The newly appointed Nintendo President, Shuntaro Furukawa, may have only officially stepped into his position earlier this week, but already he’s been talking to a number of local media outlets in Japan about the direction of the company.
Speaking to The Kyoto Shimbun, the president touched on a range of subjects in relation to Nintendo’s current and future business practices. His points about the 3DS follow on from recent conversation in the West linked to the expected lifespan of the system. Mr Furukawa is of the belief the device still has advantages over the Switch and stated Nintendo was “considering various possibilities” in regards to a successor for the popular handheld device. How serious he is about this is unclear, as the Switch is obviously a key focus for Nintendo right now - with the aim being for every person to own one.
Mobile gaming is steadily becoming an important area for the company as well. According to Furukawa, Nintendo wants to diversify its offerings and eventually make mobile platforms a main pillar of revenue, even though it only contributes to about four percent of the total sales at this point in time. Collaborations with companies such as DeNA is another important factor in helping this area succeed.
Would you like to see a successor to the 3DS, or do you think Nintendo should focus on the Switch and the mobile market? Tell us below.
[source nintendoeverything.com, via kyoto-np.co.jp]
Comments 364
Likely just another PR move. Remember how the DS wasn't the GBA successor?
I don't expect a true successor. I do expect a Switch Mini, however.
I can see it happening, and honestly I wouldn't be opposed either. 3DS and Switch are wildly different systems aimed at different markets with different strengths and weaknesses.
Taking the total (3)DS line sales into account, it would be bizarre to abandon it. No one knows if the Switch can be a 100% DS replacement.
They could develop and release a new DS system and it would sell 20 million no problem, so it’s a no-brainer to me. I think it’s about what Nintendo’s ambitions and sales targets would be for a potential successor.
I'd probably end up pre-ordering it, I do have a switch but I consider my 3DS to be my main console so I really want to see the console live on.
a 50% cheaper version of the Switch will do
The question is, can Nintendo create enough software to cater to 2 different devices? Because I would say based on the Wii U/3DS era, they can’t. And unlike Sony or Microsoft, they don’t get system selling third party support. Nintendo relies on Nintendo to sell consoles so that means focusing on getting enough first party games out there as possible while also not lacking the quality.
What a surprise! xP I've said this all along. Switch isn't a full replacement for the lower price segment the DS line caters to. It's obvious they are considering the actual end of life of the 3DS and the replacement for the market the 3DS still serves.
Of course it will be more integrated with the Switch. Integration within the modern account system will update the product line to "Modern Nintendo". This successor would probably be designed as part of the "NX-type" family. They might even use a cheaper modification of the Tegra chipset from nVidia.. Possibly making compatibility with (lightweight) Switch games possible or even (wishful thinking) crossbuy. That'd make Captain Toad style dual releases and easy ports possible.
Backwards compatibility with all 3DS games would make a new DS system very attractive, which could be beneficial to the success of the system. However, Backwards Compatibility would still would require the (New) 3DS chip in there to enable that benefit. Maybe they can commission dedicated hardware emulation with nVidia to integrate that functionality into the new custom chip? I wonder what's cheaper: a separate 3DS BC chip or integration of essential functions on a custom nVidia chip (if that's even possible).
On the other hand, do you really need to add BC and make the system more expensive by doing so? Consumers could just buy a cheap 3DS if you want to play those games? We're talking about end of life of 3DS after all.. That means, the moment interest in 3DS and its games is really dwindling.
So obviously a lot of things for Nintendo to consider deciding on what their next lower cost handheld system will be. And what will be the best course of action to retain that essential market after 3DS is really at it's end.
Don't expect it anytime soon though, considering it means most of the development still needs to happen. Count on a few years from now. And expect it to be something interestingly new as well: Can't turn of Nintendo's creativity!
The 3ds is and will always be an amazing console but in I guess the last 2 months I have bin playing it less and playing the switch more so maybe it is time to leave the console and concentrate on newer horizons
I think that they might make a smaller and more powerful Switch. The thing is that they have to choose between 3DS or Switch compatibility since each has a totally different architecture. At first glance it makes more sense to make it Switch-compatible but if you think about the huge 3DS library, its backwards compatibility (digitally at the very least) and how popular 3DS has always been since its price was reduced is not as evident as it seems.
Switch has outsold Wii U but Wii U is Nintendo's worst seller ever (Virtual Boy was not even released in Europe). Switch is also the first Nintendo console without backwards compatibility in a long time and most of its main games are Wii U ports. I don't believe that Switch will dictate Nintendo's future, it's just one ingredient. Nintendo is talking much about 3DS lately.
My 3ds was my most played system until I got a switch. I can’t even go back to play metroid on it even though I bought it day 1. Just make games for switch. And continue to suppprt 3ds with updated consoles like they do, but I thought Nintendo was combining development so they didn’t have to support 2 different consoles...
@Donutman They combined the teams to make it easier to integrate and move resources and developers between projects. That way they could release a bigger volume of software at a more consistent rate.
It also makes dual releases (Smash, Hyrule Warriors, Mario Maker, Yoshi's Wooly World, Captain Toad), or releases based on games on the other system (3D Land/World etc.) possible and easier.
It was never about having just one system to support. They never said that. That's what people made from it.
Contrary to that thought, it's going to help them support two systems better.
It makes sense to 'not' have 2 portable consoles. Having said that, given the life cycle of the 3DS and it's only marginally changed it would be bad business to abandon it. Maybe like a NewNew 3DS ?
What ever it is, let it be backwards compatible !!
@linq No chance. Nintendo will be sticking with the clamshell design as that's what most people, including myself want.
I really hope he means a miniature version of the Switch when he says "3DS successor" now since the Switch didn't go the way of the Wii U.
Nintendo has shown in the past they can't reliably support 2 systems at once on their own (1 always suffers). So I guess the outcome where this works out fine is the one where Switch owners embrace 3rd party games to the extent the 3rd parties don't abandon the Switch.
As long it has backward compatibility with my 3DS games, i'm in.
3DS U...or The New 3DS U
Rather have a new switch with no bezel better gpu and a dock that bumps the gpu again
It's going to happen. If Nintendo is positioning the Switch as a home gaming system, a successor to the 3DS is pretty likely. I don't want it to happen, but it will happen.
I sure hope not. Nintendo’s studios really don’t have the resources to sustain two separate libraries’ worth of games. As it stands, even with super limited development on 3DS, they’ve only managed to pump out two brand new exclusive games for Switch this year.
