Soapbox: Nintendo's Switch Plan is Starting to Take Shape

Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes! I still love Nintendo but they have lost my trust! This company is too grounded in Japan and doesn't understand the market anymore. They keep saying they listen and learned from past mistakes but continue to make the same or new mistakes all over again.

I liken them to a child that messed up and lost a parents trust. We still love them but they have to earn that trust back. I've given them too many passes in the past but no more. They need to go a long ways to earn it back. Wake up to the rest of the world Nintendo and I don't mean dlc and paid subs. The one and only advantage you had was free online and while I understand the paid subs it's just another strike against what is generally a good idea with this system.

Sorry for the rant again, just want my favorite gaming company to succeed this time and while early yet I'm seeing a lot I don't like.

Do we know yet if Nintendo have finally updated their licence or whatever for BBC iPlayer. Would be nice to have that basically functionality back on a Nintendo console!?!

Totally agree with the whole video.
I'm worried. i know it will pick up eventually (holiday 2017) but for now. I'm worried.

cant believe the triggers are digital but im getting one!

How do you get your hair exactly the same in every video?

I'm waiting to also hear more information about virtual console. Is GameCube games coming. More info about online. Just more info. We still don't know much but at least people are still pre ordering

The portability of the system is a key factor in my purchase; however, this is a VERY expensive system to play. Besides the $300 for the system, you have to actually buy a game, along with a portable battery, memory card, online service (after the trial), and there are very few games that make this system worth it. While I will be buying, I'm VERY hesitant about the system's future.

If its intended shape is like Swiss cheese then yes it is taking shape.

Nintendo's plan is full of holes.

@Alex Olney:
Is not just a full title you get on PS4 and Xbox One, sometimes its three, sometimes four, also something for your Vita.

Also, customer are so picky now, that, yes, the SNES launched with just 2 titles, but before people used to play the bejesus of a particular game. I bought an Atari back in 1982 and had a total of 6 games during its lifetime (like 4 years): Pacman, Super Breakout, Superman, ET (yes, that one), Kaboom and Galaga (I think).

I think that you properly echo the feelings of those who are concerned about the price if the Switch: an understandable high price for all the tech you get, but still a high price.

Well, look at that. The same old faces back to dump on an unreleased toy again. whispers seriously guys. Are you so obsessively compulsive that you just HAVE to post your negativity on EVERY... SINGLE... PAGE!

There's a Nintendo direct this week about Fire emblem, does anyone think there could/should be a new direct every week until the switch launch going over different things on the system such as VC, UI, eshop, the online service etc just to keep interest up and answer some of the questions people have.

I think that even if the console gets a rocky start, it might get a lot more popularity in the holiday season. It'll have plenty of games by then.

I can't imagine how one can not be excited about the Switch. It effectively does correct a lot of the Wii U's mistakes.
We wanted good graphics? We got them. The Switch operates at PS4 levels with much stabler graphics.
We wanted third party support? We have it. Some of the greatest are trusting Nintendo to hit it out of the park with the Switch, and we have GREAT games coming. Keep in mind that most titles aren't announced yet.
We wanted real online? We have it, and yes, it means paying for actual servers not made out of potatoes. We don't even have the price yet, and people already cry out. Guess what? You don't have to play online to enjoy Nintendo games. They are great on the couch with friends too.
Worried about the starting games? Might I remind you of Knack and Rise son of rome, mediocre titles that served as flagship for their respective systems? We have ZELDA, godammit!
And finally, we wanted a real system, not a toy. We have a freaking tablet full of technology that looks darn good, and 2 controllers from the start!

Seriously? How are you complaining?

@AcidGhost It's very likely, honey buns.

@AcidGhost Well there does need to be a Zelda Direct just to go over the differences between the Wii U and Switch versions and what all of the amiibo do. I think that game has 5 or 6 amiibo but the only 1 we know what it does is Wolf Link from TP.

@Spoony_Tech You know, if you keep posting rants like that, you're going to have to stop giving me a hard time whenever I say something negative.

Here's the plan - sell out 2 million to Zelda fans at launch. Sell a few more to MK8 and Spkatoon fans over the summer. Bundle Mario and or SSB Complete for Christmas, and drop 1 2 Switch to $20 and ARMS to $30. Start the budget line early. Could work.

@Yorumi @AlternateButtons Direct your anger towards Microsoft, my love.

Good video. There is a lot to consider here. I pre ordered mine but set in two minds about it. I think there needs to be more info released in the coming weeks about the online services and it would been great if at least Mario Kart 8 or Skyrim were day one releases as well; since they are pretty much straight ports.

I think they definitely need to address how they are going to market this console since the WiiU was very badly advertised.

Nintendo is an amazing company and always revolutionised gaming as we know it. I do feel a sense of dread however and sometimes think they would be better off doing a SEGA and get it over and done with. I hope I'm proved wrong because the Switch is a dream come true. Only time will tell and Nintendo really needs to up it's game (no punt intended).

Not worried about the launch lineup, because I've seen more than a few console launches before. More than satisfied with the titles coming in 2017. Confident that more games are to be shown. Still waiting for more information on the VC and transferring past purchases, as well as finding out whether Nintendo's online service has improved enough to justify the fee.

Well said Alex. I value your opinions here in the US! I got my switch pre ordered. I also have the same excitements/concerns. I've been a Nintendo fan my whole life and hope that the launch does well. I'm hoping for more frequent Nintendo directs with more news on upcoming games. My question is this... we got info about the hardware and just a few games; but what are other companies doing? There is a huge silence from EA, Ubisoft, Retro studios, ect.. I honestly feel like Nintendo has something else up their sleeve. I'm really hoping for another "Nintendo direct" before the launch. There almost has to be! They didn't even explain the OS yet! And what about virtual console? They are being super quiet. I can feel something around the corner....

@AlternateButtons Your comment just proves my point. The system launches in 6 weeks and we don't know everything. Nintendo's secrecy is their biggest problem right now.

@rjejr I'm just trying to give you a break from your normal rants.

Plan? If that disgraceful showing was the end result of a "plan" I'd hate to see them winging it. Okay, here's a summary of Nintendo's plan: let's make the Wii again! It was a hit once, surely it'll happen again! Even if it takes some two or three failed consoles in-between, it'll be worth it!

@Yorumi hey man, relax. It's only a games console.

lol god there's slow down in Breath of the Wild on Switch. Amazing.

@BinaryFragger
Yeah I agree. As someone who has made no secret of their disillusionment with the more gimmicky approach to their most recent consoles, the first Switch trailer was a breath of fresh air. Finally a breakaway from the long-dead Wii brand. A good, solid, no-nonsense console focused on great first and third-party games rather than control gimmicks and its unique feature of portability was cool. And unsurprisingly it was universally well received. But then, with this it was all "Motion controls!" "Party games!" "Wackiness!" "Controllers filled with pointless superficial tech that does little but drive up the price!" and it was like; oh no, we haven't moved on after all... But, I guess they're just trying to cover all bases and show it has many strings to its bow.

(PS. I don't mean to diss party games as I'm actually quite fond of them, but they can steer a console down a bad direction if it becomes synonymous with them)

@Kosmo Switch doesn't have near Ps4 graphics... it running 1080p resolution with 60fps doesn't mean it can support the same textures, physics and advanced graphics that ps4 can support in that resolution. wii u can run ps1 games in 1080p 120fps if it wanted to.

@Yorumi As somebody who was initially open minded about this...you make good points. Nothing wrong with feeling this way. If there is value to be enjoyed with the non-multiplayer aspects of the service, they should have detailed them BEFORE the announcement of a subscription fee. Whoever made that particular decision hurt this system's launch.

1,2 Switch really should be a pack-in title
For me I see a lot of excuses being offered for Nintendo's decisions
The Battery Life is poor for you? Get an external battery
Storage is limited? Pay for storage yourself.

What bugs me about all of this is that it drives up the price of an already expensive system. I don't like having to pay for solutions to problems Nintendo created themselves.

Do people know if when you buy Joy-Cons seperately if they come with the wrist-straps? They have them on the box art for them and I can't seem to find information on listings saying otherwise. I'm assuming they don't, but still.
Random question, I know.

Oh Alex you always make me smile! ... I am getting a Switch day one, I'll get Zelda (obvs) and maybe 1,2 Switch and super bomberman R... I am concerned about the launch lineup but we can't do anything about it, maybe over the coming weeks more games get announced?

@Alternatebuttons I think you are spot on! People forget that Nintendo'a online service was FREE for so long! And now they wanna charge? That's totally justified because from the beginning Microsoft and Sony changed for their online services and it's a high quality service. And now Nintendo is taking what was once free and adding new features and Nintendo (being Nintendo) has to make it a place that is safe and fun for users. This should NOT be free people. Someone has to work to ensure that the service is not only high quality but also safe! Let me ask all you haters this.... do you go to work and forgo your pay because other people expect it to be free? NOPE. So why should we expect a "service" to be free? Someone is working and putting in the hours. Wake up people.

@Nik-Davies I was wondering the same but having watched a little bit of the Treehouse again where they showed off the what comes in the box apparently it comes with 2 black straps/grips.Different colour ones can be bought separately.

@Emperor-Palpsy

Lol, by not washing it

@Oat totally 100% spot on. #comment 39

@Kosmo I agree. A lot to be excited about. There's bound to be more download games announced to go with the details of the new eshop. Possibly more physical releases as well. On launch day or soon after. Plenty more info still to come.

