KEY POINTS

  • The new Nintendo Switch model reportedly could deliver games at 720p while not on its dock
  • Mass production of these panels is said to commence in June of this year
  • Nintendo has not confirmed the existence of the new Switch model

Speculations and leaks about an upgraded version of the hybrid console Nintendo Switch have been rife online for several years. Still, a new report claims that the new Switch with a couple of major upgrades is launching in the latter part of 2021.

Bloomberg earlier reported that the Japanese gaming giant would strive to maintain market dominance this holiday season by debuting a new Nintendo Switch model. Citing sources familiar with Nintendo's plans, the report revealed that the new hybrid console would sport a 7-inch, 720p Samsung OLED display.

New Nintendo Switch 2021 Specs

The current Nintendo Switch model features a 6.2-inch LCD, while the Switch Lite sports a 5.5-inch LCD. Both models run games at 720p, and neither could hit that resolution while in handheld mode. It appears that the new Nintendo Switch model is powerful enough to deliver games at 720p while not on its dock.

The US International Trade Commission announced an investigation in Nintendo's hugely popular Switch devices over alleged patent infringement
The US International Trade Commission announced an investigation in Nintendo's hugely popular Switch devices over alleged patent infringement AFP / Behrouz MEHRI

While the current 6.2-inch Switch and 5.5-inch Switch Lite each have 720p LCD displays, neither model can hit that resolution consistently while playing games in handheld mode. Presumably, the new Switch model will be powerful enough to run games at 720p resolution when users want to play their games undocked.

New Nintendo Switch 2021 Mass Production

Mass production of these panels is said to commence in June of this year, with the initial target reportedly under a million units. Aside from the new Nintendo Switch model's size, the Japanese gaming giant is also reportedly aiming 4K resolution for the games played on television while the new hybrid console is in its dock. The current model of Switch is only capable of running games at 1080p while linked to a TV.

4K is the latest trend for home consoles as featured in new-generation gaming systems like PS5 and Xbox Series X. With the major upgrade apparently coming in the new Nintendo Switch, the Japanese gaming giant could bring the hybrid console up to speed with its industry rivals. DSCC display consultancy co-founder Yoshio Tamura shared to NintendoLife that "the OLED panel will consume less battery, offer higher contrast and possibly faster response time when compared to the Switch’s current liquid-crystal display."

Nintendo has not confirmed the existence of the new Switch model.

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