Rumor: Updated Switch Model Could Release by Year’s End

Posted on May 27 2021 by Andrew Millard

Just about every aspect of life this past year has played the waiting game. Concrete news about our favorite games and their availability floats just out of reach. Rumors become so widespread and “leaks” seem so convenient that it’s hard not to take them as fact. But another trait this year has shown is that it is always best to wait and see (and be flexible) when it comes to scheduling release dates.

With all that said, Bloomberg is reporting that the highly-speculated, forthcoming hardware upgrade to the Nintendo Switch will be released sometime between this fall and the end of the year. Eurogamer has also picked up the story. Zelda Dungeon itself has reported on past rumors that have come to nothing. We do our best to vet only rumors that come from reputable sources that have also gained traction within the industry. It must also be noted that the author of this Bloomberg article is the same writer who predicted the Switch Pro’s release in past news cycles.

Taking this news with a hefty grain of salt, the so-called “Switch Pro” release will be an important shift in Nintendo’s strategies going forward. And indeed, it seems, that an upgraded console is a foregone conclusion. The Switch is in its midlife, and Nintendo is facing fiercely renewed competition from both Sony and Microsoft.

The Bloomberg report touches on three important aspects of what releasing new hardware would mean for Nintendo. First, that the as-yet unnamed refresh will replace the existing Nintendo Switch and its $299 USD price point. Second, that the new price point will have to be more expensive, but that the Switch Lite’s price will remain. And third, that releasing new hardware during a semiconductor shortage and supply/demand bottleneck could be fraught with complications. Purchasing new electronics, especially new consoles and gaming components is proving to be a significant challenge for fans, and likely will be for the foreseeable future.

The author of the article leans on unnamed Nintendo insiders who claim these rumors coincide with the upcoming E3 conference in June. However, even the extent to which Nintendo will be involved with E3 is up for debate.

The more these rumors pile up, the more likely it seems we’re in for some big, official news in the near future. Zelda Dungeon will keep you posted.

What do you think? Is news of a new Switch finally about to truly break? Are you looking forward to attempting to purchase a new Switch in the current climate? Let’s hear it in the comments.

Source: Bloomberg News