Technology is ever-evolving, which led many Nintendo fans to dream of an upgraded Nintendo Switch that could stand against the power of the PS5 and the Xbox Series X/S. With the announcement of the new Nintendo Switch OLED model, chances seemed even slimmer for the widespread hopes of a "Nintendo Switch Pro." To finally end the rumor mill, Nintendo itself has said what its plans regarding it are.
The Nintendo Switch OLED model was announced on July 6th, featuring a 7-inch screen, a wired LAN port, and other enhancing features. It holds the same graphical power as older Switch models and lacks enhancements like 4K support, though. For the fans wanting to skip out on the new model, they can rest easy as all upcoming games will remain compatible with the older consoles. Some gamers still held onto some hope of a Switch Pro after the announcement, though.
As explained by Nintendo, because the OLED model was just announced, it most definitely has no plans to release another Switch model at this time. It's very obvious that the model it means to refer to is the supposed and rumored Switch Pro.
It's understandable that this is the direction Nintendo is taking, considering that announcing a stronger Switch than the OLED model would mean poor sales for the one it's just revealed. Why buy a Switch with a bigger screen when another one has better graphics and performance? It wouldn't be a wise idea, so for now, the hopes of the Nintendo Switch Pro will need to be shelved.
When it comes down to the Nintendo Switch itself, its power has never relied on its graphical performance. What set the Switch apart was a drive for innovation and fun play styles, such as the portable capabilities and the versatility of the Joy-Con controllers. Nintendo has also focused on mastering what's already there technologically rather than worrying about the latest tech and what could be done with it.
Though, the practice does leave the future of the Switch a bit bleak. With the growing demand to catch up to its competitors, Nintendo might not be able to rely on older technologies for much longer and be forced to push its innovations further. In the face of a market seeking to grab the Switch audience with things like the new Steam Deck, the pressure may end up killing the innovation that made the Switch as a whole. For now, it seems Nintendo is satisfied with how its console is performing, and an upgraded version may need to take a few years before ever coming out.
The Nintendo Switch OLED model launches on October 8th.
