Nintendo Switch release date, specs: only 4 GB of RAM in new system?

A promotional image for the Nintendo SwitchNintendo

While Nintendo says that it will provide more details for the upcoming Switch system by January, supposed specs and features for the new hybrid console have already made their rounds online.

According to Nintendo Life, noted tipster Emily Rogers let it slip that the upcoming Nintendo Switch will have double the RAM capacity of the current-gen Wii-U. This means that the new hybrid console will feature 4 GB of RAM on its release.

On its release next year, the Nintendo Switch will be on the bottom of the RAM list, as the current-gen PS4 and Xbox One launched with 8 GB of RAM each. Their upgrades, the PS4 Pro and the Project Scorpio, are expected to pack more capacity.

However, the industry follower says that since the Switch is being positioned by Nintendo more as a mobile device, having 4 GB of RAM is more than sufficient. Games are optimized for their portable versions and are going to be further augmented by the custom Nvidia Tegra chipset in the Nintendo Switch.

Meanwhile, some industry followers are not keen on the RAM capacity of the Nintendo Switch since its rumored features include next-gen technology like VR support. TechSpot believes that while the Switch is a portable system, it is inevitable that the hybrid device will add features like VR games. However, should the Switch launch with 4 GB of RAM, it is likely that Nintendo will have to upgrade the Switch to at least version 2.0 before adding new features.

Nintendo itself is hinting that VR support may come to the Switch. Speaking to Bloomberg, company president Tatsumi Kimishima said: "In terms of how it can be used for gaming, it's something we must consider. It depends on the system specifications. I can't say that we have no interest in VR because VR offers new ways of playing, but that depends on what kind of software can be played."