Now that the dust has settled on the reveal of the upcoming Nintendo Switch, everyone seems to have shared their opinions on Nintendo's chances of turning the concept into a success. While many are very positive about the Nintendo Switch reveal, there are also some analysts who have raised concerns around cost and making a clear use case message. After all, it's a portable device that's primarily being pitched as a 'home gaming system'.
One thing that has been widely discussed is that the Nintendo Switch will likely be aiming to be a supplementary second home console, rather than necessarily taking on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One directly. Naturally it's also going to try and win over lapsed Wii and DS (maybe even 3DS) gamers that aren't currently part of the home console scene, or smart device gamers interested in Nintendo franchises. Ultimately, though, there could be a significant audience that has a Sony or Microsoft system and will consider adding Switch to their collection for unique content and games.
While the concept of the Nintendo Switch - with its powerful portable handheld gaming and quirky detachable Joy-Con controllers - will hopefully appeal to many gamers, there are other parts of the gaming community that won't be interested in the portable aspect. With this in mind we wanted to consider the possibilities for a Nintendo Switch microconsole, to come in the future, which could serve as an alternative to the full system that was revealed last week. It would likely be a mid-generation idea and require some smart branding, effectively a twist on the Switch name. After all, it'd be a Switch without that key 'Switch' between TV and portable, but rather a spin-off iteration with some packed in multiplayer controls.
Nintendo has made a notable move like this in the past. When the 3DS was first released the 3D effect was touted as one of its key features and it was sold at a premium; it was too costly for many consumers. With a ⅓ price discount and then the XL design it sold better, but only a few years into its lifespan the 2DS was released minus that 3D hook; it appears to have been a hit with parents of younger children due to its much lower cost and durability, while also taking away a feature that wasn't required or recommended for that target audience.
One of Nintendo's main goals with the Nintendo Switch will be to grow the install base as quickly as possible.
The Nintendo Switch is, in essence, a powerful handheld gaming device, powered by an NVIDIA "custom Tegra processor" which will be powerful enough to play upcoming games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. That's impressive tech, which will come at a price. On top of this there are the following desirable - but not necessarily essential - features that will inevitably add to the base cost when it launches in March next year.
For starters, the screen appears to be of a decent quality, described by Nintendo as a "bright high-definition display". While Nintendo hasn't confirmed that it is a touchscreen, there's certainly chatter that it will be; perhaps it just wasn't a focus for the initial marketing message. But when you are playing at home, you'll be docking your Switch into a dock to connect to your TV, and will clearly not be able to make use of the screen - it's a single-screen experience at its core. All games playable on the TV, logic suggests, will have to be designed to work without the screen, and that's certainly the key pitch being made in the preview trailer. That's already a key distinction from Wii U, for which some key releases can only function fully with the GamePad's capabilities and second screen.
In addition to the screen, the Nintendo Switch will need a high capacity battery to achieve an acceptable amount of gameplay on the go; another cost cut. A potential micro-console could still offer the Joy-Con controllers with a Grip, however; though some aren't that keen on the size of these little controllers when detached into their local multiplayer form, it'd be an inclusion that'd still allow cheap multiplayer for two right out of the box. When connected to the Grip and played conventionally, they shouldn't be too small; an alternative could be to also bundle with a Pro Controller.
One of Nintendo's main goals with the Nintendo Switch, ultimately, will be to grow the install base quickly at launch but to also sustain momentum after a couple of years. A key reason for this isn't just to make financial results look better, but also to tempt in more third-parties and in the process secure more game releases. As we saw with the Wii U, once indications of poor sales and low momentum emerged early on it didn't take long for tentative third-party support to drift away. Though many will focus on graphical power when considering third-party support, an important point is that successful systems typically attract third-party content regardless of their power. Ports, exclusives, spin-offs - all were a factor on Wii and DS, and the 3DS has seen its share of third-party exclusives as well. Those systems all have one thing in common - strong sales.
With this in mind it would make sense to eventually offer a lower-priced SKU which is more akin in form to a microconsole, or Apple TV / Kindle Fire TV - no extra screen, no high capacity battery, and no dock. Just a box with the guts of the tablet-like console we've been shown so far.
Of course the home only unit would have a card slot for Switch games - just imagine what a space saver not having a disc drive would be; it'd certainly be a small device. What's unclear right now is whether any games or features of the Switch will be portable-only and necessitate that console screen - that, of course, would be a dividing point between the iterations we're suggesting. Though as with the 2DS, you pay a cheaper price and go without the 3D screen or the built-in amiibo scanning of the New 3DS model. Or like the (less successful, we suspect) Wii Mini, which had no Wi-Fi connection. You pay less, but get a system catered to your specific needs.
Nintendo will be facing stiff competition from PS4 and Xbox One, which are in the middle of their lifespan and reduced in price.
Nintendo will be facing stiff competition from PS4 and Xbox One in the dedicated home console space, which are in the middle of their lifespan and reduced in price as a result of PS4 Pro (out this year) and Xbox One Scorpio (due Holiday 2017). So having a low cost option could be a valuable tool in competing to be the second console in a gamer's household.
So how much might it cost? Let's assume (for now) Nintendo Switch retails at somewhere between $250 and $300, as most analysts suggest would be sensible… we might expect a home console version to retail at $150 - $200, initially. Remember, also, that we're looking ahead, to the 18 month / 2 year mark when Nintendo tends to consider iterations, in its portable generations in any case.
Of course, it's likely that Nintendo will not want to confuse consumers during the launch of the Nintendo Switch, so it's right that only the revealed concept is offered initially. There may be multiple options and bundles at launch, similar to the 'Basic' and 'Deluxe' approach taken with Wii U, to offer gamers a simpler console experience, or to go all in with a Pro Controller and Dock. At this stage we don't know, but further down the line offering a stripped down home console version could be a big hit.
It's food for thought, anyway. Having read valid concerns about the structure of the Switch concept, it's tempting to think of a future where a simpler, less flexible option is offered at a cheaper price. Like the 2DS it'd require a tweak in branding, a name to suit its simpler intentions - all while being an affordable part of the Switch family.
It'd switch things up, certainly.
Comments 206
...not to be the wet blanket, but can we wait until the system comes out before we start making new fantasy iterations of it? We have people that are upset about post processing footage in a trailer right now. Let's not overwhelm anyone.
So a 2DS of the Nintendo Switch huh?
At least it'll be affordable if the portable aspect wasn't there. What would it be called though? Nintendo Mono?
Soooo, it's like an HD GameCube that uses cartridges.
I'm waiting for the wrist-based version, the Nintendo Swatch.
Sounds like what the new system should be. If you can imagine sitting on your sofa playing it only from your house, only with a Pro pad - then all that switching is already superfluous.
I can't wait until 2049 when the switch mini is announced and winds up being impossible to pre-order before the Christmas season!
Fine with me. Its the games that matter
Yeah, because the OUYA was so much more successful than the Shield ... ^^
I doubt it would make much difference though, knowing Nintendo, we are going to get some cheap screen anyways, which would not shave off that much from the production cost.
To be honest, I would be interested in the opposite, like a Switch Pro or Premium, with a sweet state-of-the-art OLED screen for example, a quality DAC, maybe with custom colors and stuff.
@Ralek85 While an OLED screen is nice, I'd like something that lasts longer than a year
I'll be using my Switch as a home console only. I think a big screen is the best way to experience current gen games, especially open world games like the next Zelda. Cheaper home / portable only options would be a good idea that could increase sales that much more. I couldn't wait so long for these iterations to be released so will be buying day one.
I'm so sick of the "Nintendo consoles have to be the second console in the house" line. We've been hearing it since the Wii generation and since Nintendo is getting past the Wii branding it's about time gaming journalists get over this overused line of BS. No one I know in the real world has two consoles. NO ONE. Even my most "hardcore" gaming friends have a PC and one console. The only place I hear of people having two consoles is here on the internet and we all know how people are about telling the truth on the internet. PS2 was the weakest of its gen and did you hear gaming journalists screaming from the hilltops that the PS2 should be positioned as a second console? If the Switch has a custom Tegra X2 chip in it I would be more than happy to shell out $350 for it and maybe even more for the right bundle. It would essentially be a PS4 at home and on the go, especially in the dock. I believe the two SKUs at launch will look something like this:
Basic Model: Switch Console, Dock, and Joy-Cons for $300
Premium Bundle: Switch Console, Dock, Grip, and Pro controller for $400
Just my two cents.
@capitalism
you might not know the right people, because every nintendo gamer i know has 2 consoles, mainly because ninty doesn't have the 3rd party games.
Sell everything for the same price and have 3 versions.
The current one which is home and portable.
The home console which comes with pro controller and big HDD.
The portable version which comes with powerbank for longer battery life.
