Nintendo Keeps Switch Successor Under Wraps, While Modded 8GB Switch Shows Potential
Nintendo continues to play coy about its next-generation console, explicitly stating that its upcoming Nintendo Direct will not mention the Switch successor. However, a modded Nintendo Switch with 8GB of RAM is giving us a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been - and what might be coming.
No Switch 2 News, But Plenty of Game Updates
Nintendo has announced a 40-minute Nintendo Direct for June 18, focusing on Switch games releasing in the second half of 2024. While fans hope for updates on highly anticipated titles like Metroid Prime 4 and Hollow Knight: Silksong, Nintendo has made it clear that no information about the Switch's successor will be revealed.
The original Switch, now over seven years old, is showing its age:
- Sales numbers are declining
- Its hardware lags far behind current-gen consoles
- Downgraded ports have become increasingly noticeable
Rumors and Speculation
While Nintendo remains tight-lipped, industry rumors suggest:
- Dev kits for the next-gen Switch are already circulating
- The new console may have power comparable to a PS4
- A potential release date of May 2025 has been floated
Modded Switch Showcases Potential
Meanwhile, a YouTuber has demonstrated the impressive capabilities of a modded Nintendo Switch with 8GB of RAM (double the original's 4GB). Running on a custom Linux-based OS, this souped-up Switch can handle several PC games with surprising results:
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade: ~30 FPS
- Stray: ~30 FPS
- Devil May Cry: Above 30 FPS
- Fallout New Vegas: 60 FPS indoors, ~30 FPS in open areas
While resolution is expectedly low, the performance is noteworthy. This mod highlights how additional RAM could significantly boost the Switch's capabilities.
Looking Ahead
The impressive showing of the modded Switch aligns with rumors that Nintendo's next console will feature 12GB of RAM. This increase could potentially allow for better texture quality than even the Xbox Series S.
As Nintendo continues to keep its cards close to the chest, these demonstrations and rumors offer an exciting glimpse into the potential future of Nintendo's hardware. While we wait for official news, it's clear that even modest hardware upgrades could lead to substantial performance improvements in the next-generation Switch.