Nintendo Switch Pro May Be Released in 2020

New reports have once again revived rumours that a more powerful Switch "Pro" model may be released in 2020. However, a release year is still up in the air, with reports suggesting the existence of a "pro" model from last year.

According to sources from a supply chain company, Taiwanese website Digitimes reports that a new switch model will enter mass production Q1 2020 for release in mid-2020. These reports coincide with analyst predictions that a Switch Pro model will be released later this year, leading to speculation that a new Switch model will be revealed sometime in the following months.

A new switch model was first reported back in August 2019 by Takashi Mochizuki of The Wall Street Journal. He explained that "Nintendo has considered more updates to the Switch lineup after [Switch and Switch Light] to prolong the lifecycle of the platform."

Nintendo is known for releasing updates for its handheld line, just look at the Nintendo DS and 3DS consoles and their many iterations. While Nintendo is working on yet another refresh to switch beyond light and the larger battery version released last year, it's unclear what new features can be included in the refresh. Although many people predict at least some kind of increase in computing power.

Analysts are somewhat sceptical of whether there will be a new Switch model in 2020, let alone a more powerful "Pro" model. Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Dr. of Kanten Games Serkan Toto says, "There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Nintendo will launch a" Switch Pro "in 2020 ... more specifically, I predict 4K support, larger cartridge sizes and of course beef-up components. "

Other analysts such as Pierce Harding-Rolls of IHS Market Technology say, "The prospect of a high-end switch has dropped significantly in 2020 following the launch of improved flagship switches and switch lights."

Many analysts and reports agree that Nintendo wants to release refreshed versions of the Nintendo Switch to maintain the console cycle, but for specifics like the release year and whether the "Pro" model is still unclear, actually. As such, these reports and predictions should be taken with a grain of salt.