@Tokiwa Definitely.
One big advantage of the Switch is that Nintendo only has to focus on one system, but still has both a handheld and console experience. A 3DS successor goes against that for no reason, especially since it doesn't really make sense to buy. Why buy a handheld system when you can buy a system that plays console-level games on the go? If you want a cheaper system, make a Switch Mini for $150.
If Nintendo wanted to create a "Switch ecosystem" of a powerful "Switch Plus," the Switch, and a handheld-only "Switch Mini," that would be cool. A 3DS successor just does not make sense.
Switch P (portable) smaller screen, more compact design. Nintendo must be designing one as we speak.
I thought the whole point was the Switch was both handheld and home console. Imo they'd be better off working on a home console if they had to release something else. The Switch is already an amazing handheld, they don't need another one.
The big benefit of the Switch is Nintendo can focus on one system and satisfy portable and tv play.
@subpopz you make some good points, if they did that I would buy it
I was absolutely in love with the 3DS since day 1. Countless blissful gaming hours went into that thing and I'll always keep and cherish it. With that being said, it's Switch time and I wouldn't want anymore 3DS support as it's just getting more and more dated with each passing day. Let the poor guy retire. It's lived a great, long life.
Nintendo HDS
Play 3DS, NDS , NDSi & Switch ALL Region.
Clam Design, 720p, 3D Slider, Upper Screen = 6 inch, Lower Screen = 5 inch.
HANDHELD Only.
Comes with 4 Different Basic color: White, Blue, Red & Black.
Nintendo can still focus on BOTH DS machines and Switch.
While I miss dual screen gaming, and significantly so, I still feel like it could be brought to switch
@invictus4000
I still missing some Japanese ONLY 3DS games, so that's why i'm planning to buy Japanese 3DS to play Japan Only 3DS games. Still so many 3DS titles that i haven't tried yet.
They could go with a smaller, lighter, cheaper Switch, without detachable joy cons or even a dock. This way many existing games in the library of Switch could be carried over with minimal cost and they would not have to divide their development resources.
@Hughesy the switch is too big, has a poor battery and is too fragile to be a true handheld
I do like dual screen clamshell gaming
@N64SNESU I use it as a commuting handheld all of the time and it is fantastic as such. Your comments are odd.
@N64SNESU Not really, especially with the joy cons disconnected. Compared to my n3ds XL it's not that much bigger. Not sure what part is fragile, I guess if you don't look after stuff then you will break it, but then that means you also break your mobile phone.
Battery life isn't an issue, most people these days have portable chargers because phones suck so much battery. My Switch is almost exclusively used as a portable as my 3DS has been retired.
@Roam85 church
I think that would really defeat the purpose of the Switch being a hybrid system. I really really hope they do no do that. I think a better choice would be to release a cheaper Switch mini and a more expensive Switch Pro/Elite/whatever they decide to call it.
The 3DS was and is a great design, but it is time for Nintendo to focus on just the Switch. The hybrid design is fantastic and they should build on it's success by turning the Switch into a "family" of systems like the 3DS was.
Switch Mini. Anything else would be insanity.
I'm almost sure that the plan is to use the Switch as the NEW 3DS.
For me, the Switch is like a Trojan Horse for Nintendo.
I can see that they are going to release an additional hardware fully switch compatible to make the "REAL HOME CONSOLE" combined to the Switch. Basically, a kind of Wii U 2 but powerful enough.
Like the power of the Switch will be only dedicated for the "NEW GAMEPAD" sort of.
We"ll see if I'm wrong but for me, I see more a "New dock station" with good specs to compete the next Playstation and Xbox.
The Switch like it is today will become the "new handheld" and the new hardware will be fully compatible with the actual Switch.
I can totally see the announcement at E3 2019, wait and see.
The DS line needs to end. Nintendo can't keep splitting their market. I'm seriously not liking this new guy so far.
Releasing another handheld will only hurt switch sales, currently the switch ownership is like some Home/handheld gamer team up. Throwing either an all new seperate home or hand system will damage it.
The only way I can see this working if the new device hits near the end of the Switch's life span and is effectively an switch mini (but named differently) then Nintendo announces an switch 2. The handheld would be the "entry level" systems like the 3DS currently is.
A smaller Switch about the size of the Vita with the same resolution and chipset with undetachable controls for £150 would sell hard.
A smaller dock (sold separately) but compatibility with all current accessories and games.
I'd welcome it and buy one even though I love my Switch. There's still nothing quite like true portable dual screen gaming - just keep it simple and offer us a N2DS style device with a better screen and backwards compatibility.
If I don't get a legit Animal Crossing Switch game....
Yes we must have a replacement 3ds, even if it is called a 3d Switch pocket.
Why? They're having enough problems getting games out for this year on the Switch, why would you make that situation worse? I'd be fine with a Switch mini or any other type of revised Switch model that satisfies the handheld market more, but creating a completely different platform with a completely different lineup will do them more harm than good.
@fuzzy833 you may think my comments are odd, but read the other opinions on here and they tell you otherwise.
Well it mustn't step on the Switch's toes. So it needs to be a sub £150 machine with no TV connectivity that can fit into a back pocket. Cheaper games- maybe even without carts/download only? Plays indies, retro games and small Nintendo 1st party.
I'm thinking a modern version of the gameboy that connects to the Internet.
The only way I see a new Portable Console being made is:
Download only, VC only
GB, GBC, GBA, DS, 3DS, NES, SNES, N64, GameCube libraries.
Nothing else. No new games.
Guy's there is no system yet. Not a "Switch mini" or a "HDS/NewNew3DS". It's not even a single idea or concept yet.
They are currently >considering various possibilities< on what they are going to do next for a successor for the 3DS. So they aren't even sure about which direction they are going to go
Switch can't fulfil that fully even though it does partly. So they do need a next thing to cater to the lower price market ($100-$200 system, $40 and less games) which 3DS is currently serving very well.
There are a myriad of possibilities which also include "Switch Mini" concepts and "HDS" concepts.
The amount of integration with the Switch ecosystem will most likely be another big point of consideration.
Don't panic, we're not going to see anything tangible come from this for several years.
And reading these comments I'm sure most of you might be disappointed anyway, since most of you are game enthusiasts and aren't primarily in that low price segment market. (Even though many of us will still be enticed by Nintendo's creative new system and still buy it. xD)
I can only afford to get games for one console though.. Guess I better start doing some extra hours..
