Nintendo's next Switch hardware revision has long been rumored, but details on what to expect from a possible 'Switch Pro' finally began firming up on Wednesday, thanks to an apparent leak from its screen supplier.

Bloomberg Japan has the scoop, and it points to Samsung as the source of Switch's next panel type: a 7-inch OLED panel, currently estimated at 720p resolution. That Samsung OLED production line will begin cranking in June, according to Bloomberg's unnamed sources familiar with 'internal matters.' Meanwhile, other Nintendo hardware assemblers will begin receiving the panels 'around July.'

Super Mario 3D All-Stars (Nintendo Switch) 13,343. $50 Nintendo eShop Gift Card Digital Code. Stream 4K Video in Every Room: Neighbors App Real. Nintendo Switch Pro - Will It Offer 4K Visuals? One of the more common rumours regarding the Switch Pro is that the system will offer 4K visuals – a seemingly outlandish claim given that the. The signs point to a new, 7-inch OLED model with 4K games that is possible at a future booth next year. It could also be a new Nvidia processor that can play Nintendo 4K games for the first time. Does that mean Switch 2 is coming towards the end of the year? It certainly seems to us. It will be called switchch 2. Or switchch Pro. Nintendo Switch. Datamining of a recent Nintendo Switch update could suggest that the console will get a new dock for a 4K version of the console, and that it may see an update to allow for Bluetooth audio. Unboxing, Configure, and Testing.

For sizing comparisons, the current standard Nintendo Switch uses a 6.2-inch 720p LED panel, while 2019's Nintendo Switch Lite shrank its LED panel to 5.5 inches (but is also 720p in resolution).

How might “Pro” get to 4K?

Such a timetable would put Nintendo in a position to unveil the hardware 'this year' and 'prop up [Switch] demand in time for the holidays,' Bloomberg reports. Whether this means a new, larger Nintendo Switch would land on store shelves by year's end, however, was not entirely confirmed by the report.

The report also didn't clarify exactly how the system's internals might be improved, but it did allege one key feature: a bump to '4K graphics when paired with TVs.' This appears to confirm that a new Switch model will continue to employ its hybrid 'home-and-portable' gimmick.

How might a 'Switch Pro' jump to 4K resolution, especially if the handheld version remains locked at 720p? Bloomberg's report doesn't speculate. In the meantime, we're wondering whether its TV dock might be updated to include extra processing chips (and thereby leverage a 'split motherboard' proposition, much like Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5), and/or whether Switch SoC manufacturer Nvidia has any DLSS-like tricks it can add to neatly upscale standard Switch games to 4K resolution.

Either way, Nintendo has limited history with mid-generation console refreshes that add boosts to older software. Portable systems like Game Boy Color, DSi, and 'New' Nintendo 3DS were all capable of applying processing boosts to software, but this required specific compatibility in each game—as opposed to, say, a blanket boost to 4K resolution for any Switch game imaginable.

The report also doesn't clarify whether a larger Switch will remain compatible with existing, detachable Joy-Con controllers or whether Nintendo might roll out a larger pair to match the newly larger Switch's base hardware. (The large hands among Ars Technica's staff would appreciate the latter.)

As recently as February, Nintendo told its shareholders that Switch was in the 'middle' of its life cycle, suggesting another four or five years of support, while the company offered a vague assurance about new Switch versions not being announced 'any time soon.' Previous rumors about a 'Switch Pro' emerged as recently as early 2019, but these fizzled, with only Switch Lite eventually emerging from that pool of rumored hardware refreshes.

Just when we thought the latest Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite firmware update could not reveal any more juicy secrets about the future of the Switch family of consoles, comes another incredible datamined revelation.

And, this time, it's about the next-gen console gamers are desperate for – the Nintendo Switch Pro, which is slated for release later this year.

The information comes courtesy of dataminer OatmealDome, who recently posted his discovery on Twitter. In that post, which can be seen below, OatmealDome states that in the latest 12.0.0 firmware for the Switch the following setting can be found: 'is_crda_fw_update_supported'.

The dataminer then proceeds to explain that 'CrdA' = Cradle (Dock) for Aula. Aula is the codename for the new model'. This information is explained again by commentator Mike Heskin, who states that 'CrdA means 'Cradle Aula'. It's a new dock for the upcoming 4K model.' Check out the revealing post in full below:

[Nintendo Switch Firmware Update]About my earlier tweet about update 12.0.0 being able to upgrade the dock firmware...There is also this setting: 'is_crda_fw_update_supported'CrdA' = Cradle (Dock) for Aula. Aula is the codename for the new model.(Thanks to @hexkyz!) https://t.co/USSPCbG20q pic.twitter.com/gwsOZdmg6bApril 6, 2021

Nintendo Switch 4k Pro

What's even more exciting, though, is that the exact same dataminer has also discovered another line in the latest Switch firmware, which specifically makes reference to 4K. And in the context of 4K being used over a USB 3.0 input, too – which means the new Switch would be docked when displaying at a UHD resolution.

Nintendo Switch 4k Support

[Nintendo Switch System Update]12.0.0 adds this internal setting:“4kdp_preferred_over_usb30”I’m NOT SAYING that this is “Prefer 4K DisplayPort over USB 3.0”.But, if it is, it makes sense. The Switch uses DP for video output, and 4K output is rumoured for the new model. pic.twitter.com/mFDbR6TAQFApril 6, 2021

As can be seen in the above tweet, the specific line states '4kdp_preferred_over_usb30', which is inferred to mean that the new Switch will make use of a DisplayPort connection when docked in its new cradle to display at a 4K resolution on the attached TV or monitor.

This news, that there is a new model of Nintendo Switch coming, that it will offer a 4K resolution when docked, and that it will come with a brand new design of dock, is not new, with plenty of recent reports based on leaked information saying as such.

Nevertheless, it is very exciting to see what looks like references to these things in official Nintendo Switch firmware, and especially so considering that we're now roughly only half a year away from the Nintendo Switch Pro release date.

Here at T3 we couldn't be more excited about the Nintendo Switch Pro's launch, so here's hoping we hear more about the next-gen console soon. Nintendo has confirmed it is partaking in this year's virtual E3 games show, so maybe just maybe we'll get a teaser then.

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