After many rumors, false hopes, and a whirlwind of rumors without a reliable source, now it seems that we do have before us the first details of what would be the second generation of Nintendo Switch, or Switch Pro as it is known colloquially by the networks. But what exactly will it offer?
What is known about the Nintendo Switch Pro
Although on previous occasions we had heard some rumors about the console, it has not been until now when a medium like Bloomberg has brought to light first details of the future release. And it is that they themselves were the ones who pointed out last August that Nintendo had plans to develop a more powerful console, with which to complete the offer in its catalog.
Let's remember that the current models go through the original console, which was slightly updated to offer a more efficient processor and without the security hole that allowed third-party software to be installed so easily, and the small Switch Lite, with a single option to use it as portable and without the possibility of detaching the joycons. This new unit would arrive to establish another step, which would satisfy the most demanding users and which would allow them to make the leap to 4K. The question that remains to be resolved is whether it will be part of the current Nintendo equation or will establish a new generation, meaning the launch of completely exclusive new games for this new console.
What will the Switch Pro offer?
The details shared by the medium speak of a much more powerful console capable of offering 4K graphics, although this resolution would only be available when we connect the console to the dock. This measure would make a lot of sense, since the panel used would offer a 720 resolution lines in a size of 7 inches.
This screen would therefore be slightly larger than that of the current Switch, but the big change would come in terms of panel technology, since we would be talking about a OLED display. The use of an OLED panel would finally solve the very important brightness and contrast problems that the current Switch suffers outdoors.
Also, taking into account that in portable mode it would work at a lower resolution (perhaps the native 720 pixels of the screen), the processor could breathe better and improve energy consumption, so we would gain battery life.
When will it go on sale?
According to information from Bloomberg, the production of this new console would begin in the summer, since the screens would be ready to ship from the month of July. This plan would have the idea of being able to have the console ready for the Christmas campaign. It must be taken into account that the shortage of components that Sony and Microsoft have suffered with their respective consoles could also play against Nintendo, but considering that we are talking about other processors and another manufacturer, everything could be ready on time.
What would we like to see in the new Switch Pro?
These first details seem quite attractive to us ahead of the launch of the new model, however, we would still like to see a series of features and functions that we miss in the Switch. For example, the use of Bluetooth headphones, something that today is practically essential for many players, especially those who play online and use microphones to speak. It would not hurt to be able to use the console as a multimedia platform in which to consume content and install applications, since functions such as broadcasting live could be carried out if a front camera is also included.
But we are not going to fool ourselves. Nintendo does not usually get into this type of game mechanics or complex ecosystems, and prefers to focus its experience in its own way, with fun and a completely different touch from the rest. This is how it has been doing in recent years, so we'll see what they will be able to prepare for this Nintendo Switch Pro.