@MarcelRguez @OorWullie I mean when you actually buy the Joy-Cons separately, if they also come with them. Because if so, that's a $5-10 value also packaged in that really could've been cut out

Regarding the comment about the Wii U launching with 33 games, do you guys remember the scores you gave for most of those??
5x 9/10
8x 8/10
5x 7/10
3x 6/10
5x 5/10
3x 4/10
2x 3/10
2x 1/10
And I'm pretty sure you would look back at some of those supposed 7,8,9/10 and decrease them.

The launch line-up may be small, but at least imo, I think it'll be consistently good, with the only inconsistence being the 10/10 Zelda game.

Ah memories.

The Atari 2600, going to a toy shop after school on Fridays and carefully choosing a cartridge to rent for the night.
"Mum? They've got Raiders of the Lost Ark! Can I have it for the weekend?"

I was a 3DS ambassador, got the 20 free games - and to be honest I don't see the appeal of VC stuff. It had it's time.

We seem to have a split between those who want all the new titles, the big names and those who want all the VC.

It's gonna take time. The 3DS has a fantastic library, for my tastes it's just had/having its richest year in terms of games (Ace Attorney, DQ, Bravely AC, I got around to finishing Castlevania - not well loved but I really enjoyed it, gonna play through again - and Resi is still on my 'to finish' list with Fantasy Life.

Be patient, give Switch a chance.

@Kosmo Did you just say the Switch operates at the PS4's level of graphics? For me even Wii U's graphics in most games were fine but to say it is on the level of the PS4 is laughable.

Why are people complaining at people complaining? People can and from Nintendo has said at the moment they have a right to. The Switch at the moment is just a disappointment.

Looks like my tendency to remain 2-3 years behind the technology curve will prove useful once again! Remaining optimistic, it looks like a better start in some ways, than the Wii U. I'm happy with my Wii U for now, and I'm hoping the Switch succeeds. Looks like there's still growing pains with Nintendo handling online, but that's the way she goes. I hope the Wii U eshop stays up like the Wii one! I guess that stuff's all on a server somewhere? I'm not so optimistic on transferring VC games, so maybe I'll keep my Wii U around.

@lighteningbolt79 why's you complaining about people complaining about people complaining, huh bub?? xfd

@Yorumi

Whoa, come on. Paid online... was inevitable. Free online was nice on Wii and Wii U but it didn't stop people from comparing it to PSN or Xbox Live in terms of service and reliablility. And it certainly didn't help them sell Wii U to a mass market.

Face it. If Nintendo is going to offer an online service on par with the competition, it was only a matter of time before they offered paid subscriptions.

Maintaning servers costs money, it's not cheap to do that. Now, I think the free game monthly rental is garbage, but I don't blame them for charging for an online service (granted its an experience on part with the competition).

@Yorumi Why should they continue to offer a free service when the 'competition ' started charging years ago, online infrastructure isn't free, it isn't cheap either. At least this way people can vote with their wallets if the online service isn't providing and Nintendo can improve on that sort of feedback.

@AlternateButtons It doesn't "ensure quantity". There's no guarantee of that. Nintendo have been terrible with online and have no credibility or history of doing it well. Online through the Switch is haphazard having to use a mobile phone app. I can think of many reasons why they're doing it this way and it's not for our benefit.

@Spoony_Tech Thanks, you're doing a good job, keep it up and I can retire.

I suspect this is all some master plan.

Ride the hype, get some units shifted early on. Hold out till E3 and blast out some top games for holiday season, when the price will drop and people be foaming at the mouths...

Ghhhaaaaarrrg, new CoD!! CoD on the go!!!! hmmmgmfmmfhg

If I pre-order, I feel like it would be based on blind faith as a Nintendo fan and not based on genuine excitement for the coming years as an owner. Their PR is tainted with so much fan boy dreamy 'leaks and rumours' that reality bites. I would love a Metroid Prime 4 with those HD rumble joycons, but as much as I can see potential for the Switch...NINTENDO HAVE TO SHOW ME THE GAMES!!!

@Kosmo

Quote: "We wanted good graphics? We got them. The Switch operates at PS4 levels with much stabler graphics."

That statement is fxxxed-up beyond belief.

Pear shaped.

@Kosmo Could not agree more.
The Switch is awesome. I don't know how one could think otherwise. The concept is awesome, the announced games are awesome and more is to come.

@Yorumi They aren't scamming me mate - I don't play online. I don't factor the PC into an discussion about competition, Nintendo are competing with Sony and Microsoft.
Nintendo more than any company should charge for online since video games are the sole level of their income with side income from toys / merchandise from their franchises.
What you're basically saying is that you expect something for nothing that comes at a price of someone else - I assume you probably stole Amiga games back in the 90's and pirate movies and music?

@arekdougy because it is fair for people to criticize things, but it isn't for people to basically say they are completely wrong with criticizing just because they have a different opinion.

@AlternateButtons
It's not entitled at all, if the customer doesn't like it, they don't have to buy. If they don't buy, the company doesn't make as much money.

@maceng

Right, the market and the culture of gaming has completely changed since the SNES.

@Yorumi
You know, reading your post I don't disagree. Paying for online is a bunk deal.

But the fault doesn't lie with anyone here. The fault lies with it being the industry norm now. I'm not happy about Nintendo charging but, they're not doing anything every other console isn't already doing. So by all means vent, but you might wanna slip Sony and MS name in there because when they started charging it was no less a cash grab than this. Everyone was so blinded by the console not mandating online they gladly accepted the MP pay wall. They would have accepted it regardless, simply cause Xbox was doing it for years.

It's also think its not fair to compare to PC. I mean PC trumps all 3 consoles, so I guess compare away but again, let's not leave out the other consoles when doing so.

Wii U didn't sell that well, but Wii did, and 3DS did, and DS did. I don't think just because Wii U didn't sell that means Nintendo has to offer fee online. That's not to say I don't think it should be free, cause I do, but how well the last console sold has absolutely nothing to do with it.

In the end, I don't disagree. What I do disagree on is giving Nintendo more guff about it than the other two. I have long voiced my dissatisfaction with online pay walls, and will continue to do so but I'm not going to single Nintendo out. Sony and MS started this trend, if anyone is to blame it should be them. Nintendo is just following industry norm at this point.

I also don't think it's worth blowing up about. If my dad died I would blow up. If my wife left me I would blow up. If I was diagnosed with a fatal disease I would blow up. If a video game company charges for online like every other video company, I'm not going to blow up, even if I am displeased with it.

@Yorumi No, what you're expected is the sum of all similar parts to behave in the same way and thus should be treated all the same, the PC market and method of video game delivery has nothing to do with the games console business. You may very well sit there and draw parallels to what you think your self entitlement is or should be but paying for play online with video game machines isn't new and is widely excepted even if you feel people are blind to the underpinnings or whatever you're trying to sell us here.

The point still stands, online isn't cheap and shouldn't be given away by whoever is footing the bill for it, Christ, what next? You want free Broadband as part of your God-given right of being Human?

@Nik-Davies They do. Read it IGN.

Alex, don't worry about the 3rd party support. Remember: that guy from SEGA is considering making games for Switch. I mean, it's great he's not ruling it out. I'm sure there are others who are not ruling it out either.

More seriously, don't digital triggers scupper Gamecube VC? How is one going to play Mario Sunshine with digital triggers? I tried once and it was much, much more difficult to control FLUDD.

Some people seem to keep trying to legitimize the Switch's weak launch window by saying that it's quite a bit like any other console's launch window. What these people aren't thinking about at all is how much time Nintendo has had a long time to prepare for the Switch's launch. Nintendo started to give up on the Wii U years ago, with a lot of game development being moved to the Switch due to Wii U's failure. Also Zelda may be out for launch, but we were initially promised this game back in 2015 and it's release is purposely being held back for Switch's launch; it's a given that we finally get this game and shouldn't favorably skew one's view of the launch.

The reason everyone is so upset about the launch is because Nintendo has had PLENTY of time to ensure a rock solid launch for the Switch and this is all they have to show for it.

What have they been doing all this time? How is that NOT concerning/frustrating?

@kantaroo you get use to it. I 100% it using a pro controller

@Spoony_Tech what were you hoping for?

@Kosmo Hey, I really liked Knack! I'm not sure what all the internet hate was about. I guess it goes to show who the Sony audience is if nobody liked that game. It wasn't the greatest platformer ever made but it was fun and memorable and I want to see a sequel!

Lots of complaints about paid online, and I'm not keen on it either (I abandoned my PS+ sub a year or so ago after all) but one thing to keep in mind is most of the online player bases in Nintendo-dom have been clambering for it. Splatoon's communitiy wasted not a single thread to complain about the state of online and the need for regional dedicated servers. Same for Smash. Not sure about cart, but other than those three, what MAJOR online bases were there? Devil's Third? It would probably still be running if it had paid online. That's the trouble with online. Nobody likes having to pay monthly just to play it, but then the people that play it heavily demand a premium quality of service. Honestly Splatoon WOULD be much better with dedicated servers. So it depends on price. $40/yr to play these games with quality? Is it so bad atop a $100+ a month internet bill? What I want to see is proper 4G mobile network without bandwidth caps for gaming. I probably won't live long enough to see that! Forget wired internet....it's a mobile console!

Was anything utilizing the touch functionality? That is my primary concern. Over the past 12 years I have gotten so very accustomed to using it for anything inventory...I just need to know that it's there and it works fine. The styluses can go. I just lose them all the time anyway!