@k8sMum
I don't know the right people? LMAO! I guarantee I know more Nintendo gamers than you bub. I've been around since the NES days. They have PC's yes (for SOME third party games) but not a second console. NOT ONE OF THEM
Honestly, I see Switch being a console with a Scorpio or "Pro" like upgrade down the line. Iwata said Nintendo wanted to do something like smartphones with its future devices, and I can see that coming true with Switch. Pricing and timing will be a factor, of course. Scorpio seems like it will be a worthy upgrade because it will be long enough after initial launch for the product to seem worthwhile. Hopefully Switch gets to the point where Nintendo can produce upgrades because that would be an awesome way to leverage it.
Surprised to see such a speculative article as this on NL.
I've been saying since NS was announced Thursday I'll be waiting for "Switch TV", since I don't have any need to pay for a screen that I can't see because it's hidden behind a wall, and also pay for the wall. And a battery as the article also pointed out.
And for anyone thinking - well it's not a "Switch" if you don't switch it between home and away consoles, well it can still be a Switch w/ that daft Jar Jar Binks looking controller. I'd prefer the Pro myself, but if they make enough varying accessories to attach to the Joy-Con Grip", well who knows it could be fun. Maybe the Vitality Sensor will return. So if it plays "Switch" games and you can switch up the controller into different configurations, but it only plays on the TV, then it's a "Switch TV".
I don't see "Switch TV" as comparable to 2DS though, that's for the parents who like to play on their 65" HD tvs after a hard day at work. for kids they'll make on the go "Switch Mini" w/ a smaller 5" screen in a variety of kid friendly colors - if they are going to ape the Apple iPad Mini name, might as well ape some iPod touch colors as well. "Switch Mini" won't be bundled w/ a dock, just the charger. Maybe they'll put the port on an end rather than the bottom of Switch so it can still be used in a Switch dock.
So I think this article has 2 points, which require different solutions.
1. $79 2DS needs a cheap kids replacement.
2. Why pay for a screen and battery for a home console?
Iwata didn't spend all that time talking about Apple's ecosystem just to put out 1 Switch console. The rest are coming. Or they aren't, depending on how well Switch sells. But kids need cheap products, something will come for them for sure.
Nintendo will be like Apple
http://kotaku.com/nintendo-wants-their-platforms-to-be-more-like-ios-1516045355
Of course Iwata also said Mario would never be on an Apple product, so there is that to contend with as well.
http://www.theverge.com/2013/6/12/4422020/why-nintendo-wont-make-smartphone-games
http://www.idownloadblog.com/2013/08/10/nintendo-pres-on-mario/
@rjejr I was just about to comment that you were gonna have a field day with this article...
I could see something along those lines:
Nintendo Switch (Both home console + portable)
Nintendo Switch Home (Home console only - incl. Pro Controller)
Nintendo Switch Go (Portable only - smaller display, fixed joy-cons)
@capitalism I've been around since the NES days too but I also had a Saga master system, then I had a SNES and Saga mega Drive, then the N64 and PS1, then a Game Cube and PS2, then the Wii and PS3. This where thing change becomes I now have a Wii U, PS4 and X box one.
I would vertigo be happy with a cheaper, non-portable version.
@ThanosReXXX I was actually wondering if he read some of my posts. And it's all your fault anyway. I don't know how, it just is.
@capitalism You just called someone w/ "mum" in their name "bub". @k8sMum Kate's mum, get it? And your NES comment doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, plenty of us here have been around since then or longer. No need to be so offensive and uppity, everyone is just here to have a good time.
I'd slap about $50 on top of those estimated prices. Most of the ill-informed analysts are probably still assuming that the Switch will contain a modified version of the X1, but Nvidia themselves have already strongly hinted at a Pascal based SoC, which means it'll be a custom version of the Tegra X2 or a build derived from it.
That in and of itself will already drive up the price, unless that old rumor of Nvidia wanting to get a foothold in the console market at any price is true after all, in which case Nvidia has now invested more than they have earned already, which in turn means that there's also a lot at stake for them as well. But regardless, I'd be amazed if they can keep the price for the standard package below $299, and the bundle below $349.
And I don't like that cube design. Even if Nintendo would make some slim version of the original Switch, it'll probably still look similar to the standard version, not like a cheap Ouya...
Why are people such cheapskates nowadays... you're not willing to pay a little bit extra to get a good console and then you complain if a cheap console is not good enough! (Not pointing this at you Darren). A good console will be a bit pricy but it will be worth it. Even if the switch is £300, I'll happily pay that! Or even £350, abit pricy but I would still happily pay that. (These prices are in pounds - UK prices).
I quite like the concept of the switch, like when I go to my friends house or families... I can bring it over and we can easily play multiplayer with the joy cons. The 43 inch TV that I use to play games is downstairs and really I'm the only person using it except for when my brother sometimes wants to use the Xbox 360 or Wii U. But sometimes, I would like to use the switch in my bedroom. Also, I like my handhelds so it will be great to use when travelling or when I am going somewhere. Unfortunately, my Wii U gamepad doesn't connect in my room... and the graphics on there just looks so run down and a little pixelated on that SD screen.
The Sony consoles have always been the second console for me. Xbox no interest as the exclusives besides Killer Instinct and Alan Wake(when was the last one anyway?) don't interest me.
I have no love for Naughty Dog so I don't really care about Nathen Drake or Last of Us.
Bloodbourne is amazing as well as some Pc, PS only games like Darkest Dungeon.
But if it came down to Dark Souls and other multiplatform games (Red Dead Redemption 2) coming to switch and being succesful which leads to Nintendos next console after (Hopefully Switch 2 or ULTRA Switch) having them as well I wouldn't bother getting the next Playstation.
At least not til the end of it's life cycle when the PS5 Agent Smith is at a reduced price and comes with Bloobourne 2 complete edition.
@SepticLemon 2DS itself caused some chuckles. Frankly, even I am still fond of that parody video with the announcements of "1DS" and "NoDS".
@k8sMum Same here. We have a Wii, a Wii U, several 3DSes (like 30 now), 2 PS3 and a new PS4.
It's be more like the Vita TV then, nit the 2DS.
@IronMan28 I think the plan is that this is upgradable somehow. I used to scoff at all of those "supplemental computing device" articles, but then Switch came out, and now it kind of makes sense. We haven't seen the back of the dock yet, who knows what ports could be back there for modular additions. Or maybe on the bottom like the Gamecube Player.
Though I suppose they could go the other way and make a better tablet that uses the same dock, which would be more like Scorpio, but ta least if it used the same dock we wouldn't need to buy the whole thing again.Though I doubt that dock adds much to the price, maybe $100 depending on what's in it.
At least half of Switch, dock or tablet, will get updated at some point yet still work w/ the other half. And a SCD for the dock will likely happen as well.
@capitalism Nintendo has always been my second console since wii. Yes I have 6 consoles and 5 handhelds.
@rjejr I'll happily take the blame for it, but not for you still using that avatar. Maybe you should start using this one:
That's a great idea! ^_^
I just want to play monster hunter on the TV again with voice chat!
I thought the mockup looked like a Ouya, and indeed, two others beat me to the punch.
I doubt we are going to see a $299 launch price. And I fully expect the dock and grip to be sold separately. But Big N usually has great pack in games, so, $375 could be a heck of a lot more palatable with LoZ or MarioKart NX packed in . . . .
Shut up and take my money
Right OUYA and Onlive microconsoles where such a hit Nintendo will make one.
@bubby444
Pretty much
The cheaper, the better. Nintendo Switch would work great as a "secondary console" with the PS4 Pro and Xbox One Scorpio coming out soon and having more power and more games. If Nintendo has a lot of great first-party exclusives (with some third-party multiplats just for good measure) and prices the thing at maybe $200 (US), I think it would do pretty well.
@ThanosReXXX "And I don't like that cube design."
You don't like docks, you don't like cubes, you didn't like my small hardcover book sized device, what do you want, a starfish shape?
And I already told Alexsorra I'd change it after Halloween for something festive. I like "the holidays", not a fan of Halloween. you'll just have to wait another 7 days like everybody else.
But no, not using puppy Switch, though he is epic.
I'm still calling it "the Jar Jar controller". Pro is the way to go.
@capitalism I have been around since the NES day, I have two consoles. I play the Wii U way more, but when I'm ready to release a little frustration to keep me from going off on somebody, I fire up the PlayStation and clean house.
Now, with that said, I will most likely stick with just the Switch.
@rjejr I love Nintendo, but knowing them, they'll release the Switch Mini without an adapter. 😀
@rjejr I already said in my previous comment what I expect from a Switch "Lite". Exactly the same as a PS4 Slim or an Xbox One S: a smaller shape, but the same form factor, so we're not gonna go from a stylish toaster to a dumb cube.
P.S.
https://twitter.com/TheAnnaTheRed/status/790592564277547008
Now now, the fact we're talking about a cheaper redesign this early is quite the testament of how worried we are.
That said, it would be a good way to lure in gamers interested only in Nintendo home consoles, with a cheaper price.
However, we can't forget that, in case the console is too underpowered in comparison to its rivals, we might as well as kiss Nintendo - as a console manifacturer - goodbye.