Considering that the 3DS sold half of what they managed to achieve with the DS, I don’t see them going that route. Not to mention, that they would have to split their dev teams, again. Saying that, I see them releasing cheaper, dock less and joycon less Switch and market it as pure handheld device. But that’s not going to happen before we see more expensive revision of the Switch (XL maybe?).
To me the most sensible solution is a Switch Mini, something small enough to fit in a pocket and easy to carry around. I still love my New 3DS XL and play it often, so I certainly wouldn't complain about getting a 3DS successor, but I think a Switch Mini is probably the safest way forward for Nintendo from a marketing perspective.
Nintendo has always been more successful in the handheld market but these days manufacturing two consoles competing against mobile devices, PC, Xbox and PS is a losing battle.
They will release a handheld more similar to 3DS than to Switch and perhaps release some games on other platforms, not just on mobile phones but everywhere else including Xbox and PS and that would be awesome, imagine Nintendo games on much more powerful hardware. Their future handheld will still be popular because of its dedicated controls and because Microsoft and Sony don't have one.
I have switch but I still play my 3ds everyday. There is a place for both. This is the best news I heard in a long time.
There is no need to maintain two separate lines. Developers have already been porting mobile and 3DS games to the Switch. Why do it again for yet another system?
Having said that, I agree with those suggesting a Switch Mini. But could it really be called a "Switch" without the detachable parts?
Nintendo should focus on one system - not two.
I say just let me plug my 3ds into the switch and play on the tv. I ca already take it everywhere else otherwise. Often I prefer to take the 3ds in the go instead of the switch too. id love if this were a thing. I could play Star fox 64 3D on the TV and Majoras’s Mask and OOT and Gurumin.... so even if the “newest” 3ds they make does become a thing, I hope it at least plugs into the switch and also is backwards compatible with everything on 3ds including digital titles. I’d buy it.
With 75 million 3DS sold it makes sense to consider a successor. I think it will entirely depends on whether the Switch can consistently sell 20 million units each year.
I really enjoyed the 3ds and still play it sometimes. Samus Returns was great and I've been going back to MH generations in preparation for Generations Ultimate.
But it makes no sense to me to release a 3ds successor. A switch mini that is portable only (no dock) and about 100 dollars cheaper, I could see that selling a lot though.
Good, the Switch simply doesn't have the dual screen and isn't as portable as the 3DS (even the 3DS XL).
Switch Mini coming November 2K19 with Pokemon Gen8, bookmark this.
Nintendo handhelds go hand-in-hand with Pokemon, there's no way there'll be a new, separate product line.
@Lumine That's a successor to the Wii U.
@ThomGee
Looks at Nintendo history and sees a loooong line of consoles and handhelds co-existing with no issue
@Alto Which screen would be displayed on the TV?
@TossedLlama
"Maybe they should just make a phone?"
NintenPhone ?
Beep.... Beep....
Pardon, i have an incoming call from my NintenPhone.
@Anti-Matter
At this point, I'm kinda surprised they haven't. I want a built in selection of game music for my ringtones if they did.
@ThomGee Not gonna lie, that's what I was thinking in regards to the naming as well. "Switch Plus" for the Pro version (with 2 Red joycons), and then a "Switch Minus" for the Mini version (with 2 Blue joycons, or sides if they're non-detachable). It'd be a cool idea.
They need to release switch mini, that doesn't come with a dock and has attached Joycons permanently, but is still dock compatible and Joycon (wireless) compatible, with same screen size but smaller bezels, leading to a smaller form factor aimed as a cheap ($150) thing for little kids to still play the newest and best Nintendo games. Then a switch pro, same size as the current switch but no bezels and a bigger screen, also more powerful with games with a switch pro enhanced sorta thing just like the Xbox one x has
@Tempestryke This situation is different. Those systems were clearly home consoles and handhelds, while the Switch is both. Also, technology has improved to the point where we can have something like the Switch, while handhelds in the past were clearly less powerful than consoles. Third, you can't really say the 3DS and Wii U co-existed. The 3DS was wildly successful and got tons of games, while the Wii U went through game droughts every year.
I hope not honestly, for money purposes. Plus Nintendo seems to have this odd thing for making multiplayer focused games on its handhelds when they have a home console that you could actually enjoy games with with friends and family. If they do go with it though, I hope it’s small enough to fit in a pocket this time. That would make it more appealing to me at least, if the screen is bigger than the Game Boys at least
If they build the 3DS successor on the same architecture as the Switch to make porting between each console easy then it's a good move to keep the dedicated handheld business alive. I love my 3DS but it's not getting a look-in now I have a Switch, yet I know that's not true for everyone. The Switch's success is in no small part due to a steady stream of software and if Nintendo can keep that up then I'm a happy camper.
I think this is highly unlikely. Otherwise what's the point of doing the Switch in the first place? What was the point of streamlining/unifying everything? There's almost certainly going to be a smaller, cheaper, more portable Switch Lite at some point and between that and mobile they should have everything covered. Otherwise, talk about spreading yourself thin. What would a new 3DS offer that those things don't? A 3D effect and dual screens? Both of which were proven last generation to be abject failures.
I'm not sure which Nintendo some of you are following. The one I know is way more imaginative that 'Switch Portable', or 'Switch Mini'. The boring answer is the hardware would need to be differentiated in some way from the Switch and offer something new, a third pillar they like to brand stuff. The hardware will offer new ways to play like pretty much everything they do, so for the love of God, quit being ignorant and drop the Switch nonsense. No one here knows what they are cooking up and all we can guess is chips in a box SKUs. It's a pointless debate unless we are talking about Sony or Microsoft Microsoft have PC software and infrastructure, Sony have electronics and films/music. So please, don't ask Nintendo to put their eggs in one basket. It's bad business practice. You just deprive Nintendo of a revenue stream and gamers of something new.
Yes now it's time to move the 3DS away from the spec of old and create the HDS which support 720p 30-60fps and backwards compatible with all DS and 3DS games. Also don't make it like the Switch where save files are tie to the system, that I hate, keep it external like it always has. I hope a Xenoblade Chronicles X port and Super Mario Galaxy 3 are launch titles for the system with Pokemon Rainbow and Pokemon Star coming for it later down the road as well as a new Legend of Zelda HD for the system.
