The Nintendo Switch Pro is reportedly launching in 2021, and it could have some big hitting-titles to back it up, like The Legends of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2.
While the tech giant has yet to reveal its plans for a new console, they have confirmed that they want to boost the life of the Switch.
A good way of achieving that in the past has been to release a generational refresh, with examples like the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X proving popular additions.
And if Nintendo realistically wants the Switch to last another three-years, a serious upgrade will be needed.
So the rumoured Nintendo Switch 4K console could certainly help boost the life of the current hardware, while also making it possible for current Switch gamers to enjoy big games.
When asked how the Switch brand could continue to grow, Nintendo had this to say at a November earnings report:
“Nintendo Switch has seen cumulative sales exceeding 60 million units since launch and is just now entering the middle of its life cycle. We continue to see this as building a foundation for growth that goes beyond the life cycles of our previous hardware platforms.
“Furthermore, when Animal Crossing: New Horizons was released (March 20, 2020), Nintendo Switch had already been available for three years, and we believe that many consumers who became aware of the system during that time but had not yet purchased it were inspired to do so because of the interest surrounding Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Our situation this year was defined by the benefits of this major hit title creating significant demand.
“Moving forward, we will continue efforts to extend the Nintendo Switch life cycle, while promoting initiatives that make use of Nintendo Accounts and pursuing our goal of motivating consumers to play our platforms for years to come.
“The dedicated video game business is based on consumers buying the hardware and then also purchasing software, so Animal Crossing: New Horizons becoming a major hit and encouraging hardware purchases among so many consumers goes beyond impacting the business this one year and is extremely significant to the overall Nintendo Switch life cycle.”
The current rumour is that the Nintendo Switch Pro will ship with an improved display, but fans are wondering just how big an upgrade that could mean.
The Switch’s backlit 720p LCD screen has not stopped it selling millions on units around the world, clearly showing that display isn’t everything.
But what would be the point of bringing out a Nintendo Switch Pro console if it didn’t offer a serious upgrade?
Another report suggests that the Nintendo Switch Pro is reportedly in development for 2021.
This included references to a console which would feature 4K support and a range of new eye-catching games for next year.
The Bloomberg report adds: “The introduction of a more affordable Switch Lite variant in late 2019 helped broaden the machine’s potential audience and Nintendo is making preparations for an upgraded Switch model and a beefed-up games lineup for 2021.
“Several outside game developers, speaking anonymously as the issue is private, said that Nintendo had asked them to make their games 4K-ready, suggesting a resolution upgrade is on its way.”
A former Nintendo Insider has also shared a prediction that Zelda Breath of the Wild 2 could be launch in 2021.
After being asked what the chances were of BOTW2 arriving next year, Emily Rogers replied: “85-90% chance that it releases around the holidays 2021.”
The past two Switch consoles had Zelda games available on day one, with Breath of the Wild launching alongside the original Switch and the Link’s Awakening remake a launch title for the Switch Lite.
Zelda and new Nintendo console launches have gone hand in hand recently, so it wouldn’t be a surprise for BoTW 2 to be the flagship title to help show off the power of the beefier Switch Pro next year.
