Nintendo have denied a Bloomberg report on 4K Nintendo Switch development kits being sent to developers, and a 4k model still in development.
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.
Bloomberg now reports that “Developers Are Making Games for a Nintendo 4K Console That Doesn’t Exist;” claiming that 11 developers (including Zynga) have 4K development kits for Nintendo Switch. The alleged employees of these companies spoke to Bloomberg, but did not wish to be identified.
Once again Bloomberg report that that the 4K Nintendo Switch will release late next year “people familiar with the plans said.” They also claim the Nintendo Switch Pro never materialized thanks to component shortages, and Nintendo had already sent out development kits and asked for 4K software.
When Bloomberg asked Nintendo for comment via a list of questions, they stated their report was “inaccurate,” not specifying which parts were wrong. It seems Bloomberg touched a nerve, as Nintendo issued an official statement denying the report outright.
“A news report on Sept. 30, 2021(JST) falsely claims that Nintendo is supplying tools to drive game development for a Nintendo Switch with 4K support. To ensure correct understanding among our investors and customers, we want to clarify that this report is not true. (1/2)
We also want to restate that, as we announced in July, we have no plans for any new model other than Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, which will launch on October 8, 2021. (2/2)”
While it could easily be imagined that the Nintendo Switch OLED model could have been a Nintendo Switch Pro before component shortages hit, Nintendo’s statement is aimed at investors. This brings with it many rules and regulations, obligating Nintendo to be truthful about their plans.
It seems once and for all, there will be no 4K Nintendo Switch console. Until Nintendo declares to investors otherwise. We will keep you informed as we learn more.
Cyberpunk 2077’s director Adam Badowski had denied claims made in a Bloomberg report in Janaury of this year that cited anonymous employees. These included development troubles, staff speaking their native-languages among English-speaking co-workers, and excessive overtime.
During a conference call with investors, CD Projekt Red’s SVP of business development Michał Nowakowski addressed Bloomberg’s claim that staff would still receive bonuses despite the game’s review scores.“We’re not really making any comments to what somebody else has stated about what’s going on in the studio outside.” This comment can also been seen as address both prior reports by Bloomberg.
