PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles are much-wanted commodities, so much so that scalpers have started snapping them up in bulk. And it looks like another new console is being prepped for release in 2021 that has the potential to sell just as many, if not more.
The big problem here is whether the same issues may affect the next gaming machine hitting shelves later this year.
For anyone who might have missed it, Nintendo is expected to announce and release a new Nintendo Switch console in 2021.
This hasn’t been given a name, but most analysts call it the Nintendo Switch Pro – a console that will offer improved battery life and visual fidelity.
Dataminers believe they have found evidence of the Nintendo Switch Pro and what it might be capable of.
Allegedly named project Aula, the Switch Pro will be powered by the Mariko (Tegra X1+) SoC, which is the same chip found in the Switch Lite.
While this may not sound like much of an upgrade, references have also been found to 4K support.
There have been rumours of a 4K Switch console being in the works for some kind, and it wouldn’t be surprising to learn that Nintendo wants to produce one at some point in the future.
But it sounds unlikely that such a device would be able to support 4K support in handheld mode.
It has been claimed that the Switch Pro will “definitely” have an OLED screen – which would significantly improve the display when playing in handheld mode.
It’s also believed the Switch Pro will boast “substantially” better cooling and battery life.
But while gamers are excited at the idea of an upgraded Nintendo console coming to the market that’s compatible with their older games, there are worries too.
With 2021 proving to be a tough year to buy new consoles, will the same issues affect a Switch Pro as the PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Nintendo has suffered from production shortages in the past, including both the Switch and Mini consoles ranges.
It should also be noted that extra competition from mobile manufacturers has to be taken into account.
If the Nintendo Switch is going to have an upgraded screen, will it come under pressure from mobile phones companies?
For now, no one was if expecting there to be the same issues if the Nintendo Switch Pro has a release date set for the final months of the year.
A former Nintendo Insider also predicted that Zelda Breath of the Wild 2 could be launching in 2021 last year.
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.
2021 will also be a special year for the Zelda franchise even without the rumours swirling around Breath of the Wild 2.
This year is the 35th anniversary of when The Legend of Zelda launched on the Famicom System in Japan.
That happened on February 21, 1986, but gamers will probably have to wait a little longer for any kind of celebration announcement.
Nintendo recently extended the celebrations for the 35th anniversary year of Super Mario Bros, which will now end in March 2021.
So it will be interesting to see how the reports and rumours regarding the Nintendo Switch Pro and Zelda lineup stand up in the coming months.
