Talking Point: Will Nintendo Abandon The Switch Concept For Its Next Console?

Would be very surprised as the brand has become such an icon for them, the Switch click is very powerful too.

It's too early to tell. They have a winning concept, so the logical thing would be to iterate on the Switch and keep improving it. However, this is Nintendo we're talking about. "Logical" isn't in their vocabulary. Whatever they come up with next, whether it succeeds or not, I'm confident that it will at least be fun and interesting.

Honestly, it makes sense to keep the switch idea so that Nintendo doesn't abandon the handheld market. Plus, there's a lot of potential they can get out of it.

how about a reasonably powerful home console? keep the Switch going for the people who prefer a handheld. you don't even need a new controller necessarily, the Pro Controller is pretty much perfect but something as powerful as say, the Xbox Series S at least, so the platform gets pretty much all the major releases, and doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg...

If their next console doesn't have backwards compatibility for the Switch library, then the Switch will be the last console I purchase during my lifetime. Otherwise, they can do whatever they want, design-wise and I would be more likely to purchase whatever it is.

Nope.

Considering the Switch is what design suggested they wanted the Wii U to be and the fact they want to stay in the handheld market as well as be home console, I don't see it going back.
The Switch is an incredible success and still going strong and that's without a new ground breaking gaming gimmick (sure going from handheld to tv is big, but not in the same way as what motion control was at the time).

@Zag_Man Yeah, it would be stupid for them to not make the Switch's successor backwards compatible. The only home consoles post-N64 that weren't backwards compatible (including the Switch) were the GameCube and the Switch, both being the result of changes in the media format used.

I hope they finally stick with something and go for a Switch 2 next. The Switch is their best console yet, albeit behind in terms of technology and unfortunately not nearly as sturdy as what we're used to from them.

I just want them to improve it further instead of taking risks again.

Didn't Furukawa say that "the Switch is here to stay"?

If the next console doesn't have some kind of hybrid handheld-console element, I'm not gonna rush out to buy it.

Fingers crossed they don't come up with some hairbrained mobile integration idea 🤞🏽

@Razputinman Nintendo also said they would never allow lewd/violent games on their console, as a way to bash Sega for some of the releases on the Genesis, but look at all the weirdo visual novels that are on the eShop, now. Don't listen to these guys, they talk out of both sides of their mouth. What he meant to say is, "the Switch will stay as long as it is profitable to us."

They'd be stupid to.

Luckily precedent tells us that Nintendo will stick with what works. Pretty much every time they've struck gold they've maintained backwards compatibility in the successive generation:
Gameboy (+ Color) --> Gameboy Advance
DS --> 3DS
Wii --> Wii U

I think it may remain a handheld, but whether it has detachable joycons or is backwards compatible is questionable ... this may not even come to pass for another 4 or 5 years anyway should Nintendo release a 4k Switch in 2023

I hope, and I think the next console will be some kind of Switch 2. They've shown with their biggest console successes that they have a preference for sequels (SNES, 3DS, Wii U...). They've done it well and they've done it not so well. My guess and hope is that they're going to attempt what they attempted with the Wii --> Wii U, but do it right this time.

But, as others are saying, this is Nintendo and part of the fun and the fury of being a Nintendo fan is you just never know if they're going to do a "YES!" or a "Wtf?"

They would be crazy to disregard the switch concept given how well its doing for them.

However, it is absolutely a nintendo thing to do. They will just as likely seek some new gimmick that will just put them behind as a company once again like with the wii u

I dunno. I like to see innovation. But I’d love to see a big chunky Switch with two screens!

I think it's pretty clear Nintendo going to stick with the switch concept, potentially in other forms, for a good while. If their next console was just a better switch, I am 1000% ok w that

They thought they could duplicate the success of the Wii with the Wii U. The Wii U had everything that the Wii did and then some but people were tired of motion controls at that point.

They made the Wii U look similar to the Wii and focused on the Gamepad on the box leading some people to believe it was just another iteration of the Wii with a different controller. Reusing the name didn't help with the confusion either.

If they try to capture the Switch lightning in a bottle two gens in a row, it will fail too. The hybrid concept is not new anymore and it's compromises become more apparent as time goes on as the competition brings much more powerful hardware making it hard to port games down to the Switch or it's successor.

@nessisonett They had better call it the Switch-Chunk, in that case.

Sadly I think they will and it would be the worst mistake they could make. The switch hybrid name and marketing is a home run. They should really invest and find a way to market it with name changes and keep it as such.

yes the Switch sucessor is gonna kepp the hybrid formula of Switch and improve on it.

What I am hoping for is they merge the switch and WiiU together. Give me a console that is hybid in nature, but can communicate with the dock wirelessly so that we can play old WiiU treasures like Nintendo Land or play DS games.

@BloodNinja I gotta say I agree with you about not buying a new Nintendo console without backwards compatibility although I would probably still end up buying it for the exclusives… with the steam deck around the corner I feel as though I should stop buying 3rd party games on the switch anyway and just get the nicer looking/performing versions on PC which are cheaper anyway and forever backwards compatible. I have my fingers crossed though the Switch successor will at least play switch games as all their handhelds did (DS played GBA, 3DS played DS, I think GBA original models played GB games? Wii played GameCube and Wii U played Wii… it’s not stellar but it’s still encouraging)

Unless the market suddenly shifts completely away from portable gaming, which I doubt will happen, I can't see why Nintendo would abandon the hybrid concept. It's a niche that has proven to be a winner and keeps Nintendo out of the slugfest between Sony and Microsoft.

I think the Switch brand will be here to stay. Could the name change? Yeah, they might drop the name, but I think the devices will stay around. Especially, since the rumor with the “Switch 2,” is they’re trying to add backwards compatibility to it. The Switch has been the template to their future.

Also, let’s be real, “game consoles” are going to change after this generation as well. I think Microsoft is going to jump all into their ARM-chip, I’d imagine the Xbox will run it. Unless AMD offers a better one. With Sony, they’d stay with AMD or jump to Qualcomm or NVIDIA.

Hybrid formula is reason I still own a dedicated game system.

As Sony is following MS and releasing its major games on PC, the incentive to buy a regular console is minimum for me.

Y'know the infographic for the road map. The one that ignored the Wii U (poor thing). Well you had the Wii. Then you had the Switch. The Switch was inside a circle which included the next console (kinda like a Venn diagram.) This to me suggests the next console will be taking the hybrid console to a next level. Much like the leap from NES to SNES for home consoles. So technically, yeah, it will be a more powerful Switch, but it will add extra stuff too (much like the SNES did.) Even the trajectory for value added content was shared between the 2 consoles.