@Urameshi all this time they had a long rest while sourcing work out for miitomo and super Mario run

@SLIGEACH_EIRE Nintendo's online has only been improving though. I think anyone can tell you how rubbish Super Smash Bros Brawl's online was and that was managed by Gamespy and not Nintendo. Super Smash Bros 4 is a marked improvement.

https://www.cnet.com/uk/news/nintendo-switch-reggie-fils-aime-3ds-tablet-launch/

"The reality is, the way that online experiences have progressed, it's an expensive proposition," Fils-Aime said. "The amount of servers we need to support Smash Brothers or Mario Kart — these big multiplayer games — is not a small investment."

I can't say for certain however from March until September we'll see though. If the Switch's online is even better than the the WiiU's and 3DS then I think the online fee being required may(MAY) hold some more water if they really are investing in it.

Currently we're speculating on a lot of nothing, but just because you always assume the worst doesn't mean you can assume it won't improve. Since ever since Nintendo implemented online play it has been improving between generations.

Alex is so Nintendo that I can see the pain in his face when he tries to say something negative, no not negative, he would never do that, something a little less positive about the Switch.

I will buy one, but I am in no rush, maybe when the new Mario is released.

Expensive. A pro controller and Zelda with the Switch is over £400. I can afford it but it's poor value.

Poor amount of launch games. I am a bit not into Zelda and I could play it on the Wii u anyway.

What am I getting for £50 with the deluxe Mario Kart 8 that I haven't got already. Previously we got two new courses, karts and characters for £14.

This is a handheld device that can play on a bigger screen and not a new home console.

@Yorumi Honestly it's encouraging they want to charge for online play, maybe they will become more serious about it. Both of its competitors already charge for online pay Sony having to add it to be able to keep up with Xbox's already fantastic online.

All of that costs money and it has to come from somewhere. No voice chat or other online options and people would have complained. Well here is what that sort of thing costs. We still know far too little to decry it and certainly not enough to justify your vitriol over it.

@Yorumi No, I think that would be you. You just seem like you work for PC World or something, desperate to sell me on how your PC is so much better than the deal you get on consoles.

@Urameshi To be fair I see this as a soft launch and probably the reason for the March launch rather than November. Get the hardware out there to the loyalists. Clear the stocks for the mass market. Get an install base to places some publishers and a platform to sell software (Nintendos' fiscal lifeblood.) So by Holiday it's an almost established console. I think we will see more titles around Holiday as a "firm launch" and I think at E3 we'll find out a lot more. This launch is more "here's the hardware, here's a few game dates to show you what to expect, and later you'll hear more." Xenoblade 2 was a big surprise of a new title. The fact that Splatoon 2 is all new and not a port was surprising. We haven't heard from Retro yet. We know Retro's been working on something. We know Pikmin 4 is out there somewhere. If you fill launch window with all your 1st party IPs you risk people choosing "which two will I buy" rather than buying ALL of them over a year. They gave us a good preview of what's coming out in the first 10 months so far. They've said there will be more. Ubisoft is playing it too quiet (they don't announce in March, they announce in June, as do most 3rd parties.) We haven't heard from 2K that already said they're supporting it. I wouldn't judge the library based on the 49-day's to launch list. Look at how the 3DS launched. Look at it's library since then.

@Urameshi
Oh there's no legitimizing the launch lineup. It's weak, simple as that. It is what it is. At least there's Zelda which is worth 20 mediocre launch games.

But even though the launch is thin, the 9 months following are not. I think most people see that and that's why they're a little more forgiving and willing to accept the launch lineup. You asked where all their development went and it certainly didn't go into the lunch line up but it does look like it went into the 9 months following.

Zelda, 3D Mario, Splatoon, Xenoblade, Mario Kart, Fire Emblem and new IP (Arms) is 7 major 1st party games by the end of the first 9 months. Wii U didn't get a single one of those by the end of its first 9 months. In fact, we had to wait 9 months just for the next major 1st party release after launch. Plus if those Pikmin World and Smash retailer listings prove accurate it's only going to get crazier.

So yeah the launch lineup absolutely sucks and there's no reason to pretend otherwise but I think the answer to your question is the 9 months after launch. That's where all their development has been funneled

@Yorumi
That's fair. I didnt read your response to the other consoles when they did that so yes you have a point.

I don't so much take issue with the online (well I do, but I guess it just doesn't upset me that much) but the phone thing is goofy. Couldn't help but shake my head when I saw that. Oh well, we'll see how good it works. At least it's a step up from nothing.

In the end I stopped caring about these online paywalls because I have the power to vote with my wallet and I have absolutely no problem just not subbing. So it's totally fine- they can charge, they can tie it to a phone app too for all I care. That's fine because I don't have to buy it. And if enough people feel that it doesn't offer value for their money they're not going to buy it either.

@Urameshi I think they could release a ton of these games day one, but what would be the point? Anyone that's going to buy the system is going to buy Zelda day one. That's not even debatable. If you are big enough fan to jump onboard with Nintendo day one then chances are very good you are a Zelda fan.

They could likely out Skyrim out day one, but next to Zelda it would sell garbage. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in April gives them some breathing room before that and than Splatoon in summer followed by Mario on Holiday and that is just the tip of the iceberg not counting tons of indies that will show up between now and then and projects we don't even know about yet.

Throwing a ton of games out day one just to say look at our launch lineup is short sighted and foolish. PS4 didn't have much of anything to play for half a year after coming out and imho didn't have a jaw dropping must have exclusive until Uncharted 4.

It is the internet. People just want to be outraged and impatient and so they are.

@Yorumi
I guess do what you feel you must.

Personally I think the console is fantastic and I've been waiting many many years for a console like this. So I'm just going to play the games and enjoy it

@Hikingguy

SNES will always be S_N_E_S to me, but NES can go either way after the NESter features in Nintendo Power back in the day

@JaxonH The goofy phone thing is logical when you stop to think about it. The company is almost violently protective of it's family image. Rumor has it that Iwata wanted full voice chat across the whole console experience, and he was overridden by the board. If IWATA could so easily get overruled on these issues, what chance does ANYONE else in the company stand?

Personally I'm actually relieved for no voice chat and such, I dislike it, but I could hear the internet roar from around the world when they said that. I'm grateful for that 'backward bubble' they have.

As for why it's an odd phone app though, it makes perfect sense through one particular lens: Nintendo has zero clue what their doing, in any way, at all with such matters. They don't even know where to begin. On the other hand, they have effectively a controlling share of DeNA who DOES. The trouble is they only thing they know how to work on is phone OSes. Given a choice of "retrain DeNA staff to work on Switch, or have DeNA do it the way they know how to do it, and we'll just connect to it somehow" is a perfectly "business executive" way of thinking. The end result may be weird, but it's better to have a working feature through an odd app setup than a completely broken function built into the console, AND they can protect their family friendly image (and avoid lawsuits relating to kids hearing bad words on Switch.) Sony can afford to fling fleets of lawyers at this stuff. Half their company consists of lawyers. Nintendo is more cautious, for better or worse.

@Yorumi You keep saying that there are no servers and the consoles just do a P2P connection and it costs Nintendo nothing to provide online play except for including the ability to do so. I am not an expert on how all of these things work so please teach me. If I am to believe what you say then Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft are lying every time they talk about upgrading their servers, having to maintain them, etc. To take it a step further, when Nintendo schedules a time for server maintenance what they are actually doing is just remotely disabling or blocking your console's ability to connect to the internet so that an error message pops up on everyone's console whenever they try to play online games in order to make everyone think they have actually servers to maintain in order for you to enjoy online gaming. If this is the actually the case I want to know. The Elders of the Internet should be informed of this injustice right away!

@Kosmo this spin is heavy with this one.

@rjejr No thanks, your job here sucks lol.

I want Nintendo to succeed and I have preordered but I'm really unsure right now. I've chatted to massive Nintendo fans who have bought all the consoles and they are saying it's too expensive when they can just buy Zelda on wii u. I think they have shot themselves in the foot with the launch

I rarely get a console at launch and I will not pick up the Switch for its launch. I was thinking about getting one in 2017 Holiday but considering it will likely still be $300, an extra Joycon controller will cost at the very least $100, and most notable games will still be $60 it's very hard for me to justify the purchase.

I know I'm in the minority here but I miss back when they still followed Gunpei Yokoi philosophy of lateral thinking. Use technology that is older, make it fun, and make it cheap. I think most of Nintendo's best selling systems followed this philosophy.

@JaxonH "I'm not happy about Nintendo charging but, they're not doing anything every other console isn't already doing. "

Actually, by and large, Nintendo has been doing exactly the opposite of their competitors for the last 10 years and it's mostly bit them in the as s.

However, in regards to the paid online, we still have nothing to go off of as to why they are now charging for online. What's the benefit? Why should I pay? Sony and MS have set the STANDARD for what a paid online service is and Nintendo has done nothing to suggest their paid offering will be even close to that.

Voice chat app from my smart phone? that I have to pay for? I'll just continuing using my free Google Hangouts app thank you very much. ONE virtual console title a month, that gets taken away at the end of the month? LOL.

I haven’t watched the vid yet cos I’m at work. I do understand people saying that Nintendo have been quite for a while and that should have given them time to have a stronger launch line up. People are forgetting how amazing Zelda is, but because it has so little supporting software around it again I can see your complaint. On the bright side the first year is going to have big name games released every few months, that’s great news and is going to make 2017 a great year for any Nintendo fan. I don’t think they are going to make too many new customers with the switch but if you like Nintendo games you’re going to love it  . No console or launch line up is ever perfect but they are all fun in their own right. Don’t get snotty any throwaway an opportunity to play some great games just cos Nintendo haven’t done everything the way you would have. Our job is not to tell them how to do their job. Our job is to enjoy the games that come our way for however long they keep coming.

