Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime insists that the stock shortages which so badly impacted the launch of the NES Classic Mini won't be replicated when the Switch arrives this March.
Speaking to Wired, Fils-Aime stated that Nintendo has two million consoles earmarked for the first month, and the supply chain this time around should prevent sellouts:
What do you foresee in terms of the number of Nintendo Switch consoles that you'll be able to release in 2017?
Fils-Aime: What we've said publicly is that there will be 2 million units that will be shipped worldwide for the launch, essentially through month one.
I know, because I read the boards and I read the comments, that there is concern about supply. From what I've read, the concern seems to stem from the lack of ability to buy NES Classic. So what I would say is this: Two million for essentially the first month is a huge number, especially when you look and see that this is not peak seasonality. This is essentially the first three weeks of March. Our focus is making sure that the consumer who wants to buy a Nintendo Switch can buy a Nintendo Switch. That's how we build our supply chain, that's how we think through the amount of product that's available.
What happened with NES Classic is that was a situation where the global demand was well in excess of anything we had anticipated, and that's what created shortages. The good news, at least for consumers in the Americas, is we're going to continue to make the NES Classic available. With the ongoing level of supply, the ongoing demand is going to be met. We know the concern.
On the topic of the NES Classic Mini, Fils-Aime claims that "incremental demand" for the system caught Nintendo totally off-guard:
Did the surprising, to you, demand for NES Classic open your eyes to understanding the popularity of classic Nintendo products in this day and age?
Fils-Aime: We know the popularity of our classic games. That's a known situation. The challenge for us is that with this particular system, we thought honestly that the key consumer would be between 30 and 40 years old, with kids, who had stepped away from gaming for some period of time. And certainly we sold a lot of systems to that consumer. But what we also see here in the Americas is that we've sold a lot to [fans] who just saw a compact, all-in-one opportunity to get the 30 greatest games from the NES generation. I think that incremental demand is what surprised us. Because again, how many times have you purchased the original Super Mario Bros.? We thought that the consumer that already had a Wii or a Wii U and had purchased those games once or twice already, we didn't think that they'd buy the NES Classic. And they did.
Finally, Reggie spoke about the status of the 3DS now that the Switch is on the scene, and once again reinforced Nintendo's stance that Switch is a home console first and foremost rather than a portable, giving the 3DS room to co-exist:
What does the launch of Switch mean for 3DS?
Fils-Aime: 3DS has a long life in front of it. We've already announced games that will be launching in the first couple quarters of this year. There are a number of big games coming. And in our view, the Nintendo 3DS and the Nintendo Switch are going to live side-by-side. You're going to be meeting different price points, you're going to be meeting different types of consumers, you're going to have the newest, freshest content available on Nintendo Switch, you've got a thousand-game library available on Nintendo 3DS, plus some key new ones coming. They're going to coexist just fine. We've done this before, managing two different systems.
I think there's a sense that Nintendo Switch is a portable device. It is portable. But at its heart, it's a home console that you can take with you on the go.
What do you think about Reggie's statements? Can the 3DS really survive with the Switch around? And are you hopeful that you'll be able to secure a Switch at launch? As ever, we want to know.
[source wired.com]
Comments 86
the backwards compatibility of the switch will be held hostage by the existence of the 3ds. the need for the switch to be completely new will minimize or even squash any talk of wii u backward compatibility. they do NOT want to associate the switch with the wii u in any way shape or form for now.
having said that, i wouldn't be surprised if sales staff are instructed to redirect any old timers looking for the nes classic towards the switch, saying that it has a virtual console with even mroe classic games and you can play it on the go.
Well, I preordered one at GameStop in December and one at Amazon yesterday. I'm quite hopeful one of them will go through. I'll cancel my GS preorder on launch day if both go through. Now if I could only find that BotW Master Sword edition ...
I guess Game Freak won't be making a mainline Pokemon game for Switch then. 3DS still is being pushed so Stars ends up a 3DS exclusive.
Just how much easier to find, exactly?
@Grumblevolcano I doubt it, while Nintendo will make a big song & dance about the 3DS still being supported... they did this for every handheld/console except the Wii U. They're a company, they want to sell Switch's AND 3DS. Gamefreak are at the end of what they can do with the 3DS... the online experience & framerate on Sun/Moon is kind of proof of that.
