Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser has indirectly denied the existence of the Nintendo Switch Pro; focusing on how Nintendo are always looking at technology to enhance gameplay.
We previously reported on rumors (including from Bloomberg) of a more powerful Nintendo Switch being in production, a so-called “Nintendo Switch Pro” model. Those supposedly in the know claimed this new model would support 4K graphics (via a new NVidia graphics chip and 7″ screen), and launch early 2021. A patent for a rail-less Joy-Con fueled further speculation.
Bloomberg and Eurogamer sources also speculated the console may launch September or October 2021, with an announcement prior to E3 2021. This would enable third-parties to show off their games freely, as Nintendo’s own digital showcase would be later during the E3 2021 week. Along with claims of listings going live on June 4th, none of these rumors would come true.
Our own editorial proposed that it was unlikely; due to Nintendo typically focusing on being a lower-priced console, and the shortage of chips meaning higher-end tech would cost more for Nintendo and the consumer.
In an interview with the Washington Post, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser explained (when asked about the Nintnedo Switch Pro) that Nintendo looks into new technology to enhance gameplay first.
“We are always looking at technology and how technology can enhance gameplay experiences. It’s not technology for technology’s sake. It’s how specifically can technology enhance a gameplay experience. And then where do you apply that technology? Do you want to apply it on current existing hardware or platforms, or do you want to wait for the next platform? And then what’s the right gameplay experience with that? There’s a host of factors that goes into it, and it’s something we’re always looking at.”
Due to the prior rumors primarily discussing graphical improvements, this could be interpreted as a denial of a Nintendo Switch Pro model. Our editorial also highlighted how Nintendo tend to only release new hardware to fix major flaws, or with a new console generation and bringing a new gameplay feature.
“As we enter into our fifth year, Nintendo Switch really is redefining what a console life cycle can look like,” Bowser stated, “and the vibrancy of that overall life cycle with a strong cadence of content.”
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa denied the initial claims of a Nintendo Switch Pro, amid Nintendo’s best financial quarter since 2018. Nintendo’s recent successes have no doubt been thanks to the Nintendo Switch.
It sold over 85 million units as of May 2021; fueled by the increased interest in gaming thanks to the coronavirus pandemic quarantine lockdowns, along with the cheaper price and greater availability compared to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
While selling a new version of something that is already selling well would seem illogical (especially when a scarcity of parts has caused issues for PlayStation and Microsoft), Ace Research Institute analyst Hideki Yasuda claims that new hardware would be key for Nintendo in 2021. For example, new hardware could tempt those who had not yet bought a Nintendo Switch.
He cited the success of the Game Boy, PlayStation 2, and Nintendo DS; while the Wii and PlayStation 4 had no or practically no variations, and experienced a sharp drops in sales in the latter half of their respective launch years. Yasuda also claimed Nintendo has an “oligopoly” in Japan, while PlayStation game sales have been practically “eradicated.“
Bowser also discussed how Nintendo was more than a console video game company; thanks to Super Nintendo World, the upcoming Super Mario movie, Super Mario Lego sets, and mobile games. “We view ourselves as an entertainment company that is focused on very unique entertainment experiences.”
“At the hub of that is our integrated hardware and software model, and that model has allowed us over decades to generate the characters, the deeply immersive worlds in the IP we all know and love so well, but we also know that there’s an opportunity to introduce more people to that IP now.”
The Nintendo America President also took the time to praise the success of Nintendo’s mobile games.
“The gameplay [on mobile] is fundamentally different than what you see on the Switch, but we’ve had 650 million unique downloads of our six games available today. Our smart device strategy has allowed us to reach consumers in 164 countries already. We believe we’ve been able to broaden that audience of people who have now experienced Nintendo games, and we can bring them deeper into that integrated hardware software system in the deeply immersive games you and I know and play.”
Bowser also discussed how Nintendo issued a Cease & Desist order against fan projects; including the Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament The Big House for using an emulator with netplay during the quarantine lockdowns.
“We do have a passionate community and we appreciate them very much, and we always want to be listening and understanding as we develop content going forward,” Bowser stated, before bringing down the hammer.
“There are times where we do need to reinforce our IP for reasons that I think are very critical. The protection of IP is very important when we think about our ability to continue to build on these properties, and we hope people will understand that is the reason we protect them the way we do.”
Bowser concluded with his excitement over how more people were gaming than ever.
“I think it’s an exciting time to be a part of the gaming business, I really do. We’re seeing more and more people engaged in it as part of their primary forms of overall entertainment. We’re seeing various ways they can engage, whether it’s on mobile platforms and on dedicated platforms such as the Nintendo Switch. It’s a vibrant industry going forward.”