Topic: The Nintendo Switch Thread

@MarcelRguez Yeah, it's been delayed, but in this case, it's not a "Delay", its simply moving later than what we, as consumers with no basis, assumed was the release date. We all /assumed/ March, because wouldn't that be hunky dory what with them announcing a dual release.

I think we all assumed it, because a Wii U game past then? Pfft. That's rich. Thing is 2017 is 12 months, January to December, and as long as it hits that window, from what we have been told of its /current release window/, then it's not delayed again. Yes its been delayed before, but June? That's no delay, that's confirmation of a date. In 2017. It's what they said would happen.

@DefHalan

It's still killer when you add confirmed titles.

3D Mario
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Pokémon Stars
Super Smash Bros.
Splatoon
Mario Kart
Super Mario Maker
Xenoblade Chronicles X
Mario RPG: invasion of the Rabbids
New IP
RetroStudios Presents God Knows What
Dragon Quest X
Dragon Quest XI
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Enhanced Edition
Just Dance 2017
Project Sonic 2017
NBA2K17
Guardians of the Galaxy

In addition we know Shin'en, Image and Form and a few other small devs are lucky enough to have access. So its not that bad a lineup.

@Buizel Imagine if you will, the Switch reveal event...Mario x Rabbids, with 3 months notice. A lot of games with 3 months notice. Hell we got Kirby Planet Robobot with what? 5 months advance? Let's not forget once the Switch eShop is live, that good old fashioned "Available now" will begin anew. Can't get much more curveball than 10 minutes notice.

Unless they put something out and don't ever mention it, like SEGA Saturn.

Speaking of small devs, gotta wait until "Some point" in the future post release to actually work on PRIME so....fun. I think a lot of smaller people are being left out actually, got to make a living somehow though.

@BLP_Software Skyrim, 2K17, maybe Guardians hasn't been confirmed. Others too but those are the notable titles you added.

@DefHalan Dragon Quest will hit hard in Japan, especially as it's near launch.

A lot of those games are on my hit list. Portable Xenoblade? Goodbye life. Now I cant escape. Zelda? Count me in. 3D Mario? Sure. Mario RPG? Give it a shot, its something new after all. Splatoon? Mum will be all over that. Project Sonic? Hell yeah, I admit I want it. Smash? Damn right, portable console level Smash on the bus with friends. Same with Mario Kart and Pokémon.

Oh, and Pikmin 4. Knew I was forgetting something.

@DefHalan Once again, the ports help the lineup, not hurt it. Enhanced ports is not a negative. Without those ports, there would not be any new games in their place, let alone the same number of games.

And I know what you're thinking: what has Nintendo been doing the past few years? The answer is that they've been working on Switch games. Just because they've been working on them does not automatically mean that they'd be ready for launch or within the first year.

@BLP_Software has Dragon Quest been given a confirmed release date?
Xenoblade. Have it on Wii U
Zelda. Getting it on Wii U
3D Mario. That is exciting
Rabbids RPG. I know it crosses over with Mario but since it is developed by Ubisoft (from what I remember from the Gamexplain video) it will be a Rabbids game first probably.
Splatoon. Have it on Wii U
Project Sonic. When was the last "must play" Sonic game? Generations was decent.
Smash. Have it on Wii U and 3DS... barely play it now, feel like I have gotten as deep into the mechanics as the game will let me.
Mario Kart 8. Have it on Wii U
Pokemon Stars. Have Sun on 3DS (and will probably get Moon too, but I don't really have a need for the 3rd version... depending on what the exclusives are, I am trying to catch a full Live Pokedex myself, no trading)

Again, I never said previous versions of these games were add-ons or expansions. That's a strawman you've created to argue against. That's never been my argument. What I actually argued was that Melee could not have been a port of the N64 release. Because of the jump between the N64 and GC, the embryonic state of the original Smash and the inability to change the game over time. Almost the complete opposite of claiming those previous releases were "just ports".

That's why when you talk about Melee I don't "acknowledge" it. Because the demands on that release were entirely irreverent to the demands they'll be facing with the Switch. They could with the Switch release the same base of a game and stack it with new modes, characters and stages. They could then support it over the course of a couple of years with DLC either free or otherwise. They couldn't have done this with the Gamecube release.

And I feel like I'm going crazy because last time I pointed this out you argued that also

I mean, what the s***? I say that I never said these previous versions are ports. You claim that's has been my argument the entire time. And back when I was literally saying that previous versions couldn't have been ports? You said I was making excuses. Really, I can't win here. You just want to argue against whatever I say.

and BTW, in that post of yours I quoted? You didn't quote the full context. You picked one sentence out and argued against that. So when going back I've done you a favour and made it look like you actually responded to the full thing. You're welcome.