So reading this, I don't think the current Switch is going anywhere soon, even when the new console is announced.

(I would have thought including that infographic would have been very pertinent to this conversation.)

I hope it has a random peripheral that only someone at Nintendo could have thought of.

But crappy stay safe business will make something like the switch again!

No worries…I’m sure Nintendo will switch it up!

Whatever it will be I hope it will have 2 screens (like DS-3DS or like Wii U) I find it very hard to play most games without a map always open or shortcuts to menu after playing this way all these years. And bigger controllers with motion, can't play Galaxy with Joycons at all.

Switch seems more like a long term brand for me. I hope there will be a switch 2 with 4k and backwards compatibility with the original switch.

Please be another Wii U! Though I really doubt it will happen. But it's an amazing transition of the DS to the living room. Though... I still think they could do a switch type portable with wireless connection to a TV though a hub plugged into the TV.

If Nintendo decides to try something new, I would really like to see their take on augmented reality gaming. Maybe a mixed reality headset to both bring Nintendo assets and gameplay into the real world and players into Nintendo’s virtual worlds.
It’s probably too soon for something like that, though.

Nah.

Nintendo has already integrated their handheld and home console development teams.

Additionally, they already know from the Wii U and 3DS that they can't support two platforms simultaneously. They'll also never stop making portable hardware, since they know very well where their bread is buttered. Switch was their attempt to leverage their strength as a maker of portable gaming hardware to save their home console sector, and it worked brilliantly, as the device taps into two different markets effectively.

So, they can't support two different platforms, won't abandon handhelds, and gain nothing from making the successor a dedicated handheld: thus, by default, whatever else it is, it'll also be a hybrid.

The logical answer is yes they will abandon the Switch concept.

They could have kept the Wii or a similar updated console and an updated DS and had them both able to use the same game card for some games.

Allowing a more powerful home console and a more portable handheld one.

After all that is basically what the Switch Lite is.

Nintendo’s consoles have struggled since the N64 and I think the constant reinvention can be attributed to them trying to find something that consumers will not only gravitate towards, but stick with. The Switch is in this position, selling units and enjoying high player retention, and if you look at Nintendo’s dedicated handhelds, where they’ve always dominated, each new product has been a meaningful but familiar upgrade of what came before.

I also just really want them to stick with the Switch concept lol.

Nah, they won't drop it. The Switch is insanely profitable and they don't want to start from scratch right now. But even if it wasn't, the Switch is such a highly modular concept that it's extremely future proof and even if it was a failure, I could see them sticking with it for the foreseeable future. The genius of the Switch is that they've really broken the console down into its core components so that they can upgrade each of them on an as needed basis. You've got the screen, the controllers, and the dock, so if there's a problem with one of those, you can just upgrade that component and keep the others. Specs outdated? Create a new screen. Need a new control method? Create new Joycons. Need more performance or features in docked mode? Create a new dock. Any further innovations with future consoles will probably keep this setup and just build on/reinvent those components, whereas the basic form factor will probably stay the same for years.

I really hope it's a hybrid console again.
I didn't have a Wii nor a Wii U back in the day because I had DS and 3DS. And I couldn't afford having both, and I chose the handheld option both times because it was cheaper.

So I hope I don't have to choose again between a home console or a handheld one. The Switch concept is the perfect concept for me.

I don't see them moving away from this formula now. I wouldn't mid seeing them brining it closer to Wii U in that a dock could do more than just be a plastic holder, whether it be extra storage or even a more powerful standalone console that can work with the handheld

I hope a lesson is learned from the last time Nintendo was in this position - then it prematurely starved a thriving console (Wii) of games to focus on its successor, only to bring about the abrupt demise of the former before the success of the latter had been assured. Hopefully the Switch's release schedule a year from now doesn't come to resemble that of the latter days of the Wii, with a repeatedly delayed Zelda game finding its audience has disappeared due to a pitiful trickle of releases like Fortune Street and other such filler.

I have always thought the type of games Nintendo develop suit handheld more that tv.

If they move to console only, they will need to come up with something very original or if not match the power of the other consoles.

I never buy consoles until they have been out for a couple of years and there is lots of software on sale. If it looks to be failing, I am sure another company will fill the gap.

Well. I hope the Switch lasts a long time. As my kids are getting older, I was thinking the Switch would be our last family console. (We had GC, Wii, Wii U, DS and 2DS.)

But if you are asking what I'd like to see, or what ideas I've got . . . here are a few. Some crazy. I'm not saying any of them make any sense. LOL.

1. Smaller (pocketable Switch.) — One of the things I like about our DS is that I can stick it in my pocket. If I am picking up one of my kids (waiting in the car somewhere), I can just make sure to have the DS with me. I could see a smaller Switch that has the flat joystick of the 3DS/2DS so that you can slip it into a pocket.

2. A more powerful Switch that can do VR really well. But . . . most games released can still work on the OG Switch. So if a game, let's say Mario Kart X (with VR option) comes out, you can play it on the OG Switch. If you decide to get the Switch Pro, then you can play it at a higher resolution or faster FPS. Or, you can play it VR. So you still got a choice. And the game has a bigger audience to sell to . . . the OG Switch and the Switch Pro. BOTW2 could be VR as well! LOL!

EDIT: Oh, yeah. With a Switch Pro . . . there would be a few games that would only play on Switch Pro. But, pls, not the Nintendo IP that doesn't really need it. That way there is a bigger audience that can play the Nintendo IP. But for first-person-shooters or action games that haven't made it to Switch yet because of "performance", then those games would be a natural for Exclusive to Switch Pro.

3. Or . . . people are mentioning a non-portable console version. How about one that is a bit more powerful. You hook it up to your TV and play games. But no using it as a portable. But here are the additional ideas. a) You can some how attached your OG Switch to it, either with a cable or wirelessly, so that all your stats and game progress get sync'd. And . . . . b) We get asymmetric game play back. We can have NintendoLand games like Mario Chase, Luigi's Ghost Mansion or Animal Crossing again!

4. How about being able to play games on our Switch via our cellphone? Sorta like Steam Link. So, you just leave your Switch turned on at home. But if you want to play while you are out and about, you can access it through your phone?

Yeah. Goofy ideas . . . LOL.

But, hey, you asked.

The other thing that Nintendo has said in the past is that they were hoping that the Switch would end up being a multi-device per household item. So instead of one console in the house, it was more that each gamer in the house would have their own Switch.