Two million units for 3 weeks isn't bad & I think they'll keep a decent supply up. Reggie has a good point that it's not the peak season to be selling consoles AND they are coming off the back of the Wii U debacle. However, they did drop the ball with the NES classic. A little face saving there eh Reggie?
Is Wired the only outlet asking these basic questions? I haven't seen anything from any of the other usual suspects (where is IGN's coverage?)
If they want the switch to be successful, they need to stop with the 3ds. I taught the whole point was, getting all devellopers on one single platform. Let's hope this doesn't explain why the support for switch seems lacking at the moment.
Just cancelled my pre-order so that's one more available!!!
Good to see him admit they were caught out by the NES Mini demand.
I'm less convinced about the 3DS. We've heard it before. The whole idea of Switch was to put all their development capacity behind one machine/ecosystem. If Switch takes off to any degree they won't need 3DS. If Switch struggles they need to support it fully. I expect first and second party support to drop off next year.
@ZeldaNX While the userbase for the Switch is still small, they'll need to continue selling 3DS'/3DS games for a while. It's not a great idea cutting off your money supply JUST as you're making a huge investment in new stock etc.
Plus it would pee off 3DS owners, people they want to be buying a Switch sometime in the future (like me).
"I know, because I read the boards and I read the comments"
Hi Reggie!
@DanteSolablood that's right, but i just can't understand that for two years we got so little games and now this is how they begin with the switch. And continuing in develloping (too much) games for 3ds, means more chance that the line-up will be Wii-u 2.0 which they can't afford. For two years i said to myself (and especcialy with the switch reveal) with the switch they can at least release far more games then with Wii-u with combound strengths
@ZeldaNX I understand your worries, but development on the 3DS will naturally reduce as developers will want to work on the shiny new Switch. There will be some studios that only work on the 3DS at the moment that will take a while to retrain... those will keep some games coming out as well.
However, there is a misunderstanding of why the Wii U got so few games. It was hard to develop for & expensive too... a problem the Switch doesn't have (any studio working on the XB1 or PS4 are already coding with the same tools). It's natural to worry that the Switch will suffer the same fate, but the situation for the Wii U was VERY different to the Switch.
They'll keep the 3DS on life support until they are sure the Switch can be a good source of revenue, and then they'll discontinue it.
It was the same with the GBA and the DS.
@Luna_110 I couldn't agree with you more. This is what has happened with almost every console/handheld generation change since the days of the SNES/NES.
@Dakt At least it won't be harder than impossible?
"The good news, at least for consumers in the Americas, is we're going to continue to make the NES Classic available. With the ongoing level of supply, the ongoing demand is going to be met. We know the concern."
need to get some to the rest of the world too,the ebay scalpers are really taking the ****
@DanteSolablood True, and I just hope there will be a lot of good surprises before launch and with E3! I just think we were al expecting a ton more information and games, because of all the rumours and the fact that there was so little to play on the Wii-u for two years.
"You're going to be meeting different price points, you're going to be meeting different types of consumers, you're going to have the newest, freshest content available on Nintendo Switch, you've got a thousand-game library available on Nintendo 3DS, plus some key new ones coming."
Is it me, or does anyone else get the feeling this is meant to say "Hence why Switch doesn't start off with a larger amount of games, because there's 3DS"?
You can't take anything Reggie says seriously. These days, he hardly has any decisions to make as that part of the role has all been handed back to people in Japan. His job is to put positive spin on whatever situation Nintendo are in. Just look at that nonsense about not expecting demand for the NES Mini. If you don't think anyone wants to buy a product, you don't release it. Fact is, he had no control over how many units they got, but now he has to try and explain it all.
"We thought that the consumer that already had a Wii or a Wii U and had purchased those games once or twice already, we didn't think that they'd buy the NES Classic. And they did."
I find this comment a little off.He clearly doesn't understand many Nintendo fans if he thinks that.Of course many of those that have bought the game once or twice already on the Wii or Wii U are going to be a huge part of the audience for a novelty machine like this.The reason?The very same reason they bought it once or twice already,they're Nintendo fans.
Anyone remember when the DS first came out and Nintendo reassured consumers that the gameboy line wasn't dead, and that the DS would be a third pillar? Haven't seen any new gameboys in a while.
3DS is on the way out, but if you're running a business you don't tell consumers that directly. Look at the price. The lower that price goes, the more they're just trying to clear out stock. They're positioning it as an entry level budget machine for people who missed it in its hey-day and want a system that already has a large library of games. Keeps the revenues stable during the transitional period, which keeps the investors happy.
