Nintendo Switch Pro rumors started spreading in early 2019. According to the Wall Street Journal, Nintendo is working on two new Switch models, citing “parts suppliers and software developers”. A “cheaper option for casual gamers”, similar to the Switch Lite we saw the same year, while the other described a more powerful, full HD Switch model. The gossip hasn’t stopped.
According to a WCCtech report, a data miner found evidence for this in Switch firmware. Aula, a codename for the new hardware, is codenamed by dataminer SciresM. My belief is that it’s 4K since Aula has firmware support and some Realtek chips branded as 4K UHD multimedia processors.
Afterward, the data miner clarifies that it’s unclear if the dock or the console’s chip is responsible. Currently, the Switch supports resolutions higher than 720p HD when docked, but there is no certainty at this time.
Bloomberg reported Nintendo was investigating a new Switch model with 4K graphics and more processing power in August 2020. Nintendo Switch Pro might come with Innolux’s Mini-LED technology, according to Economic Daily News in October. As well as reflecting the push for higher resolutions, it may improve battery life, brightness, and contrast.
We might see a 4K Switch with an OLED screen before the holidays, Bloomberg reported in March 2021. A four-year anniversary of the original Nintendo Switch has led Nintendo to call on Samsung Display Co. to manufacture seven-inch, 720p-resolution OLED panels.
Amazon Mexico reportedly listed the “New Nintendo Switch Pro” in May of 2021, but we’ve seen retailers use placeholders in the past. It’s also exciting to hear that we’ll be able to pre-order the new Nintendo Switch Pro at E3 earlier this month. In the end, it was the Nintendo Switch OLED.
How does Nintendo see a Switch Pro?
Nintendo hasn’t officially announced that it is ready to go next-gen, or even launch a Switch Pro yet.
However, in a Polygon interview back in December, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser talked about how the company is always looking at technology, how it evolves and changes over time, and how it can improve gameplay. We’re always looking at it, whether it’s on a current platform or on a future platform. He also describes Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite as “strong” and says that they will continue to embrace both platforms and their content for the foreseeable future.
The Nintendo 2DS and Nintendo 3DS have shown we can expect more hybrid consoles from Nintendo.
