Nintendo in December briefed video game developer Activision Blizzard about its plans for a next-generation follow-up to the hit console Switch, which is expected to be comparable to the Xbox One and Playstation 4 in performance.
That’s according to an Activision email that was released publicly as part of the Federal Trade Commission’s trial against Microsoft to block the software titan’s acquisition of the Call of Duty maker. The email was dated December 14 and was sent to Activision CEO Bobby Kotick.
The email is just the latest indication of what the follow-up to the Switch will be, with Nintendo offering vague teases and with reports calling for a launch next year. Development kits are supposedly already out to key studio partners, with the console expected to retain the cartridge slot of the Switch vs. the disc setup of the Xbox and Playstation consoles.
A spokesman for Nintendo wasn’t immediately available for comment.
The comparison to the PS4 and Xbox One contradict a report from VGC stating that the behind-doors demos of the console showed graphics that were comparable to current generation consoles, although the processing power might be significantly lower despite the visual improvements.
The email is heavily redacted, but there are references to Switch NG (next generation).
“Given the closer alignment to gen8 platforms in terms of performance and our previous offerings on PS4/XboxOne, it is reasonable to assume that we could make something compelling for NG Switch as well,” the email said. “It would be helpful to secure early access to development hardware prototypes and prove that out nice and early.”
Gen8 references to the eighth generation of consoles, with the prior being the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and Gen1 including Atari and Coleco.
It’s also the latest example of the collateral damage that has come out of Microsoft’s bid to acquire Activision in a $69 billion deal. While Microsoft won its case against the FTC, it still awaits approval from regulatory bodies elsewhere, including the U.K., which has received a proposed restructuring of the takeover.