@Yorumi I spend very little time on forums or comment sections so it's a red flag when I know a person's user name and how they will react to anything.

I just can't fathom why a person who hates anything and everything a company does would spend his time arguing and relentlessly putting down everything they put out on a website dedicated solely to that brand.

Being critical of a company is ok, nobody should be a blind fanboy, but going the opposite route isn't any prettier.

We get it, you hate Nintendo and your PC is the best.

@Yorumi You'd have a strong point if they were peer to peer. But quite similar to your incorrect assertation that the Switch's battery life is half of the 3DS, they aren't Peer to Peer.

https://www.cnet.com/uk/news/nintendo-switch-reggie-fils-aime-3ds-tablet-launch/

"The reality is, the way that online experiences have progressed, it's an expensive proposition," Fils-Aime said. "The amount of servers we need to support Smash Brothers or Mario Kart — these big multiplayer games — is not a small investment."

Where are you getting your information from Yorumi? Why are you forming arguments around complete bollocks?

@Kidakairis IMO I almost think this current setup is too much Yokoi. 1, 2, Switch, Arms, all simple, fun arcade type games. The whole Wii philosophy was the Yokoi philosophy. He didn't like adventure and role playing games and felt stories didn't belong in games and that games should be competitive in nature. Nintendo's odd side-steps are largely a result of his "lateral thinking" strategy. I also imagine they're building in future price-drops into the initial pricing strategy (3DS style.) It's generally Japanese strategic thinking to find something that works, then do it endlessly until it doesn't work, then find something else that works. 3DS launch worked. WiiU launch didn't. They'll likely try to duplicate the 3DS launch.

@Yorumi for one, some console gamers just don't feel actually entitled to something they don't even view as a necessity for video games (a medium focusing on single player and local multiplayer experiences for decades) outside of specific multiplayer-only titles (which often have their own servers and don't require the console-wide sub anyway).

@gatorboi352
Well even the standard is a rip off. There's no justification for locking online behind a pay wall. Just because they hand out a few free games that I almost never care about it even if I did I'd buy them to own anyways, that's not enough to justify it. Nonetheless I tolerate it because, well, sometimes I just want to play online.

But it's on Nintendo. I don't really care... I'm just a consumer. If I feel it offers enough value at the time I want to play online then I'll buy it and if I don't feel it offers enough value then I won't buy it. Simple as that. It's on them to convince me to spend that money

So far I like what the switch offers but my main annoyance with the system is the lack of an optical port and Dolby Digital sound processing (when docked of course), say what you like about virtual 5.1 but it would be great for splatoon and any other shooter of it releases on the switch. Really hope COD zombies comes to it that would be fun
Great video btw Alex!!!!

@Spoony_Tech
Not having 1,2 switch bundled in was a bad idea for me.. I got the system because of BOTW

You actually get to keep the free games per month a switch developer has said that it's like psn as long as you are subscribed to the online you can play

there's also further details about the switch I read it here: www.mynintendonews.com/2017/01/16/syrenne-mcnulty-a-nintendo-switch-developer-shares-further-details/

@Yorumi Thanks for that reply, it was informative. I will have to look into it further though because I still think there may be more to it than that, but you have given me a great start. Thanks.

@Kobra I really wish this was true, but NOA confirmed it: only for that month.

@Yorumi
Took the time to read your thoughts and other about this subject. I am in no way an expert, so please correct me where I make mistakes.

My biggest problem with your PC defense and wibesites and Steam servers being free is that they are funded by advertising. That is a major difference in PC versus console. Also games like Guild Wars 2 are funded by micro transactions.

There is a revenue stream in all the examples wether you personally participate in it or not.

It doesn't in any way mean you, or anyone, has to like, agree or fund it.

So I was going to say there are servers that need to be maintained for account information and online store but that has been mentioned.

The last thing I would throw out there is I look at Gold and Plus like a SAMS or Costco membership. It helps with certian overhead and the membership pays for itsself in free games.

This is the part that has bothered me with what has been announced as far as Nintendos online. There has to be insentive for me to want the memebership.

@Yorumi I welcome paid online. If online play is profitable, Nintendo will be less temped to turn off online services early like they did with the DS and Wii. Still mad about that

@arrmixer That is one of many mistakes they made I agree. The game will not sell well on it's own and needs to be budget priced no more then 30$ then more people will bite.

BotW is the only good reason to own the system......for non Wii U owners otherwise I can see most waiting for Splatoon2 or worse Mario. I have a pre-order because like I said I still Love them and don't want to see them go away and I also have the Master Edition on pre-order. If not for that I may still cancel.

@Yorumi and I like not taking social bells and whistles of an interactive fiction work for granted is compared to corporate slavery. But then again, that's what we fans do best in our parasitic nature. And yet, maybe we should discuss such matters after any of the big players, let alone Nintendo, includes obligatory monthly online subscription into a console's price and user agreement? JaxonH made a good point here.

Its incredibly stingy to make me pay for a classic game for the 5th time!!!! Cheeky is not the right word Mr Alex.

Just a word on the graphics, the leak that supposedly came from a Foxconn employee was dead on with quite a great deal of stuff. Including the joycons, the ports in the back of the machine, USB-C, the 4GB of ram, the battery information, the dual color joycons, the ram speed etc. That leak nailed it all a month ago. In that leak he also said that the specs of the machine are much better than what Eurogamer has stated. Go here for more details but it would seem the power of the Switch is indeed a bit closer to what the XB1 is than the Wii U. I mean even with the Eurogamer specs the machine is still 3 times the Wii U in sheer power when docked but not nearly an XB1.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1334549

@MailOrderNinja oh thanks for that dint know they confirmed it, we'll I got a lot of vc games on my wii u anyways so it doesn't really matter about snes or nes, n64, gamecube and the wii are a differant story though lol

Recipe for success: 1 - Drop the price to $249,99 AND include 1-2 Switch (optional Zelda bundle for $299,99), 2 - Sell it as a mainly portable console (instead of a home console you can play everywhere), 3 - Launch a main Pokémon title ASAP (Soon/Moon port with improved graphics is fine), 4 - Publish the full technical specifications and emphasize that it is the most powerful portable console ever created, 5 - Give Wii, Gamecube (little graphics and frame rate performance improvements, just like Xbox One backward compatible titles) and indie games for Nintendo Network subscribers OR simply don't charge any fee for online playing (as it is today).

@Yorumi Im with you mate, the despicable marketing BS is gulped down by the masses far too easily.

I have nothing against paying for online in principle. Xbox Live and PSN are both good services. My concerns are that Nintendo have proved themselves incompetent at anything that requires an internet connection. The joke that was Friend Codes, the lack of basic features, no real account system, etc. Their online services have been archaic, inferior in everyway to what the competition has offered for over a decade.

Now, we don't know a great deal about the Switch's online services. Maybe it'll be great. But what we do know doesn't fill me with optimism. A free 25 year old ROM that gets taken back off you after a month is so laughably abysmal compared to what Sony and Microsoft offer. Hiding a feature as basic and voice chat behind a smartphone app (if I'm understanding it correctly) is a joke. From what we know, I see no reason to think that Nintendo, despite now charging for online, have bothered to get with the times and offer a more modern service that I, as an owner of both an Xbox One and PS4, have gotten used to.

I'll pay for a good online service, but I'm not paying for one that doesn't even come close to what has become the norm nowadays. A paid service = automatically better is not how it works. It CAN work like that - I think PSN is much better than it was on the PS3, but that theory only works if the company in question (Nintendo) knows what it's doing when it comes to online services. It doesn't seem that they do.

While it's true that the launch line ups for both the Xbox One and PS4 were not great, I feel using that to deflect from the Switch's line up is missing the point. With those two consoles, you knew what you were buying into. You knew what kind of games would be available eventually. It wasn't a matter of IF the big hitting third party titles would arrive, it was a matter of WHEN. With the Switch, you don't know what you're getting into. Beyond Nintendo's first party titles, you have no idea what kind of games this thing will get. The extent of third party support is unknown, and whether those third parties will stick around if it doesn't meet expectations is a genuine worry. Nintendo haven't proved themselves capable of supporting a console to the end either - the final years of both the Wii and Wii U were dire. While it's true that the Switch's launch line up isn't much worse than what the other two got, buying the Switch at launch is a much higher risk proposition than buying the other two consoles at launch was.

I enjoyed this video. . . your thoughts/observations about the joy-cons are especially appreciated.

I'm curious about Nintendo financial right now. New 3DS XL is Nintendo money maker right now. I think Nintendo got tons of income from New 3DS XL. If only Nintendo can cut some prices for Switch and the accesories... I wonder why they have to set the price like that.... I'm afraid if Nintendo is going to bankrupt despite of great selling of New 3DS XL. If their financial is bad right now, better they admit in public and explain the reason why they set higher price for Switch at beginning if they need some money to cover some production cost. I'm a newbie about financial but that's my big concern about Nintendo financial. I think even Mr. Reggie or Mr. Kimishima doesn't really want to set higher price for their product but they have to (no other choices) in order to save Nintendo financial.

Dear, Nintendo. Please cut the price for Switch bundles, games and the accesories after several months from first launching. Please don't forget if Nintendo usually well known as affordable price. May Mr. Iwata watch over from heaven, blessing Nintendo company with more wisdom to defeat their stubbornness.