Would be nice to have a 3DS with a better screen and what not, to move my digital library of games to. And if they throw in cloud saves, they’ll get a sale from me for sure.
Sadly Nintendo has made it clear multiple times that the Switch is a home console you can just happen to take on the go - they don't see it as a handheld system at all. It's a fulfilment of the idea that they had with the GameCube's handle. Their ongoing commitment to 3DS has me fully believing there will be a new system in the DS/3DS line in the next couple of years. It'll have considerably more power than the 3DS and put it more in the smartphone space; mainly targeting kids and casual players.
@Haywired Otherwise what's the point of doing the Switch in the first place?
The Switch is a Wii U replacement with the added option of portability. They haven't been in any hurry to kill the 3DS and that should tell you that the Switch is not intended to be the only relevant Nintendo hardware.
Switch is the successor to the 3DS. There's no room for another handheld device. I don't think that Nintendo will try to cannibalise Switch sales. It wont work. A cheaper Switch with smaller screen and no dock capabilities though....count me in
@Inkling How so?
What if they made a 'Switch Mini' - a cheaper, smaller Switch that could fit in any pocket, perhaps clamshell designed, without detachable Joy-Cons? Would the Switch still be aimed at a different market?
@dimi Switch is the successor to the 3DS.
No it's not and that's becoming more clear all the time.
@Crono1973
Yes, but when the Switch Lite/Mini comes out (and I can't believe there are people here who don't think that'll happen), it will be.
@Crono1973 agree to disagree
A Switch Jr or Switch Pocket would be acceptable to the masses. Something that uses near identical architecture to Switch. DO NOT split the games library again. It will not end well.
@Haywired Yes, but when the Switch Lite/Mini comes out, it will be.
When the Wii Mini came out, did it kill the DS?
@Crono1973
That doesn't work, the Wii Mini wasn't a handheld.
@Haywired That doesn't work, the Wii Mini wasn't a handheld.
Wii was a console and so is the Switch.
@Crono1973 You mean like how Pokemon, Yokai Watch, Layton, and Fire Emblem are moving onto the Switch?
It's become more clear that it is the successor.
@dimi They're keeping the 3DS around because it offer a unique gaming experience, not because it's a handheld. It could co-exist with the Switch quite okay. Taking the 3DS out of the picture means Nintendo will be in deep trouble if Switch doesn't live up to the hype.
You can count Switch as a handheld all you want but in the end it really was a home console that happens to offer portability as optional feature, it was never a fully fledge handheld experience as it doesn't had many of the requirement a dedicated handheld would have: long battery life, small portable size, and how multiplayer would handle are many features that Switch had differently.
For a dedicated handheld, games had to be cheaper thus multiplayer required connections and multiple copies to be able to play, battery life had to be longer like 8-10 hours of play time, design of the system must be able to fit your pocket, and it must not be able to connect to the TV ever. It's control function should also never be change at all, Switch is not a dedicated handheld cause it's control could be customize and change at will, you can't do that with a dedicated handheld though. Like arcade, dedicated handheld kept their control exact with their experience. You can remove the joycons on the Switch but you can't remove the d-pad, touch screen, and circle pad on the 3DS.
At this point Nintendo's business model just kinda confuses me. I get having the 3DS/2DS alongside the Switch as basically cheaper alternatives, but I don't see any real benefit of releasing a brand new and presumably proper next-gen-power 3DS system going forward. Releasing a cheaper-again 3DS model to bring the low-end entry price down even further is fine though.
@Crono1973
Wii was a home console. Wii Mini was a home console. DS was a handheld.
Switch is a home console/handheld hybrid. Switch Mini could still be a hybrid, but in any case, will most likely be pushed almost entirely as a handheld. 3DS is a handheld. Switch Mini now makes 3DS redundant.
@Seacliff They are moving onto the Switch because a 3DS successor hasn't been confirmed yet. Look guys, you are in denial, Nintendo is telling you that they are considering a 3DS successor and you guys are running around with your fingers in your ears.
@Haywired Switch mini doesn't exist yet, you don't know if it will be portable only. You are guessing about the Switch Mini but ignoring Nintendo when they say they are considering a 3DS successor.
@Bolt_Strike If it's far enough in the process, maybe it's the reason for the 2nd half of 2018 1st party droughts.
I assumed the reason for the droughts would be Nintendo thinking Wii U ports aren't E3 worthy and the next couple of Directs revealing around 3 2018 Wii U ports total for those drought gaps (hence there being no droughts) but if a true 3DS successor is coming soon, maybe the droughts stay.
Nintendo, I thought you just said that the 3DS wasn't going to be discontinued anytime soon?
Make Advance Wars a launch title and I'll buy.
@Crono1973 "They are moving onto the Switch because a 3DS successor hasn't been confirmed yet."
Pretty sure it doesn't work like that. You can't just throw multimillion-dollar projects on the 'next best thing'.
And the fact that they hadn't considered it yet means it's going to be years and years away even if they decided it should be a thing now. Like how there's evidence that the 3DS started development in 2008. By then the Switch would be well into its lifespan.
3DS successor or not, it's not clearly not going to coexist with the Switch.
@G-Boy Well, they are considering a successor which puts it atleast a year out.
@Crono1973
Yeah, and I said that in the comment, but it won't matter if it's 100% portable or not. It will still be as portable as any portable. Yes the Switch Mini/Lite doesn't exist yet, but how can anyone think that it won't happen? Nintendo always makes new models of its popular hardware. Plus, Iwata basically said as much before he died; that future home consoles/handhelds would take a more unified approach, basically being the same system but in different forms, like an iPhone/iPad (though granted, he's not around anymore and things can change).
Classic Nintendo logic right here.
@Seacliff 3DS successor or not, it's not clearly not going to coexist with the Switch.
Interesting, are you saying that Switch will be replaced within a few years with another console and then the new member of the DS family will co-exist with that?
@Haywired Things are changing without Iwata. Perhaps the new boss doesn't like the Switch as a portable or maybe he just sees that the second screen on the DS line opens up gameplay possibilities that you can't get on the Switch (Etrian Odyssey comes to mind).
You are dismissing what Nintendo is ACTUALLY saying in favor of a Switch Mini which is not something Nintendo is talking about and then you are guessing the details of the Switch Mini.