@IceClimbers Ports are fine. 5 ports in the first 6 months is a bit much. Then consider that Breath of the Wild was/is a Wii U game. Lego City is being ported. Skyrim, if it comes to the Switch, will be a very old port. The Switch starts looking like a port machine. 5 ports over the entire first year would be better, but all in the first 6 months doesn't build confidence.

http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/28/13769892/nintendo-switch-ne...

Nintendo holding Switch hands-on event in New York Jan. 13

The Nintendo Switch — the console-handheld hybrid announced last month — will make its hands-on debut at a private event in New York on Jan. 13, 2017, Nintendo announced today.

The Switch will get a five-hour event in New York following a streamed presentation on the evening of Jan. 12, which Nintendo is referring to as its “Tokyo webcast.” That will offer more details about the upcoming hardware, which Nintendo has remained mum on since the three-minute announcement trailer debuted in mid-October.

The Tokyo presentation will be held live for investors and media, Nintendo said in an earlier announcement. The company will reveal the Switch price and exact release date. Up until now, the platform has only been given a March 2017 launch window.

While Nintendo hasn’t announced an exact location or further details for the New York follow-up event, it did stress that it “will further emphasize some of the details that Nintendo plans to announce.”

It wouldn't be too hard to make it feel like a new game. All they need to do is change a couple of game mechanics, throw in 16 new tracks and give us a proper battle mode. Then even if it feels and looks kinda the same it'll be different enough. I think even if they did build the game from the ground up it was always going to look and feel similar to the Wii U release. Purely because every game before Mario Kart 8 was shaped by the hardware and the Switch is basically an overclocked, portable Wii U. So why not re-use a lot of those assets?

The same is true for most of these multiplayer releases we're talking about here. Except Super Mario Maker which is always going to be the same game. What could they do for a Mario Maker sequel? A few new art styles? New items? Of all the games we're talking about Mario Maker is the one where I think "just port it as is" the most.

@DefHalan I remember them mentioning that DQXI was slated for...either March or May, one of the Ms, as they wanted all version out at once. DQX I'm not sure.

As for your comments.

Xenoblade. Have it on Wii U - So do I. It's my favourite game of all time, and that portability in my life is a needed thing. Please let this be real.

Zelda. Getting it on Wii U - I'll get both, but primarily Switch, because I want to be part of the "THis system works (Hopefully) crowd". Send the message that we want more of this. I'll get both, assuming the Wii U version even exists at that point in the UK (And looking at the Nintendo presence right now...uhoh), but for YouTube and convenience, I'll probably use Switch.

D Mario. That is exciting - I want to give it a shot. 3D Land and 3D World were solid, Galaxy 1 and 2 were awesome, Sunshine was solid fun, and I cant stand 64, so honestly it can only go up.

abbids RPG. I know it crosses over with Mario but since it is developed by Ubisoft (from what I remember from the Gamexplain video) it will be a Rabbids game first probably. - I'll be honest, I got Colour Splash and enjoyed Colour Splash, despite the "It has this in it bleh" mentality. I don't like Rabbids either, but I wont dismiss something based on a rumour until I see it, and Ubisoft deserves a shot at doing something /remotely/ interesting for once.

Splatoon. Have it on Wii U - So do I, and I can barely get it away from my mother. So handing her a Switch while I do WiiU stuff, or vice versa, works for me. I can understand the desire not to double dip, and the thing to remember is new content.

Project Sonic. When was the last "must play" Sonic game? Generations was decent. - I am well aware I am a minority among a minority (I feel so smaaaaaall) but I enjoy the games for what they are. Even Sonic 06 has it's moments, mostly for sheer break it and have fun factor. Lost World was a nice experiment, wish they'd do what they did with Unleashed through Generations and try a formula then refine it, but the internet spoke out. As usual.

Smash. Have it on Wii U and 3DS... barely play it now, feel like I have gotten as deep into the mechanics as the game will let me. - I'm getting it, or it'll be bought for me. Unfortunately it's the only game my housemates can barely stand that isn't delicious GPU destroying PC Mustard Race goodness. So I'll get it to be social. Maybe.

Mario Kart 8. Have it on Wii U - It was my first Mario Kart, only a few months back now. I'll get it down the line, again, it's the only time housemates can stand me.

Pokemon Stars. Have Sun on 3DS (and will probably get Moon too, but I don't really have a need for the 3rd version... depending on what the exclusives are, I am trying to catch a full Live Pokedex myself, no trading) - Moon impressed me enough to warrant a look. Thing with "Third versions" is I always give them a shot. I gave Platinum a shot after Diamond and Pearl was meh, and it was alright. I would have given Z a shot after X and Y was god awful in my opinion. And while my opinion on Sun and Moon teeters between indifference and general pleasure, a possible Stars could make it more favourable. There hasn't been a time a third version didn't for me.

I know, weird tastes. But hey, if I don't feel too great about a game, itll be a hit. It keeps happening like 2pm each day happens.