@Lord
Yes!
@capitalism No one said anything about the PS2 being a secondary console because the PS2 was getting all of the 3rd party support.
btw, I may not have been gaming as long as you have, but I would say I'm pretty hardcore. And the same goes for all of my gaming friends. AND every single one of my gaming friends owns multiple consoles. Only one doesn't but she's pretty much a Master PC gamer. lol. Heck, between my Sister and I, we own almost every single console since the Super Nintendo.
My point being, my experience with consoles is anecdotal and so is yours, but yes, the Wii and Wii U, for most "hardcore" gamers, is generally considered the "second" console.
@capitalism Huh? I have two consoles: a Wii U and an Xbox One (not counting the portables). I also have an Xbox 360 and a Wii, but those are packed away. I don't have a ton of gamer friends, but my closest friend also has a Wii U and Xbox One (she mainly plays the Wii U and her husband plays the Xbone). My nephew has a Wii U and a PS4.
I'm expecting a cheaper HANDHELD ONLY portion of the Switch to be released in the not too distant future. Children are a massive portion of Nintendo's handheld market, and the Switch looks anything but child friendly and certainly won't be at a child friendly price.
I know the Switch is primarily supposed to be a home console, but the 3DS is at the end of its life and they can't be releasing a separate handheld (surely!).
I just wonder how they expect to cater for their largest market with the Switch when the 3DS is done. Interesting times ahead.
@dazza I know you tend not to comment, and you did touch upon this in the article, but you never answered the question, touch or no touch?
If it isn't a touchscreen, then they might as well make a Switch TV, I don't see any reason not too.
If it is touch, that gives a little argument against it, though wouldn't entirely rule it out. Though I do think Nintendo could go half in, the touchscreen doesn't work with NS games, only with apps. Like the Gamepad doesn't work in Wii mode, the "touch" would be turned off once you enter a NS game.
I actually think that article should have come first, "Touch or no touch, does it affect people's decision to buy Switch?, but that's just me.
@capitalism Wii U 1st PS4 Second, that way I have just the right amount of variety, the only time I didn't have a Nintendo console was GC era
@Ryu_Niiyama totally agree, this article is kind of stupid for that reason
So essentially you're asking for a Shield TV 2.....
It's funny because Nintendo is doing exactly what Sony was trying to do with the VITA: bring console quality gaming on the go. However, I feel Nintendo will do it much better.
If you take out the portable part of the switch... You might as well stick with the WiiU. It would be playing a WiiU with a pro controller.
@capitalism I have two consoles. An Xbox One and a Wii U.
@capitalism
It seems A lot of gamers have tons of disposable income...
@ThanosReXXX
Aw....Switch Puppy doll is so cute. :3
@wiggleronacid similar yes, but the Vita did it very wrong, while the Switch is doing it much better.
@capitalism Oh, and a 3DS.
@capitalism to be honest, I only support Nintendo now, so I only play Wii U and 3DS, but if I wanted third party games, I would either hope for a Wii U port or make a gaming pc.
Part of me thinks the battery life on the Switch will be phonmenal. Because while the Switch itself (the screen) will need to be the main source of battery power, the joy con controllers will also be sharing that burden. Considering how each controller can be used separately from the Switch itself for multiplayer, it goes without saying that each has it's own battery life. Combine those two with the switch and you get a console that can last at least an hour or two longer, depending on each joycon.
@capitalism No one? Dude... No offence but you probably didn't/dont live around the working class.
Growing up, all my friends had two or three consoles each. Heck, my older brother and I used to fight (still do) and could NEVER share. So my parents always got us one of each of everything. For example, he wanted a Playstation, so I wanted the PS1 (the smaller, sleeker one). He wanted PS2, so I wanted the Xbox. Then he later got Gamecube. And don't even get me started on the handhelds.
I'd rather not speculate on this one. I prefer portables now. My PS4 has only gotten play bye using RedBox lately. My WiiU has gotten no play lately since XenoX. My 3DS has been abused by Final Fantasy, Drago Quest 7, and 7th Dragon. My Vita has been getting play with these weird RPGs called Neptonia. I have been loving those funky games. I'm just not interested in home consoles that much anymore. I use my portables for the crapper, the bed while I'm watching T.V., or just to play. They just seem more accessible. I like the Switch just the way it is. I know I'm going to be humming another tune once that MK8/9 comes out but that is just a given.
@capitalism And as for now? I earn my own money. So I go out and buy whatever console I want that has the games I want without fail. I have a PS4 and Wii U. I intend to buy the Switch the day it's released. I have 3DS too and a few other, older consoles that I mentioned in my last post.
Why wouldn't anyone have a second console in 2016?
@capitalism it's a real thing though, perpetuated in part by Nintendo themselves. Look, as long as "One thing that has been widely discussed is that the Nintendo Switch will likely be aiming to be a supplementary second home console, rather than necessarily taking on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One directly" is still a thing, Nintendo will not return to prominence. They themselves need to shed this line of thinking by going directly at Sony and MS.
Buy up timed exclusive deals on the 3rd party games most often associated to those consoles, pump out consistent content from their internal devs, go all out on the specs front.
Until then, and as long as they keep focusing on how to play games rather than what games to play (looking at you and your false games, Switch trailer) Nintendo will continue to carry this stigma.
It would be dumb if Nintendo puts all their eggs in one basket with one model/form factor of the Switch.
I expect to see a portable-only "Switch Lite/Mini/DS" and probably a home-only "Switch TV/Pro" down the line.
@biscuitsandtea OLED has come a long way. Even my Vita screen - not exactly cutting edge OLED tech anymore - is still completely fine after all these years.
I mean, on high-end mobile devices, OLED has been in use for quite some time now, and we've actually moved on to full-blown TVs by now as well. It's not 'experimental' tech in any way.
Honestly, if they really use some shabby backlit LCD, with all the quality issues that come with those, that would be a strong argument against the Switch for me.
After all, by then it's 2017... to be fair though, we've also made progress with LCD tech, but there are always trade-offs and limits, so I would much prefer they settled for the best tech available and don't take any shortcuts.
If they want an extra $50 for that priviledge - fine, just bill me ^^
Yes, this is exactly what they need to do. Not everyone wants to spend extra on a screen they will never use. They should offer both versions right from the start so people can choose their features and price. It should come packaged with a pro controller and play all the same games, just no screen, no battery, no joy con, and no mobility.
They shouldn't wait either. They should do this from the beginning. Don't sell the switch for a few years and then add it to the line, do it in march! Delaying the micro-console version will only ensure it's remains niche and doesn't catch on. I don't want the Switch and won't be buying it. If they do a micro console, I might, but if it comes years later when the console is aging, I won't bother. So release it at the same time or I'm out and Nintendo is dead to me.
sega should release a micro console
@capitalism everyone I know has multiple consoles (well those who play games that is) so it might just be the group you hang out with. I'd say the general gaming community is more likely to have more than one.
Forgive me, I love Nintendo Life. But doesn't it seem early to have an article like this? Feels weird to me. Perhaps there are unrevealed Switch features that would make this option impossible. Kiiiinda feels like we're talkin' about the end before we see the beginning. Just sayin'.
@Rhydas
I "don't live around the working class"?? Dude I have a college degree from a state university and make $70,000/yr. LMAO A lot of people that I live around and hang out with have loads of disposable income, but when you have that kind of money and are working having two consoles is kind of pointless. I hardly have time for one console, so I would never have time for two. Having a PC on the other hand is a NEED(especially when your in business), so beefing it up for gaming can be justified.
And how did I know that I was going to get a bunch of people on here saying "Capitalism, I have two consoles, I have two consoles!" Yeah it's the same thing I see on gaming sites all the time. Now I'm not saying EVERYBODY doesn't have two consoles but for the most part when somebody in the gaming community wants to seem "cool" and "prove" the're not a fanboy we get the same old line: " I have two consoles so you can't call me a fanboy." Or its "I'm not a Nintendo hater, look I have a Wii U and a PS4!" I'll just leave this little article down below. Only 48℅ of the population owns a DEDICATED home console for gaming so the people who own two or more are definitely in the minority. And I'm talking about consoles from the same generation for the geniuses who brought that point up. Also, I wasn't talking about dedicated handhelds either because they can be grouped in the mobile sector which is being dominated by smartphones. Hence why we have the Switch.
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/percentage-of-us-homes-with-game-console-drops-for/1100-6439360/
I'll probably use the Switch mostly as a home console if I get one, but the portability will occasionally be useful to me. So I'd be unlikely to a non-portable Switch.
@audiobrainiac No it's not because Nintendo should be doing this from the start.
@capitalism Actually, it's worth noting that the Entertainment Software Association has found that 59% of Americans play videogames, and 51% own two consoles on average. You might not know anyone with more than one, but your personal experience is just that, your personal experience. Just like any individual saying "I own more than 1" isn't really enough evidence.
but this survey from 2015 is cold hard facts. Most people on average own more than 1.
http://www.dualshockers.com/2014/04/28/59-of-americans-play-video-games-51-of-households-own-two-consoles-on-average-report-finds/
EDIT: Funny enough, I think we linked to the same overall study.
