The dockless version of the switch is missing the grip, charger, HDMI cable and dock and it costs about $250. So you lose a lot of features for very little gain IMHO.
Personally I would like a more robust and cheaper version of the switch. I think that is key to a younger demographic.
It’ll happen one day. The only question is when is the best time and exactly what format it’ll take.
I think this year is still too early. A user who plays their switch docked for even 10% of the time is more valuable to Nintendo than one who never uses it docked so they’d like to push the existing Switch for as long as possible before they offer a handheld only system at a lower price point.
Next year alongside Pokemon though - that might be the right time...
Problem is that if it was smaller, it would have to be more expensive, not less.
Even if the controller are detachable or it simply doesn't come with a dock, Nintendo wouldn't sell the device at a loss. Unless this is the next decade, you'll likely be paying almost as much for less.
And this isn't even looking at compromises like a smaller battery, the absurdly small text in a lot of games, or games that require gyro controls.
I was checking the Japanese dockless version, it doesn't have a charger and 250 is what Nintendo are charging for it. Which makes sense, since since the other stuff they removed are mostly plastic.
If we’re talking about a portable only Switch with no upgrades to the performance, and just removed the dock and joycons could easily sell for $250.
There is no reason to remove the functionality of the TV connection but having a cheaper version of the Switch that lacks a dock or removable joycons would save a lot of the cost. The dock stand alone sells for about 90 dollars, so between that and the batteries in each of the 2 normally detachable Joy-cons, they could probably bring the cost of the Switch down to about $240 maybe even $220. But said Switch should still be compatible with a dock, so you can use a dock you already have, or buy one later on if you choose to.
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It's the exact reverse of what I want! I've got my 3DS for on the go and the size of the Switch doesn't make it practicable for me as a portable machine. One of the reasons I've held off on buying a switch so far is I'd be paying for several hardware elements (primarily the battery and screen) I'd rarely if ever use. Now a Switch repackaged into just the dock, still with Joy Cons, at a lower price point I'd buy tomorrow.
I'm not sure what market people are thinking a portable-only Switch would serve.
Portable only is stupid. Portable focused? Now that makes sense and is also what the op actually was arguing for despite the thread title
I don't understand the distinction you're trying to make. The Switch is already "portable focused" if that's how one chooses to use it. Just leave the dock in the box, or use it exclusively for charging if that's your preference. Expecting Nintendo to go to the trouble and expense of revising the hardware just to appeal to a niche market is unrealistic. I expect they will release an entirely new handheld system long before we see any kind of significant changes to the Switch.
@Mountain_Man
GB Pocket, GBA SP, GBA Micro, DS Lite, DSi, DSi XL, 2DS, 3DS XL, New 3DS, New 3DS XL, New 2DS XL. Hardware revisions are not a new thing nether are revisions designed to appeal to niche markets. Especially from Nintendo and their portables in particular.
Some playlists: Top All Time Songs, Top Last Year
"Don't stir the pot" is a nice way of saying "they're too dumb to reason with"
Portable only. Home console only. Blimey guys, quit taking a really cool idea and going backwards with it! Seriously. Hybrid concept needs to evolve. Maybe the next iteration doesn't need a dock because of some advancement or other, but a home console that isn't shackled to a TV is genius.
I never drive faster than I can see. Besides, it's all in the reflexes.
@Mountain_Man
GB Pocket, GBA SP, GBA Micro, DS Lite, DSi, DSi XL, 2DS, 3DS XL, New 3DS, New 3DS XL, New 2DS XL. Hardware revisions are not a new thing nether are revisions designed to appeal to niche markets. Especially from Nintendo and their portables in particular.
I realize that hardware revisions are not a new idea, but you have to look at the timing of each of those releases. They're usually rolled out as sales of the previous model start to dip, or to fix significant shortcomings of a previous version, and with the Switch enjoying phenomenal success at the moment, there is zero incentive for Nintendo to push out a new hardware revision. Also, how many revisions did the Wii get? And when?
Like I said, I expect Nintendo will release a completely new portable system long before we ever see a significant revision of the Switch, because that's the logical next step for Nintendo.
@Mountain_Man
The bulk of those revisions were mid cycle. Also yes, home consoles typically don't get the same level of attention from Nintendo. But home consoles aren't really limited at all by form factor given that they sit under your TV. If you want a better TV gaming experience you get a new TV. For portables it does make a difference and the Switch is portable.
As I said, there's zero incentive for Nintendo to split their development again with an entirely new portable that isn't Switch compatible. But they will want to make something smaller to cover the niches lost as the 3DS dies. A smaller SKU of the Switch at some point is the logical next step.
Some playlists: Top All Time Songs, Top Last Year
"Don't stir the pot" is a nice way of saying "they're too dumb to reason with"
As I said, there's zero incentive for Nintendo to split their development again with an entirely new portable that isn't Switch compatible. But they will want to make something smaller to cover the niches lost as the 3DS dies. A smaller SKU of the Switch at some point is the logical next step.
Which is why I would love to see Nintendo release a new handheld — let's call it the Game Boy Revolution — that is its own system but with games that are compatible with the Switch.
It's not for me, personally. I like having the option between Console Mode and Handheld Mode. But, I really like the concept, and I think it'll be more popular than we think.
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Topic: Is anyone else ready for a portable-only Switch?
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