Nintendo hasn't confirmed that a Switch Pro is happening, but we've certainly heard enough rumours and the company's previous track record would suggest it will inject more power into its portable line in the fullness of time.
With a "Pro" model likely to include incremental improvements over the current version, the latest handheld from Chinese firm GPD – which is famous for its Windows-based handheld games machines – has us dreaming of could be possible if Nintendo really pushed the idea of a meatier, more potent Switch.
The GPD Win 3 looks a lot like a Switch – especially with that button and stick layout – but has some key cosmetic differences. The controls don't detach from the main unit and the console's screen slides up to reveal a keyboard – an essential feature when you consider that this is basically a tiny PC.
The company has released footage of the Win 3 running FromSoftware's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which, it's fair to say, appears to be running with some graphical detail toned down.
Even so, it's an impressive showing, and indicates that there's a lot more scope in pushing portable hardware with a new Switch model – as some have suggested, Nintendo will hopefully keep the Switch alive for years (if not decades) thanks to regular iPhone-style hardware refreshes. Who knows? We may even be playing next-gen games on the move in 2025.
Comments 91
As cool and nifty as this looks, how much will this thing cost? 1000$+?
I seriously doubt a hypothetical new Switch revision will be that much more powerful than the current flagship. Probably an upgraded CPU or a revised Tegra X1 chip like the Mariko Switch but looking at Nintendo's previous hardware iterations, especially for handhelds, I think it's super unrealistic to expect this 2nd Switch model to be any more capable of running current gen titles than it already is
I had the gpd win 2. Has a 3DS clam shell style. Loved it.
Gpd win 3 looks great. But I don't want to drop 1000 on it.
I am in possession of the GPD Win 2 atm and i am definitely selling that one for this GPD Win 3. Glad that i skipped the GPD Win Max tbh
@TheFrenchiestFry not on the currently predicted Switch Pro, but if Nintendo do opt to follow the iPhone model and put out more incremental upgrades every 3-4 years, then by 2025 we’d be on the Switch ProPlus, which might be sufficiently far from the OG model to appear Next Gen.
This is a 1000$+ handheld PC. So yea, dream on.
I have a GPD Win Max, amazing device, if a bit indulgent. Not sure about the face button placements on this Win 3.
@gaga64 By 2025 we might even be able to message friends!
That hideous early 2000's aesthetic. I'm getting Sony VAIO mini-PC vibes.
The stick and face button placement being almost flush with the edge of the screen and edge of the device isn't good either. You need room on the side for travel and to be able to grip the thing properly.
What's the point of power if it feels difficult to play
@ShogunRok As I was saying. 😂
it's dreaming so much that it wants a Sekiro game for switch
@Itachi2099 , at least $800.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/The-GPD-Win-3-brings-an-Intel-Core-i7-Tiger-Lake-processor-to-a-Nintendo-Switch-form-factor.503363.0.html#:~:text=Based%20on%20the%20prices%20of,for%20at%20least%20US%24800.
Not sure about this when it's price isn't known yet. Looking at how nintendo operates in past generations except for the WiiU(and we recall how well that went) , for a Switch Pro to happen it will need to:
A- to have production cost low enough to sell at a profit unlike most modern consoles which often cost more to make than they sell for
B- remain at a pricing point where it remains accessible to consumers yet re: still sell at a profit. So basically right now that sweet spot of about 350usd, MAYBE 400usd if they stretch it but I don't see them reaching for 400 or above.
Generally overall nintendo is more likely to release a "lite" version of a console than a PRO model with the New 3DS perhaps being one of the only outliers that happened over time and only late in the 3DS line did it finally overtake the base model in production... and technically now only as the New 2DS which is itself more or less a "lite" version of the 3DS with it's 3D taken out.
It's not to say a Switch Pro won't ever happen but I simply don't see it happening unless it can meet some of these requirements first.