@Nik-Davies You get the straps if you buy left and right together in 1 pack but not in the single packs it seems. As you can buy the straps seperately for a £5.

@FourBs no one is expecting anything for free. The thing is, you are already paying for the game. Why should you have to pay MORE just to access certain features? Especially if Switch games are costing £50-60. There is no justification for this.

It would be like paying for a meal at a restaurant and then being told you have to pay extra for a plate so you can actually eat it.

It kind of worrying people are defending Nintendo making a mobile app for there online network then charging a monthly fee for it, and I would like to add this kind of stuff is usually free. Some people actually believe Nintendo a have invested money into there online infrastructure just because thay've made a mobile app for there online network, which nonsense it's the same online infrastructure as it was when there online network was free. Otherwise there would have been articles on Nintendo investing in there online infrastructure, much like there was when Sony invested money into there online infrastructure. And Nintendo now charging for there online network does not guarantee thay will not shut servers down much like thay did with the Wii & that, Nintendo has the power to take down any of there servers wether your paying or not. That's the only problem I have other then that I do & don't mind some of the other stuff, stuff like this is not good for the customer hopefully other people will vote with there hard earned cash which could very well happen.

@Corredor
Correct.

Right. I think I have my head around this now.

To be a success the Switch needed to have -

500Gb memory minimum.
24 hour battery life.
Four controllers bundled with it.
Zelda, Mario Kart (all new), Splattoon (all new), Metroid/Star Fox/CoD/Fifa/Batman/Animal Crossing/Skyrim/Zool/Manic Miner on launch day.
Free on-line with the entire Nintendo back catalogue on virtual console.
Be more powerful than a powerful thing.
Have an attachment that tickles your neither regions with a velvet glove.
Cost £150.

And it'd still fail because it doesn't make toast.

@Spoony_Tech
Nope @rjejr 's idea sounds plausible... probably be bundled in for holiday 2017.

do you think there will be a Main series Pokemon game on the switch, since there was no mention of Pokemon stars at the switch event

@AlternateButtons Just because it's a paid system (talking about online here) doesn't allways ensure quality... Ps Plus is a payed system and it's not reliable at all, i know this because i used to have Ps Plus on my Ps4 but so many problems started happening that i gave up on it and cancelled my subscription. And i'm not even gonna talk about about how many times it was down omg because of hacker attacks (and every time this happened for some reason you'd see random people's IP's getting banned left and right, if you don't believe me check it out.. It happened to me TWICE and i never did anything wrong, tech support confirmed me this by the phone but they still couldn't do anything to help me..), and what about the support (phone)... Lol that was the worst i swear most of those tech guys actually "know" less than any of us xD
These are all things that shouldn't happened if our money was going to good use..
Microsoft's Live is actually good though and doesn't have that many problems, at least they don't ban IP's for no reason at all...
So it's debatable if paid online can be used to ensure quality because that is really up to the companies, if they can be trusted with this or not. I love my PS4 but i will never trust them, when it comes to online, ever again and tbh i'm not really that bothered because now i mostly game online on my pc anyways

@Danrenfroe2016
The DS and Wii went offline due to GameSpy being bought over - not Nintendo. Wouldn't want you to be upset unnecessarily. 😁
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/04/gamespy_shutting_down_all_online_servers_on_31st_may_following_wii_and_ds_wi_fi_disconnection

@Anti-Matter
Financially Nintendo is fine.. tons of cash and they're back in the black after the Wii U fiasco.. if you wait they'll probably offer bundles with one or two games included..
Nintendo is milking the die hard Zelda fans like myself at the moment..

@Mii_duck
I have Manic Miner on my DS already http://zxds.raxoft.cz
That'd be awesome tho. 🤗

Great video! I completely agree with a lot of your views.

One thing no one has mentioned though... the similarities between the Wii Launch lineup and the Switch!

The Zelda being released on 2 consoles? (Twilight Princess on GC and Wii).

I remember picking up Twilight Princess, Excite Truck, and Red Steel... and then a HUGE drought! Super Mario Strikers Charged coming out 6 months later.

Anyways... I did bite the bullet and pre-order 1-2 Switch. ...Not because I think it looks like a worthwhile gaming experience... I want a cool tech demo to show off my tech. ...wish it was a pack in...

@iammikegaines

Nothing is free. Nintendo's online program has been paid for by software purchases and hardware purchases in the past. Nintendo has decided to maximize their income to break online fees out separately like their two major competitors. This is neither "right" or "wrong" but will likely lead to increased costs for consumers that use the online functionality.

@Yorumi Just reading and nodding at your comments generally. Gaming has gotten to the point where if you say "that's a bit pricey and/or kind of a scam," it becomes an argument of "too bad you're too poor to afford it, mate," rather than a genuine discussion of whether or not it's a good thing that gaming as a hobby is getting increasingly out of hand, price-wise.

Anyway, we'll see if people buy in to the Switch or not. It could easily flop, and history suggests it'll at least be a minor disappointment, but Nintendo going premium could very well draw in a market that was biding their time with PS4s and XB1s until the once and future king made a console with "sex appeal," or whatever.

@NEStalgia
I guess I should have referred to it as lateral thinking with withered technology. I feel like they tried using to much tech which is still relatively expensive. I didnt buy into the 3DS until the 2DS because I felt 3D was just a fad, and added too much overall price to the console. I didnt mind that the 2DS wasnt graphically capable or powerful it was cheap to buy the console and games and fun similar to DS and Wii after the craze of course. I again am the minority I understand this is my own opinion and I respect yours.

@Kosmo you want a console that remains a step behind the competition? You got it.

You want over priced peripherals? You got it.

You want an online service, with a free game structure, thats nothing more than a monthly rom rental? You got it.

You want a game that will be almost six years old, when it comes to Switch, with no confirmation of mod support? You got it.

You want a company that continues to chase the ghost of a console that was a fluke, and it's success will never be repeated? You got it.

You want the opportunity to buy your games, possibly for a third time? You got it.

People are really getting worked up about this, aren't they?

Funny thing, I was actually not planning to get a Switch anytime soon (too much games still left to play on my Wi U and N3DS), but after seeing the presentation and some stuff from the Treehouse stream, Japanese stream and some youtubers I'm actually planning to get one pretty soon. No pre-order (I'll leave those available for the truly passionate) but as soon as one is available in my local games store I'll get it.

It's weird, since I can kinda understand the worries some have and that Alex also mentions, but I've found that I don't really care about those worries.

I don't mind having an awesome game system which only gets a new game I want every other month. I don't game enough to actually finish my games in that time frame. So low first and third party output is not my concern, as long as there is some support in the coming three years. If it all fails after that, I'm confidant that I'll look back at a system I had fun with (and what more could one ask for?).

I actually like that Nintendo is giving me options like not paying extra for storage I don't plan to use, or paying extra for a pack-in game I don't intent to play.

I like that Nintendo gives me all I need for single player and (most) local multiplayer games and then lets me choose which game I want to get with that.

I don't mind that the peripherals are expensive, I won't need them right away anyway. I can save for a few months and get them if and when I actually need them.

I'll worry about paid online after I know what I'm actually getting and trying it for free for a few weeks or even months.

Eventhough there are not many games available early on, there's already some I want (Zelda, Arms and even 12Switch) and more to come (Xenoblade, FE Warriors, I am Setsuna). I 'll have plenty to play the coming year.

So I'll be looking forward to enjoying a system based on what it is, instead of what I wanted it be.

@Spoony_Tech Understandably since Japan is the majority of their marketshare. Japanese feel the same way about Sony. I think Nintendo is trying to see where the market it going. One can only hope it'll help the stagnating video game market since VR fell hard on its debut. The Switch has some long term plans brewing, I think this system is going to have some surprises unlike the Wii U. Just sit back and wait. Have my system preordered and looking forward to March!

Well, the internet got what it wanted - Nintendo to become more like PS/MS. As long as Ninty throw millions at marketing Switch then people will snap it up, along with the majority of Nintendo fans. Personally, I think it is priced too high here in the UK, the initial games outside of BOTW hold little interest, and no pack in game is a disappointment. However, I thought the same about the PS4 and apparently that's a massive success.

@Yorumi

Started a little out of context there. The whole point is revenue streams. I don't understand how charging for the service is greed and scum, then at the same time your offering a different type of revenue system in skins. (And lets face it, people would still complain)

All that to say this, I get what your saying. Microsoft, Sony and now Nintendo are selling us memberships. These memberships come with great bonuses if you take advantage of them. The real problem is that maybe they didn't think they could sell these memberships so they attached the ability to play online with their systems to it to booster sales. I think that's where the miscommunication of your point is not being articulated.

It doesn't make it greed. It makes it a business model. No different than selling skins as you suggested. Yes, Its a crappy way to package it, but no one is forcing anyone to buy it.

@World

Good point. I long for the days before the Switch was revealed and we were just speculating. Since it's been revealed there is just too much fighting on here.

There are negatives to the Switch and the negative side makes sure every article is plastered with the negatives. Don't people get tired of posting the same thing multiple times in multiple articles? We get it, if you don't like the Switch don't buy it. People aren't blind to the negatives just because they may still want it.

And the positive group responding to everything making excuses and giving justifications for Nintendo's actions. Nintendo is a company trying to get your money. They don't need you to defend them personally to be happy with your purchase.

