Words: Kate Harrold
Since its launch in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has been an overwhelming success having sold over 84,000,000 units as of March 2021. And let's be honest, we all knew at least five people who spent the early parts of lockdown 2020 glued to the console-exclusive Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Thanks to the Nintendo Switch's ongoing popularity, it was no surprise that earlier this month the company announced the updated Nintendo Switch (OLED Model).
The announcement, while generally well received, wasn't exactly what fans wanted to hear. Rumours have been circulating for several years suggesting that a high-end Nintendo Switch 'Pro' model - offering 4K support and bigger cartridge sizes - was in the works. The Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) on the other hand uses the same Nvidia Custom Tegra processor as the standard Nintendo Switch model. Not much of an upgrade, then.
Check out the OLED Model reveal video, below...
That's not to say that the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) doesn't offer some great benefits. The console has a seven-inch-wide screen, an adjustable stand for tabletop usage, 64GB of storage, an updated audio system and a reimagined dock which includes a wired LAN port. Despite this, it's still not the 'Pro' model some fans were hoping for.
Shortly following the announcement, Nintendo released a statement on Twitter clarifying its position on the much-expected 'Pro'.
"A news report on 15 July 2021, claimed that the profit margin of the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) would increase compared to the Nintendo Switch. To ensure the correct understanding among our investors and customers, we want to make it clear that the claim is incorrect," it read. "We also want to clarify that we just announced that Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) will launch in October 2021, and have no plans for launching any other model at this time."
Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser also chose to firmly keep the focus on the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) stating that it's "a great option for players who want to experience the new vibrant screen when playing in handheld and tabletop mode," and explaining that "people have an additional choice of a system that best fits the gaming experience they desire". Nevertheless, rumours of a 'Pro' model persist, and it's unlikely that this statement from Nintendo will do much to calm expectations for such a console's reveal in the future.
The Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) is set to be released worldwide on 8 October 2021 at a cost of £309.99 - and while there are no plans for a Nintendo Switch Pro in the pipeline for now, we can set our eyes, ears, and hopes on the months beyond October, and more likely the next financial year.
Featured Image Credit: Erik Mclean & Lucas Santos via UnsplashTopics: Nintendo Switch, News