I'm predicting now, there'll be a "no-dock / no pro controller" cheaper pack.
Would you stop please? We don't even know everything about the Switch and you're already talking about a version 1.1?
@capitalism When I had my Wii I also has a 360, and now I have a PS4 to go along with my Wii-U.
Did you meet your friends at a soup kitchen??
@Ralek85 I do agree that if the Switch has some shabby screen that it might prevent a day one purchase from me.
The poor display on my launch 3DS has colours that are hard to differentiate sometimes and has a yellow tint that can be seen at certain angles.
Like you said, I don't mind paying a premium on these devices and hopefully Nintendo won't settle for older screens in an effort to save too much money.
@WilliamCalley
Did you not ready my reply? You're probably in the "high school graduate" section in that study 😉
@123akis see I would love a version that was not portable as well, in fact it kind of upsets me because the battery and the screen are going to add a lot to the cost so to keep it affordable they are going to skimp on the processing power.
@Operative
The first line of your link says that it's factoring in smartphones 😂 My link had the data for "dedicated home consoles" and that's what I was explicitly talking about. Nice try though
Cool idea but the poinnt of switch is portable and home gaming
@capitalism I'll assume you're not being unnecessarily condescending and concede, then.
@capitalism
Nah, I was just using anecdotal evidence to show that many of us have two consoles, much like several other people on here have.
Just because those amongst your group of friends don't own two, doesn't mean that's representative of the masses.
@WilliamCalley
But my factual article(ESA data) proves you wrong while you're relying on comments made on Nintendo Life. 😂
@BiasedSonyFan Because not everybody wants a mobile platform or is willing to pay extra for the hardware that will sit in the dock forever and never get used. If Nintendo wants to shoehorn themselves into this one format well, it's just going to be another failure.
@Utena-mobile
Once again read the article. I'm in the majority and you're in the minority. Nothing wrong with that it's just I wanted to point out that owning two HOME consoles is not as popular as the author of this article and many on here would like to argue. Facts are great.
This would be amazing and I'd prefer it over the regular Switch (for a while, at least until the 3DS completely dies).
@capitalism
You keep throwing around the words 'fact' and 'factual article' in regards to a single survey's results.
A 'fact' is that the sun is hot.
The results of a survey using a small group of people does not produce 'facts'. It mearly produces a sample. The results (or as you refer to them, 'facts') could be wildly different each time if the survey was repeated using different people.
Oh brother with the @capitalism argument.
I only hang out with people who have college degrees. Not because I wouldn't like them. It is just because those are my peers. (social class). What difference does one article make? We are all bored and on a gaming site speculated on a console that hasn't come out yet. #movingrightalong.com.
We know hardly anything about this system and you already want to 'fix' it?
@BiasedSonyFan No, it would not be pointless. It would sell to a different target audience, a different demographic, and at very little development cost to the company. As I said earlier I'm not buying the switch. They aren't getting my money, that's a loss for Nintendo. However, if they took all the guts of the switch, put it in a static box and sold it as a second option along side the switch, I would buy it and they would get my money. The switch doesn't appear to have anything special that actually even requires the mobile device like the Wii U did. It's just one screen or the other.
So there is no reason not to offer both options, one being cheaper and not portable and the other being more expensive and portable. They are just going to lose sales if they do not offer both options. If they don't offer the second option sooner rather than later they will lose it permanently because I'm not interested in buying an aging console when they finally do decide to do it.
"Hey, you know your main console characteristic that you nailed to audiences, unlike with the Wii U? What if you removed it so you confused people, wouldn't that be great?"
Stupid article. Every generation it's the same idiotic thing, like "what if the Wii U was released without the Gamepad", etc.
I'm waiting to see. If it is a supplementary console I will likely just, finally purchase a PS4. I was so hoping for Fallout on Nintendo. I have been holding out for them but they may just have a different consumer in mind and my gamer heart is breaking. I'm a one-console a generation kind of guy for budget and time and last gen it was the excellent 3DS, not the Wii U, although I bought my brother a Wii U and played at his house. We both loved it but were hoping for a higher powdered console. All of the gamers I know could care less about a portable console and though it is right up my alley and I hope it does excellently, I'm tired of missing out on top tier AAA experiences like Fallout, Red Dead, and Final Fantasy.
@WilliamCalley
Nielson and Pew's research from 2012 basically shows the same data and results. Nice try though
@Utena-mobile
I was talking about dedicated home consoles, in which you admitted the data for that WAS included in the article. So if only 48% of households have a dedicated home console, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that households that have two from the SAME generation is significantly lower. I would bet money it's way lower than half and the odds are with me. This is hilarious. Move along
@BiasedSonyFan - Nailed it.
@ThanosReXXX All right, I should probably admit to hating that cube as well. It screams out "microconsole", which says underpowered and destined for failure. I'm good w/ the Wii/Wii U form factor, just replace the disc slot with a cart port, done.
@Alshain01
I would rather choosing a console that can be taken out, have portability so I can show to a lot of people and play together. I'm sure Nintendo Switch have better battery life. I'm okay with both console and portables, as long the gameplay is interesting for me, I will play both of them and treat them equally. Graphic is not really important for me. Even traditional 2D graphics from some NDS games I still like it.
A non-switching switch? hmmm...
@capitalism
Data from 2012? When the PS3/Wii/360 each sold close to or over 100 million units each?
How could that reasonably compare to 2015 data when the PS4/Xbox/Wii-U had only sold 10-30 million units each by that point in time?
What is the correlation you are trying to make? Can you elaborate in your own words, rather than just making vague 'check the factual articles!' responses?
And where is this other data you are comparing? Links please?
Thanks bro. It's not all the time that we here get an opportunity to hear from a highly educated man such as yourself!
#lastword.com
@WilliamCalley
Well if you did your research you would find out at that time only 53% of households owned a home console according to Nielson and Pew which shows that things haven't changed much. Uhm and the ESA data is from 2016 so I don't know what you're talking about? I guess high school grads aren't into the whole data and facts thing?
@Utena-mobile
Your math is way off and the odds are in my favor, but I agree let's move on. 😀
@BiasedSonyFan Then they can enjoy bankruptcy when their second console fails. But that isn't true, every decision Nintendo makes is most definitely a business decision.
@capitalism
Where is the Pew and Nelson data from? Can I have the links?
I'm not good at research like you I guess
@Anti-Matter That is to be expected. Offering multiple choices would cater to both groups of people instead of one. I'm sure some people will like it, but unless they try to bring in a big user base then this is just going to fail like the Wii U. Offering multiple options would allow them to bring in traditional console users and mobile users.
@WilliamCalley
Damn and the Nielson data actually proves my point even more. It states that 24% said they own more than one console, but that includes tablets, pcs, phones etc... So going by that data the people who own two dedicated consoles from the same generation is significantly lower than what I even thought. Checkmate.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.engadget.com/amp/2012/03/09/nielsen-report-finds-56-percent-of-us-households-have-a-modern-g/
@EllenJMiller i actually lol'ed sitting in an airport bar...
@capitalism
I haven't even read a single link you've posted as I don't even care about this discussion. I've just been sending you on pointless 'fact' finding quests for my own amusement. Glad I could keep you busy! 😂
I have been suggesting this for a while now. With the recent resurgence of the 2DS thanks to Pokémon Go, I can't imagine Nintendo NOT creating a "2DS" version of the Nintendo Switch to aggressively target the casual mobile market.
@GravyThief I completely agree. They have already said the brains of this thing is in the tablet part. There fore it would make sense for that to be the other bundle.
There were rumors that there could be a successor on the way to 3DS. This could be it after they find a battery that will last longer than the supposed three hours the Switch lasts.
@BiasedSonyFan I hope not as well, if they are smart and offer a non mobile option then they can easily avoid it.
Rest assured the console itself will fail if they only target mobile users. With the system specs it is almost assured to be in the $350 range, that's too expensive to give it the popularity of the 3DS, and in many cases the mobile aspect is undesirable and overly costly to those who want a successor to the Wii U.
If they offer both options, they hit the console demographic and the new hybrid demographic (but not the 3DS demographic) and the thing will have a much better chance of survival.
Even if you want the mobile version, you still want Nintendo to do the micro console version because it makes it a better chance your purchase won't end up like the Wii U.
@WilliamCalley
I bet you did.
You guys still on that?
@capitalism - Then please provide a baseline and give more than five sources. As the validity of your statement cannot be legitimized.
"I guess high school grads aren't into the whole data and facts thing"?
That is not very nice. It just shows your character. I might go off on people on this site sometimes, but I would never do that unless I'm talking about a "Trumpet" or something. This is not the site for that. We are all gamers and we all come from diverse backgrounds to talk about video games, regardless of socioeconomic backgrounds or education.
