Nintendo raised a few eyebrows when they announced an OLED version of its popular Switch console earlier this year. This particular iteration of Nintendo’s home console had no significant spec upgrades compared to its predecessor, aside from its titular screen. This left fans wondering if this new Switch was a suitable mid-cycle upgrade.
However, according to the popular YouTube channel Digital Foundry, Nintendo had plans to release a “Switch Pro” but ultimately scrapped it to focus on its next-generation hardware.
“From what I can understand from talking to different developers,” Todd from Digital Foundry said. ” There was some sort of mid-generation Switch update planned at one point. That seems to no longer be happening. And thus its pretty clear what [Nintendo] do next will be next-generation hardware.”
Todd explains how Nintendo worries about its transition from the Switch to a new console, given the company’s recent history. For example, the Wii U didn’t utilize the same capabilities that made the original Wii unique, like extensive motion controls. The Wii U used a gamepad as a controller and didn’t prioritize the same motion control features as its predecessor. In return, the Wii U was a commercial disaster for Nintendo.
Hopefully, the storied publisher’s next console will be more powerful and expand on some of the original Switch’s unique features. If Nintendo wants to avoid repeating its past mistakes, it would be wise to prioritize and build upon the Switch’s core concept.
Do you think these latest rumours hold any more weight than what came before? Is a Switch Pro something you’re genuinely hoping to see soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! For more on all things Nintendo (Pro or otherwise!), stay tuned right here at GameLuster.
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