Can't see Nintendo carrying on with the 3DS, why make the Switch if that is the case?
The Switch is combining all the home and portable gaming in one product. Iwata stated numerous times that there was going to be one unified OS. Having the Switch and 3DS means having to different operating systems and splitting the customer base.
When will they accept that the Switch will replace both the Wii U & 3DS?
Of course 3DS will survive for longer. The install base is still buying a lot of games in Japan and it was up SIX MONTHS STRAIGHT year on year in America and just had its single biggest software sales month in America ever in November
We already have this games incoming with the year having barely even started
Pikmin
Mario Sports Superstars
Ever Oasis
Yoshi and Poochy's Wooly World
Story of Seasons Trio of Towns
Etrian Odyssey V(we all know it will happen. Every game has come over.)
Dragon Quest VIII
Lady Layton
Snack World
Yokai Watch 2(Europe. America probably getting Yokai watch 3)
Runbow Deluxe
New untitled Shin Megami Tensei game
Blaster Master Zero
Shovel Knight: Specter of vengeance(it's basically a prequel and being treated like its own release. I think it's worthy of its own slot in a list)
Etc.
And dozens of indie games incoming. Plus plenty of localizations with a good chance of happening too like Miitopia. Alliance Alive, Monster Hunter Double Cross etc.
No 3DS is not going to be alive in 2020 or anything but good lord people stop acting like 3DS dies the instant switch hits shelves. Plenty of games currently still in development, waiting for localization and a handful of devs will stick around extra long.
3DS will have a strong 2017 and at least a few solid 2018 games(and probably still a fair amount of indie stuff still too)
I hope the 3DS continues onwards for the sake of keeping Nintendo in the dedicated portable gaming scene. (To me the Switch is primarily a home console) I want to see a true successor to the 3DS one day, perhaps with architecture which is somewhat similar to Switch? So Nintendo aren't so torn between them both. At a more affordable price, of course. Around £150-180 like the New 3DS XL.
The problem is that people who take the time to comment on Nintendo articles view 3DS support in a whole different way than Nintendo does.
We look at it as if stopping new games from Nintendo means 3DS is finished. Nintendo is expecting to sell good numbers of them for a couple years after they stop making games for it and probably publishing and advertising plenty of third party games.
I'm guessing Nintendo will be wrapping up all development of 3DS games this year, especially major ones.
He's right about 3DS though. They couldn't stop its value if they tried. I also think he's right about how it competes with Switch. For an adult it seems like they are competing. To a kid, they are completely different. You can't throw a switch in your pocket or carry it around casually as a kid. The larger controls aren't as important or attractive to them. Plus, so many kids have them! If you want to play with your friends or other Pokémon players you kinda need one.
There is certainly overlap and I think Switch will replace it. @rjejr and I are theorizing that there may be a Switch GO or something that is smaller and specifically made to replace 3DS. Might take a year or two to bring the price down for components, etc. (Xmas 2018?) but it would finally truly unify the platform.
The Wii u is the easy switch off. As third party has left it, first party has left it. So no one is making games for it. As for the 3ds third and first are still making games....why? Well the 3ds has the install base, You could sell 4 million monster hunter games if you released one in 5 months time! you can't sell 4 million monster hunter switch games in 5 months time because it has only a 1 million install base.
I believe by XMAS the switch will have sold 2 million or 3 million on the back of zelda, splatoon, mario but it won't be big enough for third parties to let go of the 3ds and switch to the switch.
"We thought that the consumer that already had a Wii or a Wii U and had purchased those games once or twice already, we didn't think that they'd buy the NES Classic. And they did."
In other words you don't know your own fanbase and how crazy it can be, despite keep claiming so ^_^;;;
@Lord It's true that I think gamers and developers have clued in a bit more about launch cycles and being in that initial launch period can pay off, but rushing to get there can also leave you with nothing to show for it and unrealistic demands being made of you. (See Ubisoft on Wii U) This is why XB1 and PS4 filled their launch year with remastered editions of previous games. Smaller investment and shows the hardware advantages.
For Nintendo consoles, showing it off actually take more work from designers traditionally. Anyway, I'm meandering.
@ZeldaNX I new nintendo would not raeligate the 3DS.In GAME in Uk,the New XL 3DS has been sold out since December.It costs £173+ without a game, it has free online and amazing game library.And plenty more games on the way with cheap accessories and games from £10 or less to £40 and great eshop.The Switch is far far more capable but far more expensive .