@N64SNESU You may not consider the Switch a portable console, but it is one. As a huge fan of portables (the New 3DS is still my favorite console of all time), I've been shocked at how much I love the Switch. It isn't much larger than the New 3DS XL or my Vita, so it's great for commuting and travel, and then tabletop co-op is an option even with its small footprint, which is awesome. And unless I'm playing something local multiplayer, I always play in portable mode. TBH, I'm finding it more and more difficult to make time for (or have the desire to make time for) going back to my 3DS, even though I have plenty in the backlog. A Switch Mini might make sense, though, for those who want a smaller portable and don't care about playing on the big screen or with friends.
@kirbygirl A Switch Mini might make sense, though, for those who want a smaller portable and don't care about playing on the big screen or with friends.
A new DS model might makes sense too for people who like the dual screen, clamshell, a smaller portable and don't care about playing on the big screen.
I think they should pump out some more games and focus on the Switch before thinking about a 3DS successor. It was just released last year, and there are still some franchises that haven't got a game on it (Metroid for example).
@Crono1973 If that's what you want, just keep playing your current 3DS. Between the DS and 3DS libraries, there are hundreds of great games. Probably enough to keep you busy for the next decade or so. I know I still have enough in my backlog to keep me busy for years, even though I've been a huge fan of the DS and 3DS throughout their lifespans. As mentioned previously, the 3DS is still my favorite console of all time. And yet, more and more, I'm comfortable leaving it home and bringing only my Switch when I travel. I think that says something.
From a business and software development perspective, it would make much more sense for Nintendo to concentrate on one console line.
How about just a Switch DS: a handheld gaming device that just so happens to play both 3DS and switch games? I'd buy that in a heartbeat
@Yorumi That’s what the switch is the 3ds successor.
The Switch is the Wii U successor which has the added bonus of being portable (this time you can take the Gamepad anywhere).
The DS line is alive and may be continuing well into the future. If you like you can think of the Switch as a continuation of the Game Boy line with the added bonus of a dock for big screen play.
@kirbygirl If that's what you want, just keep playing your current 3DS.
How about I do that AND buy a 3DS successor if it happens, that ok with you?
You know, nintendo can't split their game library specially now that smt5, fire emblem and pokemon are confirmed for switch, games that are normally asociated with portables.
If they do a portable device it has to be a switch P or something like that.
@kotag Sure they can, I can see some games being ported to the 3DS successor if it happens. We may even see some Wii U ports (with the second screen features intact).
Oh yes, @Crono1973, you have my express permission in that unlikely event. Good luck.
It's called the Switch and it doesn't come with a dock. Already happening in Japan.
@kirbygirl Unlikely? You believe there will be a Switch Mini and Nintendo isn't even talking about that but Nintendo is talking about a 3DS successor and you think THAT is unlikely. LOL
There are some things that Nintendo should pay attention.
If they create a next machine after 3DS with Backward compatibility with 3DS & NDS, they SHOULD keep:
1. Mii. The Most Important aspect on 3DS because there are some Mii games on 3DS such as Tomodachi Life, Miitopia, AKB48 + Me, Dillon's Dead Heat Breakers, etc. No Mii = CAN'T Play those games.
2. Internal Saving in Cart, NOT in the System.
3. Apps Icon. Each 3DS & NDS games have their icons. So the new machine should have Similar looking Apps icon, with Switch app looking.
4. Cartridge size, must be same size as 3DS cartridge.
5. 3D Slider.
6. Touch screen type. Must be sensitive like NDS / 3DS.
7. Camera.
8. Note, History, Youtube, Internet Browser.
@N64SNESU Switch is a portable console that docks to a TV.
How you use it is up to you, many people I'm sure leave their 3DS consoles at home.
Switch is a portable.
@liveswired Switch is a portable.
It's also a console. It has replaced the Wii U but not the 3DS (which can be clearly seen).
@kotag Not really. Fire Emblem being handheld only has only been a thing with the 3DS era, probably would've gotten a Wii U game if the console was more successful. Pokemon could have a split where after Pokemon 2019, Switch is the Let's Go series meanwhile the new handheld gets the more traditional games (if the new handheld launched in 2019, Pokemon 2019 could be joint release between Switch and the new handheld). Don't know enough about the SMT series to comment on that.
@Crono1973 Nintendo is “considering various possibilities” in regards to a successor for the popular handheld device. Yeah, you're right, another system in the 3DS line is definitely a done deal, lol.
If they released a region-free N3DS, I would consider it though. Then I could take both my Japanese and NA 3DS games and only one N3DS system instead of two. That'd be nice. I'd also love for them to re-invigorate Streetpass in some way. I had so much fun with that back when other people actually carried their 3DS systems around with them. Of course, they could potentially do something like that for the Switch.
Why the huge resistance to idea of a Switch Mini?
A new DS would be nice.
But it need to be backward compatible.
The sad thing is that I do not think that it will be backward compatible.
It will probably have some new gimmick that will make it impossible to play the old games.
Like a single screen with a new size format that does not fit the old game or a new controller setup.
Perhaps it will have no buttons and will just be one big touch screen.
To be honest I would prefer a non portable console instead.
Like a Switch Home, a cheap system with backward compatible to the Wii and Wii U.
@Kanbei is that a modded NES30 stick?
@kirbygirl Yeah, you're right, another system in the 3DS line is definitely a done deal, lol.
I never said that but I do believe it's more likely than a Switch Mini since Nintendo is actually considering and talking about it.
Why the huge resistance to idea of a Switch Mini?
The only resistance is that people are pretending that there can't be a new handheld in the DS line because THEY WANT a Switch Mini.
@Crono1973 I don't need a Switch Mini. I'm happy with my OG Switch.
You might want to read this:
We've already had hints that Nintendo could be working on a new Switch version.
Embedded in the code of the 5.0 system update, there are references to a new Switch revision (codename Mariko), which suggests a console with 8GB RAM may come to market soon.
If the system doesn't see a formal release soon, it might even see a better devkit, which hints at a more powerful system coming in the future, at least.
Nintendo likely wants to release an upgraded version of the console because current models have a vulnerability that allows them to be hacked - no matter what firmware the company releases for the machines. You can read more about that here.
This comes after last year, where Nintendo joked about potential new versions of the Switch coming to market:
“It is Nintendo Switch, so maybe we’ll switch it up!” jokes Nintendo Director Shinya Takahashi, when asked about iterative console hardware.