#notnice.com
@BiasedSonyFan And that isn't likely to happen.
@River3636
The only reason I said that was because someone said "you must not hang around working class people who can afford two consoles" and "do you hang out with people from the soup kitchen?" But im the bad guy? LMAO
@capitalism I'm not out to argue with anyone, but 48% is still almost half the population polled. This doesn't take into the fact the margin of error (which could go either way). And, if you consider this number as it compares to some of us old guys who owned the NES when it first came out, 48% is a lot larger number than what would have owned two consoles in those days.
I would go as far to say, that dual consoles are becoming more of the norm. This should continue if the Scorpio truly is designed to be for PC gamers. Plus, Microsoft and Sony are realizing what Nintendo has been doing for years. If you develop quality first party software, people will buy your system no matter what other system they have.
@fortius54
But the Nielson data I posted above states that only 24% of households have more than one console and that includes smartphones, tablets, pcs, etc. so the amount of people that own two DEDICATED home consoles from the same generation is lower than that. Please read my posts before you reply. Thanks 😀
@capitalism Then, you can go ahead and own one console. I'm okay with that. I'll buy the Switch, the PlayStation 4, and the Scorpio. I'll be happy, and you'll be happy. I'll be in the 24% and consider myself an elitist.😁
@capitalism - I see what happen. This whole argument got boosted because you felt like you were being attacked. It would seem some people thought you were being somewhat of an elitist. O.K.
#movingrightalong.com
@fortius54
Well the math would dictate it would be lower than 24% because that included tablets, smartphones and pc's. So probably around 12%. You have fun being an "elitist", I'll have fun knowing that I dont need multiple gaming consoles to enjoy life.😁
@capitalism As long as we are both happy that's all that matters!👍
@BiasedSonyFan People buying Sony and building PC's isn't going to help Nintendo. The Nintendo fans said the Wii U would succeed after they announced it too, you will see.
I just preordered one from EB today which I know I shouldn't have and they charged me a $50 deposit for the console then an additional $10 for the "controller". I didn't ask what the controller actually was (cause I'm a moron) but does that mean the dock and the joycon controller are going to be two separate things?
@Alshain01 Go get a PS4 ( or Wii U) then. I like my games potable to the fullest extent and Nintendo is the only company that keeps that alive and has profited from me well because of it. And has done so since the dawn of their consoles. I've supported that this ENTIRE time. Don't like the Switch? KEEP IT IN THE DOCK.
THAT IS EXACTLY WANT I'D WANT. I can imagine if I were to buy the Switch, I'd rarely use the screen and it'd be a waste of money for me. Bringing a 'Switch' console, with a Pro controller would be great! - No gimmicks.
@rjejr I personally think the Switch screen will have multitouch. But obviously when it's docked you won't be able to make use of it.
I find this a bit of a nonsense story, to be honest. We don't even know the price yet. For all we know it may be a reasonable price (250 Euro's).
@capitalism Everyone I know who games has more than one console.
I have a ps4, a wii u, 360, ps3, PC and various versions of the 3ds and my sons have ps vitas.
You are wrong I'm afraid.
I don't know, the 2DS was initially conceived not just for affordability's sake, but because of legitimate concerns about juvenile eye development from the 3DS' display when played in full 3D. So I don't know if Nintendo would see the value or necessity in abandoning the core concept of Switch just to offer a budget variant. But then, they've honestly thrown out the whole rule book with this system, so you never know.
Personally, I think a smarter move would be to offer a smaller version of the Switch, if the technological ability is there. Same concept and design, same internal components, just in an appreciably reduced size. This would also work to effectively reduce the system's cost (think 3DS vs 3DS XL). I've already seen a lot of people commenting on the sheer size of Switch limiting its appeal to them as a handheld, so there's probably a market for such a version.
@Dazza Game Boy Camera!
@JJ_64 How does a portable console become a "gimmick" simply by adding the ability to output to a tv? That's like saying my iPad is a gimmick because I have Apple TV.
@JJ_64
Switch have a lot of features and they are NO Gimmick. Is Gimmick a Sin for video game ? Must be STAY forever on the table and be a Couch Potato player to play video games ?
Regardless of whether people plan to use the portability or not, I think a win for everyone (either way) is that more games 'should' be able to be developed for the system, assuming they pull their development efforts together, since they can focus on a single console/platform as opposed to home + portable.
While there is some extra cost involved (screen + graphical power) as opposed to being a dedicated home console, I for one am thrilled and hopeful that'll I'll have the opportunity to enjoy the latest games all on the big screen that used to be ~exclusively handheld (i.e. pokemon, fire emblem, phoenix wright, picross 3d, etc). That's the hope anyway. I do intend primarily to use the Switch as a home console, but being able to easily share my games or game time with others who may have interest (via the TV screen or local ready multiplayer), is great. I like the focus on local play and in being able to be more inclusive if desired.
Guess we'll see if it turns out well per public opinion and adoption. I'm pretty sold on it though, and as long as they continue to churn out quality games I'll be sure to enjoy it.
@-DEMISE-
I can't find the camera on Switch. Where is it ?
Soon we'll see rumour articles detailing key features and games of Switch's successor, due to launch in 2022.
I'm sorry, this is just totally stupid. The Switch is all about changing forms and this thing cannot do that. Not to mention Nintendo like never releases cheaper versions of their home consoles (which the Switch is and is seen as by the big N), with the exception of the mini Wii. I am willing to bet that was only due to the insane popularity of the console.
Not interested in this hypothesis. I would rather see a "one-block" handheld form of the console, with an adaptator and sufficient battery capacity.
@biscuitsandtea Yeah definitely, not to mention the "black" levels. Thing is though, the Switch looks quite a bit less "toy-like" to me, and if Nintendo has any idea what they are doing, they will - this time around and thus the first time ever - cover basic functionality on the Switch (like browsing, media/music and so on), which might imply, it will be build from more quality components this time around, esp. if it is indeed targeting millennials as the video suggests.
Said millennials are, I dare say, used to a certain level of quality in their tech.After all, Apple for example, introduced their concept for what they called retina display, in like 2010 I think.
If you want ~20-35 year olds to buy your stuff and take it with them on the go, it better not look and feel cheap next to all the other devices they already have.
I'm still sceptical Nintendo will be able to shake it's toy/kids image any time soon, but if that is what they are gunning for, a proper design is a necessary first step.
Based on the system we've seen so far I would be VERY surprised if this isn't a form we see the Switch come in either at launch or shortly after. There were rumours of two devices after all. Maybe the dock can play games on its own and you can buy the handheld component separately? All things we still don't know yet.
@Ralek85
Being a Toy / Kids image is nothing wrong for Nintendo.
I was so temptated by cuteness of Animal Crossing New Leaf and Nintendogs, quirkiness of Tomodachi Life, artistic and colorful of Paper Mario Color Splash and don't forget.... Mario Pikachu ! Aw...so cute. :3
And I am a 32 years old male gamer.
@ROBLOGNICK
I guess. Like Wii before that have Wii Balance or Wii motion plus.
@Sockymon You are 100% right they shroud do a CONSOLE because what they revealed no matter what they say is a handheld that connects to a TV
There's nothing new there I can connect a tablet or phone to my TV even without a dock or cables using smart-view. Really not an innovation Nintendo.
A decent 11-13" laptop can do this and It'll do everything with it and not just gaming
For people like me that barely play on the go it is not good.
I can see this going for 399$/ €
And we'll be paying for the portability
That's the price of PS4 Pro surely a lot more powerful
This is probably powerfull enough and I would be all over it if it was just the concept shown here for 150 to 200$/ €
For that price it would sell well, for 350-400 I don't think so
@Danrenfroe2016 If they were to do a box verison, I doubt Nintendo would make it more powerful.
@rjejr Hate is a big word, previously only reserved for "dock" and "hybrid" because these seemed so out of the realm of possibilities, but look where we ended up. Hate has initially turned into annoyance of being wrong, and currently I'm either in a status quo or in a catatonic state of acceptance.
The system looks stylish and all, but there's no love for it yet, although to be honest, that is also largely due to there still being too many questions about the hardware and the games/support.
Guess I'm back in the wait and see mode again, much like some of our famous friends still are.
If you've got some time to spare this week, watch/listen to this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUEwsQtQ5-Q
It's a seven man podcast with PE, SMD and a few others you might know.
@JJ_64
I see your point. That would be a very good idea for a budget version for people like me as well. That'd knock a tonne off the price. That will happen. Well spotted man.
One thing drives me mad: calling Nintendo consoles second consoles. With me my first console is always a Nintendo. The others are second consoles.
I bought a PS4 last week and I'm thinking of selling it already. Way to similar to the PS3. I'm bored with the PS3 dis years. I'm not seeing any difference with the PS4 except the controller is very good but where's the games? It's identical to PS3 except the graphics look a little nicer.
Well this is what i start thinking of when Switch was revealed. Cheaper home version. And for out home gaming i have ds and 3ds, they are best at it.
