Topic: The Nintendo Switch Thread

@GameOtaku
It's definitely not out of the realm of possibility.

@JaxonH Xbox has shown promising potential for how to handle cloud versions. For example in the future you'll be able to buy Starfield then play it on your XB1 via the cloud and when you get a Series X|S be able to play the native port of the game. If new hardware gets revealed and it turns out all these cloud versions get native ports for the new hardware then that would turn Switch cloud versions from a bad thing to a good thing.

@NeonPizza I think the current Switch is about as big as I would ever want a portable console to be.

1080p isn't really ideal for a handheld. Even the Steam Deck's screen is lower res. I'd rather just see a system where they consistently hit 720p and higher framerates.

An OLED screen is a must, though. I'm serious. I don't want to go back to a crappy LCD panel for their next console.

@IceClimbers I can't get over how Octopath 2 and Return to Dreamland DX come out on the EXACT SAME DAY. Lord help me.....

@Slowdive

Obligatory

I think Nintendo has hit the sweet spot for design with the OLED. All they need is to add analog triggers and change joystick switches to stop the drift (which they might have. My last two recent joy cons don’t drift despite heavy usage for two years), beef up the internals and successor is done. I’ve been saying for years this is the one time I just want them to iterate their next system. Put the rest of the money in game dev and courting 3rd parties. If the successor comes out of the gate with BC and as many devs on board as they have now with stronger specs, we are golden. Ports alone (and collections) are making the switch ecosystem (assuming the successor is switch2) a one stop shop as is. Not to mention the franchise variety. At this point I think there is something for every genre. So if they keep that dev buy in… just wow.

Next Switch > 720p OLED, just a generational leap in power. No dtastic changes, just offer the Switch experience, but with more power to allow more games to run, and help eliminate performance issues.

If they want to integrate DLSS even better, but if they don't, that's fine too. Just making the jump to base X1/PS4 level is enough for me. It would help ensure handheld games stay native 720p with a locked 30fps or even 60 in many cases, and it would ensure a native 1080p docked with a locked 30fps or 60 in many cases.

That's... enough for me. And I think it would be enough for the vast majority of Switch owners.

@Ryu_Niiyama
Pretty much agree. Although personally I prefer digital shoulder triggers. There are a few games that would greatly benefit from analog that I actually play such as Trials Rising, but 99% of the games I play don't use them, and they're kind of a pain to deal with when you just want to use them as a button press. It would be nice if they sold a separate set of analog joycon on their Store, and those who wanted a pair could buy them, and those who like digital could stick with that. But they probably won't do that so. Idk. I guess either way I can deal with it.

NieR Automata: The End of YoRHa Edition is one of the most impressive Nintendo Switch ports I've played -RPG Gamer

https://www.rpgsite.net/preview/13274-nier-automata-the-end-o...

@JaxonH my only issue with special joycon is that means devs won’t make games with those in mind. Then again I only want the triggers in hopes that Nintendo starts selling/NSO gamecube games. (Which I don’t need since I have my gamecube collection intact) If they can via mix of NSO, collections and eshop have a line up similar to the WiiU VC (and build on that) then that’s it for me.

Nintendo knows the switch works and have sales/sub numbers for collections and NSO. If the internals of the successor mean they get a similar level of 3rd party buy in as switch (with perhaps more ports or remakes), it’s pretty much a money printer at that point.

@Ryu_Niiyama
For sure.

The Nintendo Switch is unique in its demographic. It doesn't explicitly cater to the core PS/Xbox crowd, but instead caters to a variety of smaller niches which, combined together makes for a massive install base of gamers with a wide variety of preferences.

