Multiple outlets have claimed that Nintendo are working on a so-called “Nintendo Switch Pro” model that will allegedly support 4K graphics.
The news comes via Tainwanese outlet The Economic Daily News (via GamesIndustry.biz), report multiple sources involved in the manufacturer of the new console. It will allegedly launch early next year, and boasts being “interactive and has better picture quality” (translation: Google Translate).
Bloomberg reports similar claims. According to “people briefed on the strategy” the new console will support 4K graphics. The new console will also come with a “slew” of new games from Nintendo and third party studios.
This may explain why we have not had a true Nintendo Direct since September 2019. After E3 2020 was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, numerous companies took to making their own “Direct” style livestream press conferences.
Nintendo however- the company that arguably kickstarted the trend- focused on Directs for individual games, indie showcases, and press releases. In late April it was rumored that Nintendo had cancelled an unannounced Nintendo Direct scheduled for June, due to complications caused by the coronavirus pandmemic.
As some have criticized a lack of heavy-hitting titles on the horizon, it may explain some being “held back” to be revealed along side the new console. This would line up with several leaks over the past few months [1, 2, 3, 4].
We previously reported on the rumors that to celebrate the Super Mario franchise’ 35th anniversary, there would be many new games and “high-definition remasters.” This would likely have been something Nintendo would have announced during a major Nintendo Direct.
These included remasters of Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. The rumor also claimed there would be a “deluxe” version of Super Mario 3D World, and a new Paper Mario. “Most of Mario’s back catalogue will be remastered for Switch,” sources claimed, along with “several other Mario titles in 2020.”
Later, we heard claims that Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy would be part of a “collection.” In addition, there were claims that the alleged new Paper Mario “represents a return to that franchise’s roots.” A listing for Super Mario 3D World on Nintendo Switch appeared on Best Buy’s website, and Paper Mario: The Origami King was later announced.
It should be noted rumors of a more powerful Nintendo Switch model have been happening since 2018 [1, 2, 3]. Nonetheless, the Nintendo Switch has been selling well.