I hope a mix between wiiu and switch. I love the second screen of wiiu pad

Here's a prediction: Switch will continue as their flagship handheld brand and will continue to make revisions. They will also, by 2025, have a new home console that they release that will most likely be a stand alone, but have switch connectivity.

They'll release the first games that smell.
Perfect if you play a game where Link is in the woods in morning dew, not so perfect when you play a game with Wario unless you like the thick scent of freshly chewed garlic.

Been playing handheld exclusively for years, so much so that I held off on the Switch in case a handheld successor to 3DS would come out so they'd better keep some kind of handheld around moving forward, though I wouldn't worry about that since Japan will make sure they do

I'd love to see a dock that overclocks the Switch. We (literally) see it to some extent when some games play at a higher framerate and/or resolution when docked, but I'd love to see that improvement made greater.

Iterate on Switch like going from NES to SNES and make sure the next-gen hybrid is fully backwards compatible with the current gen (accessories as well as games). I'd say that makes the most sense but it is Nintendo, one thing I think is for sure, though, it has to have bc or there will be a lot of angry consumers.

If they drop the joycon drift concept, I would be fine with that. No other dropping.

They will stick with the hybrid console style, its a gold mine for them.
Only get rid of the horrible joy con drift.
Its time we got the "quality of life" back at Nintendo.
And i hope they open up more towards the fans.
When iwata was president it was soo much more fun. "Directly to you"

I’m pretty sure they’re gonna do what most other companies are doing now and have a “new” console that’s based on the old hardware and architecture but just more powerful with maybe a couple features added. So it plays all the old Switch games and most new games will be available for the old and new Switch until a game literally requires the extra horsepower. That’s basically what the XBOX Series systems and PS5 are. Smartphones have been doing that for over a decade now too. It’ll probably just be some play on the Switch name. Switch 2, Switch Pro, Super Switch… something like that.

Basically keep riding the Switch branding without forcing a console upgrade right away. Keeps the name and company relevant.

Switch 2 is the easy way to go and probably makes the most sense.

I'd argue, and actually have repeatedly, that Wii U should have been Wii 2 or Wii HD and the Gamepad should have been a $90 accessory when the games were ready like Starfox and bundle it with Nintendo Land. For those who think that's too expensive Wii Balance Board was $90 and sold 30 million so it has happened before.

Switch 2 should have 2 screens, hence the 2, and ditch the dock, either an HDMI cable or wireless dongle. Casting tech should be good enough by now. It's what the Wii U should have been. Maybe both wired and wireless like the OLED dock, options are good.

And of course backwards compatibility. Just like PS4/5 and Xboxen, Switch 2 can go w/o exclusives for awhile, just give us 4k versions for our 4k TV's and a new Mario Kart, it's been like 9 years.

I think they will keep the way they are going with the switch.it does do the best for hand held and being a console.and at 92 million consoles sold yea nuff said

Personally, I think that the successor of the Switch will be a console similar in form to its predecessor, but in addition to more powerful hardware, it will also bring something new. In other words, it will be what the 3DS was to the NDS or what the Wii U was to the Wii.

@Razputinman Nintendo also said as late as June 2019, three months after the final worldwide 3DS release (Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn in March 2019), that the 3DS would "continue to be supported" alongside the Switch. They don't announce their plans for future consoles too early as revealing information about a new console tanks sales for the current one. You think as many people would be buying OLED Switches this holiday season if Nintendo announced that a new console was on the way?

@Gamer83 no game company is 100% full backward compatible.i own a ton of ps3 and 360 games that I can't play on the ps4 or Xbox one

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/11/the-switch-is-here-to-stay-says-nintendo-boss-shuntaro-furukawa

You just put this article up. Lol

@johnvboy well the fact they want to support this version of Switch for the next 5years is logical- since indie games keep coming and the system can handle them. It doesn’t mean they won’t release a next gen soon! They need 3rd party dev support and they can’t ignore the game market. So if they want to be even able to keep porting some downgraded ps5 games, they will surely need to upgrade. I believe the next Switch will come when ps5 will solidify its library so it will become clear which top sellers will be worth the port investment. But Switch should also be getting the major games at the same time as other releases- but for that they need an upgrade. I feel we should see the next gen super switch with the release of BOTW 2- with boosted performance so that everyone can enjoy it and it will prepare a path for next gen games-trust me-I do not think the Switch needs a boost in graphics necessarily- but if even 1st party games like BOTW struggles to maintain the frame rate at times at just 30fps, this means they really need upgrade. I just want all games to run smoothly at 60fps at 1080-that would be sufficient for next Switch!

All I can say is with each console Nintendo seems to devolve.
Just look at all the things missing from the switch which was staple in last gen.
Folders, backgrounds, virtua console, voice chat built in, apps, Netflix, accurate play time logs, mp3 music……

Two things that count against Nintendo's next console being another Switch are firstly, the Wii U. It seemed designed to be an iteration on the Wii and it flopped hard. Also, look at the Switch software line-up. It's full of Wii U ports, in fact the best selling title is a Wii U port. I don't think even Nintendo would dare to release another console in the same form factor that isn't backwards compatible, and yet if it is, they miss the chance to port more games to the successor and get much more of that lovely lovely money. Remember, Nintendo under Furukawa is so money hungry at this point, the company may as well be run by Mr Krabs.
I'm thinking they may well hedge their bets and launch a home console, and keep the Switch as a handheld that docks, but only a fool tries to predict Nintendo and believes they're right.

I welcome a TV-only Nintendo console because in the long term, I don't like my Switch life being limited by it's battery. A tv-only conosle would end that problem. I don't need the handheld. It's a nice feature, but I don't need it.

Switch Lite is handheld only. Now they just have to make a TV only, which could be cheaper than buying a hybrid console.

I only buy Nintendo handhelds. Their console experiences are always significantly worse than PS/Xbox

So if they abandon handhelds, I guess I'll move on from them and stick with a Steam Deck. But I can't imagine them leaving the space they have virtually no competition in

@WhiteUmbrella
Nintendo can make the Switch successor backwards compatible AND port Switch games to it. Sony is already doing it with enhanced PS4 ports on PS5 despite PS5 being backwards-compatible with PS4.

I would be very disappointed if they abandoned the hybrid concept next gen, unless they can provide something “better”, which I can’t conceive at this moment.

At this point they should just make a Switch pro or sequel that continues riding the wave. We don’t need additional features or gimmicks. Just make a more powerful system with a more functional dock and backward compatibility.

Here’s hoping.

I'm sure Nintendo understands there will be hell to pay if their next console does not have backwards compatibility with the Switch.