@Dr_Lugae : that was the most surprising thing about this article to me! ***Wonders which ones***
@UmniKnight I think it's to do with Zelda.Most hardcore gamers are just going to buy this and more importantly play and play it with no time for any other game.2nd I think big AAA games(3RD party) ect are being pushed back to allow smaller profile games to have chance at sells.
Given it's limited battery life on the go, I don't think of the Switch as a handheld replacement, I see it as more of a home console more than anything else. I also wouldn't let a kid take a $300 system on the go.
I'm glad that 3DS will still be going strong for a bit longer. I'm much more of a handheld gamer than a console or pc gamer. Some excellent looking games are coming out this year for the 3DS, and I'm excited!!!
Also, I have yet to see a Mini NES Classic in stores... :-/
@Farmboy74 Nintendo showed and said in its presantation the Switch is combination of All its consoles.NOT portables
If the switch doesn't change its pricing then I could see the 3ds family still being the top selling hardware for Nintendo in 2017.
@blinder2 Actually it meant consoles including handheld "consoles". Remember they specifically mentioned the DS' touchscreen?
@DanteSolablood I didn't see DS in the on screen photo.But I will warch it again
Well in the mean time why not continue supporting the wii u also most of the switch games just seem like wii u games anyway...Nintendo is making so many bad decisions lately this wouldn't surprise me. Supporting the 3ds is stupid. They should just sell the switch without the dock call it a portable and charge 249.
@blinder2 It's in the consoles discussed leading up to the point where he mentions all of the innovations have gone into the Switch, the DS gets a picture of it's own and a mention.
@DanteSolablood YES you are fully correct.I was totaly Wrong.Sorry and my fault
Yeah, I'm sure scalpers will come to the aid! >_<
Yeah, he's lying on both of those.
There's 2 million Switch's for launch. The 3DS launch was considered a failure, and that sold 1.3 million in 6 days in America alone. They are not prepared for anything approaching success.
And the 3DS is on it's deathbed. It's 6 years old- it should be at it's end, and I doubt more than a year of support is left. And that's a good thing. Having only one system to work on is the single most enticing thing about the Switch.
2017 will be to 3DS what 2016 was to Wii U. By year's end, it will be dead. And a good thing too, because Nintendo cannot support 2 separate platforms, however much they say they can or wish to.
But obviously for PR reasons, they can't just say they'll stop supporting 3DS. It's just a nice little money maker that'll add additional funds to their coffers while Switch is gearing up to full speed.
What a bunch of BS. Nintendo has been at this far too long to underestimate stock, and 3DS will be dead by 2018.
@LegendOfPokemon Hah hah about 3DS being "dead" by 2018. I had to reread to make sure you weren't being sarcastic and I'm still not 100% sure.
That's not even possible if Nintendo started advertising and actively telling people it was dead and to stop buying it and to ignore all the new games coming for it. They will be selling them well into 2018 and unless there is new Switch that is smaller and made as a portable first and foremost it will go on selling just fine past 2018 as well.
I do expect Nintendo to stop making new software for it by the end of 2017, but that, in no way, makes it "dead".
"3DS has a long life in front of it."
Ahahahahahah
@LegendOfPokemon On estimating stock, Nintendo way overestimated on Wii U and paid for it (as we all did) and amiibo success was unexpected by everyone. I do wish they'd recovered faster on amiibo but look at it now? They try to meet demand and Animal Crossing just sits on shelves for a year. It's not an easy job.
I'll give you the NES mini, though. Pretty inexcusable to be that far off. I can see Reggie's excuse up to a point. I don't think they gave enough credence to the fact that it was like an active amiibo. It is a tiny replica of a console people loved when they were younger. I'm trying to arrange mine among my amiibo for instance... and I own most of the games already several times.
I also think they underestimated how much geeks would notice the improvements in emulation and the presentation. Maybe he looked at the short cords and it was all he could do to stop himself from saying, "Are you freaking kidding me?" to the Japanese executives revealing it to him for the first time. lol. (The solution to this was to include a much longer HDMI and power cable not longer controller cable, imo.)
Even with all that against estimating, this thing is an impulse buy item! If it was on shelves, tons of people would see it and just say, "no way" in their heads and put it in the cart and maybe not even notice the price tag until after playing it for a bit.
So, I can't excuse how short they were on that.
