Nintendo today has unveiled a brand new model of its ever popular Switch hybrid console. As you may recall, earlier leaks and reports have been suggesting that the Japanese video game giant is working on a “Pro” version of the device, which allegedly comes with better internal hardware and 4K output capability. Well, we hate to break it to you, but this new model isn’t it.
Instead, this new Nintendo Switch model features one major upgrade over its predecessor, which is its display. The upcoming hybrid console variant will now be equipped with a 7-inch OLED 720p display, which is considerably larger and also visually better than the 6.2-inch LCD found on the original. Despite the increase in screen size, its height remains the same – therefore meaning that it will still work with all existing Joy-Con controllers.
Other noteworthy improvements introduced on the OLED model includes a larger internal storage capacity of 64GB, enhanced stereo speakers, and a new adjustable kickstand which spans the entire width of the console’s rear bottom half. The latter appears to be sturdier than the small yet flimsy plastic kickstand featured on the current Switch models. Nintendo did not detail on the new version’s onboard battery, but it is believed that it will retain the same 9-hour capacity as the refreshed model that was released in July 2019.
Meanwhile, the included dock also comes with upgrades of its own. Its interior component now features an extra USB-A slot, and a new wired LAN port – a much appreciated addition, especially for those who frequently play games online (when at home, of course).
The new Nintendo Switch OLED model will be available in the traditional neon red/blue colour scheme together with a black dock, or in black/white colours with a white dock. The updated console is slated to be released in the US on 8 October and will retail at US$350 (~RM1,458). Its availability in other regions including Malaysia is not known at this time.
(Source: Nintendo [Official website] [YouTube])
