The Nintendo Switch Pro has been the dream of Nintendo fans eager for a more powerful follow-up system. A machine that carried the torch of success from the original Switch, while blazing trails of its own with new, more powerful hardware to deliver increased performance and graphical power.
As it turns out, Nintendo actually had plans for a Switch Pro, but has since cancelled them. That’s according to Digital Foundry, who mentioned on its most recent DF Direct Weekly podcast that Nintendo is going in a slightly different direction. Digital Foundry’s John Linneman says that after having spoken with different developers, Nintendo did at one point have plans for a mid-gen Switch update. However, those plans are no longer happening.
Nintendo will opt for a Switch 2 instead of a Switch Pro
While most wanting a Switch Pro can probably now give up those dreams, that doesn’t mean Nintendo isn’t prepared for a successor. In fact it seems the company is going to move ahead with a Switch 2. A true next-gen successor to the current console. Though Linneman doesn’t think we’ll see this new console version in 2023, and it won’t necessarily be called the Switch 2.
Linneman also mentions that he believes Nintendo is “likely very nervous” about the transition from the current Switch to the next generation model. This makes sense, given Nintendo’s history with troubled transitions between consoles. As a noted example, the Game Cube has a loyal fanbase. But it wasn’t really a successful console for Nintendo.
It then moved onto the Wii which was a huge success. This was followed by the Wii U which again, didn’t perform well. Leading us to now with the Switch and its massive success. With all of that said, there’s no doubt that Nintendo internally has to be worried. Even if only marginally.
It definitely has hurdles to overcome that see the new Switch generation be a hit. Nintendo doesn’t necessarily have to make leaps and bounds of forward progress here. The current Switch is still one of the best-selling consoles. Even with the much more powerful PS5 and Xbox Series X out there. So a next-gen Switch really should only need to be a very noticeable improvement in performance.
As long as Nintendo can avoid the pitfalls of gimmicky new features like a wacky controller with a large touchscreen display, it should be fine. A noticeably more powerful Switch with maybe a few new useful features and the same quality of games, and Nintendo’s next Switch could have a promising run.
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