I imagine and sincerely hope they will stick with the hybrid concept and just build on the Switch platform, like what they did with the Gameboy and then DS.

If anything, we will see more copycats like the Steam Deck trying to grab share of the sweet, sweet hybrid concept that Nintendo popularized.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it (other than joycon drift)

edit:
Oh, but please improve the UI and utter lack of social features like text and voice chat. Make friending someone actually MEAN something...

I’m going to try to find article, but I remember reading, probably on this site, how after Wii/u/ds/3ds generation, NX was starting at 0. Switch didn’t have its name yet, but I do remember Nintendo stating that the next generation was going to be more like apple and iPads then independent console generations. I took that to mean that like a pc or iPad, the switch 2 someday will be able to play switch 1 games. A switch 3 will play 2 and 1 games and so on. I can still play Starcraft on my pc, as well as Starcraft 2. Like 4 PCs later, I can still play it. but that how I see the future of Nintendo.

For me its a hand held, Switch Lite is my primary gaming device and I think its a great system, but I'd rather play PS4 (or 5, whenever I can find one) if on a TV. I think its good if they keep the two options with the home console (actual Switch) version, but also have the smaller handheld version with a d-pad for people who just want a hand held gaming device.

I have also moved to a lot of digital purchases on Switch, so a backward compatible new system would add a lot of value for me. PS5 appeals for this reason too, I have a significant Library of digital games on PS4.

@WeltraumDreamer Oh, you think current Nintendo leadership is MORE honest than prior? Do explain

NES => SNES
N64 => GCN
Wii => Wii U
GB/GBC => GBA
NDS => 3DS
Switch => ???

Nintendo's own history dictates that the Switch successor will be a Switch 2.

The platform that releases after the Switch 2 may be a lot more different, though I personally still believe it will be a hybrid of some kind.

@dil_power After being disappointed by all the "big" exclusives on the Switch, I'm not in that camp. I just enjoy it as a moderate handheld, at this point.

I mean, for all the memes about customer confusion, Wii U kinda WAS another Wii, albeit without wiimotes and sensor bars enclosed - it just did something cool ON TOP of what Wii had. All the moreso with 3DS which was basically NDS Advance with a new spotlight feature. It's not hard to imagine Nintendo building something on the basis of Switch and simply adding something new - possibly in the field of gameplay or interface as opposed to Switch's own core concept of the QoL kind. In any case, I'm quite optimistic for the hybrid format's staying power - most of Nintendo consoles' trademark features have endured through the years, and this one has proven to print money as well, owing much of its sales to its de facto status as the most accessible gaming machine of its generation.

Personally I would like them to try something crazy, even if it fails (at least the software would be good). But if they did continue with the switch I’d still be all for it, one of the better consoles I’ve ever owned (could’ve been no.1 with a few improvements)

If it does then I can almost guarantee it won't be as successful as being an hybrid has really boasted its sales especially those looking for an handheld console coming from the 3ds

Either they make a full home console and it's on par with the next gen consoles or stick with the switch 2, either way il be happy

I really, really hope they capitalize on the switch concept and keep it. I do think with the merger of the handheld and console divisions that the focus will be on some form of hybrid, but the market may possibly put pressure on Nintendo to go back to home console. Games are pretty diverse and scalable with the right devs behind them so this isn't a problem set in stone, as really western devs are the ones that tend to be the most obsessed with AAA only. However nobody likes to leave money on the table for long, so as we have already seen with traditionally absent from Nintendo hardware devs, devs will try to put something on the next (and current) nintendo hardware. That being said, Nintendo could game boy the console market all over again. Find that nice balance between a premium hand held experience and a premium home console experience. With sony out of the handheld market, there is great potential for growth. Nintendo tends to iterate on ideas so I'm not worried but I just hope they don't do a hard right out of fear of another "it's an addon!" issue with the Switch successor.

It's not like they are new to iteration:
GB—>GBC
GBA—>DS—>3/2DS (I personally consider the gba to be its own thing though)

NES-->SNES-->N64
GCN-->Wii-->WiiU
Switch-->?

@westman98 Ghost of Tsushima are Spiderman are the only titles that were previously PS4 only that have received PS5 versions. GT7, Spiderman: Miles Morales, God of War: Ragnarok and Horizon: Zero Dawn are cross gen games, which is different from bringing over titkes years after they launched on a previous platform. Tell me, do you seriously see Nintendo launching a next gen Switch, which is backwards compatible and then porting those games? That seems unlikely to me.

I wish they’d bring dual screen gaming. I would really like ds and 3ds offerings on the switch and let me use my lite as the second/touch screen. The wii u had the 3Ds smash controller. Why can’t the switch do the same? I know Im dreaming a pipe dream because they don’t want other people to have to spend $200 on a controller, but I really wish we could have that option! Imagine playing ds and 3ds titles on your tv without compromising the second screen! Personally, I have 3 lites and I think it would be cool to use one as a controller.

Nah, it'll still be a hybrid, and most likely, will be backwards compatible.

If they want to keep the concept then please make sure that the Next switch console name shows that it is the next gen version of it. Even if they call it "The Nintendo Switch 2" atleast it will make people who aren't into the gaming news know that it is the next system instead of thinking that it is an add on like with the wii u which many people thought it was.

Given Nintendo's record of following up their biggest successes with direct sequel systems (SNES after the NES, GBA after GB/C, the 3DS after the DS, and the Wii U after the Wii), I have to imagine it's pretty much a given that Nintendo's next system will essentially be a 'Switch 2'. Especially since Sony and Microsoft aren't tackling the portable side of the market. Nintendo would have to hate money if they ditch the hybrid concept with their next device.

Really simple answer to this. Only if they are completely stupid.

@BananaMetallurgica I'd kind of like this too. But more so we can properly play dual screen games like the DS and 3DS in docked mode than for what the Wii U can do by itself. They say that the Switch contains the DNA of all previous Nintendo hardware... but that's not entirely true without dual screens with one of them a touch screen. You only have one screen with the Switch and when it's in docked mode, you don't even have a touch screen. So some DS, 3DS, and Wii U games won't really work well on the Switch. Also, I don't feel that the Switch makes a good handheld because it's too big to fit in your pocket, so it doesn't entirely feel like a refined hybrid that lets you do everything Nintendo's ever done as it's marketed.

