2023 marks almost 6 years since the Nintendo Switch came out. While the Switch has enjoyed its fair share of success, the hardware now has become a limiting factor. Lately, the games released on the handheld have had optimization issues due to the older hardware. With Tears of the Kingdom releasing this year, fans have been wondering about a refreshed version, and thanks to VGC’s Andy Robinson we might have something on the topic.
Tears of the Kingdom Might be The Last Switch Exclusive
Zelda is undoubtedly amongst the grandest of the titles in the Switch’s roster. The latest in the series, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is scheduled for this year. And according to Robinson, that could be the last huge exclusive title launching for the current generation of the Switch.
According to Robinson TOTK would be the last big title launching on the Switch until it gets refreshed with a new version. However, for those hoping the news would come in 2023, there will be a disappointment as the new hardware is not expected to be unveiled before 2024.
Moreover, Christopher Dring from GamesIndustry.biz has stated that Nintendo isn’t planning a significant game after TOK for quite some time. This puts them in an excellent position to start experimenting with the new hardware for an updated version of the Switch.
The Idea of a Nintendo Switch Pro was Shelved
With the new iteration of Switch planned for 2024 according to Andy Robinson, Digital Foundry’s podcast has revealed the idea of a Switch Pro was shelved. According to the podcast the Switch Pro was in the works until Nintendo canceled the entire project. That could be to avoid taking the risk of releasing another console failure as they had previously done with GameCube & Wii U.
But as of yet, the information is scarce. We know that the Switch does need a refresh and if indeed Nintendo is working on a new iteration they’re keeping quiet on it for now. And according to Robinson’s claim, we still have to wait a year to learn anything about it.
When do you think a refreshed version of the Switch is coming? Do you reckon Tears of the Kingdom will be the last Switch exclusive? Let us know in the comments down below
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom releases for the Nintendo Switch on May 12th, 2023.