More interesting changes have been made this week in the world of the Nintendo Switch, which could hint at some exciting news in the future.
Recent reports suggest that a Nintendo Switch Pro console is being developed that will be released to contend with the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
This is expected to be announced in 2021, something that could super-charge Switch sales next year.
While the Switch Pro is expected to serve as a counterweight to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, the new next-gen consoles aren’t expected to affect Switch sales directly.
And if such a project is being planned for next year, we could start seeing clues popping up for Nintendo’s plans in the coming weeks.
Fans recently noticed one change that could fit in nicely with a next-gen upgrade, albeit, a low-key addition.
Nintendo has now made it possible for gamers to transfer save data to a brand new system.
This is a large improvement from having your island locked to a specific Nintendo device, with the company confirming in a new post: “The Animal Crossing: New Horizons game was recently updated to Version 1.6, and with it comes two different options to transfer your save data to another Nintendo Switch system. You can either transfer individual player data or your full island save data.
“Full island transfers require a separate free download that you can get from Nintendo eShop.”
Fans are questioning why this change has been made, considering that there is no real need to buy another Switch console. The Nintendo Switch Lite is the only variant currently available on the market, but a new Switch Pro console would make it worth transferring your save data.
A message from Nintendo explains the examples available: “This option is if you want to transfer all your Animal Crossing: New Horizons island data to a second system (and don’t plan on going back to your island on the original system).
“For example, maybe you bought a Nintendo Switch Lite system and plan on giving your original Nintendo Switch system to your brother. While this is generous of you, you also don’t want to start over in Animal Crossing: New Horizons and lose access to your island and items! The solution is to perform a full island transfer and transfer it to your new system.
“This method requires both systems to have the Island Transfer Tool for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This is a free download that you can search for in Nintendo eShop.”
Some fans are also hoping that with a new Nintendo Switch Pro console rumoured for release next year, some big titles could be on the way to help sell it.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 and Metroid Prime 4 are still without a release date.
It was recently reported, that Retro Studios, the development team in charge of Metroid Prime 4, would be remodelling its Austin offices.
This comes after Retro Studios began expanding its team for Prime 4, a process that has been ongoing for months.
But it’s unclear, even with the extra injection of manpower, if the next Samus game will be ready for the launch of the Switch Pro, having had to restart development back in 2019.
Meanwhile, the past two Switch consoles had Zelda games available on day one, with Breath of the Wild launching alongside the original Switch and the Link’s Awakening remake a launch title for the Switch Lite.
Zelda and new Nintendo console launches have gone hand in hand recently, so it wouldn’t be a surprise for BoTW 2 to be the flagship title to help show off the power of the beefier Switch Pro next year.
But the chances of a big announcement happening this year regarding the Zelda sequel are slipping away.
One of the latest major events of the year where an update could be shared is The Game Awards.
And like previous years, Zelda fans are pinning their hopes to an announcement, or even a new trailer, being shared.
Gamers can tune in and find out the latest gaming news on December 10, 2020, with last year’s Game Awards reaching 50 million global viewers, including a peak live concurrent audience of more than 7.7 million fans.