Earlier this year, rumors started swirling that Nintendo had two Switch revisions in development. One would be a cheaper, handheld-only Switch, and the other would be a more expensive, upgraded version of the console. Eventually, half the rumor was proven true when Nintendo officially announced the Switch Lite, the handheld-only Switch that retails for just $199 compared to the $299 price of the standard console. The rumored Switch Pro has yet to be officially revealed, but more information on it may have leaked.
This information comes 4chan user Xhyll, who said that they learned details about the Switch Pro from a former Nintendo. Xhyll referred to the Switch Pro console as "Nintendo Switch 2," and said that it will share all games and accessories with the standard Switch instead of being a next-generation console as its name may imply. The Switch 2 will offer "an extreme evolution and technical/graphics upgrades of existing Nintendo Switch games on the market," and will supposedly retail for $399 with a January 2021 release date.
However, there is a catch with the Switch 2 when compared to the standard Switch model. According to Xhyll, the Switch 2 will be a TV-only device, meaning that the handheld/console hybrid capabilities of the regular Switch will be thrown out the window. The ability to switch between being a home console and a handheld is one of the main selling points of the Nintendo Switch, but we've already seen Nintendo abandon that idea with the Switch Lite, so it's not entirely outside the realm of possibility.
Xhyll also revealed specs for the rumored Switch 2 console:
- Dimensions: 121mm x 202mm x 50.6mm
- Weight: 398g
- Connectors: 2 USB Type A ports (3.0), 2 USB Type-C ports, 2 HDMI ports, power supply socket
- CPU/GPU: NVIDIA Tegra Xavier processor (custom)
- System Memory: 64 GB solid-state drive
- Connectivity: Wireless LAN, Bluetooth 5.1
- Video Output: Standard 1920 x 1080 resolution, FullHD [60 fps], maximum Ultra HD and 4K resolution
- Audio output: Linear PCM 5.1 stereo support, and 7.1 surround
- Speakers: Stereo
- USB Ports: Type A (3.0), and Type-C
- Audio Socket: Stereo output
- Game Card Slot: Only for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 game cards
- Power Supply: AC 100 - 240 V, 50/60 HZ
Like with any "leak," the question boils down to whether or not fans should actually believe any of it. Since the information comes from 4chan and Xhyll was able to share specs (unusual for a product that's apparently not due for release for over a year), fans should take this news with a massive grain of salt. Even so, Nintendo's history of releasing console and handheld revisions does make it easy to believe, and such a product would theoretically help it better compete against the likes of the PS5 and Project Scarlett.
And it should also be noted that there have been some accurate video game leaks to come from 4chan, including those involving Nintendo products. The big Pokemon Sword and Shield leak from 4chan has been proven to be nearly 100% accurate, so while it's possible Xhyll is making this up, their claims can't be discounted entirely.
Whether or not the Switch Pro or Switch 2 console actually exists remains to be seen, but if it does, we should learn more about it in the coming year.
Source: Inverse