Should you wait for the new Nintendo Switch? Probably not for most gamers.

The Nintendo Switch has dominated sales charts since launching in 2017. With over 111 million units sold, many consider it Nintendo‘s most successful console ever.

Now, rumors are swirling about a new "Switch Pro" model coming in 2024 or 2024. Is it worth waiting for the next generation Switch? Or should you dive in and buy one of the current models now?

After extensive research into Nintendo‘s history, Switch sales data, and industry expert insights, I don‘t recommend waiting for most gamers. While a new Switch with 4K support and better performance seems likely down the road, nothing is guaranteed yet. And the existing Switch and Switch OLED deliver amazing game experiences that you can enjoy now.

In this detailed guide, we‘ll dig into all the evidence to help you decide if you should wait or buy a Switch today. Let‘s dive in!

A Quick Refresher on Current Nintendo Switch Models

Before looking ahead, let‘s recap the Switch models available today:

• Nintendo Switch – The original model released in 2017 features a 6.2-inch LCD display, 32GB storage, and 2.5 to 6.5 hours of battery life. It supports TV and handheld play.

• Nintendo Switch Lite – Released in 2019, this handheld-only model has a 5.5-inch screen and slimmer design. At $199 it‘s the cheapest option.

• Nintendo Switch OLED – Launched in 2021, the OLED model has a gorgeous 7-inch OLED screen, 64GB storage, and improved kickstand and audio. It costs $50 more than the base Switch.

All three models share the same internal processor and can play games from the extensive Switch library. But the OLED offers the best handheld experience, while the regular Switch is best for TV gaming.

Rumors Suggest We‘ll See a "Switch Pro" in 2024 or 2024

While Nintendo has shared no official Switch upgrade plans, industry insiders predict we could see a Switch Pro as early as late 2023. Here‘s a quick look at the latest rumors:

• Well-known leaker @SciresM claimed a new model will arrive holiday 2023. This lines up with a recent Nvidia leak mentioning a new "Nintendo chip."

• Dr. Serkan Toto, a respected analyst, predicts a 4K-capable Switch in 2024 citing a new Nvidia Tegra chip.

• Bloomberg and other outlets reported Nintendo delayed Switch Pro plans due to the global semiconductor shortage.

While nothing is set in stone, multiple trusted sources pointing to a 4K Switch in 2024 or 2024 lends credibility to the rumors. This would be a major upgrade over the current 1080p Switch models.

Nintendo‘s History Hints at Long Console Cycles

Looking at past Nintendo consoles provides clues into their upgrade strategies:

As this table shows, Nintendo usually keeps their consoles on the market for 6+ years before introducing new generations. The Switch is nearing the 6 year mark but still going strong, making a 2023 upgrade unlikely unless Nintendo shakes up their approach.

The Switch Dominated Sales Charts in Recent Years

Despite being available since 2017, the Switch is selling better than ever:

• Lifetime sales surpassed 111 million units as of September 2022.
• In 2021, Nintendo sold 23.06 million Switch units, beating the previous record of 21 million in 2020.
• For 2022, analysts project Switch sales will land around 19 million units.
• Major exclusives like Pokémon Scarlet/Violet and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in 2024 will further boost sales.

With this sales momentum still building, analysts don‘t expect Nintendo will disrupt the market with a new model anytime soon.

The Switch Offers a Stellar and Growing Library of Exclusives

The Switch now features over 4,000 games – far more than at launch. Here are just some of the must-play franchise exclusives driving Switch sales:

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• Super Mario Odyssey
• Splatoon 3
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
• Pokémon Legends: Arceus

And Nintendo plans to expand the library further with upcoming exclusives like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Prime 4, Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, and more. With so many current and future hits, the Switch remains a compelling purchase.

How the Switch Compares to the PS5 and Xbox Series X

The Switch offers unique advantages over newer consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X:

• Thanks to the custom Nvidia Tegra chip, the Switch can still render decent graphics and performance when docked to a TV.
• The hybrid design means you can play your full library on the go – not possible with PS/Xbox.
• Nintendo exclusives like Zelda, Mario, Pokemon are only playable on Switch.

However, the Switch lags behind in power – games render below 1080p resolution in handheld mode and lack features like 4K, ray tracing, 120fps, etc. For players who care most about cutting-edge graphics and performance, a 4K-enabled Switch Pro could be worth waiting for.

Should Current Switch Owners Upgrade When Available?

For gamers who already own a standard Switch or Switch OLED model, I don‘t recommend waiting or upgrading when a new model launches.

The OLED Switch already provides the best possible handheld experience. And even with upgraded internals, we likely won‘t see major graphical improvements in TV mode without a new chip.

Unless you absolutely need 4K gaming and future-proof performance, I suggest simply enjoying your current Switch. The upgrade will likely be incremental for existing owners.

For First-Time Buyers – It Depends on Your Priorities

If you don‘t already own a Switch, should you wait? Here are key factors to consider:

Wait for the Switch Pro if you:

• Want the latest and greatest graphics and performance
• Plan to play mainly in TV/docked mode
• Are okay waiting 12-24 months for a new model

Buy a Current Switch if you:

• Want to play new exclusives like Zelda and Pokemon ASAP
• Plan to play handheld frequently or want the hybrid option
• Find a compelling bundle or sale on the standard/OLED models
• Care more about the game library and portability than specs

The Verdict – Only Wait if a 4K Switch Pro is Critical for You

Given Nintendo‘s history and the Switch‘s momentum, I predict the earliest we‘ll see a new model is late 2023, with 2024 more likely. For most gamers eager to dive into the outstanding Switch library and value portability, I don‘t think waiting 1-2 years is worth it.

However, if you only play on a TV, demand the highest performance and 4K, and are fine missing out on some exclusives, waiting for a confirmed Switch Pro could pay off.

Just don‘t put your life on indefinite hold based on rumors alone! At the right price, the standard Switch and OLED are amazing devices that will provide countless hours of entertainment. But monitor the news closely if you have your heart set on an ultra high-end Switch.

Whichever you choose, the most important thing is having fun with the incredible Nintendo Switch games library! Let me know if you have any other questions.