I do give Reggie some leeway because of the deck he is handed year after year. I can just see his face when Metroid Federation Force was presented to him. The guy has been promising work on that to his territory and knows how passionate fans are about Prime. He already pleaded with them for voice acting and cinematics for Other M, I'm guessing, and that blew up in his face. Then, they hand him chibi soldiers with Samus in the background... and Blast Ball. Now, it's his job to sell this to the US. There's no way he asked for THAT (Incidentally, in true Nintendo form, I find the game to actually be great, just unpalattable to the most important audience). Anyway, if he had anything to do with how Zelda is shaping up (and I think he did, along with younger folks at Nintendo) then I can give him some further sympathy.
NES mini was a huge oversight, though, and despite some negativity on the internet I think they are underproducing Switch as well. Maybe. It could be that a slow 3DS-style growth is just the kind of growth that best serves Nintendo Switch (without the initial price shock and quick drop). It has tremendous "word of mouth" marketing potential as owners share it and will be seen with it outside the home. Which leads me to another big mistake: 1, 2, Switch should have been a pack-in or low enough that every new Switch owner couldn't pass it up $20 US might have done it.
Edit: Just want to add here that a deep discount on Mario kart 8 deluxe (maybe digital only) would be a great move for a similar reason. That's a game that needs to go to gatherings in a Switch or two.
@Spectra Right, they are a business doing their best to forecast. Nobody forecast any better than they did. Amiibo was derided by many vocal Nintendo fans and generally by gamers and then swarms lined up before dawn to get them, people who didn't even own a Wii U to make any use of them. It felt slow to respond, but now they've overproduced Animal Crossing and they get dusty on shelves. Same with the Wii. 100 million selling console after the Gamecube had 22 million in sales when they expected 50 million. Gaming market is a fickle beast and Nintendo fandom is even more weird, in my opinion.
I don't know how much longer the 3DS will last, bit whether it's six months or two years, I don't see a new dedicated portable replacing it if the Switch does well.
I consider the NS to be the first tablet console. It's main purpose is a home console experience that can be taken with you, whether that means owning multiple docks and switching to different TVs or undocking the console and taking it outside. It pretty much works in the same way as my tablet and chromecast for all shows and movies, but with games and play-styles instead. If NS will have Hulu/Amazon/Netflix apps, even better.
3DS is still the only handheld console Nintendo currently works on. Others above have mentioned its upcoming games through 2017 and the ridiculous amount of hardware/software the 3DS family still sells worldwide.
Easier to find because so many of us BAILED OUT on a placing pre-order and went from "Day One" to now waiting for the first round of flop to happen so they'll have to get in line with reasonable pricing, all-around.
I may buy that New 3DS XL instead...... I think it has no risk of going away for at least 3 years, now.
would love to see the Gameboy name make a comeback after the DS family cycle. I enjoy handheld games on the go. switch will allow me to game on the go and at home. love the idea.
Guys, calm down. I'm sure there are plenty of Switch stocks. Mini NES also available in my country but do you know what happened ? Only one store sells them and NO ONE buy that Mini NES so far. The price ? Gosh... 1,000,000 IDR or around $70 ++. (I'm so sorry if in my country Indonesia, Nintendo is a brand that almost all people never heard or care about Nintendo existence. Only a few know and care about Nintendo. Yeah... it hurts like UK people treat Nintendo badly).
Not sunsetting the 3ds makes me sad. I don't want to carry a bunch of systems for one. Also if 3ds devs are forced to go to switch we are guaranteed a stronger line up.
For some people, finding the lost city of Atlantis would be easier than finding the NES Classic.
@marko I wonder if in the future they'll release a switch basic bundle (without the dock) at a cheaper price point. It would be a nice option if all you really want it for is as a portable.
What he says makes sense but if i were Nintendo i would have an extra million at hand if needed.
I hope so, because I actually never saw a single unit on store shelves anywhere. The only unit I ever saw was a demo shell that we had on a shelve behind the counter when I briefly worked in GAME.
I love the 3DS. It has grown to be my favorite Nintendo handheld of all time. Even with the Switch coming, I'm not quite ready to abandon it yet, and I'm glad to see Nintendo seems to feel the same way for awhile at least.
So many people here don't know what they're talking about.
Not having enough stock is bad. But having too much is worse! And judging by the reaction to the Switch presentation, 2 million probably won't sell out in month 1. It might be a little hard to find here and there but I bet you can find one if you're willing to make any kind of real effort.
