The Nintendo Switch Pro rumors have been going on for several years, but with 2020 now behind us, it seems like the speculation surrounding a new console is growing daily.
With the recent release of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, it’s not unreasonable to think that the Nintendo Switch might be due for an upgrade, even though it’s still selling well.
If we rely on the ongoing speculation, Nintendo’s next console could include some significant hardware upgrades. Since Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, states that the Nintendo Switch is only at the center of its life cycle, it makes sense that now is the best time for Nintendo to launch a premium version of its flagship console, in instead of replacing it with a dedicated “Switch 2.”
Nintendo has not announced or confirmed that a Switch Pro console might come in, but with rumors still piling up, it’s at least worth considering. Here’s everything we know about the Nintendo Switch Pro, including the specifications, features, and possible release date.
Latest Nintendo Switch Pro news
- In the latest interview with GamesIndustry.biz, several analysts predicted that we will finally see a Nintendo Switch Pro this year.
- Nintendo has reportedly been in talks with game developers about the possibility of making their games playable in 4K resolution
- The latest leak from a well-known dataminer reveals more details about the potential Nintendo Switch Pro, including an OLED screen, 4K resolution support and better battery life
Nintendo Switch Pro Release Date
Just a few months ago, the Nintendo Switch Pro was nothing more than a rumor. Today, we are seeing more and more experts in the industry supporting the possibility that the updated Nintendo Switch will finally come to life this year. Recently, Gamesindustry.biz was interviewed by several analysts where they shared their visions for 2021. Most of the talk was about the Nintendo Switch Pro. Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games previously provided the famous Switch Lite, and this year he gave us a prediction that is just as exciting:
“I predict that a built-in 4K device will come from Nintendo in the next financial year,” he said.
Piers Harding-Rolls of Ampere Analysis built on dr. Toto’s thoughts by supporting the likelihood of a 2021 Switch Pro version: ‘Last year I was not convinced that there would be a new flagship model Switch in 2020, but it makes more commercial sense to have an updated version in 2021. “
The original Nintendo Switch was released on March 3, 2017. With 2021’s four-year anniversary of the Switch, it’s entirely possible that we’ll see an upgrade console by the end of this year.
Nintendo Switch Pro Price
For obvious reasons, there is no official confirmation of how much the Nintendo Switch Pro can use. However, due to its upgraded hardware and improved performance, we can expect the premium version of the Switch to cost more than the base model and the Lite. In an interview with Gamesindustry.biz, game analyst Dr. Serkan Toto, suggests that the Switch Pro costs about $ 399.
Nintendo Switch Pro Specifications
Sources apparently provide different reports of the kind of specifications we can expect in the Switch Pro. It seems like the majority of people agree that we’ll probably see support for 4K resolutions in docked mode, as well as better battery life.
Currently, the Nintendo Switch has a custom Nvidia Tegra X1 processor, a 720p LCD screen and 32 GB of storage. The most recent refresh of the Nintendo Switch took place in August 2019, which increased battery life and took it from 6.5 hours to 9 hours of playtime. When we tested the upgrade using Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, we found that the amount of playing time we could fit in before it had to be recharged doubled.
According to a notable data miner, @SciresM, the details found in a recent firmware update for the Nintendo Switch suggest that the Pro model will feature the same processor as the 2019 Switch base model and the Lite – the Tegra X1 + chipset. The leak has discovered a project called “Aula”, which indicates that the chipset will offer higher performance by supporting higher clock speeds, supported by an improved cooling system. SciresM also indicated that the console will receive a significant visual upgrade, with an OLED screen and 4K capabilities in docked mode, powered by a RealTek chip.
A report of Economic daily news in Taiwan claims that the Nintendo Switch Pro will have Mini-LED technology as a more affordable alternative instead of an OLED screen. Mini-LED screens replace the taillights found on LCD screens with smaller and faster components, giving the screen an improved contrast ratio and more brightness control. Either way, a Mini-LED will still be a significant improvement over the current LCD 720p screen found in the Nintendo Switch base model.