Switch appeals to the core Nintendo fan (obviously), it appeals to indie fans that would otherwise play on Steam (thanks to the hybrid advantage), it appeals to retro gamers for the same reason, it appeals to casual gamers and mini-game fans (thanks to the unique controller properties), it appeals to fans of local co-op (thanks to split screen with single joycon and local wireless), it appeals to RPG fans (thanks to the hybrid advantage), it appeals to STG/shmup fans (thanks to TATE mode), and it appeals to fans of other various genres (including many AAA titles) who love the games enough to buy a Switch to have it in hybrid format. It also appeals to gyro aiming fans (thanks to gyro becoming standard on the system). Most of all it appeals to handheld gamers, which are a massive demographic dating all the way back to the Gameboy. There's a lot of overlap between these various groups, but they still each contribute to the overall install base.

So many ppl are under the impression that, if Nintendo would just "focus on the same gaming demographic PS/Xbox focuses on, prioritizing power/performance above all else" that would be the ticket. And yet... they're already on pace to surpass the PS2. The demographics they appeal to now is a far more successful strategy than the core demographics of PS/Xbox.

Not that it would be a bad thing to also appeal to those gamers in addition. But they're too high maintenance, imo. You'd almost have to give up the hybrid approach, or make the system $600 to provide a level of fidelity those ppl are happy with, and even then, they're probably so loyal to PS/Xbox from playing on those systems so long, they wouldn't buy in anyways.

Not sure how many are into Switch steelbooks, but I collect them. They're often released in various territories and gated behind certain editions.

Lately, there have been many steelbooks announced for Switch games, so I'd like to share where you can secure them, for the sake of anyone who may by chance be interested.

FYI, standard disc-based steelbooks are G2 sized, while Switch cartridge steelbooks are G4 size.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3
The XC3 steelbook case was only available in the collector edition, which was extremely difficult to preorder. If you missed it, eBay is your only shot now.

Splatoon 3
The first ever Splatoon steebook was released in South Korea. You'll have to go to eBay if you want one of these.

Persona 5 Royal
There will be a steelbook launch version. Right now, I've seen it listed on Gamestop website and Target. Because it says it will "come in" a steelbook, it's reasonable to assume it will be a G4 case.

Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core
There's confusion as to whether NA will receive a steelbook, but Europe is definitely receiving one. Amazon France (amazon.fr) has a listing which explicitly shows the G4 steelbook case. They ship internationally, and it's in stock.

Fire Emblem Engage
The Divine Edition is confirmed to include a G4 steelbook case. It hasn't gone live in NA yet, to my knowledge.

Diofield Chronicle
Europe is confirmed to receive a G4 steelbook case. Originally thought exclusive to the Square Enix store in Europe, which does not ship internationally, the steelbook version can be purchased from Gamer's Boulevard. They ship internationally.

Tactics Ogre Reborn
Similar to Diofield Chronicle, a G4 steelbook is available at the Square Enix Store in Europe, and Gamer's Boulevard for international orders.

Bayonetta 3
A G4 steelbook case has been spotted on Amazon Germany, though that listing has since sold out. No other listings have emerged, but I'll be keeping my eye out over the coming weeks.

Mario Rabbids Sparks of Hope
A G4 steelbook is included with the Gold Edition from Gamestop. To my knowledge this is the only way to obtain it.

Atarai 50 Collection
The collector edition includes a G4 steelbook. Available to preorder on Amazon.

Sifu
The collector edition includes what is presumably a G4 steelbook. No listings as of yet.

Pokemon Scarlet/Violet
There are three different G4 steelbook versions- gold, scarlet and violet. No word on NA release thus far. Various retailers in EU offer different steelbooks of these three.

Sonic Frontiers
Not confirmed to be G4. It's a preorder bonus at Gamestop, with another, different one as a preorder bonus at BestBuy.

DoDonPachi Resurrection
Currently available to preorder from Limited Run Games, the steelbook version includes a G4 case for one of Cave's most beloved shmup series.

Octopath Traveler II
Europe is confirmed to offer a G4 steelbook, listed as an exclusive version on Amazon France. Ships internationally. No picture yet available.

@NeonPizza
It's not that I don't care about latency, but it has to be severe enough that I can notice. And when saying, "oh, this Switch version with hybrid handheld, console, tabletop and TATE mode has 5 frames instead of the 4 the console only Xbox version has- you should skip this" I can't help but facepalm.

