The rumors about a more powerful Nintendo Switch console are still present. Confirmation from Nintendo is still pending, but the reports so far point to an update.
It's time for a summary again. Of course, you shouldn't take this as a guarantee for a Pro version of the Nintendo Switch - so far it's just rumors.
When could Nintendo introduce a new console?
A few weeks ago, a report was published that Nintendo could introduce a new product this year. It is said to be a Nintendo Switch Pro. Since the source is “DigiTimes”, the report should be taken with particular caution. Attentive readers already know the DigiTimes' hit rate. In some cases, the Taiwanese news platform has been right in the past - but the technology publication has less success with information about time periods. So we should keep quiet about the date for now - perhaps other sources will comment on it.
Will the Nintendo Switch Pro be the third model?
As a reminder, Nintendo debuted the hybrid console in March 2017. About a year later, the Wall Street Journal a report that Nintendo is working on two more Switch devices. The report left a lot of room for speculation, however. But when Nintendo announced and finally released a Switch Lite last year, the number of rumors about a Pro version increased dramatically. Another indication is Nintendo's previous business practices - these suggest an update.
What could make the Nintendo Switch a Pro?
So let's summarize. In addition to a normal Switch, there is now a slimmed down version. What's actually wrong with a Pro model? But what would make the Nintendo Switch Pro a Pro? The answer is an improved screen and a general increase in performance compared to the normal version. Observers believe that Nintendo wants to appeal to hardcore gamers with such a console in order to be able to offer them an even more intense gaming experience. Let's just leave it at that.
Nintendo Switch Pro – The Specifications
But now let’s get to the details. The Wall Street Journal claims to have learned that a future Nintendo console will use IGZO displays from Sharp. The remarkable thing about these displays is that they offer a high resolution in a thin form and consume significantly less energy. This would, for example, significantly improve battery life. IGZO screens also work much better than touchscreens. Graphically, it would be a big leap forward. But is that enough for the title "Pro"? Probably not. The original Nintendo Switch was equipped with an NVIDIA Tegra X1 chip - even then it was considered "outdated". The new hybrid console would therefore have to have a much more powerful core to be classified as a Pro version. In keeping with this: According to some reports, NVIDIA is working on a new chip for Nintendo. A more powerful processor could make the Switch perform much better in general. In combination with a better screen, the title "Pro" would actually be justified. But be careful: things could turn out differently - at this point we have to wait and see.
This is how much the Nintendo Switch Pro could cost
There are no concrete indications of the pricing yet - so speculation is a given. Given the current Nintendo Switch prices, it can be assumed that a Pro version could cost between 350 and 400 US dollars - our estimate. But: To justify such a price, the console would have to have at least a higher resolution and a significant increase in performance. A longer battery life and integrated Bluetooth should also be available.
Is it worth buying a Nintendo Switch now?
This question is often asked - but there is no real answer. The model has not yet been officially confirmed by Nintendo. Since there are now many different titles and playing with the Switch is fun, why wait for a rumor? I can only warmly recommend it to everyone. So let's wait and see. If you are looking for current Switch games or suitable accessories, then take a look at our Amazon Shop There you will find some hand-picked recommendations. Enjoy browsing. (Photo by Wladimir.B / Bigstockphoto)
