Nintendo Switch Higher Resolution than Expected?

While we still wait for official information on the Nintendo Switch – the console’s public unveiling is scheduled for 12th January 2017 – we’re relying on industry insiders, leaks, and patent filings to try to piece together the specifications of the Japanese company’s new hardware. A recent patent suggests that the Switch will downscale from 1080p when docked to 720p when used in handheld mode, but a Tokyo-based reported has rubbished the idea, claiming the console will output at much higher resolutions than anticipated.

According to Takashi Mochizuki, a tech reporter for the Wall Street Journal, the Nintendo Switch will actually output at 1440p when docked, using DisplayPort over USB-C connection at 5Gbps, and 1080p in handheld mode. The information comes via Ace Research Institute analyst Ace Yasuda.

“Nintendo Switch uses Displayport over USB-C; internal bus speed at 5Gbps, faster than 3DS’s 128Mbps,” Mochizuki tweeted today (23^rd December).

“Nintendo Switch’s resolution not likely 1080 to 720 but WQHD to 1080. VR just for patent purpose not likely to be used,” he explained, adding, “this means internal chips can handle WQHD and downgrades to 1080 when docked & undocked.”

Ace Research Institute analyst Yasuda: NintendoSwitch uses Displayport over USB-C; internal bus speed at 5Gbps, faster than 3DS's 128Mbps

— Takashi Mochizuki (@6d6f636869) December 22, 2016

Ace Yasuda: Nintendo Switch's resolution not likely 1080 to 720 but WQHD to 1080. VR just for patent purpose not likely to be used.

— Takashi Mochizuki (@6d6f636869) December 22, 2016

Sorry for confusion. this means internal chips can habdle WQHD and downgrades to 1080 when docked & undocked. why? https://t.co/qU8R29xC75

— Takashi Mochizuki (@6d6f636869) December 23, 2016

While 1080p output in handheld makes the Switch a far more attractive proposition, we still don’t know if this will be true 1080p resolution or upscaled from 720p. Either way, we’ve less than a month until we find out from Nintendo itself. The Nintendo Switch is expected for release in March 2017.