“Certainly, we’ve designed Nintendo Switch in a way that it can be used by consumers in the way that best suits them. I think we may see that people who have bought a Nintendo home console in the past traditionally, they may treat Switch like a home console and buy it and use it for a long period of time.
"Whereas people who have been traditionally Nintendo handheld gamers, they may buy Nintendo Switch and then for example, if a new version were to come out later, then maybe they would decide to upgrade to that.”
Source: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/tech/gaming/695702/Nintendo-Switch-Mini-coming-later-this-year-Nintendo-work-on-NEW-console-tech-REVEALED
Surely the obvious answer is that worldwide, Nintendo will release a Switch only SKU, ie minus the dock. It’s not inconceivable that’ the Switch will have successors like the DS range but a standalone handheld different to the switch after 3DS lifecycle ends seems improbable.
The full focus needs to move to Switch otherwise within 2 years , Nintendo will be back to square one again and that cannot make economic sense.
NO!!! I want to see all of their Dev team making games for the Switch
@kirbygirl An upgraded version is not a Switch Mini. Is the Xbox One X really an Xbox One Mini? LOL
Smaller Switch screen, not detachable joy-cons, no tv playing option, about 1/2 of Switch` size - compatibility with switch and less power-demand games on it and you got it.
@premko1 Smaller Switch screen, not detachable joy-cons, no tv playing option, about 1/2 of Switch` size - compatibility with switch and less power-demand games on it and you got it.
This would be a Switch Mini but is there any talk of Nintendo bringing this?
@Crono1973 "Nintendo joked about potential new versions of the Switch coming to market: 'It is Nintendo Switch, so maybe we’ll switch it up!' jokes Nintendo Director Shinya Takahashi, when asked about iterative console hardware."
The XBO is not a portable system. Handheld Nintendo gamers might consider a more portable Switch an "upgrade."
4D, 3 screens. I call it...the Nintendo 4TS.
Nintendo can and should only support one platform... but this platform could be integrated into several hardware systems (handheld, home console, hybrid system).
@Crono1973 Yes, yes, there is talk of Nintendo bringing this, both from Nintendo (though they always play hardware development close to the vest until they are good and ready to show their hand) and by industry analysts.
@kirbygirl This is a stretch, you talked about doubling the RAM and that fits the traditional definition of upgrade.
@kirbygirl Yes, yes, there is talk of Nintendo bringing this, both from Nintendo
Please share.
though they always play hardware development close to the vest until they are good and ready to show their hand
So they are showing their hand about a 3DS successor then?
@kirbygirl
Switch Mini will be Great.
But, it will lack of One thing....
It will Unable to play 1-2-Switch properly because we are supposed to move the Joy Cons and..... how do we play Nintendo LABO without inserting Right Joy Con onto cardboard ?
The one thing I miss on the switch is that gorgeous 3d.
I'd be happy to try a newer generation of it.
@erv
HD + 3D = Mind Blowing !
@Crono1973 They're talking about all kinds of potential changes. As I said, they keep it close to the vest.
In response to your other post, do you see specs on the 3DS successor? Release dates? Images? No, you don't. You see incredibly vague language because they are clearly NOT showing their hand either way. In all likelihood, they will continue to minimally support the 3DS a little longer, as some games were already in development. And then that will be that. Maybe they'll surprise us all, but I wouldn't count on it.
@Anti-Matter Yeah, certain games/features would not be compatible. Kind of like the 2DS.
I certainly hope not.
@kirbygirl Well whatever, we'll see what happens.
@Crono1973
Company execs say a lot of things in public. They said the DS was the third pillar and they were still committed to the Game Boy line.
“considering various possibilities" is the most vague, deflecting, empty corporate speak ever and could just as easily suggest that their next pure handheld will be the Switch Mini, a new 3DS or nothing at all.
I'd be down for that. Over a year of Switch and I'm still playing my 3DS more. Whenever I do play my Switch, I have to clean the dust off the screen first. It's a really expensive system to play on.
To everyone saying the Switch is just a console. Nintendo released the Telemetry, more people play it as a handheld then as a console.
Dont let a love for 3ds blind you to reality. The switch is and always has been a handheld that can connect to a TV.
I still think there will be a mini switch that is tough for kids, and it could be the mobile cpu profile only for a much smaller case / heat plate. Make it rugged and kid friendly.
That's the big problem for switch. It's hardware it's much more fragile that typical N hardware. Mine is warped from heat and had a crack in the top plastic and the bottom right edge of the screen tries to protrude from it's housing. It's a powerhouse but it's not rugged enough.
I'd rather they'd just stick to Switch. Its both handheld and home console plus it eliminated the need to make 2 of every game series (Mario, Mario Kart, etc.) for each system. I'd rather they'd spend their resources on making other games in much lesser known franchises and things like a new F Zero could become that bit more likely. Sure the 3DS is for the market that can't afford a Switch but unless a successor is not that much of a tech upgrade, its not going to be the same price. Not to mention starting all over again building a library.
If they really feel the 3DS line should continue, then just make a new model. Not 2DS, not smaller or bigger model, something like a 3DS Elite that improves in the usual areas but also allows for more downloads (Than the 300 you can have at one time), bigger SD Cards (And maybe on-board storage too) and heck, maybe even upscales your 3DS games into HD. XBONE Backwards compat makes original XBox and some 360 games look better than they ever had, why not do likewise to the 3DS line? Even if not all 3DS games can benefit, you can still allow 3rd parties to create patches their their games to benefit the new model. Hell, even a cable to connect it to a TV to at least show the top screen on a TV could also give the system a few more years of life.
@Crono1973 Honestly if the second screen is all they're worried about maybe they should figure out a way to refine the Switch's design with a dual screen clamshell design instead. If they can incorporate that into the Switch's existing design it would better function as a handheld and it'd be a much more effective hybrid system.
As for how, I was thinking maybe instead of one tablet screen they could have two screens that could fold and even detach from each other, with the Joycons attaching in various configurations. This would solve a lot of problems with the Switch current design that prevent it from being an effective handheld and 3DS replacement, it could fold and fit in your pocket easier, they could design dual screens again, and you could put one screen in your dock and leave one out and still have a touch screen to use when you're playing on your TV. Would also open up new possibilities for co-op since each player could have a Joycon and their own screen. If they can pull something like that off there'd be no need for a separate 3DS successor. The Switch would be able to do everything the 3DS and Wii U can at that point.
