Topic: Should Nintendo create a Console only Switch?

Just wanted to get others opinions

Personally I have never, hardly ever, used my Switch in handheld mode, since the day I bought it it has sat in the dock next to my TV as that's the only way I play it, I don't see the point in having it portable.

Nintendo could easily create a console only Switch, do away with the screen and battery, and the cost of making it would drop dramatically, it would be cost effective, cheaper and faster to produce, more affordable and appealing to gamers who don't want portable console features like myself.

They gave us the Switch Lite which was portable only, so why not do a reverse and give us console only option as well?

I would love a console only Switch, anyone else?

For me, Hybrid is the future. I can't imagine going back to only one form of it now, even if I don't use it, I like that I could.

Well that kind of defeats the purpose of a Switch doesn't it? Switch is a hybrid console that's the marketing point of it. Also Nintendo has always had more success at portable consoles so even the fact that you can dock it is nice cause they could have just gone a started portable console like the 3DS.

I play my docked all the time, mainly because I don't like the joycons but that's another story.

I mean it has that option so a docked only Switch seems kinda of unnecessary. If it was just a handheld then I can see wanting a dock only Switch or a way to connect it to the tv.

@Tasuki
I wish I could just buy a docked-only Switch 2 if one were ever available, just because that could possibly shave off $200 cad? I rarely played my Switch in handheld, and now Switch OLED, so that feature goes straight out the window, outside of the occasional eShop browsing while I'm lounging on the couch.

I mean, power wise it's in between a PS4 & PS4 Pro when docked, with the inclusion of 120hz, VRR & RayTracing unless I'm mistaken with the latter two, all jam packed into a slim small device that makes the PS4 Pro look like a giant fat triple stacked tank sandwich.

If the option were available, give me a Docked-only Switch, that includes a Switch 2 Pro Controller for $399 cad, while having the Joy-con 2's sold separately.

When you compare it to the PS5, specifically for docked-play, what exactly is Switch 2 doing that's different, putting exclusives aside? Detached 'Dual' Joy-con 2 Gyro mouse controls which can be used in fun weird whacky ways(Think Mario Paint 2 or WarioWare Sequel etc) is what instantly springs to mind obviously.

Yet the PS5 is nearly 1 generation ahead I'm guessing, but that DualSense controller has one awkward feeling d-pad. the rubbery textured detached styled slight concave design never feels good to the touch regardless of how accurate it may be. I can't stand it personally. I'd rather deal with the miss-registers of the Pro Controllers D-pad because it feels so much better and like an actual D-pad. But the miss-register-thing has been corrected with S2's Pro controller and the d-pad itself is even slightly larger too.

And i wonder how HD Rumble 2 will stack up against the DualSense's haptics, when the latter is at it's peak for titles like Astro Bot? As is, purely for TV-play, the PS5 has the advantage of being 1 gen ahead in power & has Adaptive triggers, and for the more niche group, PSVR2(Resident Evil Village VR was pretty outstanding, including a handful of other titles.), although I couldn't care less for about 95% of PS5's exclusives. Plus, the PS5 is such an unattractive, cold, soulless and boring looking Console, including it's controller. The UI's depressing...Especially the music, which thankfully can be turned off. I really miss the PS1 1995 launch vibes. Such a fun weird great looking console & Controller(The original without the sticks).

@maxrpg I'm with you. I would like a tv-only version of the switch. But I've already gone down this road in the forum, and I found that I was virtually the only one on in NL forums that wanted a tv only switch. So, I dont' expect anyone else to agree. (Other than the OP, I'll bet an imaginary dollar that I'm the only other one that would like a tv-only version of the switch😉😆)

I would rather not shell out the $100 extra dollar cost for the screen, battery, dock, microphone, nfc reader, and whatever else they that's not needed to make a tv-only box console version of the switch.

If a tv only switch defeats the purpose of the switch (which someone usually says, not picking on tasuki<3), why is there a Switch Lite? If they can make a handheld-only Lite, they can make a cheaper tv-only box console. Although, I wouldn't be shocked if there's not enough lower-cost-seekers that would like a tv-only switch. People like their handheld screens.