I do have an idea as to how they could fix it, but I'm not sure the technology is there yet for it to be feasible and profitable. What I would do is have the Switch screen be a dual screen clamshell like the DS and 3DS (but folded sideways). But beyond just being able to fold, the two screens could completely detach. You could then insert one screen to the dock to sync with your TV and then you could attach the Joycons to the other to replicate the Wii U Gamepad setup. That would also have an additional benefit of allowing each player to not only have their own Joycon, but their own screen as well (and the marketing for that is just too perfect, they could says something like "the -Switch whatever- brings new meaning to the term 'split screen gaming'"). I'm not sure if the technology is quite there yet to be able to do this with adequate processing power to prevent lag or to sell it as a reasonable price, but if so, I would jump on this if I was Nintendo. That would be a very Nintendo thing to do that would fully realize what the Switch is intended to do.

@WhiteUmbrella
There's also Death Stranding and Uncharted 4 + Lost Legacy. I expect more PS4 ports on PS5 to be announced in the future as well.

"Tell me, do you seriously see Nintendo launching a next gen Switch, which is backwards compatible and then porting those games?"

I don't see why not. It's not like Nintendo is even a stranger to doing this - they ported a bunch of GCN games to Wii in the form of the New Play Control lineup, even though Wii is BC with GCN.

Nintendo themselves have stated in the last investor meeting that they want to continue Nintendo Accounts and other "value-added services" (presumably NSO) from the Switch to it's successor.

Certainly implies BC to me...

I really hope Nintendo keep the hybrid concept going. It’s so convenient and just a brilliant idea all round. The next console should just be much more powerful. I’d be happy to pay PS5/Xbox Series X prices if the next Switch model is even just slightly below those in terms of power as it’s so convenient. A modern touch would be nice like what they’ve done with the OLED. Implement a 4K screen, reduced bezels etc.

I'd like it to be essentially a more powerful Switch but with some additional gimmick that adds new ways to play games. So basically a Switch U. What could go wrong?

Let's be real. The picture with the guy holding the Switch up, with the girl checking him out in the background? Yeah, that's a big NOPE Hahaha

@Bolt_Strike i like your idea

I'm guessing it will still be a hybrid, but with graphic power around PS4 levels instead of Ps3/Wii U, and some kind of smart connection to your TV, like a wireless dock.

Along with backwards compatibility of course

I hope that whatever they do it is backwards compatible. The return of the VC would be nice too.

Unless they're doing something else that's different, they'd be stupid to, IMO. If they went back to dedicated home console, we'd see another Wii U failure. They own the portable market. And they've gotten so far away from the "console wars" at this point, that I'd even appreciate seeing them in a role similar to that of PCs - a middle ground where everything ends up (Xbox Live, PS Now, etc)
I hope they expand the Switch model, rather than abandon it and move on just for the sake of moving on.

We already have another Wii U, it's called Nintendo Switch.

In all seriousness, the only thing I hope is if they continue with the hybrid model for their next console, they do something for the TV mode, I understand cuts need to be made, but I feel the console part has been affected by their focus on the handheld part.

I don't think Nintendo can abandon it at this point.

Voluntarily or not, Nintendo seems to be out of the console competition and is focused on (mostly) mobile gaming. I'm not even sure they could compete against the console hardware that Microsoft and Sony put out now either. The XSX and PS5 seem leagues above the Switch in terms of performance that the gap is too wide now for Nintendo to have a shot at major success on their turf.

You never ever know with Nintendo.

If almost certain we won't see a radical departure from the switch concept. The fact that Nintendo consolidated all of their gaming divisions a number of years ago means they aren't going to go and spread themselves thinly again over multiple platforms when they have really just gotten to the point that they are able to put out quality games on a regular basis.

This means that the next hardware will either have to be a hybrid like Switch capable of portable and home play, or there will have to be two versions of the next console one for handheld play and one for home play. The only problem with this is it removes a big selling point of the Switch which is that it does both, the negative for nintendo is that they don't get to sell as much hardware as they did with two successful platforms. This might not be a big issue for them as long as the software sales are high seeing as profits on consoles tend not not to be that great.

I think we see a continuation of the Switch concept, with Nintendo playing it uncharacteristically safe, maybe not exactly Switch 2 but not too far from it.

I would look for Nintendo to slow walk any plans for another system. They are running out the clock, before they release a more beefy Switch 2 which will be all-digital and only partially backwards compatible with old Switch games (no more cartridges and new eshop would only host the digital games that currently work on BC).

They've effectively hybridised and even combined the home and portable concept very successfully. I honestly think the next iteration will be an "Advance" version of the Switch. Like GB to GBA.

I think their next device may well be something completely left field and it’ll form a separate sales arm. Maybe something AR related? MK Live was a good experiment with AR. They’re obviously experimenting with the tech. Or something completely bonkers that no one could predict. Then a few years after that will come the true successor to the Switch - a more powerful hybrid console with some form of BC.

While the Switch is currently booming in the games market, I feel Nintendo still needs to boost their efforts to equalizing the Switch to the current market. In other words, Make the Switch better instead of moving forward. Right now their Nintendo Online Service is lackluster in terms of network service quality and their emulation can't even rival, much less surpass those made by fans. The Expansion Pass is great for those who play Animal Crossing or Retro Games but leaves the rest of us desiring more for the hefty price tag. Nintendo has always been about quality, and they need to live up to it.

"Or maybe, just maybe, Furukawa's words are designed to be as non-committal as possible"

Well, duh. It was clearly just a corporate placeholder statement, there isn't any real information to be obtained from it. Nintendo should just stick with the Switch, making new games for it instead of making a new console. Video game graphics are already about as good as they're ever going to get.

Man if Nintendo doesn't do a portable device following the Switch, I'll be finding myself in quite the conundrum. I've always played significantly more on handheld consoles. If Nintendo doesn't include a handheld offering moving forward, I legit may have to consider bowing out of modern gaming; if I have to be tethered to a TV, nothing's getting played.

I'm certain they'll stick with the Switch form factor. The hybrid nature of the Switch is just too perfect and something I feel like Nintendo has been trying to achieve since the early 90s with the Super Gameboy. With the technology and pricing at a good medium, I think they'll stick with this for the foreseeable future.

I also can't see them breaking off the portable and home divisions again. The power console route is already well occupied with Sony and MS alone. In general, no company isn't making two separate pieces of hardware anymore; Sony backed out the portable market altogether and Nintendo unified the markets.

Some folks have both brought up AR, but I don't think they would need to build a whole console off of that. Just make more AR centric games like MK Live.

I don't see them abandoning it just yet or ever, if anything they should expand on it and make the hybrid feature even more convenient and accessible. All they had to do was make it a bit more powerful with a 1080p OLED screen, 12gb of DDR4 Ram, and use upgradeable M.2 SSD for internal storage rather than eMMC storage. Also make it backwards compatible with the Switch library and eShop.

