The Nintendo Switch Pro rumours once again continue to swirl, with a new Nikkei report indicating that Nintendo will soon “release a follow-up Switch model capable of better graphics.” This would be the first revision to the portable home console since the Nintendo Switch Lite in 2019.
The publication also reports that Nintendo is looking to increase Nintendo Switch production to 30 million units this fiscal year, citing “people with direct knowledge” about the company approaching multiple parts suppliers to accelerate production.
This is not the first time that we have heard about a new Nintendo Switch model. It had been previously rumoured that a new Nintendo Switch model had entered production for release in early 2021.
Taipei-based Economic Daily News reported that “unidentified people in the supply chain” had revealed to them that Nintendo was preparing to launch the “new version.” Bloomberg backed up this report, citing “people familiar with the matter.” For this “upgraded model,” Nintendo has explored “including more computing power and 4K high-definition graphics.”
Back in March 2019, The Wall Street Journal first reported that the company was working on new models that would target hardcore and casual markets. The Nintendo Switch Lite was revealed months later, alongside a revised standard model with improved battery life.
Rumours resurfaced around a new Nintendo Switch model releasing in mid-2020, with another adding that a “next-gen” portable home console had been delayed due to technical issues.
While Nintendo Switch production has “largely recovered” from the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the world, Nintendo had indicated that they had “no plans” for a new model in 2020.
