Nintendo’s Switch Pro Could Release as Early as September, Reveal Expected Ahead of E3

Nintendo’s upgraded model of its Switch could release as early as September of this year. As many developers and publishers are primed to make announcements during E3 2021, a formal announcement of the long-awaited ‘Switch Pro’ could happen before the digital conference.

The news comes by way of Bloomberg who reports that Nintendo’s updated Switch (whether it’s called a Switch Pro or not) will ship at a higher price point than the existing $299 USD. The original model, which has only seen minor updates since its 2017 release, is said to be slowly phased out with the introduction of the upgraded model. The Switch Lite, Nintendo’s handheld-only version of the Switch will continue to be sold.

For months, it’s been rumoured that the Switch Pro will feature 4K resolution while docked. It’s also been said that the new model will sport a larger 7-inch screen. Bloomberg‘s latest report once again states that these targets are still in Nintendo’s sights. As Microsoft and Sony have both released their latest hardware innovations, Switch owners are eager for an upgrade.

Despite a global shortage of semiconductors, Nintendo’s assemblers are said to be targeting July as the month the device will begin shipping. Production will continue to ramp up and peak in October through December as demand will likely be fairly strong for the new piece of Nintendo hardware.

Suppliers are confident they can fulfill Nintendo’s orders despite the ongoing chip shortages. Its production lines are better prepared for the potential component shake-up and the parts Nintendo is using are subject to less competition than those in its rivals’ more powerful consoles.

As its being said Nintendo is targeting a release between September and October, it only makes sense that the company will take advantage of the E3 season to announce the product. Eurogamer has corroborated Bloomberg‘s report and states that a reveal of the hardware may happen ahead of E3 2021. The reasoning behind this is said to allow third-party developers to showcase their titles on Switch hardware during E3, before Nintendo’s presentation.

Nintendo is on board and will be a partner during the event, which is scheduled to take place June 12-15. As of now, Nintendo has not revealed when it will be holding its Nintendo Direct presentation. However, as history has dictated, the company usually holds its press events late into the conference.

On top of new hardware, fans are eager to see which game announcements Nintendo may have for this year. Alongside the release of the Switch Pro, Nintendo may choose to release the long-awaited The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 mirroring how the original switch launched with the first Breath of the Wild. Fans are also expecting an update on Metroid Prime 4, which has been in the works for many years at this point.