Nintendo won’t launch a Switch Pro in time for the release of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Is Nintendo making a fatal error?

• Nintendo has confirmed that no Switch Pro will be coming in 2020.
• This means that the Xbox Series X and PS5 will be competing with Nintendos four-year-old hardware.
• This may have some potential implications for Nintendos success during the next console generation.

Nintendo dashed rumors that it would launch a new Switch Pro [GamesRadar] model in 2020 to help the console remain relevant after the impending launch of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
This means Nintendo will enter the next console generation relying on last-gen hardware. While Xbox and PlayStation fight it out over system specs, Nintendo wont even try to avoid languishing at the back of the pack.
Is Nintendo making a fatal mistake?
Nintendo wont even make an effort to keep up with the PS5 and Series X. At least not in 2020. | Source: Wachiwit/Shutterstock.com
Why Nintendo Doesnt Necessarily Need Better Hardware
While some gamers have implored Nintendo to support 4K resolution and improved framerates, it really isnt integral to their business model.
Nintendo has a rigid method of doing things. They rely on their popular IPs to drive sales and market their hardware to a broad audience.
Compare that to Sony and Microsoft.
Both of these companies possess some strong IPs, but none as long-lived. Their marketing tends to be aimed at adults and teenagers [YouTube].
With such broad marketing, the lack of graphical power might not make much of a difference for Nintendo.
Rather, the companys focus must be on continuing to produce hits from its vast library of core IPs.
That said, it would likely help to permanently reduce the price of the Switch console as holiday 2020 approaches.
The broad appeal of Nintendos brand even extends to its websites. The term Switch Family features very heavily all over the place. | Source: Nintendo
So Will The Lack of Hardware Make a Difference?
Its still not clear how the launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series X will impact the Switch.
The console is currently riding high, with 52.48 million units sold during the Switchs lifetime [Engadget]. But will that sales rate last with newer competing hardware on the way?
The industrys history gives us a few clues.
Like the Switch, the Sega Dreamcast launched much earlier than other same-generation consoles. It didnt enjoy a particularly spectacular fate [Polygon].
But that doesnt mean the Switch is doomed to go the way of the Dreamcast. Nintendos console has already sold five times as many units as Sega ever moved. And it launched early enough that most gamers wont be deciding between purchasing a Switch and buying a PS5 or Series X.
Nintendo Is Probably Going to Be Just Fine
A Switch Pro release may have appeased a small subset of hardcore gamers emphasis on the small.
Only 30% of U.S. households own a 4K television [Statistica], so the number of potential Switch players who care about 4K isnt a big enough market to justify launching a new console model.
All things considered, Nintendo should be just fine.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CCN.com.
This article was edited by Josiah Wilmoth.
Last modified: February 1, 2020 4:39 PM UTC