sure you know what you want before getting this bundle or it will cost you more in the long run.
Nintendo Switch games
The Nintendo Switch originally released back in March 2017 and has gone from strength to strength.
It has become the most successful Nintendo console in years and is home to many critically acclaimed games including “The Legend of Zelda: The Breath of the Wild” and “Super Mario Odyssey.” Players can carry it around and play in tablet mode or link it to their TV and play on the big screen. Nintendo forecasts that 2018 will be an even better year for the Nintendo Switch.
At the moment we don’t have any information about whether the Switch 2nd Unit Set will be coming to the West in the future. However, if it sells well in Japan and Nintendo think there is a market for it here, it would make sense to offer this alternate bundle.