I don't need a console built around a lithium ion battery trapped inside (a repair job is required to replace it). There's a steady drip of switch owners on reddit, that didn't use their switch for days, weeks or months, and now their surprised their console won't turn on. And then they have to make a post online asking "is my switch dead!?", how do I fix it? Wuh happen?. Or, there are posts wondering why their switch is swelling? - the lithium ion battery is swelling and needs to be replaced. This isn't great for game preservation, at least compared to consoles of the past.

Didn't do it for Switch 1, so I don't see why they'd do it for Switch 2. Even though Switch Lite technically breaks the 'switching' gimmick in the first place.

All I can think of is that Switch Lite's lower price was okay because they were targeting children, primarily, with that device, whereas a cheaper docked Switch 2, if people suspected it was coming, would cause adults who typically stick to home consoles to wait for the cheaper revision, whereas they're forced to pay more for the hybrid model if they want to play the games without a TV only model.

Or maybe it's because a Switch Lite can technically be played anywhere, whereas a docked console is... well, TV-only by definition.

Who knows? But clearly Nintendo has deliberately steered clear of the idea.

@NeonPizza I do wonder about Joycon haptics this go around. Sony did a really good job with the Dualsense in that regard. I feel like we would've heard if there'd been a big upgrade in that respect, though.

@WoomyNNYes @maxrpg You are right. This would be an option, so it wouldn't defeat the purpose of the concept. Switch Lite does not swich either and 2DS was not 3D... Options are good when they make sense. Moreover, I have also read those threads about the battery and, while of course we have to deal with the current technology for devices that don't make sense without them, like smartphones, a Nintendo Switch 2 Home or whatever they want to call it would be excellent value and much more durable for those that are not interested in handheld mode or that have another Switch or another handheld system for that.

I think a docked-only Switch 2 makes sense if Nintendo really, really wants a Switch 2 model that can retail at below $300 (Switch 2 is $450-500 and I expect Switch 2 Lite to be $300-350).

@maxrpg
Nintendo Switch is designed to have both handheld and console mode.
If you want docked only console, PlayStation is your answer.
Or Wii, Wii U

@WoomyNNYes It defeats the purpose of the Switch because handheld has always been Nintendo's thing in the gaming landscape. They have always been more successful with their handhelds. If they were just make a home console again they would just be behind Sony and MS unless of course they can compete power wise with them, but that's not Nintendo's style. Doing a hybrid console let's them target that demographic. Playstation hasn't targeted the handheld demographic since the Vita died and MS hasn't even touched that demographic. Yeah there's that rumor around that MS is getting ready to launch one but let's be honest people can do that now with a Steam Deck, but that's another story.

Having a hybrid console keeps.Nintendo relevant and doesn't make them direct compete with MS and Sony and they are in a space all by themselves.

@Ralizah
"The HD Rumble 2 is praised for its smoother, deeper, and more nuanced vibrations, enhancing immersion in games"

"I might have noticed the traction and the buzzing in Mario Kart, but my first real wow moment with the rumble was while playing Metroid Prime 4"

"Every single missile, jump, and collision with an enemy resulted in a different form of rumble or feedback in the Joy-Con. A charge beam will cause a steady vibration in the controller, while missiles are much more explosive when they hit a foe. The variety in intensity made me feel like I was actually Samus (albeit, a clumsy version of Samus), especially when paired with gyro or Mouse Mode."

"The haptics in PS5 games like Astro Bot and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth won't be matched in controller feel on Switch 2, but there's something to be said for the different levels of buzz as you punch through layers of dirt and stone in Donkey Kong Bananza. It actually makes me want to use the Joy-Con like boxing gloves more than Fitness Boxing ever did."

