Rumors of the Nintendo Switch Pro have been around for several years, but with 2020 now behind us, speculation about a new console seems to be growing daily.
With the recent launch of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, it is not absurd to think that the Nintendo Switch may need an upgrade, although it is still selling well.
If we rely on ongoing speculation, Nintendo’s next console may feature some significant hardware updates. With Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser stating that the Nintendo Switch is only in the middle of its life cycle, it makes sense that now is the best time for Nintendo to launch a premium version of its main console instead of replacing it with a dedicated console. “Switch 2.”
Nintendo has not announced or even confirmed that a Switch Pro console could be released, but with rumors continuing to build up, at least it’s worth considering. Here is everything we know about the Nintendo Switch Pro, including its specifications, features and possible release date.
Latest Nintendo Switch Pro news
- In the last interview with GamesIndustry.biz, several analysts predicted that we will finally see a Nintendo Switch Pro later this year
- Nintendo would be 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, support for 4K resolution and increased battery life
Nintendo Switch Pro release date
Just a few months ago, the Nintendo Switch Pro was nothing more than a rumor. Today, we see more and more industry experts supporting the possibility that the updated Nintendo Switch will finally come to life this year. Recently, several analysts were interviewed by Gamesindustry.biz, where they shared their views for 2021. Most of the conversation was about Nintendo Switch Pro. Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games previously predicted the famous Switch Lite, and this year he provided a prediction that is so exciting:
“I foresee an enhanced 4K device coming during Nintendo’s next financial year,” he said.
Piers Harding-Rolls from Ampere Analysis drew on Dr. Toto’s thoughts, supporting the likelihood of a Switch Pro 2021 launch: “Last year, I wasn’t convinced that there would be a new flagship model in 2020, but it makes more commercial sense to launch an updated version in 2021. “
The original Nintendo Switch was released on March 3, 2017. With 2021 marking the Switch’s four-year anniversary, it is entirely possible that we will see an update console by the end of this year.
Nintendo Switch Pro Price
For obvious reasons, there is no official confirmation of how much Nintendo Switch Pro can cost. However, due to its updated 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 will cost around $ 399.
Nintendo Switch Pro specifications
Sources seem to offer different reports on the types of specifications we can expect to see on the Switch Pro. Most of them seem to agree that we are likely to 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 Nintendo Switch update took place in August 2019, which increased battery life from 6.5 hours to 9 hours of gameplay. When U.S tested the update using Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, we found that the amount of game time we managed to fit in before it needed to be reloaded doubled.
According to a noted data miner, @SciresM, details found in a recent firmware update for the Nintendo Switch seem to indicate that the Pro model will feature the same processor as the basic model of Switch 2019 and the Lite – the Tegra X1 + chipset. The leak revealed a project called “Class”, which indicates that the chipset will offer better performance when pushed to higher clock speeds supported by an improved cooling system. SciresM also hinted that the console will receive a substantial visual update, with an OLED screen and 4K features in docked mode, powered by a RealTek chip.
A report of Economic Daily News in Taiwan says that, instead of an OLED screen, the Nintendo Switch Pro will feature Mini-LED technology as a more affordable alternative. Mini-LED monitors replace the backlights found on LCD screens with smaller, faster components, giving the screen an improved contrast ratio and more control over brightness. Anyway, a Mini-LED would still be a significant improvement on the current 720p LCD screen found on the basic Nintendo Switch model.
However, some rumors seem to suggest that Switch Pro may have some more controversial features as well. In a 4Chan post now deleted (via Inverse), user Xhyll claimed that, according to a ‘former Nintendo employee’, the Switch Pro will feature significant hardware improvements, including a custom NVIDIA Tegra Xavier processor, 64 GB SSD storage and 4K support. The obvious downside here is that the post also suggested that the new console will be a TV-only system aimed primarily at users who are in the market for a more traditional console experience. Considering that some Switch players spend most of their time in portable mode, this seems somewhat unlikely. We cannot imagine that it would be a very popular design choice among users.
Nintendo Switch Pro features
Considering the success that the basic model of the Nintendo Switch and the Lite had last year, the Switch Pro may want to capitalize on that moment. Therefore, we believe it is safe to assume that the console will continue to be playable in docked and undocked modes, as well as at the table. However, we have seen suggestions that the Pro version will have some unexpected features that could infiltrate the final design.
According to a recent patent filed by Nintendo, the company appears to be working on a health tracking device that could potentially be included in the Switch Pro. A translation of the 61-page document shows that the patented device contains a health tracker similar to those you would find on smartphones, able to monitor your sleep, monitor your vital signs and assess your mental health. The strange thing is that the device also seems to contain an “odor generating device” (yes, it is serious). As of now, the signs point to the fact that the Nintendo Switch Pro can probably include fitness tracking, presumably designed to work with health-related games, such as Ring Fit Adventure.
What we want from Nintendo Switch Pro
If the Nintendo Switch Pro finally hits stores this year, we have high expectations. Here are the features we’d love to see come to the premium console:
- Enhanced 1080p portable display: Considering the ongoing rumors, a screen update seems likely. Currently, using the Switch in portable mode restricts you to a 6.2-inch 720p screen, so many users would like to have a better visual experience when playing on the go (Nintendo).
- Stronger build quality: One of the biggest reasons why some Switch owners prefer Lite over the base model is due to the console’s robustness in portable mode. Since the Joy-Cons on the original Switch are removable, playing on the go can seem a little fragile, and that’s something we’d like to see improved in the Pro version. A more ergonomic Joy-Con design would also help a lot.
- 4K support in docked mode: The 4K console gaming community is growing every day, and you can partially thank the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series for that. Unfortunately, comparisons with new generation consoles do the Switch no favors – Nintendo’s main console no longer offers the visuals players want. As we discussed recently, the introduction of 4K support and a more powerful dock with higher resolution features would greatly improve Nintendo’s offering.
- Bluetooth support for third-party accessories: Although the switch currently has Bluetooth 4.1, it is reserved exclusively for connecting wireless Joy-Cons and Pro controllers. This means that to connect accessories like headphones, you need an adapter, which is admittedly annoying.
Why we want Nintendo Switch Pro
Where to start? The Nintendo Switch was a console revelation and was supported by some of the most exciting games we’ve seen in the past four years, from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and the ridiculously addictive Animal Crossing: Novo Horizonte. However, I think any fan of the console can agree that it is due to a hardware update, especially considering the attention that Sony and Microsoft have received for their recent PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series releases.
As it stands, the main reason to buy a Switch is, well, playing Nintendo games. As reported by several Reddit users, several third party games like Pillars of Eternity, Wasteland 2 and WWE 2K18 had less than stellar Switch ports. With crashes, bugs and dropped frames, at the moment the Switch hardware is simply not built to provide a good experience for third party franchises.
The Nintendo Switch was not made to compete with the PS5 and Xbox Series X in terms of power. However, with a collection of demanding new graphics games coming to the PC and next generation consoles in 2021, we’d love to see if a more powerful version of the Switch could spark the interest of fans of third-party franchises.
Should I wait for Nintendo Switch Pro?
Since the Nintendo Switch Pro launch is still an unconfirmed rumor, we see no reason why you should wait for a console that may take months to launch. At the moment, you have the option to become a proud owner of the Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite consoles. We have reviewed both previously and prepared a summary of the best games to make your choice more informative. We will keep you updated on upcoming Nintendo announcements.