Rumors of a Switch Pro have been swirling around in some form for at least a year or so now, but they’ve never really proven to hold much water. That is, they didn’t until a few days ago. A listing for a Nintendo Switch Pro popped up on Amazon late last week, seemingly confirming the long-rumored device at last.

It’s been almost 4 years since Nintendo’s hit device first released, so it’s not too surprising to see an upgraded model emerge. There are still important questions though: how much of an upgrade is this “New Nintendo Switch Pro”, and will Nintendo make exclusive games for it?

While neither pricing nor specs have been confirmed, outlets like Bloomberg have estimated a 4K-capable device with other extras at a price between $350 and $399. Other extras may include better Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth and an improved OLED screen. Rumor also has it that it’ll have exclusive games, which will definitely pose a problem for us current Switch owners.

I’m all for Nintendo releasing an upgraded device, but I’m really hoping they don’t decide to lock games behind it. I don’t know about you, but I’m in no mood to be dropping at least $350 just to remain able to play Nintendo games. It would be one thing if this was a true successor to the Switch and not just an in-between console, but that’s apparently not what this is. I think it would be quite scummy of Nintendo to force people to trade in their old system just for the ability to play the next Mario or something like Metroid Prime 4.

Costs aside, the games industry is having major supply problems at the moment. Nobody can get enough parts to make their devices for one, and those that do get made are getting snapped up by scalpers in large numbers. It’s a terrible time to launch yet another new system into the mix, and an in-between system at that! As much as I love Nintendo games, and as much as I’m dying to finally play a new Metroid game someday, I’m absolutely not going to fight the scalpers and shell out hundreds of dollars just for the chance to do so.

If a “New Nintendo Switch Pro” is indeed imminent, then Nintendo should at least position it as a better option instead of a necessary upgrade. Yes, it’s been four years since the system’s original launch, but trying to force an upgrade would still amount to a slap in the face to everyone who’s supported the Switch thus far. It’ll be even more so if they release it during a time where manufacturing supply is already stretched too thin. Please do this right Nintendo!

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What do you think of Nintendo releasing a Switch Pro? Are you psyched for it, or would you rather they focus on getting enough of the current Switch made?

Image from Nintendo.com