It's pretty bizarre how Nintendo completely glossed over HD Rumble 2 during the full NS2 Unveil Direct. Based on all of the glowing impressions, you'd think it would of been one of the main focuses instead of being touched on afterwards. Completely undermined. My only real complaint, is the NS2 Pro Controller doesn't have adaptive triggers like the DualSense. I love the recoil and resistance, when lets say firing a shot gun in the PS5 version of Resident Evil 2 Remake. It really does add to the immersion. But Astro Bot I'm sure is without a doubt the ultimate showcase for both AT & Haptics, with haptics even being integrated into the triggers themselves.

I still haven't given that one a whirl just yet. Astro's Playroom didn't exactly win me over, what can I say, I found it quite boring compared to Astro Bot: Rescue Mission on PSVR1, which was one of the greatest most mesmerizing jaw dropping platformers I've played in the last 20 years. I 100%'d that bugger. That stage, BeachSide Boogie, where you descend under water was UNreal(of the many) for it's time, . RM aside, Playroom made Great use of the DualSense's AT&H. But the Gyro was terrible when you had to aim with a cross hair since it would frequently mess up, just because there's no sensor bar/reference at play.

And once they release colorful more Nintendo-esque NS2 Pro controller editions(Like the Switch 1 Pro 'Splatoon 2' edition, with the neon colored pink & green handles.), i'll be selling my original NS2 Pro asap. As is, it looks painfully uninspired, almost as bad Switch 1 pro, especially when you side it against something like the NSO Indigo purple GCN controller. Aka, the last balsy' eye catching, bizarre & unique 'traditional' Nintendo controller, and that was 24 years ago. But putting aside the Pro 2 controller's disappointing appearance, I'm sure it will be one of the greatest controllers ever made purely based on feel and functionality. With HD Rumble 2, Smooth gliding quieter sticks, snappier face & shoulder buttons, slightly larger d-pad with no miss-registers, plus a Chat button, headphone jack & GL & GR buttons. It's looking to render Switch Pro 1 obsolete-O'

In terms of console designs, i think Switch 1(With the launch Grey/black joy-cons that is.) is hands down the worst looking Nintendo(Un-Nintendo) console ever created by the big N. But then, Nintendo simultaneously shadow dropped the neon blue & red Joy-cons during the full Switch 1 unveil direct, which completely saved the day, my day. lol For those that enjoy some color with their gaming consoles & controllers. I still have my neon pink & green attached to my S1, rotting of course in the dock.

The neon orange & blue accents under the joy-con 2 sticks and magnetic side riles save the S2 from looking forgettable. Those colors give it a splash of that Nintendo flavor, much needed pop, fun factor, and give it an almost slight Sega Genesis kind of vibe, but in a more minimal modern kind of way. As expected it looks like a sequel to Switch 1, not a full-ON wildly different beast mind you, as if we were entering some brand new world of gaming like we did going from the NES, to Sega Genesis, to SNES, to PS1, to N64, to Dreamcast(etc),
Yikes. Another delicious' sea of rambling text. lol

I think it’s clear that the handheld part of the package is what Nintendo values most and puts emphasis on. The marketing is skewed towards portable play, and the hardware revisions have only benefited the handheld. So when Nintendo makes a Switch-less Lite version, that’s the only direction they’d move in because it resembles the elements they market the most

Next gen when Sony and Microsoft's next consoles are hybrids, Nintendo will make a powerful home console lol.

The Nintendo Switch wouldn’t truly be the Nintendo Switch if it were just a home console. What makes it a true game changer is the new standard Nintendo has set with its hybrid design. It’s amazing that you can use the Switch both docked at home and in handheld mode.

I understand that some people prefer playing only at home to enjoy games on a big TV. But for me, the real strength lies in its handheld mode. In my situation, there’s always a reason not to play docked—whether it’s wanting to beat that final boss while lying in bed before sleep, sneaking in a quick session during a break at work or school, or playing while on vacation or in a hotel room where you don’t want to deal with cables and docks.

