Topic: The Nintendo Switch Thread

4K is most definitely the buzz word ATM and it does generate clicks. But it's worth remembering the difference between "4K capable hardware" and 4K capable hardware

Given the Switch is more or less a re-branded NVidia Shield I don't think 4K output is at all a stretch. I think HDMI 2.0/2.1 support and VRR is quite likely for a Switch revision given their ties to NVidia. Especially given that last year NVidia expanded their VRR support beyond pure GSync displays. Also given the Switch is their best selling gaming product I would think they'd be interested in pushing their AI Up-scaling tech.

Would I expect games to be rendered at 4K on this new Switch revision? No, not in the slightest outside of maybe some super lightweight titles. Would I expect a 4K display? No, I can see value in them going 1080p as a bullet point but 4K is stupid for a screen. But is 4K output on the table? Absolutely.

@Grumblevolcano
They won't make exclusives for it anyway so it doesn't matter much for the 3rd party stuff. It'll just be like the standard Switch targets 720p 30fps for most big games, and the Switch Pro targets 1080p and 60fps for those same games.

@Dezzy new 3DS flashbacks...

@Octane

Yeah but that only got 2 first party ports as exclusives, and then virtual console stuff. In other words, nothing creating brand new as an exclusive.
What could they port in this case? Nothing really. They don't have a superior console to downgrade from.
Only a 3rd party could do that, probably a PS4 downgrade. But a 3rd party doesn't care about hardware sales, so they're gonna want maximum install base and will therefore release on all Switch models.

@Dezzy The last thing I'd want is another first party game exclusive to the ''updated'' model. Terrible practice IMO.

@Octane There were also pseudo-exclusives like Hyrule Warriors Legends and Pokemon Gen 7 where the games ran like trash on the OG 3DS.

@StuTwo

Only fools and filthy casuals would believe Nintendo would bother to release a platform to compete with PS5 and Xbox SX. Those folks should let that dream die. Portable gaming is Nintendo's modus operandi.

Those rumors like to tout how a Switch Pro would do 4k, but the thing is...the Tegra X1 currently in the Switch can already do 4k. The Switch is purposely tuned down so that battery life is extended.
https://developer.nvidia.com/content/tegra-x1

Yes. I think some people can't spot the difference between words in quotation marks and words that have been underlined.

@Magician Yep - I agree (with a few minor provisos). I think that Nintendo's modus operandi is Nintendo games. Whether portable or not doesn't matter to them so long as they can realise their intended vision and reach their intended audience. They don't need PS5 level power just now to do their first party games justice.

They also wouldn't to get the third party publishers to commit in the ways necessary sell a power console effectively.

I can absolutely see a "New 3DS" style "New Switch" with 10-20% more power in real terms, a better screen (though probably still 720p) and more on-board storage. They may even have the brass neck to badge it as a "Switch Pro". It would allow Nintendo to keep Switch positioned in the marketplace at the same price as a premium product (and would allow them to stretch the lower ends of the market). If it happens I think that extra power will be used almost entirely to stabilise frame rates and improve loading times. I would be very surprised if any more than a small handful of exclusive games were ever released.

I think if we do see a "Switch Pro" in 2021 then the true Switch successor isn't arriving before 2023.

I'd put it this way. The PS3 could do "1080p" in the sense that it could output a 1080p signal. And it was marketed as a "HD" console for that reason. But I wouldn't class that hardware as 1080p capable, most of it's games were running at 720p or less. It was a slightly higher than SD console. But I would call the PS4 1080p capable.

Similarly the PS4 has a HDMI 2.0 port so it can technically output a 4K signal. And the relatively minor spec jump to the PS4 Pro had them saying the console was "4K" in their marketing. But I wouldn't say the PS4, or the PS4 Pro for that matter, as capable of rendering games at 4K. I would however say the PS5 will likely be.

I don't see any reason why a Switch revision in 2021 wouldn't have HDMI 2.0/2.1. I wouldn't be surprised if, with NVidia behind them, they leverage NVidia's AI up-scaling. So I can definitely see Nintendo putting 4K in their marketing for a revision. But I wouldn't expect a PS5 competitor

@StuTwo

No disagreement, I think an upgraded Switch is coming. But I feel it'll take the form of a tv-only variant. The polar opposite of the Switch Lite. Remove the dock, the screen, and the joy-con. Just a tuned up Tegra X1 with no portability, lets say...$200. Controller sold separately of course, unless you want purchase a bundle that comes with a Pro controller and (insert the Switch first party game of your choice here) for $300?

You can buy one now...well sort of.
https://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA-Shield-Android-Streaming-Perfor...

@Magician tuned up docked only tegra x1 is my dream. Let it be true.

Nintendo didn't mind the Switch Lite because it fits with the "Play Anywhere" marketing for the console. I also can't see them pushing two budget Switch SKUs simultaneously. Whatever this new hardware ends up being, it's almost certainly not going to be a TV-only device.

I wouldn't mind seeing an upgraded Switch that's the same size as the current one, but the screen covers the whole middle portion, with less border around it.

Exactly. They're not going to sell three SKUs. Even if they ''upgrade'' a system, I expect only a minor upgrade.

@Octane I agree with you but they have sold 3 different versions like the 2DS, 3DS and New 3DS before.

@skywake Nvidia has had job postings for engineers to put DLSS 2.0 in Tegra chips and to use it in upcoming gaming hardware.

So yes, the next Switch will likely use their AI upscaling.

@Ralizah @Octane

That's the problem when you had Sony and MS doing mid-gen refreshes in the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, everyone assumes Nintendo is going to follow suit with their own mid-gen refresh in a Switch Pro. Fortunately, Nintendo doesn't care about competition for resolution. Despite all the rumors about a Switch Pro I firmly believe Nintendo is going to ride out the Switch and Switch Lite for three or four more years, no mid-gen refresh.

@Magician i don't think everyone is expecting a revision because of ps5 and xbox, but because of nintendo's history with portables. It's proven to be very profitable for them to continuously release revisions.
personally i'm fine with the current hardware outside of joycon drift.
If the do a revision for the joycons keeping the width it might mean i could upgrade my controllers without changing the console. Dunno, i see interesting possibilities here, outside of resolution which doesn't interest me.

Aren't they .... ? This time, there's strongly rumoured to be a Series S to launch alongside X! It's almost inevitable there'll be at least 1 mid-gen upgrade for both, as well

@BruceCM it could of course, but they are not portable. Maybe xcloud. I see a potential problem for nintendo with the surging of streaming services.