VirtualBoy U or we riot!

They’ll put out more graphically capable hardware, that’s as much as we know in any given generation, other than the vague idea of it being much more of a gadget than their competitors’ idea of a console.

I think the Switch is headed for a DS/3DS situation. They kept the same two screen handheld model for years, it just changed and improved with the DS lite, 3DS XL, etc. We’ve already seen it with the switch lite and OLED, so I think the switch is here to stay for the foreseeable future in some way. Although, what the next step looks like, who can say?

Furukawa is a corporate shill.

I see an all digital cloud console.

@armondo36 I agree , though I hope it will be a hybrid console

@Znake,

I think Nintendo want to create a series of consoles that follow on from each other using the same branding, they tried this with the Wii and Wii U, just as they did with the DS and 3DS.

It's s logical step as there is no need to radically change the branding, and backwards compatibility is also much easier, I still think it's better for Nintendo to just have one platform to make software for.

The next console Switch 2, or whatever they end up calling it will be similar to the current Switch, in as much it will get a lite and mid generation upgrade, but still do not expect to make pro versions during the life-cycle of their current machines.

Nintendo is quite literally dominating the handheld gaming market (not including phones). Steam is about to release the Steam Deck and is going to give Nintendo some major competition. Sony's PS5 is about two generations ahead of Nintendo in terms of hardware power; if they tried to compete now then it might be a losing fight for a generation. Microsoft is taking the lead on streaming games. I think it would be idiotic for Nintendo to leave the Switch's market. They have a REALLY good thing going right now.

I don't believe Nintendo will totally drop the "Switch Formula". It may add some gimmick (VR? Second screen? hologram? Idk), but the hybrid system is a must in my point of view. In a interview they said that the idea of join the handheld and console teams was the best thing they ever done, because they have only one system to develop games. It's still true and I don't think they'll drop any front or divide the team again (and had less games per system).

What I want to see in the next hybrid are retrocompatibility and 4k capable when physically docked (even if it's through any upscale technique) but have wireless dock connection too, then we can use the system itself as a Wii U gamepad (of course it's different: Wii U process at the tv station and send to the gamepad, this system should process at the handheld and send to the tv station). A optional second screen (like a book cover for the "tablet") would let us play with 2 screens on the go (yes, I'm thinking about DS Online app)

Oh, total compatibility with controllers (at least wireless) and a new "handheld controller" with less drift problems

@Teksetter I'm sure Nintendo understands there will be hell to pay if their next console does not have backwards compatibility with the Switch.

I'm sure that Nintendo knows there will be hell to pay if they overcharge for the N64 games and the emulation is bad. That is why Nintendo didn't overcharge and the emulation is perfect. /s

Remember that time Nintendo released a hybrid that wasn't backward compatible with any previous console or handheld and then they got people to buy the games from previous gens again for $60 each. LOL...good times.

@B_Lindz They have a REALLY good thing going right now.

They had a good thing going with the Wii so they released a follow-up to the Wii that could do everything a Wii could and more. What went wrong?

Nintendo will wait for Samsung's folding OLED screen to come down in price before launching their new DualScreen Switch. How else can Nintendo sell those thousands of DS/DSi/3DS games again?

All they need is a more powerful and functional Switch. That is it.

I hope that’s all they do but this is Nintendo we’re talking about and for the longest time it’s felt like they only do something if it’s different.

@johnvboy Very true. I also wish that my Switch made the snap sound when I see the logo turning it on. 👍

The Switch is the first Nintendo hardware I've bought since the Nintendo 64 in the 90's so I hope to God the next system is similar. They just need to essentially make another Switch but more powerful and backwards compatible with current Switch games and possibly improving them as well similar to PS4 games on the PS5.

@johnvboy this this is not about expectations but about survival. If ps5 can offer 120fps in 4K- and I am not saying it’s important- many games experiences might be optimized not just for graphics but for new elements-like in Ratchet and Clank rift apart, which require much faster processing. The bottom line-Nintendo needs at least major Third Party Titles- that’s a must! And to keep their support, they must have a unit that handles at least a solid playable downgrade of such games, and to be honest, BOTW struggles already on Switch! Also there is pressure of investors! All together, the next hardware update for Switch needs to happen at least within the next 1year, 1.5years the most. This is not about what we wish, this is what the game market requires.

No, the steam deck has shown handhelds can be powerful. 400 dollars would be a good price

@Buizel
Wii to Wii U, struck gold eh

Seems like alot of NintenDoomed has come out of the wood works now with this latest news. Nintendo for whom they are should keep the cart as that how you insure people keep buying since the internal storage is not expandable and sd cards aren't 2tb or 4tb or allowing multiple sd cards to be used as storage. They should keep the hybrid console format and give it more GPU/CPU to boost performance. Trying to be like xbox/psx isn't going to expand their gamer base users. They already have a winning formula and with the Switch in public where someone goes portable it's is more free advertisement to Nintendo Benefit. They don't two screens to play if that was the case we get a Nintendo 3DS Switch but would raise the price and give little in return. As to older games they could re-master them to carts and make more money for buyers. But then again alot of people were dismissing the Switch when it came out and now they are doing it again when a new revolution in Switch performance is coming they try to dismiss it again. How long will they keep doing that feature matinee?

No, I think they will stay with the switch format.

Whatever it is, I hope it includes full backwards compatibility for all digital purchases made on the Switch (physical compatibility is probably asking too much here). I also hope Nintendo implements a PROPER legacy BC program along the lines of what Microsoft has done, and NO, I DON'T mean anything tied to subscriptions, but permanent, straightforward purchases tied to our user accounts.

History says it won't happen because Nintendo loves to force consumers to double-dip (and more) whenever they can, and now that their test run with that absurdly priced expansion pack for Switch Online actually got some people to bite, who knows what sort of extortion they'll come up with for its successor (and I do mean successor; I fully expect them to abandon SO and leave those who put money into it high and dry in fairly short order once that happens).

This ain't your daddy's Nintendo anymore, folks. The days of wild and unbridled positive expectations are long gone. Those of us who've been around since the NES days can tell you the new guard at their corporate headquarters isn't as fan-friendly as the folks who made them a household name. Their actions and priorities as of late should tell you that they don't feel it's necessary anymore.

Switch U

Make the switch 2 nice and simple more power 4k etc then innovate around the console but not the console itself i.e Labo, ring fit etc

Highly unlikely. The concept is so popular and successful. If there's any change, it will be in the delivery of games, with potentially a "dumb" version for streamed games, which could include a subscription plan. Obviously this will depend on advances in streaming technology, and possibly only available in Japan first.

