While the PS5 or Xbox Series are stupidly difficult to buy at the moment, a third new video game console may join the fray this year in the form of the Nintendo Switch Pro later this year.
At least that’s according to industry analysts talking to GamesIndustry.biz, who predict an updated Nintendo Switch coming in 2021. While Nintendo Switch 2 – a complete sequel to Nintendo’s stellar hybrid console – appears to be far off, a Pro version could brings an increase in power and resolution.
Dr. Serkan Toto, of Kantan Games, is anticipating that this year Nintendo will launch an “enhanced 4K device”.
Rumors of this have been around for some time. But given reports that Nintendo has asked game developers to support 4K TVs in dock mode, we can expect to hear something more concrete in the near future.
Piers Harding-Rolls of Ampere Analysis added even more credibility to this rumor, noting: “Last year, I was not convinced that there would be a new main switch model in 2020, but it makes more commercial sense to release an updated version in 2021. ”
In a recent interview with Polygon, Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, said that the Nintendo Switch is “in the middle of its life cycle” and that the company is in no hurry to replace it.
However, a Switch Pro would not necessarily be a replacement for the current Switch, but a more sophisticated version for people who want more of the console; think about it on the scale opposite the Nintendo Switch Lite.
However, if the Switch Pro rumors are true, then it is highly likely that we can expect the newest console to experience some quality of life changes in addition to just an increase in specifications, including updated hardware and longer battery life.
Onc recent speculation suggested that you can also get a Mini-LED display. And with a touch, the Switch Pro might even have a dual-screen design similar to the Nintendo 3DS, but it is more likely to be a feature of Switch 2.
The Nintendo Switch family could sell more than PS5 and Xbox Series X in 2021
Currently, finding where to buy the Xbox Series X, as well as the PS5, is a thankless task. But figuring out where to buy Nintendo Switch online is easier.
As such, analysts are predicting an excellent year for the Nintendo Switch family. And if a Switch Pro actually arrives in 2021, it could further boost the success of Nintendo’s game console.
“Anyone who expects the Switch to lose power in 2021 will be very disappointed,” said Toto. “The Switch will also be the best-selling console this year, driven by more original games, a hardware update (see above) and the device that developed into a mass-market lifestyle product throughout 2020.”
Harding-Rolls believes that this year will be no different, especially if a Switch Pro is released: “Nintendo Switch family of devices to be the best-selling consoles again in 2021. Currently, I have an updated version of the Switch in my predictions for 2021. “
Mat Piscatella of the NPD supports this, noting that “it will be the Nintendo Switch that will end up selling most console hardware units in 2021”, despite the recent launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
Naturally, time will tell whether these predictions will come true. But 2021 should be another interesting year for games, especially for the Nintendo Switch.