A tech YouTuber has discovered the Nintendo Switch OLED dock is capable of outputting 4K and 60fps; while console itself cannot.
According to YouTuber Nintendo Prime, the Nintendo Switch OLED dock could hypothetically output 4K and 60fps. While the original Nintendo Switch uses the HDMI 1.4 cable (which could support 4K but only at 30fps), the OLED model has a HDMI cable that supports 4K and 60fps; possibly HDMI 2.0 or higher.
As for the dock itself, Nintendo Prime studied the HDMI port chip closer. Based on the chipset, he believes that it could support 4K and 60fps, and be HDMI 2.0 compliant. Like the 4K and 60fps however, while it can support AI upscalling, the other chips in the dock could not support it.
Nintendo Prime also states that the Nintendo Switch OLED itself cannot output 4K and 60fps. This is due to using the same Tegra X1 chip as the standard Nintendo Switch. He does note the dock could be reused for a Nintendo Switch model that supports DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). The OLED dock (with wired LAN dock) will also be sold separately.
We previously reported on rumors starting August 2020 (including from Bloomberg) of a more powerful Nintendo Switch being in production, a so-called “Nintendo Switch Pro.” Those supposedly in the know claimed this new model would support 4K graphics (via a new NVidia graphics chip and 7″ screen), and launch early 2021.
Bloomberg and Eurogamer sources also speculated the console may launch September or October 2021, with an announcement prior to E3 2021. This would enable third-parties to show off their games freely, as Nintendo’s own digital showcase would be later during the E3 2021 week. Along with claims of listings going live on June 4th, none of these rumors would come true.
Our own editorial proposed that it was unlikely; due to Nintendo typically focusing on being a lower-priced console, and the shortage of chips meaning higher-end tech would cost more for Nintendo and the consumer.
Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser would indirectly deny the existence of the Nintendo Switch Pro. When asked about it he stated “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.”
On July 6th, Nintendo announced the Nintendo Switch OLED model. It features a 7-inch OLED screen, 64GB of internal storage, an adjustable stand for tabletop mode, enhanced audio for tabletop and handheld play, and a new dock featuring wired LAN support. Possibly due to the Nintendo Switch Pro rumors, Nintendo later clarified that CPU / GPU is the same as the original, and no other models were were planned.
Nintendo recently had to publicly deny a Bloomberg report on 4K Nintendo Switch development kits being sent to developers, and a 4k model still in development. Their statement was aimed at not just consumers, but investors. This brings with it many rules and regulations, obligating Nintendo to be truthful about their plans.
Nonetheless, this new information lends credibility to the theory that the Nintendo Switch OLED model could have been a Nintendo Switch Pro before component shortages hit, forcing 4K to be removed. Even if true, that would not invalidate prior statements Nintendo made regarding development kits and currently not planning a 4K Nintendo model.
Being able to sell the dock separately may even help consumers, as those who already own the OLED model could buy the Nintendo Switch Pro without its dock. Nintendo Prime also theorized this “forward compatible” dock as a sign of what was to come. Nonetheless, a 4K and 60fps Nintendo console has not been announced at this time.
Nintendo Switch (OLED model) launches October 8th for $349.99 USD (MSRP).