That looks more like the Sony Vaio UX range of micro computers than a Switch. I used to love that little handheld.
@broskiplays How does it perform? What sort of games did you play on it?
I am going to use common sense and the evidence that was provided to say very likely we are getting a new revision of the Switch that has a nicer screen and more battery but the same relative power.
That being said I would put my money on them following this specific path.
Nintendo Switch (Hybrid System), Nintendo Switch Lite (Handheld only System) the obvious one missing from their family of systems is the Nintendo Switch Home (Console only System). It is clearly the last piece to their fabled 3 pillars they wanted years ago and it only makes sense since something console only would be easily capable of 4k with DLSS tech and would not cost more than the regular hybrid switch.
I like that keyboard idea. Hopefully, some of these competitors will spur Nintendo to keep innovating. I think we may see some cool Switch remodels in the next year or two.
This Powerful Portable Console Has Us Dreaming Of A Nintendo Switch Pro
Everything has Nintendo fanatics dreaming of Switch Pro. Every little announcement has these fanatic's speculating about a Switch Pro.
How many double A’s does it use ?
@TG16_IS_BAE All sorts of games, Need for Speed Most Wanted, The Witcher 3, Battlefield 1, Call of Duty Black Ops 4, The Binding of Isaac. I actually have a whole series of videos where i showcase gameplay of the GPD Win 2 on my channel (sorry for the shameless plug).
It's nice but until it dropped in price in the future, I'm just gonna stick with my GPD Win 2 for now, already could side load Steam, GOG, RetroArch, Dolphin, MAME, uPlay, Origin, EGS, Stadia, and Xbox Game Pass on it so I already got enough games to kill time before this thing warm its welcome.
@OldMcGroin Right!? This is one of my biggest pet peeves of the Switch and hardly anyone talks about it.
I prefer the clamshell style of the GPD Win 1 and 2.
@broskiplays It’s not shameless, if you don’t tell people about your channel, some people might not find it. What’s your channel so I can check that out? If it runs Witcher 3, that’s pretty crazy!
That's a bit much for a console like that. Also, there's a dislike button now? Has that always been there?
@Ludovsky And thats the main issue with Nintendo, right there. They want to turn a profit from everything without question.
Considering each video game sells millions of copies (without fail), in addition to accessory sales, in addition to their online service, this company should really focus on more competent hardware and just break even (or take a small loss).
This also opens the door to more AAA games because they have a better chance at running (remember, Nintendo also takes a small cut from every third-party game sold. This is something people often forget). I know powerful hardware does NOT guarantee more games, but at least it opens up the chances/greatly increases the odds.
But this is what happens when you're a publicly-traded corporation and are a tad too greedy. They limit the memory storage to 32GB in 2017, 4GB RAM, and so on. They follow a very penny-pinching strategy.
@gaga64 That I definitely don't expect. Families of devices are definitely a Nintendo thing but considering they're always trying to innovate and push forward even when iterating on tech I don't expect them to take the smartphone approach and turn the Switch into a console line in of itself when they could be making a flat out next gen console instead
The fact that Age of calamity runs this poorly natively, hitting single digits fps in co-op (at that point why bothering developing it?), like it's been ported from another console, has me wondering if it's already developed with a switch model slightly more powerful in mind.
As for the GPD, people have to realise that it's produced in small numbers by a relatively small company compared to nintendo, and it's essentially a PC using an x86 platform, so of course it's going to cost a lot. Nintendo has the opportunity to have an arm SOC made from the ground up by Nvidia, which is something very different. It's a stretch to say by non-engeneers like myself that a switch pro could comparable to a base PS4, but I feel that the real problem would be its cost, not if it could be done or not.
I have a gpd xd. It's great for emulation.
I would love a pocket PC, but I would be apprehensive about ordering something of this value online. Unfortunately, none of the tablets on the market seem to fill the pocket PC void.
