Nintendo Reportedly Provided 4K Capable Dev Kits Even Though There’s No Switch Pro

When the Switch OLED was first announced over the summer, fans and observers alike noted its lack of overall improvements to the base model. While the Switch OLED featured a much nicer screen, it lacked the 4K display and improved processor long-rumored to be part of the so-called Switch Pro.

Nevertheless, it seems that multiple developers around the world have access to development kits that enable 4K graphics on the Nintendo Switch. Bloomberg reports that Nintendo sent the kits to developers with the request to create games that support higher resolution games. It's unclear if Nintendo's original intentions changed owing to the ongoing chip shortages fueled by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement to Bloomberg, Nintendo called its reports "inaccurate," but declined to elaborate further. Developers reportedly expect their 4K games to be released in the second half of 2022.

The Switch Pro has been rumored since at least 2019, when it was first mentioned in tandem with the console that would become the Switch Lite. Rumors that it would include 4K graphics and an improved processor from Nvidia picked up steam earlier this year, but were ultimately dashed when Nintendo revealed the Switch OLED. Despite that, rumors persist that Nintendo is preparing an improved version of the Switch that can support more modern graphics.

For now, Nintendo is focusing on the Switch OLED, which is set to release early next month. In our hands-on with the new console, we praised the new screen, but noted the lack of material upgrades elsewhere. It will cost $350 — a $50 increase from the base model.

Even with its aging graphics, the Nintendo Switch continues to sell well. The Switch OLED is sold out at virtually all retailers, and the upgraded console is currently being sold for $100 more than suggested retail price on eBay.

As for the Switch Pro, it remains a mysterious and unrealized dream among both fans and developers. Nintendo says it has "no plans for launching any other model at this time." The Switch OLED launches October 8.

Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN.

source https://www.ign.com/articles/switch-pro-4k-dev-kits-news