@cyberlocc No one is saying that the Switch is JUST a console, it's a console and a portable. However, Nintendo has shown that the Switch has replaced the Wii U and not the 3DS.
Dudes! Imagine if Nintendo started making smartphones. Their stock would skyrocket!
@Crono1973 No Nintendo didn't show us that, they showed us the opposite you just don't want to see it.
Pokemon is a handheld only exclusive, it's now on Switch, both Let's Go and the 2019 game are switch exclusives. That is a replacement for the 3ds, which is not getting either Pokemon game.
3ds games have been being ported over, Nintendo has started selling dockless switches in Japan (handheld only) the writing is on the wall.
@cyberlocc Nintendo has started selling dockless switches in Japan (handheld only) the writing is on the wall.
These dockless Switches don't work with the dock at all?
Get this man a doctor, he's clearly ill!
They're barely pumping out enough games for the Switch and they want to divide their game development teams in two more or less?
Switch is a powerful handheld but pretty mediocre as a home console if I can be candid and coming out with a 3ds successor would really kill the point of the switch. "You can play it on your TV." Is a neat novelty but that appeal would be cannibalized if they release something comparable in strength to the switch for cheaper as a handheld only device. For 300 bucks the switch costs maybe 180 to build and it comes with an 80 dollar dock and 80 dollar controllers so taking those out you can theoretically come out with something comparable but 100 dollars cheaper.
Please don't, Nintendo. Your first party output for the Switch is already pretty meh. Don't make it worse.
@Yorumi I have addressed this multiple times. The 3DS offers different gameplay possibilities with it's second screen. Also some people prefer the clamshell design and even the XL is more portable than the Switch.
@Crono1973 No it can be connected to a dock. Why would you do that exactly?
You think those people are saying ya, let's buy the dockless switch for 250, then let's buy a dock for another 100 dollars.
Save 50 to spend 100 hmm ya that's a real brainy move.
There will be a Switch mini, there will not be a HDS/New New 3DS ECT. There is no point most people don't like the dual screens, very very few like the 3d even the 3d TV's are no longer a thing.
At best there may be a VRDS, a dedicated VR Console. There is no place in the industry for a 3DS, if there was and there would be another Pokemon wouldn't go to the switch and games wouldn't have stopped for the 3ds.
They did this exact same thing when the DS came out, talks of 3rd pillars, Gameboy replacements ECT. It never happened.
A smaller, cheaper, more portable Switch down the line, to sit alongside the regular version would be an absolute money-printing beast. Nintendo would have Switch, Switch Lite and Mobile. A very elegant eco-system that has pretty much everything covered and that a new 3DS just doesn't fit into. It would be redundant. Not to mention the fact that, after the 3DS, Nintendo isn't touching 3D with a barge-pole for a very long time, and you could say the same for dual screens after the Wii U. Neither feature is worth pursuing at this point.
I'm with many and think that there will likely be some sort of Switch Mini or Switch Lite at some point. I'm also welcome to the possibility of a 3DS successor, but I'm almost sure that any Nintendo handheld from this point forward will have some sort of Switch integration.
There is no new dedicated handheld 3DS successor in the horizon. Of course, Nintendo will never shut down the possibility of a dedicated handheld 3DS successor, but there isn't one.
As someone who has almost zero interest i the Switch (almost no games I want to play on it), it sounds like a really good idea.
If they could do the 3ds successer and keep the price point the latest one has now that would be cool. I think if a 3ds successer is going to be its own pillar then in name/label and practice/game market it should distant itself from the switch so there is no confusion over what game works on which console and what niche each handheld is clearly for.
Don't get me wrong there should absolutely be crossplay with appropriate games and if the 4ds could be used as a controller for switch, or joycons can be used to play the 4ds DSU(ultimate) even better.
I've think something really cool and what could be the ultimate exclusive feature for the 4ds or DSU would be build your own clamshell design.
So basically the clamshell design is build able and breakable as in you can disconnect it. Each segement holds the tech to run games on its own as well as have their own 4ds catridge slot. Bottom screens naturally would hold all the buttons but joy cons or wireless switch controllers could be used to play the top screen(or slid into the top screen(joycons)) with games that offer local play on just one clam.
Players could buy the default DSU bundle which comes with a DSU catridge slot screen on top and a 3ds catridge slot and screen on bottom but they could buy additional clamshell screens for 65 or 70 bucks to mix and match catridge support options.The rule would be for all or most DSU/4ds fully fledged games two screens would be used or required and the proccesing power would combine for the best horsepower but alternatively weaker DSU games players could disconnect their "clam" for local multiplayer just like joy cons which this idea is partially inspired from, although this may be impossible or it could make the console weaker I assume? Or maybe this is just too complicated.
@cyberlocc I was under the impression that they were selling them to people who didn't need more than one dock. Like a household with multiple Switch's but they all share one dock.
I could see this happening exclusively for the Chinese market, otherwise they are just competing against themselves.
Switch remains the only major new handheld on the market, why would Nintendo damage their own sales? It makes no sense.
@Yorumi What are you arguing? That you want a redesigned Switch with dual screens and a clamshell design? That's fine but it would still be in the DS Line due to the...dual screens.
WHY??????
@Crono1973 It's a mix of both, however more so the handheld.
If it was about the multi switches with 1 dock, then why not release them in the US? They only released the dockless in Japan where the telemetry is showing 90% of switch use is handheld. Japan doesn't like home consoles they are where the handheld market really shines.
Besides that, why but multiple switches if the intention is not handheld use? You can share the dock at the same time, so 1 switch is all that's need. Saves are on accounts of which you have 8.
The only reason to have 2 switches is if 2 people want to play at the same time, you ain't doing that with 1 dock, unless your playing handheld.
Yes, the dock-less Switch in Japan is the same switch, it's not portable only and will connect to a dock just like every other Switch. It's similar to selling the SNES with one controller instead of two. You can buy a second controller separately and it will work since the SNES unit was exactly the same.
Oddly the dock-less Switch does not come with a power cable so it seems like it is intended as a second unit for a household that already has a dock.
I would love to see the 3DS get a proper successor as one who love the stereoscopic 3D effect it would stink if Nintendo just let it go, there are so many games I play on my Switch that I think man this would be amazing in 3D. I definitely hope we get another dedicated handheld 3D machine from Nintendo.. Bring it on Nintendo .
