In a recent interview with Polygon, Doug Bowser acknowledges rumors about a Switch Pro and discusses the Nintendo Switch’s life cycle. In the past, we have covered these speculations, which have ranged from a release at some point this year and have transitioned to rumors about a reveal in 2021. Some have even predicted that Nintendo might release a Switch Pro in the near future to compete with next-generation consoles, like the PlayStation 5.
Despite the COVID-19 outbreak causing delays in production, which Bowser also addresses, the system has sold tremendously well especially with the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The Nintendo Switch has been the best selling console for the past 24 months, and people are eager to learn about what Nintendo might do next. When asked about the Switch Pro rumors, Bowser stated:
“First, we’re always looking at technology. And as we know, technology is constantly evolving and changing. And we’re always looking at what is coming to determine: How can it enhance and improve the gameplay experience? And whether that’s on a current platform, or whether that’s on a future platform, we’re always looking at that.
However, we also see right now — and we just talked about it — that the momentum on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite in the fourth year is strong. And we believe we’re changing the trajectory of another typical console life cycle. And we will continue, for the foreseeable future, to really lean into both of those platforms and the content that comes with it, because it’s the symbiotic relationship that makes the real difference. And it’s why Nintendo Switch is so differentiated.
First, the hardware form factor, obviously, is something — that you have a gaming system that you can play at home as a console, and you can take on the go and play in handheld mode virtually anywhere — is unique and remains unique within the industry. But then the way we build games onto the platform, and the way partners build games onto the platform, is really what matters and the experience that you have when you play. So that’s what we’ll continue to lean into as we go into really what will be the fifth year of Nintendo Switch. And as Mr. [Shuntaro] Furukawa [president of Nintendo] mentioned in his corporate management policy briefing, we believe we’re just at the midpoint of this life cycle on this platform.”
While Bowser does not confirm a Switch Pro is on the horizon (yet), it’s exciting to know that Nintendo is always looking into new technology and improvements.
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Written by Meghan Nigrelli
As a singer, voice actress, gamer, and writer, Meghan strives to blend all of her nerdy passions together to create exciting online content. When she’s not writing for Zelda Universe or Nintendo Wire, she is usually found voicing Tails and Amy Rose in Sonic animations at Sasso Studios.
