The release of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is set for 2020. Both consoles are highly anticipated. With the Switch Lite, the new edition, and games like Ring Fit and Pokémon, there is no need for a Switch Pro release in 2020. We present to you the reasons why a Switch Pro release in 2020 is unnecessary and Nintendo is well-positioned even without it.
What is Nintendo actually doing in 2020? Many users hope for a Switch Pro, a premium version of Nintendo’s hybrid console. But maybe a Switch Pro won’t even come in 2020 – because Nintendo doesn’t have to hide from PlayStation and Xbox with its current models. In this article, we present the following topics:
- What reasons support a Nintendo Switch?
- What do analysts say, and what does Nintendo say?
- What is Nintendo’s situation at the beginning of 2020?
- Why is there no need for a Nintendo Switch in 2020?
Nintendo Switch: High price, weak hardware – successful
What would support a Switch Pro? The reasons are varied:
- Most console manufacturers offer not only a standard and a budget version but also a powerful version of their console. Nintendo provided a weaker version of the Switch in 2019 with the Switch Lite.
- At the launch of the Nintendo Switch in March 2017, the Switch offered weak hardware for a comparatively high price, which was already outdated at the time of release: weak, sensitive screen, short battery life, and a mediocre Tegra graphics processor from Nvidia – the world had already seen faster and better by that time.
- For many users, the Switch represents ultimate flexibility: you can play anywhere and also use the console on the TV. Many are hoping for a Pro version with a stronger battery and, of course, features like 4K support.
Switch Pro Release: What are the arguments for and against 2020?
What do analysts say about the Switch Pro? Speculation about a possible Switch Pro has been ongoing for some time. The CEO of Japanese developer Kantan Games, Serkan Toto, stated in an interview with “Gameindustry”:
There is absolutely no doubt that Nintendo will release a Switch Pro in 2020, probably for $399. I expect 4K support, a bigger battery, and improved components. I even think the device will come after the summer holidays to annoy the PS5 and next-gen Xbox.
Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games. Source: Gameindustry.biz
Toto believes that a new model of the Switch could still come this year. His strongest argument: If the Switch Pro comes after the summer holidays, it would be one step ahead of the competition.
However, Piers Harding-Rolls from IHS Markit Technology is skeptical in the same interview with Gameindustry:
No surprise, but the Switch will again be the best-selling console in 2020. I think the likelihood of a higher-end Switch has significantly decreased after the launch of the improved Switch and the Switch Lite.
Piers Harding-Rolls, IHS Markit Technology, Source: Gameindustry.biz
What does Nintendo itself say about the Switch Pro? Nintendo has been withholding hints about another Switch model for the last few months. In the recently released financial report for 2019 (via Nintendo), Nintendo now states regarding the Switch Pro:
Aside from questions about the Nintendo Switch, it is important that we continue to support the two current systems [Note of the editor: Switch and Switch Lite]. We currently have no plans to release a new Switch model in 2020.
Nintendo’s 2019 financial report, Source: Nintendo
Nintendo: Pokémon Home, Exclusives, and more Pokémon
What about outside of the Switch? Especially in terms of Pokémon, Nintendo is also represented outside of the Switch. Not only are in-house titles like Pokémon Sword and Shield extremely successful, but Pokémon GO also ensures a strong presence of the Nintendo brand, alongside films and series. Pokémon alone has become so big that even Nintendo-independent games like Temtem benefit from the enormous popularity of Pokémon.
With Pokémon Home, Nintendo has even launched a cross-platform paid service that allows users to easily store and manage their collected Pokémon from various titles in the cloud. As early as the end of 2019, Nintendo announced Pokémon Home and Pokémon Plus.
Nintendo does not need a Switch Pro against PS5 and Xbox
Nintendo is also successful without a Switch Pro:
- The Switch console will prove to be a solid backbone this year and the paid service “Switch Online” also brings in revenue for Nintendo.
- With titles like Pokémon Sword and Shield, Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, or Ring Fit Adventure, Nintendo has strong exclusive titles.
- With Pokémon Home and its e-shop, the manufacturer also provides two strong services ready.
This is also shown by the official business figures for 2019 (via Nintendo) that Nintendo had released:
- Nintendo estimates its total profit at 262.93 billion yen. That is about 2.18 billion euros. In comparison, Sony (PlayStation) made a profit of 916.3 billion yen in the previous year 2019, which corresponds to about 7.3 billion euros.
- The Switch sold nearly 18 million units last year, compared to 14.49 million units of the Switch and Lite version in the previous year (2018).
- Only the sales of the DS devices are significantly declining.
Nintendo therefore does not need the Switch Pro and does not have to compete with Sony and Microsoft in the Christmas business of 2020. Nintendo released the first Switch back in March 2017 – away from all holidays and celebrations. Nevertheless, it was a great success.