@TheFrenchiestFry Im really surprised anyone thinks the hardward will be that much better. It might solve some stuttering issues, or load times, but were not going to get a console so different than our current one that a company will be like
"Hey lets make a game that will only work on the switch pro"
I dont think it will be amazing but it will have some minor improvements
I'm expecting a New 3DS-style upgrade that evens out some of the performance issues in a handful of demanding games, but that's it. Might help with games like Age of Calamity or Monster Hunter Rise, but I don't expect it to be transformative for the entire library.
The single long nail 💀
No one knows what the next switch will perform like. We will have to wait and see. Hopefully we do get a Q1 reveal at least and release not to far after. I’m ready for it though that’s for sure.
Why is everyone calling it the Switch Pro?
Pro models are released alongside "normal" models, just like "Lite" versions. This isn't any different from the Smartphone sector...
This is super confusing for people who aren't involved as much. We should really call it like the Switch 2 or something like that
@diablo2 I wouldn't call it the "main issues" because they have experience of what CAN happen if they're not careful and sell a console at a loss... the WiiU was a NASTY moment for Nintendo and I don't blame them for being
Plus, even moreso than a proper generation upgrade a "Pro" risks dividing the consumer base.
Meaning that even more than a new generation(which imply people moving to the new console for the new games that invariably come with it) it is entirely possible to produce too many consoles than there is demand for. While Switches sell at a profit, it's actually a tiny one meaning that it was still vulnerable from the possible losses that could have been incurred from producing too many consoles... and barely selling any. The pther side of this the possibility of NOT producing enough consoles and demand just not being there anymore when stocks resumes, especially if the delays cause more people to simply decide the base model was enough at the end of the day.
A lot of this combined is why I feel Nintendo is unlikely to shake the world with a "pro" model, if there is even one at all beyond further refinement of the current baseline as we've already seen with the latest "base" model with better battery life.
I'd pay the same price as the ps5 or Xbox to have a real Pro version of the Switch.
Doesn't need to be a 4k device but it does need more power to run all types of games.
@Dethmunk Did you actually read the text?
"With a "Pro" model likely to include incremental improvements over the current version, the latest handheld from Chinese firm GPD – which is famous for its Windows-based handheld games machines – has us dreaming of could be possible if Nintendo really pushed the idea of a meatier, more potent Switch."
We're well aware that a Switch Pro wouldn't be the same as this - but it's still interesting, especially if Nintendo decides to stick with the Switch concept for its next console. These machines show what is possible with portable hardware, and that's relevant to where Nintendo could be headed in the future.
I think the 'Pro' moniker is dumb.
Just make a Switch 2 and a sweet deal with Apple for the M1 processor. Drop some N games on the Apple Arcade or something.
M1, 8gb ram, 1080 (maybe upscaled higher but I don't care 1080 is fine), 256gb on board storage and maybe a nicer screen and there you go.
But it's Nintendo so no sense will come out of that HQ. They'll milk the switch as is for as long as possible bringing back the 'will they go 3rd party' talk after sales long dry up and everyone is playing on xbsx/ps5/gtx3k pcs and then they'll do some dumb stuff like bring out a waggle switch or something else stupid like they tend to do...
They ain't going back to the NES/SNES days and that's really a shame. Fare thee well Nintendo; I'm glad to have known you but I think I might be done with your incredible contempt for your fans and your inability to see past your own noses.
@Damo Plus nVidia signed an exclusivity deal with Nintendo behind closed doors we just do not know for how many years, this means the nextgen Switch will be a custom chipset much more more capable than the current Switch.
Whatever this deal was is also the reason you do not see new Shield tablets anymore because they are making mobile tech for Nintendo and it is clear they had to shift resources.
@TheFrenchiestFry oh I agree entirely, I’m just trying to help clarify the point suggested by the article.
Whilst I am expecting a Switch Pro eventually, I also think a full Switch 2 will come along when they’re ready for the next generation, and they’ll have some equally revolutionary concept ready for the generation after that...