@BloodNinja sorry to hear that personally I am having a blast playing through all the Wii u ports as I never got a chance to play them before plus a few imho decent switch exclusives

@blindsquarel €400 is a good price, but that’s almost how much oled switch cost now. It will be 500$

@JustMonika I don’t see Nintendo offering free upgrades. Microsoft and Sony spoiled us

I don’t think they would run away from the switch but maybe they could make a home console for people who want the power and then just upgrade the switch with a pro version I think would sale pretty well since people are really wanting more power from Nintendo.

@JustMonika The Switch is the first Nintendo hardware I've bought since the Nintendo 64 in the 90's

Holy cow, you missed out on many great games between the GBA, DS, 3DS, Gamecube, Wii and Wii U. Well, I guess you get many of the Wii U games on the Switch but not all.

@SwitchForce Seems like alot of NintenDoomed has come out of the wood works now with this latest news.

I know right, don't people know that there is only one acceptable opinion and that is Nintendo is the greatest and most successful company now and forever? /s

Next console will be dual screen and called the Wii U 2. Bono will appear in the start up screen and yell "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!"

Nintendo HDS
Able to play 3DS, NDS and Switch games.

@Razputinman Well that's what every company says, until it isn't. Saying anything else would hurt the current gen system's sales.

Honestly all the big N needs to do is make it more powerful, have ANALOGUE TRIGGERS and fix the joycon drift and it would sell like gang buster

What ever it is it will be exciting and I will give them several hundred of my dollars. As usual. I can't wait!

Back on topic though. Nintendo just needs better hardware and they have me as a seller again. I'm buying a steam deck just for the portable PC gaming aspect and powerful hardware

I wish. I haven't used my Switch for over 2 years, I don't like playing Nintendo games at 600p on my huge tv. But the Switch concept makes too much sense for Nintendo, so they will probably stick to it.

Then again, this is Nintendo, so they might just come up with another dumb Wii U level failure.

I sure hope not... I love playing games on the TV, but I rarely get to do that and spend like 90% of my time with my Switch in portable mode.

@Znake,

That's where people look at this from the wrong angle, Nintendo have always operated at a profit on their hardware, and it's pretty much all gravy with their massive selling first party software, Nintendo will always survive as they are far more shrewd than most give them credit for.

True they have got out of the red ocean core market, because it's not viable for them to stay in it, more so because one of the players has more money than sense, and can afford to operate it's console gaming division at a loss.

@Crono1973 I mostly collect visual novels, FPS's, RPG's and survival horror games on the Switch. For over 20 years I've been a Playstation gamer until I got the Switch a year ago. Now I've sold my PS4 collection for rare and imported Switch games. I'm also hoping to get an OLED Switch within a month. The only Nintendo game I own is Metroid Dread which is awesome.

@BlueMage,

The Switch has been a masterclass in how to advertise a console, and is worlds apart from the very poor effort with the Wii U, guess Nintendo thought the Wii U's success was a given, after the Wii's great performance.

@SwitchForce,

A lot just want to see Nintendo fail, under the fake guise of being long term Nintendo fans, who only call out Nintendo for the good of the company.

Hence the disclaimer on some comments,

" Speaking as a long term Nintendo fan, that has owned all their consoles, blah blah... "

But I think they are going a bad job, etc, etc..............

@johnvboy yeah they gain more profit from hardware than competition, since they try to scramble the same parts in different packaging to sell as almost a new thing, but that’s still not their main source of income 😂. Software sales generate hundred times more profit and that is the main focal point here.

@Fudge_Fujiyama Nintendo has never been one to make consoles that uses high specs , they tend to make underpowered consoles ..To keep a certain price point ,and be “family friendly “.

@coolwhip 600p? Dunno what you are doing wrong, but my Nintendo games look fantastic on my 55" 4K UHD set.

Anyway, I think the concept is here to stay. I hope they iterate, improve and add to it as tome goes by, and the tablet is literally screaming for a top-notch screen with a VR attachment. Like, of all the obvious things in Obvious Land, it's the most glaringly obvious.

@Fudge_Fujiyama the “Steam Deck “is going to be awesome,and will probably give Nintendo a run for their money ..

@Fudge_Fujiyama I might Nintendo knows how to make consoles that are underpowered,yet top sellers .A perfect marketing combination in my opinion,although Nintendo certainly has the money and the capabilities to make a very powerful console ,they don’t have to make money ..Ingenious in my opinion..

@johnvboy It's like the expression, "I love them to death.....but...."

Nintendo made a big decision when they ventured into the Switch. They merged their developer teams during the days of the Wii U and 3DS. They also brought the audience's together like never before. Splitting all that up would be a huge waste.

Nintendo has always dominated the handheld market (except for the Virtual Boy) and that success should be more than the reason for them to stay with the Switch. The only concern for them now is staying ahead of mobile devices.

If it ain't broke...

I wonder if the sales numbers are so high is because a lot of families own more than one. With the Wii it was almost always 1 console per house but it looks like its 1 to 2 or 3 per house now.

I might be a dinosaur but I can't really see what quirky ideas Nintendo can come up with. The hybrid concept is pretty much perfect to keep both handheld and home console lovers happy.

Just improve on the Switch, make it stronger, make it backwards compatible and make it easy to transfer your purchased games/online services across and I'll be a happy bunny.

Switch mini, flip up and the size like 3ds. The current switches are too big.

And then make a 'Switch 2 U' for home use.
Yes I'm a fan of Wii U(and 3DS), and sad that it went away. For me the current Switch is a bit meh since it's like the other consoles.

@blindsquarel @dimi Steam Deck's pricing was announced several weeks ago.

64GB - $399
256GB - $529
512GB - $649

@WiltonRoots,

Yes it's right up there with, " With the greatest respect " .

@Znake,

My point was Nintendo are not struggling to survive as some on here suggest, quite the opposite, and if you are suggesting most console manufacturers would not like the best of both worlds, ie making profit on both hardware and software, I am not sure suggest.

@johnvboy sure there are "fake fans", but don't forget to mention the ones for whom their fandom isn't so much an enthusiasm for Nintendo as a mental disorder. You know, those commenters that can't stand to let any criticism of Nintendo go unchallenged, no matter how much validity that criticism may have. I'm sure you know who I'm referring to.

@WhiteUmbrella,

Totally understand people have concerns, my comment was a very light hearted comment on certain members, who would just love to see Nintendo fail, and suggest it's for their own good, and they have been fans for ages, simply do not buy any of it.

