Nanica Smitch

Nanica Smitch
Original box art.
Release date	December 2019
Manufacturer	Nanica

The Nanica Smitch, also known as the Game Magic, is a handheld famiclone modeled after the Nintendo Switch released in 2019 by a distributor called "Nanica Station". The handheld is usually found in South American markets or distributed by e-commerce sites.

Overview

The Nanica Smitch contains 800 games, including Pac-Mania and Super Mario Bros. 3; the rest of the game list is unknown. The console features a simple user interface that organizes games by genre, and the list includes official NES titles, romhacks of certain titles, and homebrew/bootleg software. Although the main unit incorporates what appears to be a microSD slot in the right controller rail, there is no card reader on the motherboard and thus the game library cannot be expanded.

Impressively, the Smitch can seamlessly switch between handheld, TV, or "tabletop" modes, just like the real Switch. Like the real console, the Smitch features detachable controllers. These controllers do not physically interface with the main console even when attached, as they solely rely on wireless technology to transmit data. However, when the controllers are detached from the console, they automatically rotate their button layouts to correspond with the sideways orientation, much like the single Joy-Con mode supported by many Switch games. Detaching the controllers also enables multiplayer support, as the right controller will be recognized as a second controller. A small lever on the left rail is depressed when the controllers are attached, allowing the console to determine the proper button layout. Although the implementation is simple, the experience is remarkably comparable to that of a real Switch.

The Smitch requires up to 8 AAA batteries in order to function. Each controller takes 2 AAA batteries, while the main unit requires either 4 AAA batteries or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. The latter can be charged via a micro-USB port on the top of the unit. Like many other famiclones, the Smitch supports video output via a TRS jack. Interestingly, game sound plays at the proper speed when outputting to a TV, while playing at a slower speed when displaying on the built-in screen.

The Smitch comes in two variants, one with red/blue controllers (similar in coloration to the neon Switch) and one with yellow/green controllers. It can arguably be considered a scam, as its design is almost identical to the device it's ripping off, even closer than consoles such as the POP Station and Vii. The original brand name and box design were clearly intended to fool people into believing it's an official Nintendo product. As of 2023, however, the device has been rebranded as "Game Magic" and the box art has been updated to less closely resemble that of the original Nintendo Switch. Another variant titled the "Color Swift" was released in Mexico by Tecnobits, with different built-in software.

Gallery

3 Nanica Smitches.

The Smitch when compared to the box.

The Smitch with its controllers detached.

The Nanica Smitch.