For months, rumors have been swirling that a Nintendo Switch Pro model was in development, serving as a mid-gen upgrade for Nintendo's home console/handheld hybrid. Nintendo was expected to unveil the Nintendo Switch Pro just prior to E3, and when it didn't, many thought that the new console was going to wait until 2022. However, Nintendo has suddenly dropped the announcement trailer for the Nintendo Switch Pro, aka the Nintendo Switch OLED Model.
The Nintendo Switch Pro release date is October 8, with it retailing for $349.99. Nintendo Switch Pro pre-orders don't seem to be open at the time of this writing, but one has to imagine that they will open up later today. Of course, this new Nintendo Switch console has some added bells and whistles to justify its higher price tag, so Nintendo fans can decide if the upgrades are worth the price of admission once pre-orders do open up.
One of the main selling points for the Nintendo Switch Pro is its OLED screen, hence why it's called the Nintendo Switch OLED Model. It also has a wider adjustable stand when compared to the original Nintendo Switch, and a brand new dock with wired LAN support. It seems that the regular Nintendo Switch is going to be compatible with the Switch OLED dock and vice versa, so that will be convenient for fans.
Another selling point for the Nintendo Switch OLED model is its 64 GB of internal storage, which should make it much easier for Nintendo fans to build up their collection of digital games. Nintendo Switch OLED owners can also look forward to taking advantage of the console's enhanced audio when compared to the original version of the Nintendo Switch.
A couple of the Nintendo Switch Pro rumors have proven to be untrue after this Nintendo Switch OLED Model announcement, though. For one, it doesn't appear as though Nintendo is phasing out its original Nintendo Switch console. On the contrary, it seems that the Switch OLED Model is simply going to be pushed as part of the Switch "family" of consoles, alongside the original Switch and the handheld-only Nintendo Switch Lite.
Meanwhile, it doesn't seem as though the Switch OLED supports 4K resolution as rumored. Now, this could be that Nintendo has another Switch waiting in the wings for release next year that will be more technologically advanced, but that's just speculation at this time. For now, Nintendo fans can wait for Switch Pro pre-orders to go live and look forward to the October 8 release date.