Rumors are swirling regarding the possibility of a new Nintendo Switch SKU with more powerful hardware being announced in 2021. Nintendo fans are already speculating about what a more powerful Nintendo Switch console could offer, and which games deserve to be visually improved. Not everyone has such a high opinion of the possibility of a Switch Pro, however, with Engine Software VP Ruud van de Moosdijk suggesting a potential Switch Pro may be "counter-intuitive."
Speaking with Nintendo Everything, van de Moosdijk was asked if there's anything they would like to see from a Nintendo Switch successor. Rather than an enthusiastic response, however, van de Moosdijk said the developers at Engine are not "large subscribers of the 'Pro' model." His disappointment appears to stem from the idea that the Switch Pro wouldn't be an entirely new platform, but rather an expanded version of the current Switch platform.
More specifically, van de Moosdijk points to examples of how the required support of earlier versions results in a new console's "additional power never really got utilized." They say it'll be "nice" to have expanded RAM and a faster CPU or GPU, but would prefer a new console that meant not having to support the older one. So long as Engine's games still have to be "benchmarked on the lowest specifications," van de Moosdijk isn't particularly energetic.
While van de Moosdijk isn't the first person to voice such concerns, he may be the first to publicly say that regarding the rumored Nintendo Switch Pro. Most recently, Microsoft's two-console next-generation plans have been criticized in a similar way. The Xbox Series S console is significantly less powerful than the Xbox Series X, which some believe will limit the potential of this generation in tangible ways.
Engine Software may be in a position where these kinds of limitations are especially frustrating, however. Since 2016, Engine has only really worked on ports of other studios' games. For example, Engine recently brought Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game to PC, PS4, Switch, Stadia, and Xbox One for Ubisoft. Dealing with less powerful hardware seems to be one of Engine's least favorite parts of development.
Engine would probably be one of the first studios to hear about and start working on a new Nintendo Switch console, despite van de Moosdijk's criticism, because it is perhaps best known for its long-term support of Nintendo platforms. In that regard, van de Moosdijk's comments may be upsetting to some. Nintendo fans' will likely make up for it by remaining excited for any Nintendo Switch news that may or may not be coming.
Source: Nintendo Everything