@skywake I am fine with reusing assets, it happens a lot in Game Design. I just don't like the launch window of the Switch being so heavily reliant on Wii U ports.

@BLP_Software and you can be excited for those games. I am not going to stop you. I just don't think all those ports and the lack of Nintendo developed new software is impressive. Hopefully 3rd party comes out strong to make up for it or plans change a lot. Ports more spread out and more new content in coming.

@DefHalan

Well Sonic, DQXI and Zelda aren't ports, just multiplatform. I think a port is defined as moved to a different console later in life, after initial release, exclusive or multiplatform.

It's just like how AAA doesn't actually mean anything as it lacks a set quantitative value despite definition stating it's given that status based on budget. It's just a buzzword. Port, AAA, good, bad, all games in the end, and that's the important bit.

Xenoblade -> Skipped it on the Wii U because of the graphical issues. Not sure if I'll get it this time
Zelda -> I'm getting it on the Switch, in my mind I think of this is a Switch exclusive now
Kart/Smash -> These are my go to Nintendo multiplayer games so I know I'll get these eventually
Splatoon -> If the first 6 months was just this and Zelda I'd be happy. I want portable a Splatoon.
Mario -> New Mario, of course
Pokemon Stars -> I'm not usually one for the third entry in a Pokemon game. But HD Pokemon? hmm.....
Other -> Hard to say on some of these based on just the name. Will make up my mind closer to release.

@BiasedSonyFan
If you want a discussion please stop misrepresenting what I'm saying.

I don't really recall ANY hype from it.

"But the Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. ports will have new content!" I don't care about that. I couldn't care less if I can play as Cranky Kong as a fighter or as a kart driver in Battle Mode. I was over the DLC for these video games a long time ago.

They're not really ports if they have new content. Just saying

"But you can play these ports on the go!" That's not worth buying these ports. The novelty of playing these ports on the go doesn't mean much since I played these video games already, plus I play video games much more at home than on the go.

Good for you. Moving on

There's still Mario, Zelda, Retro's game, and a new IP, but only one of those video games is rumored to be available at launch.

Um, isn't this whole discussion based on speculation and rumor?

Hopefully Nintendo has other video games planned for launch when they have their presentation.

Why? They shouldn't release too much at launch at once. It's not like they need to pander to everyone on day one. Given your tastes, you're probably not getting it anyway.

Time and resources used for ports is time and resources that could be used for new video games. Always.

And they build MORE resources for new games later. PARADOX!!

Asking for ports and remasters also gives Nintendo an incentive to prioritize ports and remasters over making new video games.

Except they never make more remakes than they do new games. They have to pad out the release schedule some how. You act as though they can pump out new games like 3rd parties can pump out half-fini...wait a sec...are you suggesting Nintendo should rush games out?

Even if Nintendo makes lots of money from these cheap ports and remasters, they will likely more of the cheap ports and remasters that made them rich and less brand-new video games that are inherently more risky.

Name a year with more remakes than new games.

Well in a 12 month period around 2009 the Wii got pretty much exactly that from Nintendo. And in the way you're saying as opposed to the way it might happen to the Switch. These weren't really enhanced ports they were literally ports. New control schemes and 16:9 but otherwise pretty much identical to the originals. Mario Power Tennis, Pikmin, DK:Jungle Beat, Metroid Prime 2 and the Metroid Prime Trilogy.

Which would have been fine except that the "new" games weren't much better. Wario Land was a game that clearly started its life on the Gamecube. Animal Crossing was new but heavily criticised for not adding much to the franchise. Wii Fit Plus was a release that these days would be DLC. Then there was New SMB Wii which, while new, was New SMB. The only other three releases from Nintendo were Excitebots (which never launched here), Wii Music and Punch-Out.

And you know what? That year wasn't the start of some death spiral into nothing but ports and uninspired releases. Even if it may have seemed like it at the time....

But even so, the rumoured Switch lineup is nothing like 2009. I think it's fair to say that it's not in Nintendo's financial interest to have a year like 2009 in terms of releases year after year. Nobody is arguing for ports and lame remakes every year. What we've been saying is that some of their staples should be treated as platforms rather than single releases. And to argue against that thought you're applying 1990s thinking to 2010s hardware

...but of course it's not one-for-one. It's not like for each port we're getting, we're missing out on a whole new game.

How long do you think Nintendo would get away with selling remaster after remaster? All that people seem to be suggesting is that the Wii U's heavy hitters visit the Switch. If they do release in the first 6 months, in what way are Nintendo going to focus too much on remasters after this period? It's not a sustainable approach, but no-one but you in suggesting that it is.

So it seems Ubisoft has basically leaked the Mario x Rabbids game, a Ubisoft 30th anniversary trailer contains Mario, Luigi and Toad Rabbids.

Do you have a link?

I'm rather surprised we're getting Rabbids before a more typical Rayman collaboration. I guess we never know what 3rd party agreements Nintendo may have in store.