It's impossible to deny how successful Nintendo has been with the Switch. Coming off the Wii U, the games industry giant needed a piece of hardware to reel fans back in, and the Switch was just the thing. Its vast software library has helped define its lifecycle thus far, being one of the strongest Nintendo has had in years. Plus, the Switch being a hybrid home and handheld console has made it great for any lifestyle. However, it's missing one big feature that a future iteration should include: 5G capabilities.
So far, the Switch has received two major iterations in the form of the Switch Lite and the Switch OLED model. While the enhancements to both are good quality of life revisions, there are those that have been disappointed with their failure to bring meaningful upgrades to the console's raw power. It's problem that's become as evident as time presses on, as new games make more sacrifices to run on Switch, with longer load times dragging down the experience.
How 5G Could Improve the Switch
The thought of a cellular handheld is a bit odd in 2021, but it shouldn't be. Handheld consoles have used cellular data connections before, most notably with the 3G version of the PS Vita, though the feature has largely fallen off. That's likely due to the Nintendo 3DS dominating the market for the better part of a decade now, up until the Switch launched, and not including the feature. Regardless, a cellular Switch, specifically with 5G capabilities, could solve many of the console's problems.
For the past few years, game developers have used cloud versions of popular triple-a games as a way to put new experiences on Switch without making a huge number of sacrifices. While there are now plenty of examples, two of the most recent are Guardians of the Galaxy and Dying Light, games that likely wouldn't have made the jump to the new platform otherwise. However, the former is one of 2021's surprise hits, while the latter is a beefy RPG with lots of DLC. That's all to say that the two games make worthy additions to the platform.
There's a fatal flaw here, though. Playing cloud games requires not only internet access but a consistent and healthy connection too. For a console that many players use on the go, it doesn't make a ton of sense to invest in cloud games. It might not be a problem while playing docked at home, but at that point, it's better to invest in the games on different platforms, at least for those that have them available.
Introducing a 5G model, however, would circumvent the issue. There's the obvious drawback that 5G devices need to be activated on some sort of cellular plan, so those that opt to use it would get stuck with some sort of additional bill month-to-month, but depending on pricing it would still be worth it. This would in effect allow Switch owners to play games at the same quality as other platforms while traveling, which is the ideal use case for the Switch in the first place.
Unfortunately, Nintendo has refuted claims that a new Nintendo Switch model is on the way following the OLED's release. Fans probably shouldn't expect a 5G version of the Switch anytime soon, then, and even if there is another iteration, it might be missing such a connection. However, it could drastically enhance the current Switch offerings, and that's ultimately as good a thing for Nintendo as it is for fans. Plus, 5G devices are becoming increasingly common, even for home appliances.