I think this is a great idea! The only hurdle would be the brand confusion.
Perhaps they could call it the Nintendon't Switch!
@Alshain01 and many others: I think you are overestimating how much such a screen and a battery actually cost (if it isn't some super great screen).
Compared to the current alternatives, the cost of those should already be around equalized out by the fact that Switch doesn't not have an optical drive, which cost a notable amount of money as well.
Also, talking like that, what are the alternatives? There is pretty much always something on a machine that costs money, that we personally don't need.
I don't need multimedia function, does that mean I shouldn't buy a PS or Xbox? In that case I would pay good money for a feature I won't use as well. And don't even let me begin with the fact that online gaming costs money on those consoles, which might still not be the case on Switch. So I can't buy them, because I would waste money on online gaming, right?
While we are at it: Why can't I buy a PS4 without a controller if I still have some PS3 controllers...
I could go on and on with this and this isn't just true for consoles, but many things.
Your argument in itself is valid, but we all are wasting money for unused features all the time and a screen + battery isn't THAT expensive...
In the end we all just have to look at everything about the Switch we care about and decide, whether that is worth the price for us.
If it is worth the price, then everything extra can be ignored anyway...
@samuelvictor Yeah, I've had some thoughts on that conversation going on, and even though my hands are itching, I'm going to steer clear of it, lest we get more high horse behavior on here...
@samuelvictor But I could post some pictures of my two consoles of the same generation...
@Mart1ndo now write the same thing again with wii and wii u replacing PS3 and ps4. How's that sound
@capitalism I have PC, Wii U, PS4, Xbox One & 3DS. I know 3 others that own Wii U and at least one other console.
$300 is not that bad for what you get and considering that it would be a brand new console for launch. The PS4 and XBONE, considering that they have been out for a few years can have the down-costs, due to the fact that THEY HAVE BEEN OUT FOR A WHILE. If nintendo is not really competing, then they have a chance. The only thing that concerns me is the 3rd party games that are coming to the console. Considering that it will be 5 months from now for the release, some of the games that are coming out are already out on the others (Just Dance 2017, Elders Scrolls Skyrim)...and with them being out now on the others, they'll get a price reduction and be cheaper on the other consoles, where I'm sure they will be full price on the Switch (and as we saw with Wii U, this was a bad decision), which means that 3rd party support could be lost again.
Nintendo needs games on the retail side, or the system will look dense once again. It's nice to have a large selection of download titles, but with the lack of retail titles filling up the store shelves, people will look away...look at Wii U of how there are barely any titles shown in stores for it.
The price, if it is $300 should be a good fit. Anything higher could drive consumers away, but one thing I still don't get, especially after their shares went down, is why they just don't release the console and Zelda game (since both are apparently done) now for the holiday, instead of waiting until March. They could make a huge profit, erase the Wii U from their sights (even though it would make a lot of Wii U owners mad), but give them a substantial amount of money, but also show that the console will have a strong fanbase to it.
Apologies NL. I'm only after actually reading the article now. I can see it all now. I expect to see multiple versions of Switch. It makes sense. "I seen the future and it works."
It looks like an Ouya... you can no longer 'switch' so: no!
Anyway, does anyone think Switch rhyme with Twitch? Will Nintendo finally embraced streaming? In the future you can Twitch the Switch?
@capitalism
I have owned at least 2 current consoles since the GameCube generation. Last gen at one stage I owned all 3 consoles but I hated the 360 so I sold it. I now have a PS4 and a Wii u. I think it's more common than you think. But Nintendo are not a second console they are my main console.
@samuelvictor Yeah, being single can potentially save you a LOT of cash.... (and so can drinking in-house instead of spending the money at a bar)
@samuelvictor Now imagine the prices for a rum & coke filled evening...
I do also like beer, but Bacardi Cola/Cuba Libre is my drink of choice.
@Mart1ndo
Don't worry. My collections just only Nintendo games right now (NDS, 3DS, Wii and Wii U). Used to be play PS1 and PS2 but not anymore. Well, Gamecube and Switch will be next.
@Anti-Matter Same for me, but unfortunately, both of us hardly constitute anything but outliers these days =(
@Anti-Matter
I still have my GameCube and Wii games. I'll never sell hem.
@elstif
Pardon me, why playing portable (on the go) is not good for you ? Are you concerned about graphic (being portable will NOT have OMG Ultra HD graphic) ?
Please... graphic is not everything. Even I played some NDS games on the go with just only traditional 2D graphic and No complaint. They are still really worthy. Try to embrace.
@Anti-Matter if you have wii you won't need to plug in another GameCube. Wii plays them fine. Or your wii u does it better
@UK-Nintendo
That's why my plan. Because I have Wii, I can use my Wii to play Gamecube games with Wii2HDMI converter to make the graphic both Wii and Gamecube games crispier a bit. Of course, not forget the controller and memory card. XD
Um...I will treat my Nintendo games and machines just the way it is. No hacking, no piracy, no modded, just being original.
Wii2HDMI Will make no difference. Component is the best for wii and GameCube. 480p is the best picture you can get
@ThanosReXXX No time for a 2 hour sausage fest podcast. I did see a good follow up w/ our big eyed blonde friend and a dog that covered it all nicely. I'd share a link w/ you if I could find it, but you probably already saw it anyway.
And there really isn't supposed to be any excitement at this point I don't think, there is nothing to be excited about. If you are a video game fan for hardware only reveals then you probably need a new hobby. It's not supposed to be about the hardware, it's supposed to be about the games. Have a 45 minute ND, show games for the fist 30 minutes, then show the hardware. Don't show hardware for 3 minutes then say afterward - none of those games were real, only pretend, don't get too excited. And then "no comment" on the touchscreen? Yeah, nice reveal there. No battery life, no touch, no storage, no price, no games, they showed us some empty boxes, oh joy. Where do I pre-order this thing I know nothing about?
Do we even care about the investor meeting any more? I'm trying to think of some news that could come out of it I could care about, but I'm coming up empty. Investors should all be asking the same question though - "Are you really going to try and sell a touchscreen tablet that doesn't have touch?" But Nintendo won't answer it.
The Switch can't replace the 3ds. There are far to many 3ds's out there and only a very small proportion of those will buy the Switch.
If the tablet part of Switch can be purchased separately then eventually it could replace the 3ds, as long as the tablet is capable of playing 3d games.
My guess is that there will be two versions of the Switch and two prices. Or add-ons that can be connected to enable Wii u games to be played.
I do think they will make multiple devices under de Nintendo Switch brand or otherwise 'architecture'. The important thing of the Switch is not necessarly the console itself, but nintendo having a architecture that is easy to develop for, right now but also in the future.
If the Nintendo Switch, as it has been presented has lower power then the competition, then i bet my life on it nintendo wil release another console that is pure homebased but can use the same gamecards as the Switch but with more power(more details more resolution). As a matter of fact i wonder if the Switch is the only console that falls under the ''reboot'' that nintendo has as a company.
Either way, power is not that important to me and to be honest i don't think its that important overall. The reason why its important is because PS4 and Xbone cater to those High resolution nerds and those aren't the same people who want ''great graphics'' which are both different people then Nintendo like gamers. and with Nintendo like gamers i mean gamers who play for the games and can accept the norm instead of expecting the high standards.
'Nintendo like gamers' don't necessarly have to have Nintendo consoles or games but they are kinda the 'Anime game lovers' (Naruto, Dragonball X etc. ) They are a lot more about the immersion and the aesthetics/presentation then about seeing every pimple or that extra facial hair on a character just for the sake of realism even if it isnt important for gameplay. Final Fantasy 15 is a high graphical game and admitting that its a game that does require a certain degree of power but i do think that having lesser texture doesnt spoil the game at all. And that is what the new generation should be about.
Game companies shouldnt be affraid to treat customers less as 'king' because most people you hear complaining about resolution are just really the game nerds( mostly the rich kids, who get everthing from there parents hardly have to spend money to buy these things for optimal experience) and the people who just like videogames or the casuals hardly give a crap about al those details in textures. As long as it ruin the core game experience people will play it.
@123akis yup... I am still trying to decide in my mind whether I call the whole having a screen and being a hybrid console a gimmick, now I am thinking about the word gimmick in a negative fashion. I am really really hoping we will be surprised by the price point and the power of the console I really do hope it is a Tegra 2 with something that at least approaches PS4 and Xbox One. Otherwise I believe we are looking at another slide for Nintendo in sales.
@Dazza Thanks for the reply. I think multitouch as well, w/ something additional they don't feel like getting into yet, haptic feedback or 3D non-touch, whatever Apple is doing (Damo mentioned it to me). Having touch does present a few problems though, even if games don't support it, like how do you do Miiverse or any "Art" games on the Home TV version? If it was just a non-touch display, then the cheaper home version makes a lot more sense as it would do everything the tablet could, no problem.
@BensonUii "What this article do is make potential (or in the fence) buyers to hold off from buying the NSwitch at launch thinking this will (possibly) happen down the line."
