Nintendo Switch Pro rumors resurface after new datamine information appears online

A new Nintendo Switch Pro rumor has begun circulating online following a firmware code leak.

The alleged information, unearthed by prominent console hacker SciresM, made its way onto the ResetEra forums on Wednesday, January 6. The leak provides a supposedly detailed look at what some of the Switch Pro’s specs could be. However, SciresM claimed that the uncovered information may not be accurate, so the following should be considered speculation.

According to SciresM, the Switch Pro — codenamed Aula — has been in development for around two years. The revised hardware is said to be powered by a Mariko system on a chip (SoC), which allows for better cooling and greater battery life. The chip is also allegedly housed inside the Switch dock rather than its handheld component. However, SciresM believes that the Switch Pro would be playable in handheld and docked mode, despite the chip supposedly residing in the console’s dock.

It’s also suggested that the Switch Pro will have an OLED display that supports 4K resolution, but SciresM was unable to verify 4K capability within the firmware code. Finally, games played on the Switch Pro will be “DSi enhanced” in nature. The Nintendo DSi was the second of the DS redesigns following the DS Lite and came equipped with features including enhanced audio and better graphics. SciresM claims that Switch Pro players would benefit from in-game enhancements, much like the PlayStation 4 Pro when compared to the base PS4 model.

Rumors surrounding a Nintendo Switch Pro console have circulated for the past couple of years. Nintendo has refused to comment on speculation regarding an improved Switch model, and Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser even weighed in on the conjecture as recently as December 2020.

“We’re always looking at technology,” Bowser explained to Polygon. “And as we know, technology is constantly evolving and changing. And we’re always looking at what is coming to determine: How can it enhance and improve the gameplay experience? However, we also see right now that the momentum on Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite in the fourth year is strong. And we believe we’re changing the trajectory of another typical console life cycle. And we will continue, for the foreseeable future, to really lean into both of those platforms and the content that comes with it.”