Upgraded Nintendo Switch Rumored For 2021 Release
Nintendo may be planning to release an upgraded version of the Switch in 2021, according to Bloomberg.
Citing "people familiar with the matter," Bloomberg reported that the new console could feature more computing power and 4K resolution, but notes that official details have yet to be revealed. The upgraded console would also come with a slew of new games, though no titles were announced. The Verge speculated that the announcement of new hardware may coincide with the announcement of long-awaited Switch titles such as Metroid Prime 4 and the Breath of the Wild sequel.
If Bloomberg's source is correct, it would indicate Nintendo is ceding the 2020 holiday season to Sony and Microsoft, who are both set to release their new consoles this fall.
While the news is potentially exciting, it was met with skepticism by some. Kotaku noted that it would be in line with a rumor from March of 2019 which stated that Nintendo was working on two new consoles, both an updated Switch and a smaller handheld console meant to succeed the 3DS. The latter rumor proved correct, as Nintendo released the Switch Lite, but Kotaku writer Luke Plunkett opined that it would be unusual for Nintendo to pursue high-end graphics and release a new console for that purpose. He did note, however, that Nintendo has a history of releasing alternate versions of consoles, such as its myriad Nintendo DS and Game Boy iterations.
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Kayate
It like this rumor keeps popping out every month, getting real tired of rumors.
lagjet
the ‘Citing "people familiar with the matter,"’ took me out where was the EFFORT
Timey16
The Hardware isn't there for a proper upgrade. The Tegra chip is still mostly the same and the X2 is WAY expensive. They could take an overclocked X1 but that could lead to overheating and shorter battery life.
So here is what they could add to upgrade it: DLSS. Nvidia's Deep Learning Super Sampling.
Basically, you make the image bigger and an AI guesses what the missing pixels would look like.
So internally, the Switch Pro (or whatever it would be) would still make the exact same calculations as prior… only that the finished frame is sent to an extra chip that handles the AI upscaling and then you get the upscaled image as output.
LesserAngel
Seeing as I just ordered a Switch, I'm in the field of "I hope not", besides, 1080p is still fine by and large.
WarLordM
Nintendo only somewhat behind the curve on graphical quality? I have my doubts. Their shitty hardware is as important to their business model as making killer software in house.
King Crimson
How many years in a row have we been hearing this now?
wisehowl_the_2nd
I'll humor Bloomberg's dubious sources and believe an upgraded console, but I cannot live in the Verge's fantasy land where a game can start over development entirely in 2019 and supposedly get launched in 2021.
Smol Nozomi
mark my words