I don't think this article is going to affect anyone's decision making. For one, people on the fence about the Switch design were probably already thinking about this anyway, and perhaps more importantly 2, Nintendo and everyone else has their focus backwards, it's not about the hardware, it's about the games.
Nobody buys hardware b/c they like the design or not, people buy hardware to play the games. And so far all we know for Switch are a few games, and those don't have release dates yet. And we don't know the price. If people put off their purchase it will probably be b/c of game delays and a high price, not b/c there may be a "home" addition of Switch somewhere down the road. So don't go holding NL accountable if Switch gets of to a slow start, blame that on lack of hype for the games b/c its all about the games, hardware is secondary. The only real important thing about the hardware is the price.
@Anti-Matter I just don't play on the go
I play on my TV at home
I'm not concerned that much about the power unless it limits the system capabilities to run games
I understand the appeal for people that play on the go but for everyone else we'll have to pay for a screen battery and the limitations of mobile cpu/gpu
Also deal with battery and overheat issues
It has been like this since the gameboy
Sacrifice power for portability
And fine you can connect to a TV with a dock but this is a handheld not a console, I hope Nintendo eventually releases a proper home console
As I said on my previous comment: I'll be happy with the same power on a cheaper home console if the games come to it
@rjejr "I did see a good follow up w/ our big eyed blonde friend"
You mean Ashley? Yeah, I saw that Switch creates potential backlash video. It was a decent one.
That podcast is good, though. Lots of interesting topics handled. I watched it in two blocks, since a straight two hour listen is a bit too rich for my blood too.
But a very good alternative is the video done by Rerez. He was part of the podcast and made this video afterwards, summing up the pros and cons in a really concise and thoughtful manner. And it's only 10 minutes...
Anyways, I see from your assessment that my state of catatonia is warranted for now, because all of us are still more or less in limbo. And waiting again until the giants at Nintendo decide to come down their mountain again to speak to the mortals about their plans going forward...
@capitalism The dock will not be available in the base package, though. Just the Switch and the JoyCons. But if there is a deluxe package, it's probably with the dock and the JoyCon Grip. The Pro Controller, while pretty nice, has always been the kind of secondary controller, and I doubt they would include an unnecessary thing that would increase the cost of the package (because you could just use the JoyCons, and having the Grip makes more sense, as it's undoubtedly cheaper and the same as a Pro Controller, button-wise).
@BiasedSonyFan Its just speculation ofcourse, but i do think that Nintendo having a combined architecture is the way to go for them right know.
A lot of people are already saying that the mobile aspect of the Switch doesnt really appeal to them and they will always keep it docked for homeplay.
Its very possible that the Switch console is the cheaper one en the non handheld version the more expensive one or even otherway around based on the specs. Everything is possible right now.
Yes we now know what the Switch is but we still dont the specs of the machine and we dont know Nintendo new plan overall, i mean is the Switch brand the new Quality of Life?
@samuelvictor Lucky devil, you. I wonder how many consoles they have...
@ThanosReXXX 10 minutes I can do, listening to it now. And he seems normal enough.
"Catatonia" seems about right. Especially for you, it's your worst nightmare. Bhaw ha ha ha ha
Maybe you can make this your avatar.
Guy had a pretty good 10 minutes for soon after the trailer. He probably should do a new one now that he's had a few day to sleep on it and see how his opinion has changed. Though I suppose he already has, or shall.
But now we have what, 3 more months until Nintdo speaks again? I just don't get how people defend Nintneod. I don't care about the whole east -west mindset, business is business, and in this day of social media and instant gratification, you just can't pull a 3 month blackout over new game hardware. To much going on for people to spend their disposable income on from Sony, MS, Apple, even Google. VR, 4k TVs. By January people be like - "Switch, oh yeah I kind of remember that, but I didn't see it in any stores this Christmas so I figured it's over. Want to come over and see my new "insert expensive electronic here"."
@rjejr I don't know either man. I only use the Asian vs Western mindset when it's appropriate, but that doesn't apply here, because business is indeed business in these instances, so you'll hear no defense from me.
I think it's utter lunacy for them to keep quiet until next year after dropping a 3 minute trailer. You could argue that it's "only" two more months, but who's to say that they are going to start talking the minute it's January? For all we know, they're gonna wait til February and by then it might very well be too late, if it isn't already.
There's also this thing going on all over the internet that apparently, you can't be critical of a company that you're a fan of. I thought the trailer in and of itself was pretty good but I expected it to be followed up with a press release and dates for more information reveals, but now that this is not going to happen, that first good step that they took with this trailer is immediately nullified again, and we're one step forward and three steps back, if not a jump back.
And then there's the whole companion console thing. Maybe Nintendo themselves have also resigned themselves to being that console, in which case they might think that they don't need to react to what the others are doing, I don't know.
At this point, I'm just going to focus my attention on real life issues. That console isn't going to go anywhere soon, so we'll see it when it arrives and worry about the potential lack of third party support by then...
@samuelvictor Exactly, the game room people. The mancave folk. Wish I had the space in my apartment to make one. And the money to fill it, although I do have quite an extensive collection for a non-collector.
I just never sell any console, so since I moved from the Amiga range of home computers to the N64, I've always kept all my consoles and handhelds and all my games, so I could definitely fill a room.
As for an arcade cabinet: would be nice, but I'm personally more interested in table top arcade, such as the Starforce Pi will soon be offering:
http://www.starforcepi.com/overview.html
And like MAME, this will play just about anything, even Playstation and Dreamcast games.
@Ralek85 Indeed, design and software are key to this system's success. I'm certain that EAD is capable of the former, but software-wise I'm a tad concerned considering Nintendo's previous consoles. I certainly hope they don't consider any proprietary means of external memory storage. And, though I hate to say it, the Switch ought to be more 'tablet-like' (Windows and Android, etc) in how applications work.
Though honestly I'm purchasing this system primarily for gaming on the go as I have been doing so with Nintendo's products since the start of this century, so multitasking hardly matters to me. I can't speak for today's audience, but considering the Switch's form factor it's safe to say many will expect the device to behave just like any other tablet on the market.
They need some awesome cases for taking the Switch on the go. With real leather options.
If I could save substantial money on it, I would buy the cheaper version.
@Anti-Matter Oh, I was referring to that person's profile pic, which appears to have been taken with the Game Boy camera. It was a neat accessory, so I get excited when I see it in action! I don't know if Switch has a camera.
@rjejr "He probably should do a new one.. "
Well, he actually did, but almost straight after, so he didn't wait a few days:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUMoCcbCbYE
That was to add some more thoughts, and then he did the whole "sleep on it for a few days" thing and came up with this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSIo-EBAvRk
Oh, and his name is Shane Luis, YouTube name Rerez. Saves us from having to call him "that guy" all the time...
And there's too many "guys" on YouTube already for that label to be discerning enough...
@ThanosReXXX If his name was Rezer I'd like it better.
But I think that's enough videos for me thanks. I'm trying to catch up on emails over 100 behind now, and I have things to do. We'll se what goes down at the meeting tomorrow. I suspect nothing good.
@UK-Nintendo
Oh, thanks for the tips. I will check my local gamestore if still have a Component cables.
@elstif Exactly. I'm worried that it's going to be too big to be portable and not powerful enough for a home console and end up being the worst of two worlds. However, if the games are great, I'd still consider buying it... it's just with all that hardware (dock, tablet, pads, pro pads etc.) you're right that it's going to come pretty steep. Take into account the £ being worth slightly less than the Hyrule Rupee at the moment and you're looking at a pricey first day purchase.
@zool
Ow... but if we can use another Switch as a second screen, it will be a Nintendo XXL then (Jumbo Size). Man...my hands must be strong enough to carry two Switch consoles. XD
@rjejr I'd say it's safe to expect nothing at all: neither good nor bad, since Nintendo has already said that they aren't going to hand out any additional details on Switch, so it's just going to be a meeting for the shareholders only, not for the media.
@capitalism Yeah, the whole 'second console' thing is damning with the faintest praise imaginable. Most people don't have multiple consoles from the same gen, period. And it's not out of brand loyalty, it's because most regular people don't have the time or money for that sort of investment.
I would be 100% sold. My Switch will only serve me as home console. That'll be it's only purpose.
That would be nice since I'm sure unless you are actively traveling, not many (in America) are going to cart their Switch around.
However, one feature that was important to that portability was local multiplayer. if that Splatoon tournament thing implied anything, it's that they can still do it docked, but it creates an issue that makes the option more awkward.
Also, we don't know if the Switch will be set up like a console (multiple users) or handheld (one account per machine). If you live with more than one Nintendo gamer they will NOT want to simply throw out their account, even if it's meaningless. Here the Switch mechanic does work for home users because so you can have your individual account and swap them out to enjoy on the big screen.
