Ex-Nintendo Marketers Predict Switch 2 Lite Could Arrive by February at $350

A new product code discovered on the Nintendo Account portal has ignited speculation about a potential Switch 2 Lite. The code "OSM" has led to debates over whether it refers to a budget handheld or an OLED model, but former Nintendo marketers Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang believe a cheaper Switch 2 variant is not only likely but necessary for the system's long-term success.

The Case for a Budget Model

Krysta Yang, who participated in the launch of the original Switch Lite in September 2019, notes that Nintendo has historically offered a "family of systems" spanning low, mid, and high-end options. The original Switch Lite debuted approximately 2.5 years after the flagship model, but Yang argues Nintendo won't wait as long this time. The reasoning is straightforward: the Switch 2's $449.99 launch price represents a significant increase from the original Switch's $299.99 MSRP, creating a barrier for more price-sensitive consumers.

Sales data supports this strategic need. While the Switch 2 saw a rebound in December 2025, sales have declined throughout the year. The premium price point, combined with what many consider a lack of a definitive system-selling game, has slowed adoption. A more affordable alternative could convince hesitant buyers to upgrade, particularly families looking for multiple units or parents purchasing for children.

Speculated Pricing and Hardware

Kit Ellis offered educated guesses about the potential Switch 2 Lite specifications and pricing. He suggests a $350 price point, which would position it between the original Switch Lite's $199.99 price and the Switch 2's $449.99 premium. This price reflects contemporary manufacturing realities, including higher storage and memory costs driven by the ongoing AI boom affecting component prices across the industry.

Ellis expects the hardware would be exclusively mobile, lacking the $125 dock that comes with the standard Switch 2. Nintendo could further reduce costs by eliminating detachable Joy-Cons, similar to the original Switch Lite's integrated controls. While Kit & Krysta didn't discuss screen size, a more compact display would enhance portability and help differentiate the model from the premium flagship.

Timing and Market Strategy

The timing of a potential announcement appears strategically calculated. Ellis advises watching for a February Nintendo Direct presentation, noting that Nintendo may want to announce a Switch 2 Lite release date before the company's fiscal year ends in late March. This timeline would allow Nintendo to capture spring and summer sales ahead of the holiday season, maximizing revenue opportunities.

The rapid timeline compared to previous generations reflects the competitive landscape. With the Switch 2 already facing questions about its premium positioning, Nintendo needs to expand its addressable market quickly. A budget model arriving within months rather than years would demonstrate the company's aggressive approach to market segmentation.

Uncertainty Remains

It's important to emphasize that the "OSM" code remains unconfirmed, and Nintendo has made no official announcements about a Switch 2 Lite. The speculation from former employees, while informed, is still educated guesswork based on historical patterns and market dynamics.

However, the underlying logic is sound. Nintendo has consistently used budget models to broaden console adoption throughout its history. The Wii Mini, 2DS, and original Switch Lite all served this purpose. Given the Switch 2's elevated price and the current market conditions, a cheaper variant seems not just plausible but probable.

For consumers, the prospect of a $350 Switch 2 Lite represents a more accessible entry point to Nintendo's next-generation hardware. For Nintendo, it represents a strategy to maintain momentum and capture a wider audience segment. Whether the "OSM" code specifically refers to this model or something else entirely, the conversation around budget-friendly alternatives highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing premium features with mainstream accessibility in the gaming hardware market.

The next few months will be telling. If Kit & Krysta's predictions hold true, Nintendo's February presentation could reveal not just the Switch 2 Lite's specifications and pricing, but also the company's broader strategy for sustaining its hardware platform through the remainder of the decade.