It’s kinda tradition now. NES=>Super NES, N64=>Cube, Wii=>Wii U, Game Boy=>GB Advance, DS=>3DS. Revolution => Evolution, Revolution => Evolution, rinse, repeat... The names set the stall out pretty clearly too (except the GameCube, which should’ve been Nintendo 128 or N2001 or something equally hard to market).
Also worth noting that aside from the SNES/N64, there’s a pretty clear up/down/up/down sales pattern too... Revolutions sell, Evolutions struggle. Though that only applies to Nintendo themselves...
This 700-1000 dollar Chinese piracy box is a Nintendo Switch killer!...
Where have I heard that before?
That's a lot of money for a portable emulator box.
Technologically this looks amazing.
Ergonomically... my hands are cramping just watching the video!
Make no mistake, folks, a Switch it isn't. I've used the original Win for a good while (a clamshell the size of 3DS rather than a slider here), and it's a micro PC with its entailing ups and downs, not a console like Switch. There's a lot you can do with these machines, a lot you can't and a lot you theoretically could if you don't mind all the custom shamanic dances involved. Dunno about this model, but the early ones actually used a sideways-positioned mobile screen which kept the Windows 10 view set to 270° by default and routinely messed up a multitude of pre-2005 games that weren't natively taught to account for that.
GPD computers can make a convincing alternative for some games you're not finding on Switch (or will ever find, like the first FlatOut I mostly played on my Win 1), but I wouldn't dream of them ever replacing my Switch. Still, as portable gaming options go, they're certainly not something to sneeze at, provided you have the spare funds for a limited run custom Chinese computer. Used Win 1s should go for relatively cheap now, but this new one? I don't even dare ask. Win 2 launched for roughly the sum that had brought me a new PS4 Slim AND a Switch by then.
@TheFrenchiestFry Normally, I would agree but since this is their only console and the new Xbox and Playstation have just launched, I would bet that they want to produce a new device that is capable of playing scaled down versions of the games that are being released for next gen.
@TG16_IS_BAE it's my name. BroskiPlays
I'm curious about a Windows handheld. Reason being Microsoft pump out so many updates every month. One of my 3 year old laptop barely functions. How long does a GPD hold up against a barrage of Window updates?
@sword_9mm not a bad idea... They could put the WiiU ports on there, or a few at least.
@Camek48 Although the dislike option is there, you won't know how many users dislike a comment as it will not show unlike the like button. Nintendolife does this so users don't feel sorry about what they said or how many people disagree with them.
@Damo Why can't the Switch have an "eGPU dock"? Have that eGPU upgradeable so that you would be able to keep the Switch but over time upgrade the graphics while docked. Or even have it so that the dock could be more of an actual processing device to stream to the switch when not connected to it. I think there are more options Nintendo could pursue that would mean that they don't have to keep reinventing the Switch.
@Heavyarms55 It's not a piracy box, it's basically just a Windows PC in handheld form. The GPD line of portable function as a handheld game system, a home entertainment system, a Steam Machine, and a portable PC. GPD had partnership with Microsoft to use Windows for their product so it's really not a piracy product.
This looks amazing. I need to find the specs though. Not expecting it to be cheap
@broskiplays Oh! Lol I’ll check it out, thank you!
Yeah I want one but not for that price.
I can buy a portable gaming laptop and it'll cost 200-300 less than this.
@Retro_Player_77 Sure dude. If you say so.
@Retro_Player_77 All sounds great to be fair. Well apart from Stadia.
A Switch Pro will be with us in March 2021 - announced January 2021 I think. Better screen with talk being of oled’s being used. Also 4K output from a new dock is likely. Price probably not much more that it is now - OLED’s are cheap but work well.
Nintendo doesn’t need to be as powerful as next gen adnd if it wants to go down that route it will need a new home console and it simply is not going to abandon the Switch model anytime soon - you have to be realistically be looking at ten years plus for Switch and propably more as the OG model isn’t even 4 years old yet.