However, some rumors suggest that the Switch Pro may also have some more controversial features. In a recently deleted 4Chan message (via Reverse), user Xhyll claimed that according to a ‘former Nintendo employee’, the Switch Pro will include significant hardware enhancements, including a custom NVIDIA Tegra Xavier processor, 64 GB SSD storage and 4K support. The obvious disadvantage of this is that the message also suggested that the new console would be a single TV system aimed primarily at users looking for a more traditional console experience. Since some Switch gamers spend most of their time in manual mode, this seems somewhat unlikely. We can not imagine that it would be a very popular design choice among the users.
Nintendo Switch Pro Features
Given the success that the Nintendo Switch base model and Lite have both seen over the past year, the Switch Pro might want to take advantage of that momentum. We therefore believe that it is safe to assume that the console will remain playable in the docked and undocked mode, as well as the tabletop. However, we have seen suggestions that the Pro version will have some unexpected features that could break away after the final design.
According to a recent patent filed by Nintendo, it looks like the company is working on a health tracking device that could possibly be included in the Switch Pro. A translation of the 61-page document shows that the patented device contains a health tracker similar to the one you would find on smartphones, that can monitor your sleep, track your outlook on life, and assess your mental health. What’s weird is that the device apparently also contains an “odor-generating device” (yes, really). As of now, signs suggest that the Nintendo Switch Pro is likely to include fitness tracking, presumably designed to deal with health-related games such as Ring Fit Adventure.
What we want from the Nintendo Switch Pro
When the Nintendo Switch Pro finally hits stores this year, we have some big expectations. Here are the features we would like to see in the premium console:
- Enhanced 1080p hand screen: Considering the ongoing rumor mill, it looks like an upgrade of the screen is likely. Right now, you limit the use of the switch in manual mode to a 6.2-inch 720p screen, so many users will welcome a better visual experience when playing on the go (Nintendo).
- Stiffer construction quality: One of the biggest reasons why some Switch owners prefer the Lite over the base model is due to the firmness of the console in manual mode. Since the Joy-Cons are removable from the original Switch, playing on the go can feel a bit thin, and this is something we’d like to improve on in the Pro version. A more ergonomic Joy-Con design will also help a lot.
- 4K support in docked mode: The 4K console gaming community is growing by the day, and you can thank the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series in part for that. Unfortunately, comparisons with new-generation consoles the Switch do no favors – Nintendo’s flagship console no longer offers the footage gamers want. As we recently discussed, offering 4K support and a more powerful dock with higher resolution capabilities would significantly improve Nintendo’s offering.
- Bluetooth support for third-party accessories: Although the Switch currently includes Bluetooth 4.1, it is exclusively reserved for the wireless connection between Joy-Cons and Pro controllers. This means that you need an adapter, which is annoying to connect accessories such as headphones.
Why we want the Nintendo Switch Pro
Where to start? The Nintendo Switch is a revelation of a console and is backed by some of the most exciting games we’ve seen in the last four years, from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and the ridiculously addictive Animal Crossing: New horizon. However, I think any fan of the console can agree that this is due to a hardware upgrade, especially considering the attention Sony and Microsoft have received for their recent launch of PlayStation 5 and Xbox series.
As it stands now, the main reason to purchase a switch is, well, to play Nintendo games. As reported by multiple Reddit users, several third-party games like Pillars of Eternity, Wasteland 2 and WWE 2K18 have the Switch ports less than the best. With crashes, bugs and crashes, the Switch’s hardware is simply not built at the moment to provide a great experience for third-party franchises.
The Nintendo Switch is not intended to compete with the PS5 and Xbox Series X in terms of power to begin with. But with a collection of new graphically demanding games in 2021 to computer and next-generation consoles, we’d like to see if a more powerful version of the Switch could pique the interest of third-party franchise fans.
Do I have to wait for Nintendo Switch Pro?
Since the release of the Nintendo Switch Pro is still an unconfirmed rumor, we see no reason why you should wait for a console that could be months of launch. Right now you have the option to become a proud owner of the Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite consoles. We have reviewed both beforehand and prepared a summary of the best games to make your choice more informative. We will keep you informed of all upcoming Nintendo announcements.