Talking Point: Could Sony Or Microsoft Release Their Own Nintendo Switch-Style Hybrids?

Xbox Turn and Playstation Lever
if they are not that. i swear to you, i won't buy them (maybe)

The power consumption specs of the Switch are impressive... unfortunately it still falls just shy of standards that I hope the next iteration can hit (1080/60 for games like Odyssey, 1080/30 for games like BOTW).

I would suggest it's less about the available technology and more about the brand > opportunity > risk factor.

Microsoft is heading towards a future of services that would compete with Steam, as this would reduce the costs for what is small division in the company. Services encourage users to purchase Windows machines as a complimentary device, too.

Sony have had trouble competing with Nintendo in the mobile space in many territories, and I doubt they have any interest in creating a new division again. They're doing so well on the console-only front because of their exclusives and marketing; they won't want to deviate right now.

As D.F. suggested in a previous video, any future Tegra upgrade would bring Switch more in line with today's consoles, and while the argument is there that, by that time, the competition will have already gained new ground, it is up to developers to take advantage of that additional power. Of which, it is likely a minority of AAA-developers who have the time, money and resources to take the hardware to its full potential. And even then, do users outside of the hardcore care about a few extra shading/bloom effects?...

If Nintendo can create gorgeous 900p/dynamic res 60fps games now, imagine what the future holds.

How is it Nintendolife asked this question, yet apparently every other Nintendo website got the answer before?

Xbox Switch = Gaming Laptop

Those 2 companies are power hungry so it would never happen......unless they want us to spend like $600 or more. Don't see it happening and they will be content to let Nintendo have this one.

If it released in tandem with PS5, I would buy a Vita 2 with certain crossplay/buy features. Not interested in a hybrid standalone. I like the power couple testing the boundaries of tech in consoles and the Switch sorting out the handheld area of the market.

No need. SONY still sold 20 million PS4s last year with the Switch around.

Microsoft already has laptops and systems like GPD WIN2. I played more Ninokuni2 on my laptop on business trips than any game on my Switch this year.

The Switch is only a "Hybrid console" in name - it is a Handheld with a TV dock. It will be the new 3DS for Nintendo - and nobody will try and compete with it.

Maybe an PS4-hybrid would be great, but not for me. I'm really happy right now with my PS4 (at home, from the couch) and my Switch (away, handheld only). They are the best duo since SNES & Game Boy!

I am sure both companies have something they are working on to compete with switch.
But I hope not. My switch is my favorite system ever and I just want Nintendo to keep making hybrid consoles that are better and better. Even if Sony releases one, I won’t get it because where will mario and zelda be? My PS4 is the most boring system I’ve owned and it’s not because of the specs. It’s even more of a port machine then switch is and the few AAA games just don’t appeal to me until they go on sale. I even let my psn expire and I haven’t missed it yet.

No they won't. Sony and Microsoft to a much lesser extent have their place in the market, pushing boundaries with power, 4k, etc etc. With as much as they've invested into those things it would be dumb to backtrack any time soon. I highly doubt either would go the switch route which imo is a great thing. With the size of games and current battery tech it wouldnt be plausible imo. Having a Switch along with a PS4 is a perfect combination and they compliment one another quote well.

I wonder how much more feasible it gets if you drop the output resolution to 540p like the Vita?

I know resolution isn't the only thing the GPU is doing but it's one of the main ones that you can alter without having to really change anything in the game code.

It's not so much a question of can they as it is will they. Sony probably, Microsoft lol

@Shellcore Exactly. If SONY does it the way Steam works, it would be the best choice.

I played NinoKunk2 on my laptop when away for work. But loved that I could come home and fire up my PC and pick up where I left off at 2560X1600 @60FPS on Max settings.

At this point that experience is making me justify paying for a GPD Win2. If they do a PS5/Vita2 combo that works that way I will pay for it.

@Donutman "It’s even more of a port machine then switch is"

Come on...really?!

No

I could see a 4K PS hybrid that would cost £700 with about 6 seconds of battery life

Nintendo can't rival sony nor sony can rival nintendo, it's not about power, it's about EXCLUSIVES.
Those are two totally different markets that can and are existing together.

No. Both have pushed more power and improved visuals as their main selling point. If either released a hybrid or a handheld it would flop and I doubt they would have the IP to carry such a system on their own.

I don't think they will but I'd love to be wrong. Playing all the big new games on those systems on the go would be awesome!