@Crono1973 it's nothing like selling a SNES with 2 controllers. Your bias is showing....
Japan wants a handheld only system that's what they got. People don't have a place to out a TV in Japan, that's why they want handhelds.
The point of the dockless switch is to be a handheld only system with a slight discount. Nothing more. And you know that, that's why you didn't quote me after you flat out ignored the last post.
A switch mini would be a preferabpe choice. And they thought about that, and they waited for the telemetry. It told them there is a huge market of people that use a switch as only a handheld.
Now we just have to wait for a hardware revision, in the mean time a dockless switch was a easy temporary fix.
wait if they are making a new portable does that mean they will make a home console too... or do i have to keep hearing how its perfectly acceptable that switch cant do games like Crash at 1080p because it is in fact a portable... Sorry I am unlike most Switch gamers. I am playing my switch 90% docked and if I could give up that last 10% for 1080p I gladly would.
The Switch has already missed on some games that should've been announced for it in favor of 3DS. If Nintendo makes a successor to the 3DS line I'm going to be seriously re-thinking my decision to have bought the Switch. It's an awesome machine and it had one of the best first years but this year has been very quiet and I don't trust Nintendo to be able to support two systems and the big third party games, even if they were starting to show up on Switch, would still be purchased mostly for PS4 or Xbox One and with PS5 and the next Xbox not too far away third party will again be very weak on Nintendo's 'home' system anyway (which is exactly what Switch will be if 3DS gets a true successor). Not really liking this from my experience with Nintendo when its had to support two platforms, although from the business side, can't argue, it's completely understandable.
@CrazyOtto Same... I hope they mean switch mini because buying a Nintendo system basically means buying Nintendo first party games mainly, then I don't need Nintendo splitting the games onto two consoles.
@Gamer83 That was because those games were already way to far into development for the 3DS. That wont happen anymore don't worry.
@cyberlocc My bias is showing?
It's a fact that the dock-less Switch is not portable only. It works with a dock. All the articles I have read say that it is intended as a second Switch. It's even called the 2nd Unit.
Known as the Switch 2nd Unit Set, the new SKU being marketed towards households that already have one Switch with a dock.
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-05-24-nintendo-offers-dockless-nintendo-switch-in-japan
It's just a different SKU just like selling a console with a one controller instead of two.
@Hughesy Maybe they want to make a 480p system. Graphics don't matter only gameplay does. Basically Nintendo should have just stopped making systems with the wii and only focused on games.
@N64SNESU This, love the dual screen design with the lower touch sensitive screen providing maps, additional "buttons" etc.
Well, with over 60 million 3DS handhelds sold I do not see why Nintendo should give up that market. An affordable handheld would not be a bad thing.
Things that we need to remember:
1. Super Mario Party can use Two Switch tablets to connect the screen. (Dual Screen)
2. Games that released on BOTH 3DS & Switch lately.
Did i think about Fusion of 3DS & Switch ?
Where's @NEStalgia ? I seem to remember he had some very intelligent and insightful comments as to why the idea of a new 3DS in a Switchy world would be redundant.
@Crono1973 It's not marketed as a second switch lol.
Why would you market it as a second switch in a country that does not play docked mode?
Stop reading fake news look at facts lol. Just because you read it on the internet doesn't make it true.
Is that also not the same place that had been reported hundreds of times for not being able to read japense? They don't know what they are talking about, they can't even read the marketing lol.
Once again the glaring issue is they say "for a second house that already has a dock" the telemetry tells us they don't use the dock in Japan.
@cyberlocc
If 3DS gets a successor, Switch takes the backseat. That's my concern. It will render the Switch damn near pointless and if things play out the way I expect they would, Nintendo should've just made an actual home console that was a huge step up from the PS4 and Xbox One and powerful that it wouldn't be totally buried by Sony's and MS' next hardware.
Kimishima said these exact same words last year when the Switch was only a few months old: "various possibilities" regarding a dedicated handheld 3DS successor were being explored, but they currently have nothing to announce.
I can't wait until 2019 when Furukawa once again makes these exact same comments ("We are exploring 'various possibilities' regarding a dedicated handheld 3DS successor, but we currently have nothing to announce blah blah blah")...
@cyberlocc So it's not called a Second Unit on the box?
https://topics.nintendo.co.jp/c/article/3063da9b-5c8b-11e8-b311-063b7ac45a6d.html
The box literally says: 'Nintendo Switch 2nd set' according to Google Translate.
@Gamer83 It won't happen, the telemetry tells us the reality.
People are reading fake news and PR spins and letting them get excited.
This is the DS will not replace the GBA all over again. Even the same PR words used "We are exploring possibilities for the GBA".
They don't want to butcher the little 3DS sales they still have. Give a few months this statement will go away.
3DS/2DS sales are down 38%
3DS/2DS software sales are down 55%
Why would you jeopradize the selling console with the not selling one.
@Crono1973 That is loosely translated and could mean alot of things. Like I said look at data, the data says they don't use docks.
If it was JUST a second switch item, then not sell the sku in the US or EU? Because there telemetry says they do use docks lol.
No sense in arguing with people with bias. I'm done.
A 480p successor (that way not needing to "stretch" the graphics when playing 3DS games) to the 3DS would be perfectly fine to me (no need for 720p graphics IMO).
Just keep the clamshell design and (if technically possible) add a right circle pad/stick.
Edit: Oh and keep the stable 3D effect of the New 3DS.
@cyberlocc Of course you are done, you're wrong and you don't like it. The dock-less Switch is intended to be a second unit for a household that doesn't need two docks or two charging cables. It's says '2nd Set' on the box.
That's not bias, it's the truth. You are just angry because it isn't 'portable only'. You are angry because it isn't the Switch Mini that you want it to be, it's just another SKU like any other bundle.
I've never thought the Switch was intended to be a replacement for 3ds. That's utter ridiculous to kill a revenue stream. Support always drops off when a console is near it's end, but I don't think Switch was intended to replace 3ds. Nintendo has said as much, but since companies lie to protect other products all the time, no one took them at their word regarding the Switch not replacing the 3ds (since it was near the end of life for 3ds & support was slowing, as is typical, while a new console was getting massive support, as new consoles tend to do, which many took as evidence over Nintendo's word).
The portable systems fulfill needs that consoles, even the Switch, don't fill. I truly hope it continues to have stereoscopic 3d, else I likely won't be getting it, as that's the sole reason I own any portable. