This response immediately led to discussion as to whether it was an idea for a future announcement. Previously, Nintendo offered more concrete denials of a new model, and Furukawa’s apparent phrasing here leaves the door more open for an announcement at a later date.
It’s worth pointing out David Gibson, a game industry analyst in the same question-and-answer session, reported a slightly different answer to the same question, saying that there is ‘no new model plan’ other than the release of Mario and Monster Hunter specials version Switch models. Nintendo usually publishes a complete transcript of the questions and answers shortly after the event, which will help clear up the phrasing.
Rumors have been circulating for some time about the release of a ‘Switch Pro’ or ‘Super Switch’. Early last year, reports suggested it could come during 2020, but with IGN speaking, analysts are more at odds over whether a Pro model could emerge in 2021.
Whether it arrives or not, we can be sure that Switch will do very well with Nintendo. The company has just announced that the console has passed the 3DS, after selling nearly 80 million units. The Switch Lite model alone will also sell out Wii U.
Joe Skrebels is IGN’s editor – in – chief of News. Follow him further Twitter. Do you have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Send an email to [email protected].