For the Switch to be a replacement for the 3DS I would need to buy three of them for my two kids and me and THAT IS NOT HAPPENING! Heck I am not even going to by one of them.
We each have are own 3DS XL and we each have are own DSi XL. I am not going to spend $1000+ for each of us to have a new portable device.
The Switch is going to go down in FLAMES!
I think our next portable gaming devices with be NVIDIA SHIELD K1 8" Tablet.
Yeah, but so is the Holy Grail, the Beatles' lost Carnival of Light tapes, Atlantis, and Jimmy Hoffa's corpse.
@flapjackashley2
Me too. 3DS was my first original video game that I have ever bought. Used to be play pirated or modded machines but not anymore. I'm so happy can collect almost all Nintendo family from older until new generation. And Switch probably will be my 6th Nintendo video game after I have 3DS XL, NDS (played on 3DS), Wii, Wii U and Gamecube (played on Wii). My Nintendo collections will grow bigger.
@aaronsullivan
Good comment. Your comment is probably what Nintendo is planning. I hope it works out that way because I love the the switch and it's potential. I would buy a portable one if Nintendo brought one to market.
Same OS as it predecessor but in a compact size. Hey maybe Nintendo would come out with an improved version of the switch like a "pro" taking a page from Sony's playbook.
The New 3DS just came out not too long ago and has a lot of potential, so glad to see Nintendo is giving it some needed support.
I think the Switch will be as easy to find after the initial launch as the Wii-U was after its first Christmas. Take that as you will, but I do not see the Switch, with its high price, limited library, lack of a pack-in to allow casual gamers to "get" the new features, low developer support (look at the titles announced so far if you disagree) and stiff console competition from Microsoft and Sony doing any better than the Wii-U did.
I can't say where Nintendo is headed after this, but the Switch is not the answer to their problems.
I wonder how viable the idea would've been to encourage some devs to develop Switch versions alongside 3DS versions?
It'd please the ones waiting to jump on the new system, while it would directly appeal to folks like me who are willing to make the full transition.
Half truth, lie and straight face lie respectively.
No matter what Ninty tries to do, the Switch will push the 3DS out. Consumers will stop supporting it once games already in development clean out the pipeline.
I see pre-orders online, but I bet at launch it will be impossible to buy due to scalpers buying them up and selling them for $500+ on eBay.
lol, I ain't falling for that....whatever Reggie, whatever.
That headline sure makes it sound like there is more demand for the nes mini than the switch
I'm not so sure.
I think the 3ds is done. Nintendo has shown to put marketing speak ahead of practice (especially in the U.S.). There was no 3rd pillar of gaming with DS. DS was the replacement for Gameboy.
Also, a quick look at upcoming 3DS games vs PS Vita games (check Gamestop.com if you don't believe me) shows that Vita has a lot more going for it this year. By a lot.
Nope. 3DS is on its way out. (o_O ) Goodbye. I love you, my adorable 3DS...
I'm somewhat surprised the sub heading to the article headline isn't something to the effect of, The bar has been set pretty low.
I like how he addresses the point. It's nice knowing that I think they might be able to fix their stock problem.
@aaronsullivan "Switch Go" is a horrible name, but I concur w/ the idea. Alright, it's not that bad, and it makes sense, a whole lot better than "Switch Away". If we call the portable "Switch Go" can we at least call the other "Switch Home" or are you going to make me call it "Switch TV"? I did think if Switch sold at $249.99 we didn't need a Switch TV b/c that was cheap enough, and it would be $199.99 in 2 years anyway, but at $299.99 I think they need a Switch TV for $199.99, see Shield TV. For $90 the dock should already be a Switch TV, as Roku and Amazon TV for $90 give you a smart TV set-up w/ built in WiFi and a remote. For $40 you can get a Chromecast, Fire Stick or Roku Express which come w/ plugs and wires. $90 for a dock is nuts. But I still think a $199 Switch TV is doable. Guess we'll see how it goes.
Switch Go is a given, (though a "Switch Kids" could work w/ the Trix rabbit, "Silly rabbit, Switch Kids is for kids.) Maybe Switch Mini, 5.5" screen. They can't get a Switch down to $99 or $79 for kids Pokemon games, they need a 2DS w/ Switch innards. There's almost zero chance of that not happening, so 100% it does. Still don't like Switch Go, Switch can already go, it's what Switch does. Switch Mini, Switch Kids, Switch Lite, not even Switch Portable as Switch is already portable as well, name emphasis has to be on size, not going away. And PSPgo was an absolute and utter failure, no need to conjure up failed ghosts.
