A couple of weeks ago, Nintendo and Valve announced the Switch OLED model and the Steam Deck, which are portable gaming machines set to release this year. Although many hoped that the Switch OLED is the Pro version of the Switch that has been long-rumored, the specs of the console, as revealed by Nintendo, didn't really offer much for the upcoming model to be called a Pro device. Apart from a slight internal storage bump, ethernet port, and an OLED screen, the new Switch model remains the same as the original Switch.
On the other hand, the Steam Deck boasts many of the features that Nintendo fans were hoping to see in a Switch Pro console, leaving Switch owners wondering whether it is worth upgrading to the upcoming model. However, one of the biggest questions most Nintendo fans probably have right now is whether the Switch Pro will still happen. Further, many are curious as to what features from the Steam Deck should be implemented in the Switch Pro.
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Ever since the announcement of the Steam Deck, gamers have constantly been comparing the upcoming device to the Nintendo Switch. Of course, given that both are handheld devices, it is understandable that players will compare one with the other. However, it is worth noting that the Steam Deck isn't exactly a console, given that Valve revealed that it is a portable PC, running a new version of SteamOS, and is capable of running games from the Steam store.
Still, if Nintendo is planning to release a Pro version of the Switch in the future, there are some key features from the Steam Deck that it can implement on the Pro version of the Nintendo Switch. For example, Nintendo should look at how Valve offer players different versions of the Steam Deck depending on storage size, allowing players to choose how much internal memory they want their Switch Pro console to have. Most importantly, the Switch Pro should have an SSD to ensure that it will be able to run Switch games faster with less loading time, especially since SSD is now the standard in consoles today.
Additionally, the Switch Pro should also feature Bluetooth 5.0, similar to the Steam Deck. However, apart from Bluetooth 5.0, the Switch Pro should also connect to Bluetooth peripherals such as wireless headphones and third-party controllers. It is worth noting that while the Switch does have Bluetooth, players cannot connect wireless headphones to the console without purchasing a third-party accessory, and it appears that the Switch OLED model is the same.
Of course, all of these exciting Pro features are not included in the recently announced Switch OLED model, which is why Nintendo fans are still hoping to see a Switch Pro model sometime in the future. However, Nintendo recently clarified its stance about releasing a new version of the Nintendo Switch after the OLED model. Unfortunately, it appears that things are not looking so good for the rumored Switch Pro, at least for the time being.
It is no secret that since Nintendo already announced the Switch OLED, the chances of a Pro version of the console releasing anytime soon are slim. Several days ago, Nintendo itself revealed that it has no plans to launch any other Switch model at this time, which means that if a Switch Pro is ever to become a reality, it probably won't happen until late next year at the earliest.
While Nintendo's confirmation that no new Switch model will be released immediately after the OLED version is disappointing, it is understandable from a business perspective. However, there is still a glimmer of hope that a Pro version of the Nintendo Switch will still happen, especially if Nintendo wants to compete with the likes of the Steam Deck, PS5, and Xbox Series X.
It is also worth noting that industry insiders still believe that the Switch Pro is still happening. In a tweet posted by Jeff Grubb, he stated that he's only heard that the Pro console would come in 2022. Given that the Switch OLED model is already releasing this year, it is safe to assume that the rumored Pro version of the Switch and the already announced OLED version are two different models.
It is also worth remembering that Nintendo is no stranger to releasing several versions of its consoles. For example, during the time of the 3DS, the company also released the 2DS, the 3DS XL, and the New 3DS. Therefore, if Nintendo follows the same pattern, then it is safe to assume that the Switch Lite is the counterpart of the 2DS, the Switch OLED could serve the same function as the 3DS XL, thanks to its slightly bigger screen, and the rumored Switch Pro could be the Switch's version of the New 3DS that has better internals and improved performance.
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If there is still a chance that the Nintendo Switch Pro is happening, it will have features that should help differentiate it from the other console models. Although the upcoming version of the Switch will introduce some improvements, such as the OLED screen and the increased internal storage, it is still missing many key features that the Switch Pro is rumored to have.
For starters, it appears that the Switch OLED still lacks a full-fledged Bluetooth functionality that will allow players to connect wireless peripherals such as headsets. It is also rumored that the Switch Pro console would feature either a 4K screen or the ability to display 4K resolution when docked. According to leakers, Nintendo is pushing for 4K resolution on the rumored Switch Pro console to compete with Sony and Microsoft's next-gen machines.
The Switch Pro console is also rumored to house beefier internals than the base console. According to industry insiders, the Switch Pro could see a huge upgrade to the CPU and GPU with a Tegra Xavier chip swap, alongside an 8GB of RAM or possibly more. Finally, leaks also suggest that the console could include DLSS support and a 54GB SSD, making it capable of running games faster and decreasing overall load times. While it remains to be seen if the Switch Pro will happen, combining these rumored features with some from the Steam Deck could result in an impressive device.
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