Lots of personal attacks that are unnecessary. People planning on buying the Switch are not idiots or brainwashed by Nintendo. People not buying Switches are not homeless, entitled, or Debbie downers who find no enjoyment in life. And lay off the NL staff too. Yes, they are optimistic about the Switch, this is a Nintendo site after all. You can ask them to be fair with the Switch deficiencies, but you can't ask them to rip Nintendo a new one. That would be like you ripping your boss to shreds in front of his bosses because you didn't like something he did. It's not productive and NL rely on Nintendo contacts to keep this site going. They aren't going to burn bridges just because some things they don't like.

@progx where you forget is NA use to be not only the majority but 3 to 4 times that of Japan. If they want to make more money they need to pay more attention to the west as we pay their bills far more then Japan could. Right now yes Japan is their biggest market share only because of the 3ds but they're not doing anything to win the west over. Just look at the pre-orders in EU their weakest market. They were once a much bigger market as well.

@Yorumi Thanks for being the voice of reason in this comments section.

I swear you hear so many people get aggravated by others who complain about the Switch, there's probably more hyped up fans complaining about those who complain than disappointed fans to begin with.

I personally grew up with every console, I have no allegience to any of these corporations, but I still enjoy the exclusives their competition produces.
However the online service component, the advent of digital storage and motion controls makes me miss the era before the Wii/PS3/360. It was simpler when you just stuck your memcard, disc, and moderately priced controller in and played.

@arrmixer
Yeah. I will wait price drop. While waiting I can buy the game first.

No offense to the Switchers but until they fix the hardware problems like battery life and memory storage I'm not getting a Switch. Sure, I was hyped but the presentation ruined it for me, a console should put functionality first. 32g of memory and 2-6 hours of battery life does not cut it, we need more because as gamers we want more out of a system. Iwata must be turning in his grave at how bad the Switch is.

What ever Nintendo is up to it worked on me I swore No Matter What I was never again buying any console at launch its a no brainer that there will be a software drought at the beginning of every console system yet here I am again with a preorder for launch day LoL ., and I might add not one but we have two of them preordered this time for our house why cause they had to go and launch it with a Zelda title a new Zelda title and the system itself looks fabulous and sleek especially for a Nintendo system so my hats off to them

@Yorumi
I think you underestimate the cost of online-gaming. At least a service that are reliable and stable, across many games.

If it was so easy, why has Nintendo's free online service been so bad and unreliable on the Wii U?

I think it's very very expensive to offer a unified online infrastructure, that run stable and reliable accross many games.

It's not like PC online gaming, where publisher's offers there own infrastructure, and have fewer concerns.

If the online experience improve dramatically, I will gladly pay 2-3$ a month for a good service that I can relie on. I hope that will be the price, because Nintendo is offering less extras than the competition.

@cleveland124 Well said. At the end of the day, it's all about having fun with a hobby and talking passionately about it. Easy to forget sometimes.

@Yorumi

That's a matter of opinion and perspective then.

@pennylessz
" It was simpler when you just stuck your memcard, disc, and moderately priced controller in and played."

I thought Nintendo was doing something like this with the Switch, by supporting cartridges with no needed game installations, and is putting to controllers in the box. .

Also, I am happy for the motion controls. It's really great for party games and Wii Sport, and makes the Switch compatible with VC Wii games.

@Yorumi

Of course there must be some infrastructure. Why else is Xbox Live so much more reliable and better than what Nintendo has been offering?

Why else did Splatoon and Mario Kart have problems at peak hours, and when there where big events? That would not happen if it's all like you described?

If it is all P2P, and nothing to do with infrastructure, how do you explain a recent report about: "Xbox Live faster, more reliable than PlayStation Network" ?

Ah, this reminds me of the presidential election. Two sides viciously fighting each other when really, neither side will change the other's opinion in the slightest.

@Yorumi Your opinion is well grounded for the most part, but you are coming off a bit aggressive. Lighten up.

But, yeah, I'm still hyped for the Switch, and it seems others are too. My local GameStop, which is in a very isolated spot, is out of pre-orders, so evidently someone wants the Switch. The battery life is fine, 2.5-6 hours being more than I ever expected. The paid online is acceptable, I won't get it and will be fine without it if Splatoon 2 has CPU battles. The specs look great, and overall the console looks better than the Wii U ever could be.

This is a lot of debate over such an inconsequential thing as a video game console.

@Yorumi
But all your examples could also mean that server infrastructure does matter, and that it isn't all about p2p.

Also, I do not think that a little indie game attracts that many players? This would be easier to support and keep stable.

And why would EA have problems like this, if it's so easy and only a matter of p2p? That doesn't make sense at all?

The online subscription is where they have lost me. I don't play online enough to justify a subscription cost and I only keep paying for Xbox Live and PSPlus is for the games to add to my backlog. If I got to keep the SNES/NES games then I would pay the same price as I do for the other two. As it stands I will probably get bored of Splatoon 2 by the time they start charging so will only dabble in the online after that.

@Yorumi
I found this

"The servers available to games on Steam are usually hosted and ran by 3rd party companies and have little to no affiliation with steam, other than the fact that they are being tracked by valve. While MS is responsible for tracking games and hosting all content, requiring them to run far more dedicated servers than what the public is aware of, which is mostly maintained by developers and users on steam."

Sounds quite right? Maybe someone else have more knowledge about it?

You can't properly not compare PC and Console Online services then?

@Enigk

Well, it all comes down to pricing, right? Witch we don't know yet.

Would you pay 2$ a month for a reliable and stable online service?

@electrolite77

ehhh... ya it's very cool and expensive tech but at the same time $300 is not that much for a new console.. nobody blinked an eye when Wii U charged $350. We're just used to getting a game bundled with it. Even if it was just a console and nothing else, $300 doesn't seem outrageous. Definitely not on the cheap end, but then again PS4 launched at $400 and X1 at $500

The thing here is that you're kind of getting a handheld tossed in for free. So even if it's not bundled with the game I think getting a free 3DS would be worth $200 alone. Getting a free handheld as powerful as Wii U? That completely eliminates the need for buying Smash on both systems, Mario Maker on both systems, Yoshis Wooly World on both systems, Monster Hunter on both systems... it's kind of hard to imagine any scenario in which that's not worth the extra $50 or however much people think its overpriced by.

I'm not into MP games at all, so I'm good with no sub. I do hope there will be some sort of trophy/achievement system though. I mean I'm not the biggest hunter for those things, but they can be fun to show what you have done in games. I know some people just love/need that sort of thing. It would be smart to have it.

@Yorumi
I actually think that Nintendo, MS and Sony is hosting everything by them selves. Providing the developers with the needed infrastructure.

Or else they can't provide a guaranteed and reliable service for all their games. And they could not make them run online for so many years.

I do not think that 3rd party's have that kind of access to those services?

Steam does not guarantee anything in that regard, I think?

@AlternateButtons I live I the real world and if only you knew.

@Yorumi

Maybe that is the reason why it ran so awful on Wii U, and where free?

Does Xbox Live work the same way? And maybe Nintendo is switching to similar expensive infrastructure solution, to provide the same kind of reliable service? That would explain the added cost.

I can't believe people are already bashing Nintendo and the Switch when it hasn't even released yet. You at least have to give it a chance, there are plenty of things we don't know. Not saying I agree with everything Nintendo has done with the Switch so far, but I think it's only fair to at least wait until the console comes out.

I strongly think that this thing is going to take off by the holidays. People are definitely interested in what the Switch has to offer, but there just aren't enough games there to justify the $300 price tag at launch. Once more bundles release/a price cut and more games come out, the Switch could be a total game changer. But for now we just gotta wait and see.

Some of the comments about the Switch not being a good price I dont understand, I think it's right on the money I'm glad Nintendo had it in them to make such nice piece of tech I've read reviews on Forbes and Endgadget both of which talked up how nice the display on the tablet is and overall how the Switch is a nice sleek piece of tech., not overly plastic or toy like . I mean a new 3DS XL runs 199.00 before tax and it's been on the market how long as well still sells it stays around the top of the charts , and the it's not more powerful than PS4 in this day and age who cares I don't, it's definitely powerful enough to showcase some amazing graphics look at new Mario simply Awesome new Zelda Breathless, new Splatoon Amazing, new Mario Kart deluxe looks Beautiful and I can go on and on I mean graphics in my opinion have reached a peak they all look the same I've played games on my cell phone that look as good as some of the PS4 games I've played speaking of smart phones knowing the Switch will connect to my phone all I can say is that was a brilliant move on Nintendo's part people have their phones glued to them ., from what I've seen and read Switch is well worth that 300.00 price tag and if you don't like it no one is forcing you to like it or get it and you have a countless number of other ways to game .

@WKE my thoughts exactly , I completely agree with your comment, very very well put .

@Yorumi

Well to be fair, the chat app only makes sense if you play with someone online. And for that you need to pay. Therefore they have included the chat app in the subscription.

Also, if it was so cheap and easy for Nintendo to provide a great and reliable service like Xbox live, I think it would be very stupid to claim money for it right now.

If Switch was the only console to offer stellar and free online gaming, then Nintendo would probably attract many more customers than the competition.

But the added cost to provide something like that, and to compete, is forcing them to also charge money for this kind of service.

@Yorumi While I hate paid online, it's something that all platform holders in the console market are doing. Yeah it sucks, but if it's what's necessary to get Nintendo's online to at least somewhat competent levels, it better be worth it.

Boy everyone in here is so negavtive.....and too me it so funny.

