According to a report from Bloomberg, Nintendo is partnering with Nvidia Corp. for a new graphics chipset that will power the long-rumored Nintendo Switch Pro, a device that supposedly set to launch later in the year. Rumblings of a possible Nintendo Switch Pro have circulated for several months now, though the hardware manufacturer remains silent with regards to the device's existence.
Patents indicate the upgraded console may see Nintendo abandon the handheld focus. Meanwhile, datamined details, insider leaks, and a variety of other reports insist the enhanced Switch model will boast a seven-inch OLED screen, 4K chip, increased battery life, and an improved cooling system. Rumor has it that a larger screen is in the works for the Nintendo Switch Pro, as well. And, more recently, talks of dev kits finally entering the hands of developers have made the rounds. While Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser previously went on the record to state there is no merit to the speculation, the unceasing claims from reputable industry sources suggest otherwise.
The latest development in the Switch Pro saga revolves around claims that Nintendo aims to adopt an upgraded 4K chipset from Nvidia that provides better processing power, higher graphics quality, increased memory, and an improved CPU. People familiar with the company's operations reportedly told Bloomberg the enhanced Switch SKU will boast Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) rendering technology. Such an addition ensures the console can achieve 4K visuals when docked for play on a TV.
With DLSS taking center stage, games will require new code, though Bloomberg sources, game developers included, predict the technology will most notably be employed for improving the graphical fidelity of future Nintendo Switch Pro releases. Neither Nintendo nor Nvidia were willing to comment on Bloomberg's story, but the publication did speak with analyst Matthew Kanterman who speculates the new Switch model could culminate in a price increase worth upwards of $100. Kanterman explained, "$349.99 will increase the value proposition of the device, but I still think Nintendo can drive strong demand even at $399.99."
Much of this seems to align with previous rumors about the device. As always, however, taking all of the above with a grain of salt is advised. At present, Nintendo hasn't so much as acknowledged that it plans to develop such a Switch model. But speculation about a holiday 2021 release indicates that if the Switch Pro is real, the hardware manufacturer won't be able to remain silent for too much longer.
Nintendo Switch hit the market four years ago in 2017 and has proven quite the phenomenon. At last count earlier in the year, the hybrid system had moved an estimated 74 million units worldwide, a figure that puts the Switch on pace to outperform PlayStation 4 in lifetime sales.
Source: Bloomberg