Back in my day, there was a huge difference between handhelds and home consoles in terms of game experience. Home consoles usually offered better graphics and deeper gameplay. Nintendo has become the pioneer of hybrid gaming, and many are following their lead—as we've already seen with powerful handhelds like the Steam Deck etc.

I can't stand being locked in to TV play (even though I enjoy playing on the TV). And I can't stand being locked into handheld play (even though I enjoy playing handheld). I need the freedom of switching between the modes and without it I simply have no interest anymore. Hence why I haven't turned my PS5 or XSX on in several years.

However.

I see no reason why they shouldn't offer such an option alongside a Switch 2 Lite. There are people out there who only play on the TV or who only play portably and if Nintendo can offer a cheaper option for those individuals I think it's a win even if it doesn't benefit me personally.

Having said that, I don't think they're going to do it. Nor do I think we'll see an OLED (an 8" 1080p 120hz HDR VRR OLED screen doesn't even exist to my knowledge, and even if it did the cost would be prohibitive). I do think we'll eventually see a Lite with a node shrink down to 5nm in 2027 or 2028, along with a v2 Switch 2 with longer battery life. And that's it. That's all I think we're getting this generation.

There is no fiscal benefit to a tv only switch. Especially if folks are balking at the current prices (and still complaining about no price drop on switch). Nintendo would just end up with another GameCube on their hands and deep discounts to move stock.

TV only switch/2 would come with the expectation that it would be more powerful (otherwise what is the complaint against the hybrid model exactly? Just leave it in the dock.) and that comes at a price premium. Nintendo does not have enough mainstream buy in for a 700 USD system (sony barely has the buy in for that and it’s their market). The handheld aspect arguably boosts their sales. As handheld has always outperformed console (despite the worse graphics, batteries/charging…all the complaints levied at switch being a hybrid). Also they would likely immediately crater in 3rd party support as the publishers would either pick a system to run with or abandon Nintendo again as they still haven’t eaten up enough multiplatform sales to be indispensable. That also means r&d and development will have to split again. And if it isn’t powerful enough then it would be wiiu 2.0.

That of course is assuming that Nintendo tries to maintain two full platforms. They could attempt to pull a sony and go home console with streaming peripherals but I still say they can’t afford to absorb the growing pains for that or to stick out the time it would take to build momentum. (Which in the interim can lead to job losses and project cancellations but I digress.)

Disclaimer: I play 99percent docked only.

The batteries in the current Switch models won't last forever.

Eventually repair services for the Switch via Nintendo customer service will cease.

It would be nice to have a Switch Home variant to play cartridges through a platform that doesn't have a battery, like the Playstation TV.

The PlayStation TV bombed so hard that it made the Wii U look like a comparative success. In that sense, it's more of argument as to why Nintendo wouldn't make a home console variant of the Switch.

I suspect that the question for Nintendo would be whether there was enough of a gap in the market for for a device that would have to sell at a significantly lower price, given its limitations. That probably wasn't the case for the Switch 1, although I suppose that the equation changes a bit for the Switch 2, given that it's a lot more expensive.

@JaxonH
We'll probably get a Switch QD-OLED(Or OLED) with an almost 9" screen, and whatever else, in 2029, and a Lite for 2027 if Switch 1's history is anything to go by. Tech junk display-whatever costs will most likely be low enough in another 4 years for it to be feasible, just like with the 4 year gap between the launch Switch in 2017, and Switch OLED in 2021. But that's all irrelevant to me, since i like to game(Modern gaming that is) on a 65" QD-OLED, with a RetroTINK4K scaler.

Have you checked out the latest 2025 Rokid Max2 or XReal Air One glasses? Those could be an awesome alternative to switch things up on the go if you want a much larger screen. I've got zero experience with either brand, other than using Quest 3's Mixed Reality size adjustable 2D/3D Screen setting. It's pretty rad, but it suffers from motion doubling for content below 90fps, and you won't get the true blacks or great colours of a QD-OLED.

I would 100% have preferred a docked only switch 2.
No screen, battery or joycons. Just a pro controller.
Preferably with several cartridge slots!