A Pro will just allow ports to continue as they do now but the Switch will still do fine without all of the third parties porting games over. 3rd party games just do not sell that well on Nintendo consoles anymore. You can bury your heard in the sand on that but it has been the case for a long time. Indies, retro, 1st party IP and the occasional AAA 3rd party game will keep Switch selling for many years. But I do think the PRO will offer a decent upgrade on the current model although backward compatibility will be a must.
@wolfhammerr There is somthing in that for sure. Have even heard rumours for the future of a Switch Home that would basically be a home version with the 4K output. I can’t see it msyelf just beacuse the handheld function is where Nintendo excel and right now there is no reason at all to see them change that strategy in any way, shape or form.
Nice. Now tell us, for how much time can it play a demanding game before it starts to melt?
I had a Win 2 and loved it. The only negative was that it had a super loud fan. It sounded like a vacuum cleaner at times. 😅
I'm gonna laugh next year when this Switch Pro doesn't even happen.
@jarvismp I only kept Stadia so I could try out some games, other than that I hadn't actually bought anything on there yet.
I have a GPD win max since two months and it is quite good. Not perfect clearly (ergonomy...) but it does the job for my PC games.
@Rebusmind The only thing I don't like about the Win 2 is when it gets a bit hot during the recharge process, it's really not ideal to charge while playing at the same time.
"switch pro" lol. I know common stupid people call it pro, but it's like PushSquare speaking of the "PS4 U" instead of PS5. You have to be dumb as hell to keep calling it "pro"
But GPD-devices cost like more than PS5 and runs terrible windows, I think we already got very good performance for 299:-
I personally don’t think there will be a switch pro as such but I do think there will be some variant of an upgrade like they did with the 3DS. Maybe with all the remade games being called DELUXE then I’m willing to guess it would be called Nintendo Switch DX.
Not much more powerful but fixing some hardware issues
I hope Nintendo will carry on designing their consoles around gameplay ideas. I much prefer games consoles when they are toys instead of PCs for babies.
There will be a more advanced Switch in March.
If something like this came out (especially with slide up Keyboard) as a switch pro, even at $1,000 I'd buy it. The reason being I will spend $1000 on a new Samsung phone every year, why not spend money on getting a new system every 3 to 5 years.
Understandable people may think this is way too high, but if it was a beast, why not go for it? Everyone that didn't want to spend the money, could stick to the switch.
This isn't a console. It's a PC, a UMPC specifically. It's running Windows 10 for goodness sake!
@AJDarkstar These will sell. Why do you think it's called the GPD Win 3. GPD had been doing well enough to make a third one.
@SigourneyBeaver Here are the specs info so far. Sadly it's still render in 720p, that means expect PS3/Xbox 360 level of graphic with all your games. You won't get Dynamic HDR and ray tracing with this system just yet:
Controls: ALPS dual 3D joysticks/ Dual vibration motors / Backlit hidden touch keyboard
Display: 5.5" screen H-IPS
Resolution: 720p
CPU: Up to Tiger Lake U i7-1165G7 (?)
GPU: Iris Xe
RAM: 16GB Dual Channel LPDDR4X 4266MHz
I/O: Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 / MicroSDXC
Storage: NVMe 2280
Connectivity: WiFi 6/Bluetooth 5.0/ Docking Station
Power: 65W PD 2.0 charging /1.5hr charging
Source: https://hothardware.com/news/gpd-win-3-announcement
Interesting article.
yay i have the gpd win max currently and its a beast for 700 bucks. Can't see the win 3 being higher than 800 with all the new revisions and differences it has. Looking forward to this guy
Lol yeah right, 60fps.🤣
Where can i find the specs of this handheld pc?