Not sure having no issues, or a different opinion could be classed as a mental disorder however, and who appointed these people as our saviours and whistle blowers in the first place.

@johnvboy well you are incorrectly interpreting it. Key points! Sales are mostly from Software- Nintendo just doesn’t want to make huge next gen changes because it has huge orders from manufactures on key components, and when the hardware sales go down, they pretend they sell a new product with minimal changes with the same internal components just to use their supplier components to max-well hardware sales mean nothing compared to software. And even though I like Switch- does it have great third party support? No! Where is Vanquish, Mass Effect, MGSV, Arkham Knight, Dark Souls 3/ Seikiro, Resident Evil 2remake, RE Village, and so on- all fast paced games skip the Switch because Switch could not keep with the frame rate! If Nintendo wants to survive in terms of third party support-and it desperately needs it, it will have to upgrade! Most of these games require 60fps for more fluid and precise controls! All these amazing games have to skip the system unless Nintendo releases a next gen system! Why?! Because software sales count the most! Not saying Switch is not successful-yes it is, and it has the best exclusives out there, but by under powering their devices, they lose a ton of support, and some studios give up on working with Nintendo.

@Znake,

Not so sure Nintendo need third party support to survive, their own games and the massive indie support are more than enough, people will continue to buy those tripple AAA games on Sony and Microsoft's consoles.

Most of those triple AAA games sell very low numbers on the Switch in the first place, not sure more coming would remedy that.

They'd be foolish to drop the Switch Concept right now, it's a great seller and will likely go on to be the best ever selling Nintendo console.
They should upgrade the Switch to Switch 2, add 4K, more memory, better online service ect.
However add another gimmick to it... VR, they have already touched it with the Labo, they already have the hand held Joy Con so just add state of the art headset and Job Done, I'm sure they could come up with a Wii Sport style game for VR and go on to make more games with this option.

If anybody thinks they will abandon the Switch designs "I got some nice restate in Siberia for you to own for a limited time offer". Seems like alot of NintenDoomed posters have come out of the wood work now a new system will be coming to our shores but they can't seem to fathom why it didn't die in it's first year release and never will.

@johnvboy yes ports usually sell bad because they are bad ports or switch can’t handle them. You are correct and I agree with you that Nintendo on one hand can do well on its own, but if Switch didn’t succeed that company would go bankrupt-that’s what Reggie admitted himself. On the other hand Switch has entered new markets in China and Brasil, and most people can’t buy two consoles- so then it would be a matter which console has the games that those customers want. Also Nintendo markets the system as a platform for the whole family and even though most of their games are great, it severely lacks more adult titles. I am not the only one who would want all RE games on Switxh, MGS, Mass Effect and others, Switch has no great third person shooters( I don’t count online ) the only best TPS is RE4 and that’s it- that one may be too old school for some.the bottom line- if Switch struggles already with their own first party games-that’s a major indicator it needs an upgrade.

@Znake,

As mobile chips become more powerful and cost effective the difference between mobile and home console device will become less and less, the Switch will continue in it's current form for a while yet, but the next generation Switch will be far more capable.

@johnvboy sure the switch can run many indie titles to come, so I would believe it can still be supported for another 5years easily, but the next gen switch will come in 1-1.5years max. It’s just not discussed since the Oled just released. Also many games are super limited on less capable system- if you have shorter draw distance- you can’t see things far enough-in most shooters it’s already an issue, and lower fps gives you different window for response- that’s why 60fps is the new norm for faster paced games. I don’t want new Switch for Graphics-since I prefer nicer art style over high res textures, but I want games to play smoothly, so that the underpowered system doesn’t discriminate the player. Well anyway, thanks for the chat, and let’s hope for the bright future of Nintendo and their amazing games.

@johnvboy Normally I'd agree with you, but....
There was a time when my Grandparents knew what a gameboy was, and Nintendo killed a market-dominating world-recognized brand in favor of an unproven tech concept in the DS...and somehow made it work. And their market-dominating world-recognized "Wii" didn't work when used for branding, actively hurting them for the "Wii-U". I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo believed their only brand of value was "Nintendo" based on their own corporate history, for better or for worse.

@Znake,

No problem, but who knows what Nintendo are planning, they could shock us all and release a Switch pro next year, but I feel another two or so years before we get the next generation Switch.

The only thing that would make sense would be a Switch 2. Obviously far more powerful, backwards compatible with Switch games, make sure Switch Online is complete with the additions of game boy and game boy advance by the time the Switch 2 comes out, redo the joy cons so they have no drift.
In addition they should expand interactive options like ring fit, rather than just having a one off game have a whole series of fitness games and perhaps other physical games (like they experimented with the Labo games) if they have any great ideas beyond fitness. And I would hope for a family of system strategy where they have the portable only the hybrid and upgraded hybrid and upgraded home system that are all offered in the first few years of his lifespan.
Maybe also adding a VR system to it.
Basically just the perfecting of the switch concept and Nintendo's services.

@Bret
Yeah I know, That influenced my idea for a price a lot

@BenAV I agree. Dates back to the Game & Watch days!

That was a standard response. I see nothing in his comment to worry about.

I have a feeling that the hybrid feature will become a permanent thing with future Nintendo consoles, but I also think that they'll introduce some new gimmick to accompany it with the next system.

People like smart devices
Cloud gaming is growing
4k gaming is starting to become a demand
In 5 years everybody want to play 8k games.
People have less time to play games.

Why not make a pact with google, and make a 8k hybrid gamesytem, wich is also capable of playing physical games.

Just make the switch capable of pushing 8k cloudgaming,and do something with the dock like a google home device, even better like nvidia shield.

The hybrid system is in any case here to stay.
Why? Because it attracts cknsole and pc users also mainstream users who have kids. I think there was never a concept like this in the past where they have reached such interest.

So make it even more aproachable, attract people that like smart devices.

Hopefully they make a phone and put their eShop on it.

@blindsquarel The price that the company announced influenced your idea for the price? Ooookay, buddy, whatever you say

They can do anything they want, but if the new console won't have backwards compatibility with the Switch I'm not going to buy it this time.

@Bret
That sounded better in my head. Basically I think it is a fair price and I think the base steamdeck is a fair price.

Nintendo could of course move away from the Switch model and destroy the success they have had and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if they did so because they seem intent to on taking success and then destroying with a follow up failure. This however is not the time for Nintendo to make the same old mistakes. Now is the time to embrace the Switch and keep it going for decades. Like PlayStation and Xbox they now just need to re iterate a fabulous concept. If they choose to veer from the path then so be it. But it will be another disaster.