How the rumored new and more powerful Nintendo Switch model could impact Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's gameplay and systems
Will we finally see a built-in Ethernet port? Probably not unfortunately
Rumors surrounding a new and improved Nintendo Switch console have been floating around since shortly after the system first launched though they are seemingly becoming more and more substantiated.
Following reports that a more powerful Switch could likely be coming early 2021, now is probably a good time to delve into how an improved model may potentially impact Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's gameplay, systems and features.
This is mostly speculation at this point considering we don't know the specifications of the alleged device, but we can look to how games have changed moving from other systems like the PlayStation 4 to the PS4 Pro over the past few years.
Perhaps the biggest change for more competitive Smash players would be the chance to see input latency reduced on the new Switch model since Ultimate still appears to have the worst lag in the series' history.
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While playing on a GameCube controller, Ultimate runs between five to six frames of latency before inputs will register in the game which can increase by another two or three frames depending on the controller used — including the Switch's Pro Controller.
Bringing that number down by one or two frames should certainly be doable with beefed up hardware powering the game though it may still require actual developer input to become a reality.
There are two changes that are almost assuredly going to come with a new and more powerful Switch at a system-wide level with better load times and resolution. Those have been the more consistent changes we've seen to this point on PS4 Pro and Xbox One X for games that don't suffer from frame rate issues.
Ultimate's load times aren't generally something complained about often outside of online play, but a native 1080p or higher screen on the hybrid console would make it easier and more enjoyable in handheld / table top mode over the 720p resolution it currently runs at.
Speaking of online, Smash's netplay isn't likely to receive much of an upgrade outside of the aforementioned load time improvements considering Nintendo and the devs would almost certainly want to keep a consistent play experience across the original base, Lite and rumored improved consoles.
The only big foreseeable change to online from a hardware perspective would be in Nintendo finally included an Ethernet port built into the new dock for wired play, but that too seems unlikely considering it's something the company has never done for their main systems releases.
If / when a new Switch model arrives with better hardware, the system will become the standard for competitive play in Smash Ultimate in all likelihood which could get expensive for some.
Many would be down to pay, however, if it means that their experience playing the game will notably improve — especially if it cuts down on the input lag.
