I was a little disappointed that Nintendo didn’t end up announcing anything at E3 about a “Pro” version of the Nintendo Switch—as there were plenty of rumours that pointed to it being a thing. After being asked about its existence, Nintendo President Doug Bowser didn’t exactly give a straight answer, but he didn’t deny it either.
While he didn’t say anything about whether the new Switch console exists, he did say that it isn’t just about coming up with new technology. Nintendo would rather release something when it’s the right time.
“We are always looking at technology and how technology can enhance gameplay experiences. It’s not technology for technology’s sake. 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? 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,” said Bowser in response to a question about a possible Switch hardware upgrade.
Bowser instead talked about now Nintendo is focusing on things other than the Switch. Their partnership with Universal Studios will also see them building theme parks in other parts of the world that isn’t just Japan, they will be expanding into the mobile games market even further, and “selectively” license its IP to other brands like Lego.
“I think it’s an exciting time to be a part of the gaming business, I really do… We’re seeing more and more people engaged in it as part of their primary forms of overall entertainment. We’re seeing various ways they can engage, whether it’s on mobile platforms and on dedicated platforms such as the Nintendo Switch. It’s a vibrant industry going forward,” continued Bowser.
Nintendo has always been extra picky with its specifics. Recently during E3, Nintendo barred co-streaming of their showcase on Twitch—irked many content creators and gamers with this decision. In return, Twitch themselves also decided to not co-stream their event.
