Nintendo isn’t usually been within the enterprise of doing full upgrades to its consoles in the course of a technology, with smaller modifications as an alternative being made to create techniques such because the “new” Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite. In 2020, nevertheless, the corporate finds itself in a peculiar place, as Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are lower than a 12 months away, and can convey with them a big energy enhance that additional distances the 2 platforms from the Switch. Perhaps due to this, pundits and analysts are predicting {that a} totally upgraded system, which we’ll name the “Switch Pro,” will probably be arriving this 12 months.
The identical analysts have even predicted that the system may value as a lot as $400, which might seemingly put it consistent with Microsoft and Sony’s personal consoles once they launch this vacation season. That worth level may imply substantial enhancements in comparison with the usual Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite. Here are the options we need to see in a possible Nintendo Switch Pro system.
Better battery
The Nintendo Switch Lite and the upgraded customary Nintendo Switch each elevated the battery life in comparison with the unique 2017 model, with as many as 9 hours doable on the bigger system. If a Switch Pro doesn’t want to suit the identical equipment and dock as the usual console, that would imply giving it sufficient room for a bigger battery able to powering the system for much longer than that. The battery doesn’t have to be absurdly beefy, however lasting between 10 and 12 hours could be a considerable improve, particularly for individuals who are nonetheless utilizing the primary Switch.
Scratch-resistant show
Most fashionable touchscreen units have a bit of glass positioned over the extra fragile display parts to stop them from being simply scratched. The Nintendo Switch’s display is plastic, nevertheless, and if you happen to don’t have a protector on prime of it, it’s extraordinarily susceptible to scratches. In a costlier Nintendo Switch Pro system, that display ought to be lined with glass by default, making it much less more likely to be broken when it’s faraway from the dock and tougher to scratch by accident throughout journey. A display protector would seemingly nonetheless be good to have, however as a precaution quite than a necessity.
Better (and smaller) dock
The Nintendo Switch’s dock has been fairly awful because the console launched, with the potential to scratch the display and probably warp the system via poor warmth circulation. It’s additionally far too giant based mostly on the small quantity of {hardware} really included on it, making it less-than-portable and a trouble to arrange when visiting another person’s dwelling. That design couldn’t actually be modified with a system that saved the identical type issue, but when the Switch Pro is a unique design, then a brand new dock could be so as. Despite the brand new console being probably bigger, we wish the dock to shrink — one thing that retains the identical ports, or much more, and could be extra simply saved in a bag could be excellent.
Better kickstand
The Nintendo Switch’s built-in kickstand is flimsy and terrible, and is technically useful however finest swapped out for one thing just like the HORI charging stand. The Switch Lite didn’t even embody a stand in any respect, however we’d need one to be included on the Switch Pro — and we’d need it to be price utilizing. Something way more substantial that would maintain the Switch in place with out threat of popping off mid-session and probably with a design that would permit for charging throughout gameplay via a hidden USB-C port beneath. This would function a alternative for the microSD card slot, which could possibly be moved elsewhere, as having our recreation downloads saved on one thing that be uncovered if a plastic stand occurs to interrupt has all the time been a bit worrying.
Direct HDMI out
Should the kickstand be reconfigured in a approach that permits for charging with out using an exterior accent, then it might additionally make sense for Nintendo to incorporate direct HDMI output on the Switch Pro. This wouldn’t be a alternative for the power-and-video USB-C resolution used on the present Switch, however in its place for these on the go. It would permit for the system for use and not using a dock in any respect, with charging and output dealt with individually and the console receiving a lot better airflow. A function would additionally seemingly bump up the worth, however $400 is some huge cash for a Nintendo Switch as is.
Joy-Con compatibility
One factor we positively don’t need to must do is purchase a brand new set of Joy-Con controllers for the Switch Pro, as we have already got additional controllers that work with our present Switch mannequin and could be connected if their battery occurs to die. Regardless of any new type issue for the Switch Pro, it must make use of the identical Joy-Con controllers, each for wi-fi play and when related on to the system. This would guarantee compatibility with current video games like Ring Fit Adventure, and it might mitigate the fee for Nintendo followers who’ve already spend a whole lot and a whole lot of {dollars} on equipment for his or her first Switch.
60 frames-per-second gameplay

The largest technical leap that could possibly be doable with the Nintendo Switch Pro could possibly be 4K gaming, however we might be very shocked if that’s doable in a transportable system at an inexpensive worth. Instead, it’s extra seemingly that the system would permit gamers to decide on a 60 frames per second choice of their video games. Certain video games can hit this framerate by default on the usual Switch, however others – together with Dark Souls Remastered – are restricted to 30 frames per second. Such a change may make AAA ports way more engaging on Switch Pro, much more so than in the event that they merely had their decision bumped up.
External storage help
If you’re getting a Nintendo Switch Pro, you don’t essentially need to eliminate your first Switch, and may even proceed to make use of that system as your moveable console. If that’s the case, then your Switch Pro will keep in its dock and may gain advantage from further space for storing past what a fairly priced microSD card can present. Support for exterior drives on the Switch Pro would permit for gamers to put in way more content material on their system with out having to delete something, and this might be very true given the comparatively small file sizes of Nintendo Switch video games.  If this might permit for even simpler switch of recreation information between two consoles, it might be a bonus.
Built-in voice chat
Voice chat on nearly all of recreation consoles is so simple as plugging your headset into your controller and chatting with different gamers in your recreation of alternative. On Nintendo Switch, nevertheless, we have now by no means heard one other individual discuss, as a result of the system makes you employ a number of wires in addition to a separate telephone app as a way to discuss with gamers, and limits it to the sport you’re at present taking part in. There are some exceptions, however a common system-level voice chat resolution is lengthy overdue. Players ought to have the ability to discuss with their associates on the system, even when they aren’t taking part in the identical recreation, and they need to have the ability to do it in a straightforward approach. Right now, Skype or Discord is a way more engaging resolution.
No unique video games
Nintendo launched its New Nintendo 3DS line a number of years in the past, and it included a number of unique video games, reminiscent of Xenoblade Chronicles 3D and the 3DS port of Minecraft. It’s fairly doable that the brand new Switch Pro {hardware} goes to be highly effective sufficient to run video games that merely can’t run on the usual Switch, however giving the console any unique video games would cut up a devoted consumer base that has been supporting the platform since launch. Release enhancement updates for previous Nintendo Switch video games, however ensure those that personal the primary model of the system can nonetheless get pleasure from the complete Switch library.

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