Even then, it's fine. You do you. If it bothers someone, no problem. Everyone has their preferences. I take no issue with that. But when you then mock and deride anyone who dares not share such an obtuse mindset, that's when you've crossed the line. Be as picky as you want. That doesnt concern me. But ostracization and marginalization of anyone who doesn't agree? Now we've gone from having an opinion, to being a radicalized ideologue who attacks anyone who doesn't drink the kool-aid of the cult.

You're preaching to the choir with the gyro. Believe me, I'm with you on that.

It aggravates me to no end seeing ppl dismiss it as "worse" when it's quite literally and objectively proven to be superior.

Every time an FPS gets announced for Switch, first thing I do is post a comment toward the devs, "is gyro confirmed? If yes = BUY, if no = NO BUY". It's that simple. It's no longer a nicety or luxury feature. It's mandatory. If you release an FPS, not including gyro aiming is akin to not including analog movement and telling gamers, "just move with the d-pad, it's fine". Nooooo.... it's not fine. We moved past d-pads for 3D movement decades ago. Likewise, we moved past dated, archaic aiming methods a decade ago. And I'm not going back. It's non-negotiable. Include gyro or I'm simply not buying your game. Exceptions for Steam where I can map it myself. Just talking Switch here.

Curiously, here in the UK, Game has the Diofield Steelbook editions available for Diofield & Crisis Core, @JaxonH .... But not for Tactics Ogre Reborn, it has an 'exclusive' mini poster for that, instead. Obviously, they do say those are limited & 1st come, 1st serve, so if anyone here wants those, pre-order ASAP
Alternatively, for those of us that don't mind plastic cases, you can preorder the games cheaper on Game Collection or Offer Games here, which is what I've done

I feel... compelled... to buy this game. How could anyone not, after watching this gameplay video

@BruceCM
It's a mess. And NA consistently gets the short end of the stick nowadays, for steelbooks, collector editions, pretty much everything barring actual physical releases. Which makes it all the harder having to import from various EU retailers and selling the game on eBay to recoup costs (as that's cheaper than buying just the steelbook on eBay).

edit
Also, why is nobody talking about Rain Code? This was legitimately one of the most impressive games shown at the Direct.

It's like Ace Attorney x Persona x Danganronpa. Game looks fire

@JaxonH A new HD Monster Rancher has been on top of my most wanted list for years, but I really don't know about this weird Ultra-Man crossover. I really like the original monsters this series is known for.

I'm so conflicted.

@Ralizah
It may not be exactly what you wanted, but the gameplay will be the same and, let's be honest, these are pretty cool monsters 😎

How bout that Rain Code though, ya? Seems like the kind of game you'd normally go nuts for

Yeah, I know a few people in forums that often import the European Special/ Limited, etc, editions for games, @JaxonH ... No idea why they don't just release the same ones in America, most of the time, since there doesn't usually seem to be any reason for it
Personally, I just want the basic game, unless there's worthwhile extras in a Digital Deluxe, etc, version (not soundtrack & art book for me, I want in-game things) but I thought I'd check the UK situation for the things you mentioned, for anyone else here that might be interested

@JaxonH I pick the Red Seed. (Sonic)

@JaxonH I was disappointed with the Direct, mainly because there were so many farming sims and no Metroid Prime announcements (the latter killing the show for me alone), so I was less excited about anything that did end up catching my eye during the Direct. Rain Code was definitely one of those games though, and I am interested to see how it turns out. If I was more enthused about the show, I probably would have said it was my 2nd or 3rd favorite game of the show (behind Fire Emblem at least).

Whether I get it on Switch or wait for the inevitable PlayStation release is the question. I guess it depends on when it actually comes out.

@KilloWertz
There are some gamers who have interest with farm sims games including me.
I was disappointed by Nintendo Direct last time due to too many popular games announcement like zelda, splatoon, xenoblade, just dance, etc that I never like them.