Next-gen Switch delayed past 2019, reports say

The Switch's bigger, stronger brother has been delayed, reports say.

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Nintendo plans to release two new Switch systems aimed at different consumer segments: a beefier Switch Pro with expanded hardware and upgraded specs, and a cheaper Switch Lite that should replace the 3DS. Now reports say the Switch Pro model has been delayed due to technical difficulties.

Next-gen Switch delayed past 2019, reports say | TweakTown.com

Nintendo's new enthusiast Switch, dubbed the Switch Pro, isn't just an iterative refresh like Sony's PlayStation 4 Pro. Sources say it's a big jump over the existing Switch handheld-console hybrid, and will be a true next-gen variant of the transformable system. Past reports said the Switch Pro would get a new Tegra SoC for boosted processing power and double system memory at 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM.

But according to Japanese publication Nikkei, this hardware leap is causing problems. The system is drawing too much power, which could affect thermals. Nintendo can't get power consumption right with the new hardware--something it struggled with while developing the first Switch. The Switch Pro's components may get too hot while in handheld mode or docked for home use. Nintendo has also had issues getting the OS to run on the latest iteration. This setback has led to a delay past 2019, sources tell the website.

Given the Switch's power discrepancies in handheld and docked modes, we're betting the Switch Pro is belting out too much heat while docked for dedicated console play. Remember the current Switch is more powerful when docked and the internal Tegra X1 processor is unlocked thanks to the extra power, whereas it's stunted in handheld mode. It's possible the Switch Pro will deliver consistent 1080p 60FPS gaming while in handheld mode, and maybe even upscaled 4K gaming when docked.

Nikkei says the Switch Lite variant, a cheaper model aimed at pushing out the flagging 3DS, is still set for a release this Fall.

Nintendo could announce the new systems during its E3 2019 press event in a few months.

NEWS SOURCE:usgamer.net

Derek joined the TweakTown team in 2015 and has since reviewed and played 1000s of hours of new games. Derek is absorbed with the intersection of technology and gaming, and is always looking forward to new advancements. With over six years in games journalism under his belt, Derek aims to further engage the gaming sector while taking a peek under the tech that powers it. He hopes to one day explore the stars in No Man's Sky with the magic of VR.

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