I think the big question is more what to cut to get the price down. I like non-detachable controllers so they don't get lost, but that kills ARMS and 1 2 Switch. Though you could then buy 2 sets of $80 Joy-con. But for people who only want a portable Switch for Animal Crossing, 2D Mario and Pokemon, maybe that's not so bad, it's a tablet w/ physical controls. Lots of people bought a Gameboy and DS w/o separate controllers. Monster Hunter sells consoles, it doesn't need Joycons. Bundle a 5.5" $199 SwitchLite (kind of sounds like searchlight) w/ Monster Hunter or Pokemon Stars and it sells.
Think I'll settle on that, not having the dock means no TV out, no TV out means no fan b/c no overclocking for 1080p, so you can make it thinner. Maybe give it HDMI mini for TV out, but only at 720p and stereo. Like 3DS and Vita should have had, but didn't. It's coming, name and details can wait.
Sorry so long.
Well, one can hope...
I really hope that the statement about the 3DS is similar to statements made about the DS and GBA, because the Switch needs games like Pokemon on it if it is going to act on the whole "also a handheld thing".
This is the "say anything" side of business speak.
Easier to find than the NES Classic? Well, seeing as the NES Classic was flat out impossible to find, that's not saying much.
I could see them keeping the 3DS alive for a while yet, simply because Switch is launching at a premium price point unlike any other console they've launched (taking into account the subscription fee and the expensive peripherals). Unless they start putting out dockless Switches, they're going to need something to fit the "budget" category and the 3DS fits it for now.
Besides, 3DS has at least a few more greats coming to it (Mario Sports Superstars, EOV in English, Yoshi & Poochy), so it makes good sense to keep it out there for a little while longer.
@rjejr Switch Out? And then either Switch In or Switch Home. Ah! How about SwitchBoy. SwitchPocket. SwitchBlade — err, no. Maybe Switcheroo. Switch Lite, haha. Switch Light. Switch 4k for home?
Many options. If you wait a year or two and make the screen smaller, component costs are smaller. But it should have a great battery solution. No removable JoyCons seems a great idea at first but a major missing feature... but then if the screen is smaller playing with two or more people on one screen might not make as much sense, anyway, so yeah make them integrated... maybe even without the special AR ... maybe without the HD rumble. You can bring that price down pretty quick and still get JoyCon compatibility if like you say you buy them separately. So, no JoyCons, no docking. I think we brought the price down $100!
After all, if you want those other features there is always the Switch. And while you may miss some features almost all games are going to work (even Arms plays with traditional controls if you want) except 1, 2, Switch! but that's fine. Especially since the Switch Away Mini Boy will be a companion system to the original in many homes.
Seriously, all the games still compatible with it and completely portable and pocketable. That's a natural for Nintendo to replace the 3DS with right? (Maybe not Switch Pocket, maybe Pocket Switch (blade))
"Nintendo Switch Will Be Easier To Find Than The NES Classic At Launch, Says Reggie Fils-Aime"
Sans blague ?
And here I am refreshing Amazon a couple of times a day, to see if I get a chance of preorder opening. I hope I'll be able to secure one at launch day and didn't have to pay ridiculous price demanded by scalper.
Regarding 3DS co-existing, I'm sure they will for a while. But not for that long, I guess 2 years until the game releases dry out. At that time, they will probably release a Switch Mini at $200.
@aaronsullivan I like SwitchBoy, we can go w/ that. Though maybe today it needs to be SwitchLGBTQH, "Boy" is a bit too gender specific, girls might think they aren't allowed to play it. (I just finished watching "The Learning Tree" on TCM lot's of people being called boy in that one, it kind of hurts to watch those old films in all kind of ways.)
SwitchBlade would be really cool though if they could get it down to the size of a thin smartphone w/ very flat thumbads. But since w'ere going kids toy, not hipster gear, probably not. They really should do SwitchBoy, I think you nailed it w/ that one, political correctness can take a back seat to nostalgic fun just this once.
Just hope it is because they are making plenty and not because nobody is buying them.
Just bought my first 3DS after playing my DS to death for over a decade. I really hope it's true that support will continue for the 3DS, as I really love the system so far, but if not, I know there is still a huge back catalog of games for me to buy.
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