First point is ummm no one is making anyone buy a system. I mean some people here act like Nintendo took their dog hostage and demanded ransom......like somehow Nintendo must earn your trust back bcause they have so wronged you over said dog... Really?

My view od Nintendo is of a great game company that has made a lot of 'intersting' contributions hardware wise. I have had soooo much fun on Nintendo platforms and I game everything portable/home and have been a gamer since the beginning (Arcades) of games. So game Nintendo or don't.

A true online experience started with Money$oft on XB. It costs money, sony eventually joined the frey charging, now its Nintendo's turn.......those saying oh online gaming is all p2p and costs nothing.....ummm wrong. It takes servers and bandwidth, and IT staff, and you get the idea.....it is not free. So lets see what they deliver and if you are to cheap to pay a few bucks a month for onlne then Switch it up (Ha) and go face to face with uo to 8 players in adhoc.

Lastly......I have seen it all, every launch, every console. Switch is a better product than WiiU by so many measures. Nintendo will unify all their dev forces behind it soon and the price will come down. Ppl havent even touched a joycon but female dog its a gimick, meanwhile reporters have said HD rumble is awesome and the design is smart.....think about it analogue and motion in each hand this could be useful.

I am sold at launch but thats me, I would say if you have doubts wait till xmas and the library, online, and bundles should be there. I think a 6" gaming tablet with multiple comtrollers and a 1080p dock sounds fabulous!

I will have my opinion of it once I got one in my hands but all the extra features like paid online, multimedia, portable play, and not backwards compatibility doesn't bother me. The fact that the system cost $300 is a deal breaker since it doesn't come with a game neither physical or digital but I feel if the launch titles are epic enough it may make up for it. I love 70% of the games they announce so far and I love the design choice they made to the controllers, I also love the game format this time in card form which is a pleasure and comfortable choice since it perfect for on the go gaming and the fact that the games are region free is a plus in my book.

The battery life on the controller may be up for debate but since I don't game for that long on the road anyways it'll work for me. I'm still not sure if the tablet is a touch screen or not and the people who did try it doesn't know either. I hope most of the apps and games from the Wii and Wii U will be able to transfer or at the very least available on the Switch digital store as I hate re-downloading the same software twice. I also hope the emulation for VC is a lot better this time with better emulator support each new retro platform. Anyways I'm excited for this console and can't wait for my pre-order.

Those two outstretched open hands represent the weight of the balls Alex was feeling. Uh... I mean... the JoyCon... things... with the udders... and the milking... nevermind...

@AlternateButtons @FourBs Wow, I guess that PC gamers are all "entitled." Who knew?

Though at first I was quite disappointed with the reveal of the Switch I think I have started to become more positive about the Switch and what it's trying to do. I won't write the system off but I am going to need a few more reasons to get one because the value isn't quite there for me. Who knows what they have planned but have yet to reveal and I am betting E3 will yield a few more surprises to give potential customers more reason to be excited. There are too many unknowns for me to just disregard the system because of a few aspects I don't like.

@AlternateButtons Paid online...cough FFIV/XI, cough. It's okay.
Everyone else, I couldn't be Beedrill'd to read the text-wall, but the 3DS didn't do so well in the beginning and now look at yourselves--seriously. Nintendo will be alright. If not, get some Nintendo bucks at the Nintendoland theme park, a shirt, and a signature Mario Mushroom burger.

@QuickSilver88
Honestly, after careful consideration, I'm happy with my preorder though I wish the 1,2 switch was packed in but it's not the end of the world. At least I have Zelda as a definite starter!
Nintendo has until this summer to get everything in order for the masses right now I think only we as the dedicated fans are actually showing some concerns.

@Yorumi Ah yes, I remember when I first learned about setting up P2P connections on the router for classic Battle.net, while playing Warcraft 3... I think that was around the time I realized that Xbox Live was (and still is) a ripoff. Nintendo charging money for a service they have no experience with providing, entrusting it all to a company they entered into a capital alliance with for the purpose of providing, is even more of a ripoff.

And yeah, "entitlement" seems to be the current buzzword that certain people use when they don't understand the underlying concepts behind what they're talking about. That happens a lot in politics, too.

@H1B1Esquire There's a difference between MMOG server upkeep and peer to peer online multiplayer. Paying for a company's server upkeep of their MMOG in exchange for access? Definitely acceptable. Paying for having your P2P connection be routed to other users, through servers not owned by the company you're paying? Not quite as acceptable.

@TheMisterManGuy Pentapost.

@BiasedSonyFan Blizzard and other PC devs have offered free matchmaking as a standard service for years now... There are ways to make money other than virtual toll booths. (For non-MMOG's)

Nintendo needs to learn that they simply don't know everything.

Especially after coming from their worst generation in both the home and handheld markets. (Virtual Boy doesn't count).

300...currency lol

@Seacliff Yes they don't know everything which is why they can't tell us about the specs of the Switch. Why keep asking them like they know then?

@PlywoodStick Yeah, sorry. Something glitched out on my end.

Bah! Negativity, complain, complain, etc.
Why are gamers such a dour lot?

Of course I'm not completely on board with everything Nintendo is doing (they wouldn't be Nintendo if they weren't making really stupid, very obvious mistakes), but the Switch really does seem like a fantastic, innovative new device, and I want to be there day one to support it and enjoy true hybrid gaming. Everyone I've heard talk about it has emphasized how gorgeous the screen on the tablet is, which is very exciting for me. While I love my Nintendo handhelds, previous ones have had very fuzzy, low-res displays. One of my favorite things about the Vita is the fantastic build quality, even with regard to the vibrant screen (OLED is my favorite, but the LCD in the redesigned model still looks very clear), and it's nice to hear Nintendo developed a handheld unit that does justice to the games running on it.

The battery life would've been a big issue for me if they had gone with another proprietary charger, but USB-C is pretty common, and it seems like I'll be able to charge that sucker almost anywhere.

@Kidakairis 3D was all the upcoming tech rage back when 3DS cameout (NL had a great writeup on that background the other day), but I think the overlooked thing is that 3D has been a personal fixation for Miyamoto since the GameCube days. Really since the Virtual Boy days (he was the one pestering managment to do the project then was busy with N64 when they finally said ok), and he had that Luigis Mansion mockup on 3D for GCN. I REALLY wanted to do 3D, so 3DS was kind of the result of that right when the tech was there.

Personally I know I'm the extereme minority but I'm going to be devastated when 3DS goes away fully. I loved the 3D. I think a lot of people overlooked the biggest advantage of 3D beyond the cool popup storybook look. It adds depth and therefore adds viewable area in the rendering output beyond what a tiny screen allows. It makes the small screen seem LARGER than it really is. For a pocket system 3D was invaluable, especially once they perfected it on the N3DS (at Miyamotos insistence of course.) On a 6" screen like Swithc it's not as important. But on the tiny screen it was a great optical illusion to make the screen look big. I don't think we'll see autostereoscopic 3D again, and that kind of makes me sad. It also makes me sad that the VR obsessed internet never gave autostereo a real chance...partly Nintendo's fault for that awful "dead-center-only" initial 3DS.

I don't really understand what Nintendo is thinking. Why would I pay 400€ to buy Switch and Zelda, when I can just buy Zelda for 60€ for the Wii U. The next really interesting full game in the horizon is the Mario, and that comes in Holiday season. The question is, what do I get more, when I play The Legend of Zelda BOTW on the Switch

@NEStalgia Very much agreed! It's a shame many games don't use the 3D anymore, most likely to push whatever they can out of the measly little system. Can't really blame them, the 3DS wasn't much stronger than the DS's competitor at the time.

I'll miss it when the 3DS goes away, but I'll always keep the console close by. Don't intend on taking the Switch out publicly for at least the first 3 months of it's launch.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE I love Swiss cheese

@Yorumi You seem to know a lot about p2p connections. If you could just tell me all about it once again that would be great. Granted I know you have made the same speech countless times on pretty much all other articles about the switch I do find your anger and negativity quite refreshing. Maybe you have some sort of pamphlet you could send me that I can enjoy when not on the internet. Don't get me wrong I know some people are probably quite bored with your condescending tone and your campaign to spread negativity about something that some people are really looking forward to but not me. Previously I believed a company could charge whatever they liked for something they made and then I could choose to buy or not but actually your right, Nintendo are scamming us by introducing the same model other companies have used for years. I normally reserve judgement for when I know the full facts like price and stuff but you have turned my head. Come on Nintendo, get your act together!

@Ralizah Only charge the NS using a USB-C connector. It may not work properly with any old USB-A. It's been reported that in some cases, a USB-C connection could ruin devices that are connected into typical USB-A ports.

@geordie Yeah, I see you talking about the PS4, but this a Switch thread...

Ok I liken this to the 3DS launch which was also pretty weak as far as big name games go. But everyone should just chill out, we know it was never going to compete with PS4 in terms of power so no surprise there, also the games, we all know they are coming, just wait until E3, as far as virtual console goes within a year it will be full of titles and I'm pretty sure GC games are coming. Look at this system for what it is and not what it could be. Yeah it's more expensive than a PS4 but is it more expensive than a PS4 AND a Vita? Which is essentially what's happening here...

Good Video Alex, with all the comments lately it was nice to here your views about it.

I really don't get all the beef about only getting to hire a game and this being a major rip off. I'm only own Nintendo consoles and have enjoyed years of free online gameplay and never had any major issues with servers. And I am one of the few that feels Nintendo is right to restrict online chat, so fine with that too.
But I do know several people with the other majors consoles who really don't get that much from the 'free games' and just paid for the online part really. So why the big deal?