They could, but I'm not sure they'd even bother. Their business model is far more reliable and sound than Nintendo's for the most part. I mean, they can just keep incrementally upgrading the likes of Xbox and PlayStation with each new console generation in the way they have been doing for a few generations now basically for as long into the future as I can see. And I don't see any of the fans of those consoles really complaining about that. It's Nintendo that's taking a huge gamble with each new generation of its systems because no one ever really knows if it's going to make the next big thing or another dud. So, what I'm saying is that I don't see any reason they'd seriously want to keep following Nintendo's example.

both microsoft and sony wont be able to do it, as nintendo upgraded from wii u to switch in terms of specs.

both microsoft and sony cant upgrade their current models that it would work in a switch form factor, so it would be a downgrade over its predecessor which is not a great way to start your marketing

edit: not to mention their will always be a market in the west for 4k+ gaming apart from what the switch offers

@Anti-Matter Because they have "too many AAA shooters"?

Bandwagon jumpers.

I think you'll see Playstation take a stab at it again. I mean, that's almost what happened with the Vita. They tried to do the whole play your game anywhere thing, but it was clunky and ultimately didn't work out. I don't see Microsoft doing it though, they've never seemed into portable gaming at least with the Xbox brand.

Nintendo was able to embrace this change so well though, because they've always been the king at handhelds.

I will say after this gen I’m done with sony and ms. I just wasn’t moved this gen by them so far. I played some good games but nothing amazing and nothing I can’t get on pc. (Except yakuza) but unless the twins really shake things up I’ll be pc/Nintendo next gen.

Sony isn't capable of supporting handhelds. They do all the corssover features with their main consoles for like 4-5 games and drop them then and there.

The PSP was amazing, but died outside of japan extremly quickly. here in switzerland, we only got the PSP essentials after 1 or 2 years fater release, which basiclly are re-releases of old games for cheap.

the Vita was a failure by design. The Memorycards are cancer and cut all ties with user that want a digital collection for a fair price. Even if you buy the 64GB card, i can get a 256GB SDXC for my switch for cheaper, with better performance stats. Games also stoped comming and if we get something, it's your average "reskin 2018", some odd randoms tuff or games japan got ages ago.

As much as i love my Sony Consoles, after learning it the hard way, i won't support another handheld. Hell, i had to flash my PSP with a CFW to play games released in NA but not EU and in order to get some DLC i had to buy a game in the PS Store because the DLC content was only for the digital version of the game lol.

I hope not.
it they go that road, i quit buying them. I play them both just for the home console. And their power.

@Agramonte
You're obviously wrong. Or do you care to explain, why the Switch is no hybrid console? What can't it do as an homeconsole, what the other console can? What can't it do as a handheld, what other handhelds can?

@Ryu_Niiyama It's a bit unfair to say "Sony/MS" is irrelevant if you have PC. You are on the MS platform. Just the DIY versus the prefab version. If you're going to do the "I don't like Sony/MS's games" route, you have to shun PC, too...they're all the same platform with different interfaces (though really, not into those PS4 exclusives? I'm surprised, they've been cranking out a lot of great stuff, I thought.)

@NEStalgia XBox and PC are totally different platforms. (You technically don't even need to be running Windows on PC, anyway, but that's besides the point.) And I fully agree with the sentiment that Sony and MS have few really great games that can't be had on PC.

@Dr_Corndog It's the third party EA/Ubisoft/2k/inidie/everyone else platform. They're not the same exact hardware or OS but in terms of the game library they're the same platform (along with PS4) save for exclusives to each of the 3.

And while you don't need to be running Windows on PC, the bulk of "major" games are DirectX only, with a smaller subset running on Linux or SteamOS. There's Wine, but the, you're technically running Windows still, through pieces of Windows libraries, or reverse engineered versions of Windows libraries, and then there's the abysmal performance when doing so....

PC, typically means DX on Windows. Sure the nerdiest among us (been there) rig up other solutions, but that's typically not what "PC games" means.

Maybe then all those trademark sharks can try and sue them instead of Nintendo all the time.

Dodging vegan food? Trying to be funny? You need to get out of that box of yours you sad ....!

I read earlier steam are bringing out an app to allow you to play steam games on your phone... pretty much the same concept

I think another way of looking at this video is that Digital Foundwy are trying to say that this is why the Switch isn't pushing Xbox/PS4 level graphics, based on its form factor these are the sacrifices they've had to make.

You can't squeeze that much tech into a device you can take anywhere without it being the size of a paving slab.

switch number 1

What I want from sony is a ps3 switch legacy title console/handhled. Sony's take on the switch but the catch is it plays digital ps3 games, ps vita games, psp games,, and ps1 and ps2 titles.

