[UPDATE 30/06/2021 09:30: This article has been modified to more accurately reflect the Nintendo Switch's 2022 game release lineup]
A new rumor claims that the Nintendo Switch Pro's actual release will be in 2022. An upgraded version of the Nintendo Switch has been rumored for years, and these rumors were recently reignited after 4k Animal Crossing screenshots were posted by the official Animal Crossing account.
Typically, Nintendo Switch screenshots are in 1080p, which is the console's max resolution. While the Nintendo Switch has sold unbelievably well, players still have their gripes with it. Much has been written about the drifting issues with the Switch's Joy Con controllers and the technical limitations imposed by the console's comparatively weak hardware. Despite both consumer demand and complaints growing, it has been rumored that a new Nintendo Switch might release alongside The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2.
Recent rumors from SwitchUpG on Twitter (courtesy of Wccftech) seem to support this theory. Per SwitchUpG, an anonymous manufacturer of Nintendo Switch peripherals (controllers, SD cards, headsets, etc.), "Says they’ve been told 2022 global market release." SwitchUp is an established, Nintendo-oriented channel on YouTube, and while it is possible that it has some reliable sources, the channel is not typically known for news. Until more evidence comes in, it is important to regard this as just a rumor and nothing more concrete.
Nintendo not releasing the Switch Pro this year would be a blow to fans, especially with Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl set to release this holiday season. However, with half of 2021 gone already and no official word or even hint of a new Nintendo Switch, a release before 2022 is becoming increasingly unlikely. As for why this is the Switch Pro is being slowed down, there could be any number of reasons. One theory could be the still ongoing semiconductor shortage, which has been plaguing electronics manufacturers across the world. The shortage is one of the major reasons PlayStation 5 consoles have been hard to find, and Nintendo has not been exempt the effects of the shortage either. Another theory is that Nintendo could be going all in on 2022 being its big year.
So far (at the time of writing), 2022 is set to feature Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Splatoon 3, and Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. Each of these games could perform incredibly well when they release as is. But to have them release alongside a new, upgraded Nintendo Switch model could be all the more profitable for Nintendo. Of course, the public may never know (unless it happens), as courts have shown that leaking Nintendo information can be very expensive.
Source: SwitchUpG/Twitter, Wccftech