KEY POINTS

  • Doug Bowser gave an ambiguous response to the reports
  • He said the company is "always looking at technology"
  • Bowser said something similar in December 2020

The president of Nintendo of America has finally answered reports claiming that the company would release an upgraded version of its hybrid console, presumably called Nintendo Switch Pro, this year.

On the days leading to E3 2021, several rumors surfaced online claiming that Nintendo would launch new hardware. Bloomberg even released a report in May about the upgraded Switch model supposedly releasing as early as September 2021.

Finally, after several months of rumors and speculations, the company offered its response through Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser. In an interview with The Washington Post, Bowser underlined the impressive sales of Nintendo Switch, which is currently in its fifth year. He also shared that the Japanese gaming giant constantly considers technology advancements. "We are always looking at technology and how technology can enhance gameplay experiences. It's not technology for technology’s sake," Bowser revealed.

Since it hit stores in March 2017, the Nintendo Switch has become a huge global seller
Since it hit stores in March 2017, the Nintendo Switch has become a huge global seller AFP / Kazuhiro NOGI

"It's how specifically can technology enhance a gameplay experience. And then where do you apply that technology? Do you want to apply it on current existing hardware or platforms, or do you want to wait for the next platform," the executive added. "And then what's the right gameplay experience with that? There's a host of factors that goes into it, and it's something we're always looking at."

Unfortunately, the executive's response does not contain any exciting details that would somehow confirm the Nintendo Switch Pro is in development. What Bowser affirmed is that the company is considering new technologies to enhance the gameplay experience of its users. Sadly, Nintendo does this kind of response all the time when asked about the latest hardware rumors.

Interestingly, Bowser had almost the same response when asked about the Switch Pro in December 2020. "We're always looking at technology. And as we know, technology is constantly evolving and changing. And we're always looking at what is coming to determine: How can it enhance and improve the gameplay experience? And whether that’s on a current platform, or whether that’s on a future platform, we’re always looking at that," the executive told Polygon.

It looks like Nintendo will keep giving this ambiguous answer for as long as it's not yet ready to officially announce the Switch Pro.

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