People are still seriously dreaming of a Switch "Pro"? Seriously, move on. It won't be happening. It never has happened. Nintendo just don't do separate versions with more power and costing more money to sit beside a base model. Even the PS and XB situations were a one-off affair due to the sudden proliferation of 4K and HDR. Better off dreaming of a New Switch or Switch 2, which would replace the current Switch, probably early 2022 (or perhaps late 2021) with BOTW2 as the launch title. It would retail at the same price, with the old Switch discounted to run out old stock.
The expected price will be around $850 judging from past GPD's .
Need to remember this will be running the latest Intel Tiger Lake chip. It will also have removable SSD storage and 16GB RAM.
Other features include analogue triggers.
If you like PC gaming on the go in handheld form and can afford it, there really isn't ay other options. They seem to have cornered the market
I'm just going to say it. Nintendo don't need a Switch Pro. At least not yet.
The Switch is still selling gangbusters, despite the new gen being here. It will continue to sell amazingly well throughout next year at minimum. There might be a very vocal niche calling out for an upgraded Switch, but everyday Joe isn't going to buy it.
I'm not saying I wouldn't buy one. If they slapped limited edition Monster Hunter all over it, I'd be in on day one (the only reason I bothered getting a PS4 Pro tbh).
I just don't think it makes sense for them to release a pro, whilst sales of Switch are still exceptionally strong.
Before a pro model, I think Nintendo should release improved joycon.
@teo_o honestly because koei tecmo is involved in it I wouldn't read TOO much into it.
Optimization is.... not something they're super known for.
Just look into Dragon Quest Heroes 2's Switch port. There's very much Reasons.tm that one hasn't hit the west yet.
Switch Pro will probably not even be 1080p. My guess is a sleeker design but not much in the way of more graphical power.
This is a weird article. The GPD isn't even a console, it's a portable PC. Anyone hoping for the performance of this machine in a Switch Pro for the Switch price point is kidding themselves, so why even make the comparison?
I wish I could get a bleeding edge PC better than PS5/XBX for the price of a console, doesn't mean it's gonna happen.
@Heavyarms55 lol, what? So, every Windows based PC, laptop and tablet is just a piracy machine? Cause that's what this actually is....a portable Windows based PC.
This looks pretty great, but the form factor is too small, this looks more awkward than the switch and that is saying something.
@ObsidianEleven I'd buy one tomorrow. I'd like to be able to play more current games in a higher resolution. It should also have a much bigger onboard memory capacity and better form factor. There is much that can be improved and i hope they do it soon.
I like this and I think what grabbed my attention was the similarity of the case to the old Compaq Pocket PC's. If this was a reasonable price I would get it.
It's possible to make a high powered handheld device. It will just be very expensive which is contrary to Nintendo's tradition of selling relatively inexpensive systems.
It kinda looks like a notebook from blues clues to me..
@Retro_Player_77 Thanks!
Resolution isn't much of a concern because the screen size is appropriate for it.
More concerning is the GPU and what this new Xe can do compared to their other integrated GPUs. Hopefully more than PS3 graphics.
@TheFrenchiestFry
"I seriously doubt a hypothetical new Switch revision will be that much more powerful than the current flagship. Probably an upgraded CPU or a revised Tegra X1 chip like the Mariko Switch but looking at Nintendo's previous hardware iterations, especially for handhelds, I think it's super unrealistic to expect this 2nd Switch model to be any more capable of running current gen titles than it already is"
You don't know much about the history of nintendo handheld iterations then. The new 3DS had double the ram, twice as many cores and CPU cores clocked 3x higher that allowed it to run certain games from the Wii(Xenoblade Chronicles)/Xbox 360 (Minecraft) and Switch consoles (Fire Emblem Warriors). If the Switch Pro core count went from 4 to 8 (matching PS4 and Xbox One) and the RAM allocation went from 4 GB to 8 GB (matching the PS4 and Xbox One), how would it not be more capable of running "current gen games".
@YANDMAN This is the AYA NEO: 7" screen, roughly the same size as the Switch:
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