It makes use of ps3 ps4 and ps move controllers so players don't have to worry about buying controllers all over again. On the downside it would not be able to play ps4 titles.

On the upside it could be cheaper to make and sell because of this, ps3 was stronger than vita so ps3 switch games will still be an improvement graphically and tech wise from the ps vita, and all your favorite ps3 digital titles on the go, and with local co-op still attached.

Infamous, God of war 1-3, ratchet and clank original triology +spinoffs, original Assassin's creed triology/collection, left 4 dead, dead space, red dead redemption 1, mass effect triology, all those ps3 1st and third party games on the go. Just imagine if sony could hit that sweet spot price pont of $200-245 and bring back with 40 dollar games and mircosd/sd memory options.

@MrBlacky I can dock my 8th Gen HP SPectre X360 laptop via USB-C to my monitor and play Battle Chasers, EarthLock, Water Down DOOM, Hollow Knight. That does not make it a "Hybrid Gaming PC"

"The difference" is the same as with the Switch and a home console - It cant provide the same gaming experience as full home gaming PC.

It is a Laptop with a USB type C dock. Just like the Switch is a HandHeld with a USB type C dock. I/O port and a wire makes no difference.

Here's the thing, if SONY released a Hybrid like the Switch and it's as powerful as vanilla PS4, that's a WIN in my book... It's fun playing Mario and Zelda on the go, but could you imagine playing God Of War, Spider-Man, Horizon Zero Dawn etc etc etc. on the GO???

@Agramonte
Are you, by chance, a little bit dumb? Because I asked a simple question and instead of giving a straight answer, you come up with some PC-/Laptop gaming bull and "full gaming experience".🤨
So again: What can the Switch NOT do as a homeconsole?

@MrBlacky I would ask the same thing lol!... play modern home console level games. it is the 2nd paragraph. You just transmuting the handheld experience via an I/O port. Just like the Spectre... and no, pointing out how we don't apply the same standard to a similar situation is actually relevant

I don't see why they should. The home consoles are doing just great in hardware and software sales. People also used to say the mobile market would be the "death" of Nintendo yet the Switch is doing just fine, even the freaking 3DS still sells.

The higher specs also helps, handhelds or mobile will never match the home consoles specs. By the time they do, a new hardware for home consoles will already be out. It's not just graphics, the specs also helps the developers a lot in game features and content. You may personally not like it, but others do.

To be honest i'm more interested to see these companies try new things instead of just going the "hybrid" path. Kinda like how they tried with motion controls and VR, doesn't need to go too crazy, but at least try something new.

I rather see more competition in trying new things than just everyone doing the same damn thing.

@Agramonte
You're talking about the graphics, aren't you???? 😂😂😂😂😂😂
So, if someone plays on a PS3, he doesnˋt play on a homeconsole? And the Wii was never a homeconsole to begin with?🤔

@Tokiwa
Many developers are using these high specs to make more similar looking games with similar gameplay, where you get the feeling, somehow everything is scripted.👍

@holygeez03 The Switch is more than capable enough to run breath of the wild at 1080p 30fps. It's just that it wasn't optimized for the console, it's a Wii U game first and foremost (hence the performance issues at launch). Super Mario Oddysey can easily run at 1080p 30fps on Switch but Nintendo prioritized 60fps gameplay. Fun fact Mario Oddysey does run at 1080p30 whenever you're in snapshot mode.

@spawn1210 did you watch the video? A PS4 hybrid is simply not possible.

@nixiam what are you even talking about?

@Agramonte
A friend had a Vita, but we could never figure out how to connect it to the TV and play some games with other friends on it.😢

@MrBlacky it was called - Playstation TV. SONY was just not smart enough as Nintendo to just make a dock. Instead they complicated the entire thing with another random piece of tech.

I love my Switch - Just saying. But if it is a Hybrid console to you - all good 😀👍

I have little doubt that they could. But it begs the question of if they should. Both companies are massive tech empires. If they set their minds to it, it will happen. But is it worth it for them? Probably not. To do so would require them to downgrade. Neither company is known for innovation like Nintendo is. Instead they are known for putting out the most powerful consoles they can. Sacrifice that and where is their identity?

Can another company release one? Absolutely. They can use the Tegra X1 which is halfway between the 360 and Xbox One in terms of power (and also what the Switch uses). They can even use the Tegra X2, which is slightly more powerful than the PS4 in terms of tflops. They absolutely can make their own device based on those or similar architectures.

Digital Foundry, however, is talking about miniaturizing the architecture of a PS4, which is different. They absolutely can produce an energy-efficient hybrid console as powerful as the PS4, but they’d have to recompile or write new software for it.