I fully expect Nintendo to have multiple form factors for the Switch eventually, but I doubt that any form factor will omit the screen. My gut feel is that Nintendo will eventually release a Switch mini that is just a smaller version of the Switch with a longer battery life so that it is more friendly for kids and fans of portable game systems.
As for pricing of the Switch, I expect the basic package to be the Switch console and the Joy Con controller for $300 at launch. The docking station will cost extra unless you get the premium bundle that will obviously be available. Gamers who want to have the full Switch setup (console, docking station and pro controller) will be looking at $400 at launch.
Nintendo knows this is not mass market pricing and that is why they are still making lots of games for the 3DS. They need the 3DS to bring in lots of profits while they ramp up the Switch user base. I predict that by the end of 2017 Switch will have sold 5-6 million units. By Christmas 2018 you will be able to buy a Switch package with the console, docking station and the new Mario game for $350 and that is when things will start to really pick up for the system. Lots of kids will get a Switch for Christmas in 2018.
@BiasedSonyFan It's the same old thing, a small pocket of people (the vocal minority) on a small fan site thinking they speak for the masses, when there's probably ten times more visitors who never post on here who are looking forward to it.
The other thing I think people want from Nintendo is to have their console take part in Digital Foundry comparison vids, so they can argue with other people over which machine does the best rusty pipes or dust particles, you know, all that really important stuff that "AAA" games prioritise over making sure the games run properly.
@ThanosReXXX "I'd say it's safe to expect nothing at all: neither good nor bad,"
Well there is other stuff for them to talk about besides Switch that I am interested in for no other reason than being interested in it. That 800k yearly Wii U prediction, has that changed? Will they admit to no more being made ever? Predictions for NES Mini sales in this holiday. Surely some analyst would ask about that?And if no analyst brings up the touchscreen they should all be fired.
But I'm not nearly as interested as I would have been w/o the 3:37 trailer, that's for sure. I would have bet money on a launch delay being announced for one. That hardware looks doable by March though.
I'm super excited for this system. Keep in mind, I also share my love for PC gaming. So we'll see how it goes..
Also this website dedicated to PC is covering on the Switch as well.
http://prnt.sc/cyvquf
No concerns here.
@atariman Good combo to have - a PC and a Switch for those unique Nintendo titles...
@elstif Well that's essentially just a bit of word play. Is it a 'console' (handhelds aren't consoles?) that you can take with you and play as a handheld? Or is it a handheld that can output to a TV? Well, when you dock the thing, take the Joycons off to form a controller and play on the TV, how does it actually differ from a 'console' in that instance? That fact that you CAN pick it up if you want? While you're playing it in that format it will do everything a home console does. If one was capable of picking up a PS4 that had a big battery in it with control buttons and a tiny TV sellotaped to it would that be solely a handheld then? Apologies for the endless rhetoric. It's a habit.
Anyway, you go ahead and connect your phone or tablet to a TV after configuring a third party controller that doesn't suck and I'll use a seamlessly integrated dedicated games console with way more power and a library of AAA home console games. Oh and good luck using a phone as a handheld for even a remotely comparable gaming experience. Having a games console that works perfectly as a home console out of the box and perfectly as a handheld out of the box is pretty innovative. As far as I'm aware, nothing has done it before. If they have, it's almost certainly sucked way more than this will. Using a laptop to emulate the experience is an amusing vision.
I appreciate you've said you don't play on the go and that is a very understandable reason to lose a lot of interest, although the first party games played at home will still absolutely rule, I must stress. I don't think the market needs another head butting up against the Scorpio or the Pro, which I guess is why they made this decision. The power differential was a necessary evil, but good god will this be powerful for its size.
I've said it before, but imagine a 2DS with a screen 4 times the size, with more power than a Wii U and a far wider library of games, that can seamlessly output to your TV. Alternatively, to focus more from the home console perspective, It's like a supercharged Wii U with unlimited off screen range, way faster load times, a bigger library with more 3rd party support and a better gamepad. And Zelda.
@rjejr As far as I understood, the meeting is behind closed doors, no media, so also no analysts and no twenty questions either. All of us, analysts included, will be able to see the online report or download the pdf afterwards, but there will be no press event.
@samuelvictor So, you're living in the posh area now (if I understood you correctly) or at least closer to the city meaning less bang for your buck property price-wise?
Good to hear that you still have your dedicated corner, even if it isn't an entire cave. My house is pretty much the same: a PC corner and consoles underneath the TV. Some stuff and games locked up in an anteroom because of the lack of space, but that man cave is going to get there some day.
And good to hear that your master of all things tech. And I'd probably also leave selection of the video devices to the guy that works in the movie industry...
I want the real deal myself. But this is an awesome idea. Can't wait for switch
"After all, it's a portable device that's primarily being pitched as a 'home gaming system'."
@Dazza: Thanks for mentioning this. I had a pretty extensive argument on NL during the weekend and my point was exactly what you wrote in the quote. I've seen other news sites adopt this stance too, so naturally I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one recognising it as a " a portable device that's primarily being pitched as a 'home gaming system'".
And I would totally wait for a non-portable version - as long as it's significantly cheaper.
@3MonthBeef Yeah, I know what you mean. But the Switch tablet controller does not create any unique gaming experience (since there's no dual screen play). I myself am not much of a handheld gamer (that of course doesn't mean I would NEVER use the handheld capabilities) and I feel like I'd be paying extra for a feature that I'm not keen on. I see the 'Switch' as a bundle, like a PS4 coming with the Vita (maybe not the best example, hopefully you get what I mean).
@samuelvictor Aha, I see. I was just wondering because "catchment" wasn't really a word I've heard before. Never too old to learn, I guess...
But from the context I could gather that it wasn't about drainage but about living close to the designated school.
Those arcade cabinet stories make me jealous, man. Wish I would have had even one. Hydro Thunder was one of my favorite seated arcade cabs, and from the regular ones, classics I would have liked to own are Pac-Man, Galaga, Streetfighter, Mortal Kombat and 1942. And Daytona would have been nice too...
But then again: I could easily name 20 or more that I would like to have. Been thinking about a MAME cabinet to merge all of these together, although I would have to miss all the seated cabs, but I don't even have the space for them anyway.
Currently, business and lack of funds is what is holding me back, but plans are to buy one eventually. But the table top one might arrive next year, so who knows, I might go for that one first.
I do have a lot of emulators on my PC, MAME included, but my PC is old, so it's no beast and it certainly can't run the more demanding arcade games. For Neo Geo emulation I use the in my opinion brilliant NeoRAGEx. It has a nice interface and games run very smoothly with some of the best scanline emulations I've ever seen. Currently, it's at version 5.3, in case you want to try it out.
And what did you think of that table top system?
@rjejr
I laughed when I read that reply but wasn't certain about how much energy to waste in response.
Thank you.
@k8sMum Always glad to help. And if I remember this thread correctly - I've been extra busy on here of late, what w/ the whole Switch unveiling and all - about a dozen other people took him to task as well, so your time & energy were best spent elsewhere.
@samuelvictor The great thing about that table top is that the controls are customizable, so you can get them in either 3 or six button configurations. And the back has connectors for other arcade joysticks for two player games. It can also connect to the TV, which is certainly handy for multiplayer, otherwise the screen is just too small. (although the Nintendo Switch apparently disagrees... )
As for these glass and wood table tops: there are several companies that make 1:1 replicas, that are indistinguishable from the real thing, so maybe that is something that might interest you.
Here's a couple of manufacturers, some of which make custom cabinets or housings for consoles/MAME configurations:
http://www.bespoke-arcades.co.uk
https://www.libertygames.co.uk
http://ultimatearcadecabinets.co.uk
http://www.arcooda.com
http://dreamarcades.com
Or build your own:
http://arcadecontrols.com/arcade.htm
As for other cabinets: I don't know if you've ever watched Gamester81's videos, but he's pretty big on YouTube as far as knowledge and experience is concerned. He has his own standard channel, where he discusses both retro and new stuff:
https://www.youtube.com/user/Gamester81
But he also has a dedicated arcade cabinet channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/Gamester81Arcade
Where he discusses his own collection, and how to repair and install them.
I have to wonder about that Lucky Eggs machine, though. What do you do once the eggs are all gone? For how long will you be able to get new stock? And Poop Cycle? I can't even imagine what that is supposed to look like...
And is this the Jurassic Park cabinet that you're talking about?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7jcXVnO_Ao
Back in the nineties, I always imagined having a G-Loc cabinet in my own house. I couldn't find the original one, but it looked a little something like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSJG5e0s43c
Nice arrangement concerning the workstation, although I would think that it would not be for private use? In general, it would be considered best practice to not "clutter" a business PC with private stuff, lest something happens to either half of the data.
But if your contractors are cool with it, then I'd say make the most of it.
@rjejr I'm pretty much like you, at first I didn't think the idea of upgrades for consoles made sense. Then I considered the time of release between XOne and Scorpio, and seeing the Switch further cemented me being okay with it. Time will tell if it comes true, although I like your idea of not having to buy a whole new unit.
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