The Nintendo Switch is approaching its four-year anniversary, with the hit hybrid console launching for the first time in March 2017. Since then, the Switch has been selling like hot cakes, with a recent report stating that the console has exceeded 3DS lifetime sales of just shy of 76 million. And there are rumors that overall Switch sales are set to get a new boost with the release of the Switch Pro model, with many rumors.
Rumors of a Switch Pro have been circulating for some time, with the mid-generation update scheduled to debut in 2021.
And before the console’s official unveiling, Switch Pro’s specifications reportedly leaked. As reported by the VGC, dataminers may have found evidence of the existence of Switch Pro in the latest firmware update for the console.
The dataminer that detected this is known as SciresM, with the leak claiming that the firmware update refers to new Nintendo hardware codenamed Aula.
The Nintendo Switch Pro will reportedly be equipped with the SoC Mariko (Tegra X1 +), which is the same chip found in the Switch Lite.
Although this may not sound like much of an update, SciresM suggested that this chip could be pushed at a higher clock speed.
And, most interestingly, SciresM found that the firmware also references a Realtek chip that is described as ‘4K UHD multimedia SoC’.
That would sound like other reports that stated that the Switch Pro would be capable of 4K gaming.
SciresM said that the Switch Pro may not be able to play 4K games in portable mode, with this potentially only being possible when the console is connected to a television.
That’s because the chip needed for 4K gaming can be found on the console dock.
While this may be a disappointment for some players, it has been claimed that the Switch Pro will “definitely” have an OLED screen – which would significantly improve the display when playing in portable mode.
Switch Pro is also believed to have “substantially” better cooling and battery life.
So far, Nintendo has kept its mouth shut about the possibility of a Switch Pro, but the console should have a release date in 2021.
Last year, Bloomberg reported that Nintendo was asking developers to make games ready for 4K, further fueling speculation that a Switch Pro console might be on the horizon.
Recently, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser was asked by Polygon about the possibility of a Switch Pro.
Bowser said, “We are always looking at technology. And as we know, technology is constantly evolving and changing. And we are always looking at what lies ahead to determine: how can it improve and improve the gaming experience? What if that on a current platform, that is, on a future platform, we are always looking at that. “
If Nintendo launches a Switch Pro in 2021, then that could be part of an absolutely full year for Casa de Mario.
Fans have already been warned that “very special” plans are underway to mark the Pokémon franchise’s 25th anniversary.
While The Legend of Zelda franchise also celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2021.
And judging by how big Nintendo was to celebrate Mario’s 35th birthday last year, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some of Zelda’s main plans underway as well.
We wouldn’t be surprised to see a number of Zelda games being ported to the Switch, such as Wind Waker and Twilight Princess – which have already received HD updates for the Wii U.
Although there are rumors that Skyward Sword is coming to Nintendo Switch.
But certainly at the top of Zelda fans’ wish list for 2021 would be the release of Breath of the Wild 2.
And there are rumors that BoTW 2, plus Metroid Prime 4, may be going to Switch in 2021.
If that’s the case, then this year will be an extremely exciting time to be a Nintendo fan.