My own opinion is very polorized, nevermind anyone elses.
I love the concept and look of the hardware, but wished it had power more in line with xbox and Ps4.
I simply can't wait for Breath if Wild at launch but then at launch its looking like that wilk be the only gane I buy for the system for the first few month.
There are going to be some truly amazing games for the system, Mario Oddysey, Yooka Laylee, Splatoon 2, Xenoblade 2, New Shin Megami Tensei, Fire Emblem Warriors and loads more im sure. But all these games are a long time away from release.
This is why we really need more information. The system is six weeks from release and we still know so little. What is the Online infastructure going to be like? What are the specs? Yes I know Nintendo never release them but that doesn't change the fact they should. What Eshop releases will there be? I feel hyped for the Switch, but im just tired of being mostly in the dark when both Sony and Microsoft are so transparent with their systems.

Going to cook launch and then enjoy watching Alex's new video with a full stomach :3

What surprises me is the amount of people moaning over the pro controller. It was understandable on the Wii U, since the gamepad was big and could be unwieldy, plus you couldn't walk into a store and get a replacement, so you had to be more careful while playing games like Bayo 2.

But the Switch? It comes with a standard controller. You Can get a replacement controller. All those moaning about "Oh, I NEED a pro controller to play" most likely haven't even tried the Joy Cons or read the previews, which have all remarked positively on how confortable they are.

Me? Before saying I need X accessory, I'll wait and see how the normal stuff works. If the Joy Con grip works fine, I'll stick with that one and MAYBE get a Pro when it is discounted. But it isn't mandatory to use the console.

As for the launch window, we're not only getting Zelda. And I congratulate those that have time to play all day, don't work, and beat the game in a week - I'm fine with the launch window, because I work and being realistic, I'll play my lion's share in the weekend.

It has a decent launch window, you've got Zelda, Splatoon, Dragon Quest Heroes, I am Setsuna, MK, Disagea.... And they're confirming more third parties with each passing day. Oh, such a terrible launch, just like the Wii U's...

I understand the criticism, and they're fine, but at this point in time some of the complains are just for the sake of complaining and adding to the Nintendoom.

@electrolite77
Oh ya, if a person is only interested in one or the other, it loses some of its appeal. But even then I think just as a console it's reasonable attractive (just the fact it's sleek and sexy with Zelda, one of the best games I've seen will do wonders for it). But I think far more 3DS and Vita and Shield and GPD Win owners will be willing to buy in than anyone else. Particularly once it hits it's year 2-3 stride. There's really no other handheld alternative, and certainly nothing this powerful or cool (just stuff like a kickstand and 2 controllers, be it for MP or for comfy single player gaming anywhere with real controllers)

Idk though, I think I'm all spent when it comes to hashing out possible future scenarios lol. I'm ready to start talking about some of these games.

What you think of Redout coming at launch? I have it on STEAM, I bet it'll look gorgeous on that screen. Not as much info on FAST RMX tho. Bomberman looks hype.

I'm just way excited for Splatoon2, Mario Odyssey and that untitled Travis Touchdown game

@Yorumi really that's funny Sony and Xbox has done it for years.right now Nintendo is doing the samething as Sony and Xbox. It sucks but it is what it is.I'll support Nintendo regardless

@electrolite77 funny since Nintendo said during the treehouse this is a portable home console.it will not replace the 3ds.with that being said,yes things could change in the next year

I could live with all of Nintendo's repeated mistakes, money grabbing ways and pointless accessories. Even the lack of third party support (surprise!) doesn't bother me, I have a PS4.

All I wanted from them was a video game system with a decent stream of fresh Nintendo games.
With their handheld and home console software divisions joining forces I thought it would be a done deal. They even delayed the console to make sure there were more games for gods sake!

Yet I look at that timetable for 2017 and it just doesn't make sense. What have they been doing all this time?? I practically skipped the last generation for the same reason.
It seems like the company produced plenty of games right up until about 2008, then after Smash Bros Brawl on the Wii the releases just got slower... and slower...
It makes me think that maybe they secretly shutdown several of their studios after the global recession. Either that or they just ran out of ideas, I don't know.

I really really want to get Zelda Breath of the Wild, soooo bad.
But I am not going to spend £340 for the privilege, because I know that console will then collect dust until the end of the year when Mario comes out.
I'm also not going to buy another Wii U, I sold the first one for exactly the same reason.

@JimLad
Um, I think getting Zelda, Mario, Xenoblade, Splatoon, Mario Kart, Fire Emblem, Arms and 1-2 Switch all within the first 9 months is more than we saw in the first 2 years from Nintendo on Wii U. I get the launch is thin, but to ignore 8 1st party games in 9 months? (maybe more, Pikmin World and Smash listed on retailer sites).

And half of those are their biggest games... like I said everyone agrees the launch is thin, but it's more than obvious where the development time has gone. It went to getting us a game a month on average for the first year Switch is out (like I said, hopefully/probably even more than that if this Pikmin and Smash pans out)

@PlywoodStick Thanks for the heads up. I looked into this and found a website that lists USB C compliant cords that don't give any problems when plugged in to older connectors. I'll probably replace my current connectors to be safe with all of my devices.

@biscuitsandtea True enough. Taking a Switch out for the first few months feels like a "please steal me" beacon

I'll have mixed feelings. I'll want to play switch "because I can", but at the same time, I don't want my 3DS to quietly be forgotten. I love that platform to bits.

My opinions?

1. The Australian price sucks hard. $469.95. Lots of pain there.
2. The hardware is totally amazing. It's as good as Alex said it is. Really pushing the envelope to new and better palces.
3. The games are all good. Sure some are more niche than others and not everyone will love all the games but most of them are good.
4. 1,2 Switch should be a hardware bundle game. A good demo of how the joycons work. Would I ever buy this as a stand along game? Never.
5. The launch lineup is fine. Every month more games are coming. It's not the WiiU that had tons of games day 1. Most didn't sell because there was just too many and because of that months post launch barren with few good titles. The first year for the Switch looks great. If you like nothing day 1 there's always more within the first year for you. I agree with Reggie when he said as long as there's a killer title day 1, then the first year means more than the first day. BotW day 1 is the kilelr title the WiiU didn't have day 1 then every month you have a killer title. Works well.

@NEStalgia The 3DS will slowly die if the Switch takes off. Time to accept reality.

@the8thark Oh I agree fully. I've been saying for years that the hybrid was coming and would replace the handheld and console etc, etc. I love 3DS, I will miss 3DS, but I'm under no illusion that Switch isn't its replacement. But there's still some 3DS love to be had for another year or two. I never thought another console could ever replace SNES as my all-time favorite, but the 3DS has earned that position. It's certainly possible the switch will surpass it though. Switch is pretty much the console I always dreamed of. My 8 year old self never understood why my Game Boy couldn't take REAL Castlevania and Mario with me, after all

Also, great summary of the launch window. I agree with that fully as well. Shame so few seem to see the wisdom in it and don't see where the WiiU launch fell apart.

@electrolite77
Pro Jared got some hands on time with it, and says the screen is gorgeous, like on par with the Vita screen (and as A Vita owner I can attest to how high quality that screen was). The GamePad was cool. I never minded playing games on it like Kirby Rainbow Curse (although everyone else seemed to rage over the fact the screen wasn't HD). But I'm ready for a Vita level screen with Wii U level graphics. It's time. Heck it's been time.

I hope we do see GameCube VC, although nothing has been confirmed yet. If we got F-Zero GX alongside Redout and Fast RMX, nothing would make me happier. I mean, just the thought of having this Zelda on a handheld screen on par with Vita screen is enough to get me excited, but I don't think the notion of all these other games actually being playable in console form on a handheld has truly sunk in. And it probably won't until I actually have a Switch in my hands.

Still holding out hope for Final Fantasy XV, but even if it doesn't come I'm just happy Dragon Quest XI is. That game looks like they also poured in a ton of resources. And did I mention you can ride dragons! You can ride dragons 😆

@Fandabidozi yes. I'm aware... but it still happened and Nintendo is still ultimately responsible.

I think this is one of the reasons Nintendo is having such issues the fans keep giving them a pass when they do dumb things.

really I think back and I am very very close to the opinion that I should not have bought a Wii U, yes I had lots of great games that I enjoyed but it's only 6 games that are exclusive. The others I could have been a lot smarter to do on a Xbox One or PS4.

I am not against the Nintendo switch it's just that they better wow me and it better be a success because I am not going to buy another failing console. I just can't make myself do it. I plan on buying a Xbox One this spring and catching up on a lot of games that I wanted to play but did not have the opportunity because I was stuck with Nintendo.

@Danrenfroe2016
I'm in the same boat I've got plenty of games I'm still playing through on 3DS and me PS4.
Fingers crossed they don't pull the plug for online on the WiiU. I'm quite happy playing Splatoon and MK8.
It'd take Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Fire Emblem, Yo-Kai Watch or Wave Race to get me to Switch.

@dres Well there's going to be patches and DLC for starters, and said motion controls make the controller cost more, even PS4 and Xone have some form of sensor for motion in their controllers.
.
I do appreciate the concept of cartridges, but not when there's only one save slot. Here's the kicker, back when memory cards were common place you could just buy more to have multiple saves for way cheaper than a game, or if your friend borrowed a game with one save slot there'd be no issue because he would have his own memory card.

@ULTRA-64 surely just open iplayer in google browser, job done.

@JimLad oh, buddy, does the Switch ever have the best library for you. . .