I wish they’d made that clearer.

@Agramonte
You couldn't even play every Vita game on this weird box and good look finding even a handful of games which supported local multiplayer on one console.
And if you refuse to see the Switch as a hybrid - all good (but you're opinion is still wrong)👍

Technically limitations aside I don’t think it fits into either Sony or MSs strategy.

Sony has gone for a very straight, pure gaming angle based around offering as much power as they can at an affordable cost. They would need to compromise on their home strategy to deliver mobile.

Microsoft on the other hand is looking to streamline PC and console ecosystems and given PC is all about x86 that’s not going to lend itself to mobile. That and they too have an interest in UHD gaming etc.

@MrBlacky the power of lowest common denominator 🙃😉

This discussion seems to be revolving around Sony creating a whole new platform and I agree with most everyone else there’s no way they try that again. Even Nintendo has realized the true difficulty of having separate handheld and home consoles is not producing the hardware but producing enough software for both platforms to remain healthy. With limited resources and the increasing complexity of producing modern games they couldn’t properly support the Wii U at launch while saving the 3ds from doom. Hence they combined software divisions and brought out the Switch.

The problem with PSP and Vita was always that although the games might have been “console quality” they were still separate games and people had to chose whether they wanted to spend their money on another copy of Madden that is “just as good as on the PS2” when they already had PS2 Madden waiting for them at home. And then developers had to devote resources to two separate SKUs hoping enough people would not do what I just described.

But I don’t think the idea should be to mimic those devices anyways. Instead imagine, if you will, the Sega Nomad had come with a TV dock and was just called Genesis/Mega Drive Portable and was actually the third revision of the system, replacing the model 2 at retail to lure late adopters in a way that allowed them to avoid the standard late gen price drop and maintain revenue levels a bit longer.

In the same way a PS4 Hybrid could replace or at least delay the eventual PS4 Super Slim. And most importantly sell more copies of the existing software library to late adopters. It could allow the ps4 to stick around well into the ps5 much like the ps2 and PSOne before it. And if it’s super successful then people could actually continue to produce games and it could serve as a cash cow for Sony like the GameBoy was for Nintendo all the way from the late NES era right through the n64.

Now am I saying this is actually going to happen? I can’t even be sure of what I wrote at the beginning of this comment. Sorry for the wall of text. I hope my edit(s) help to focus my message.

But I do think it could be a successful product marketed in this way. Assuming it becomes technologically feasible in time.

And as @spawn1210 pointed out they already have a potential “Undocked Mode” built in to all the games. Vanilla in Portable mode PS4 Pro while docked. Those Discs though...

@NEStalgia ? I didn't say they were irrelevant. In fact that is a statement that I never make because I don't have the arrogance to denounce someone else's preferences in gaming.

Actually none of your response addressed anything I said except for your seeming befuddlement that I'm going PC/Nintendo only (which I explained why in my post). So...okay I guess?

Can't PS4 stream to Vita already? They could market this more.
Maybe Sony will revitalize their portable line and somehow make it work with the home console instead of making a one-in-all device.

Or they will go the opposite way and promote 4K and "power" even more to make Switch look like a toy. Considering Sony is also selling 4K TVs this sounds more likely.

@MrBlacky To be honest I don't know how these people coped with playing videogames prior to the PS4 and Xbox one with their lack of power. Must have been a nightmare. Half the time these are the same people demanding Virtual Console.

@Dezzy I'd like to see the stats on that too. Not that I'd like to play at 540p, it would just be an interesting exercise to see the results of.

Well being the owner of a PlayStation Vita, I would not buy another Sony handheld. Don't get me wrong I still enjoy my Vita. Sony crapped all over us though. If it wasn't for the PS1 era RPG's I would hardly touch it.

@Shellcore "testing the boundaries of tech", that's very debatable.

If history is anything to go by then Sony will copy something Nintendo is doing.

@Cygoku Well done for deliberately missing out the next two words that put that whole quote into context.

MrBlacky as long it's fun, i'll gladly play it. If it's not fun, they don't get my money. Simple as that.

If the higher specs helps them achieve more variety even if the core gameplay is the same yet fun, i'm good with that. I've seen heavily scripted games that are more fun than some "sandboxes" that feels more like a chore than a game.

I had the vita and loved it, really did. However the way Sony abondoned it with no further 1st party releases I would never trust them or buy one of their portable consoles again. I didn’t like the way they just ran away after I dropped the money I did for the console, left a bittersweet taste

I wish Nintendo would start using Intel processors for its consoles...

@jay2 Why?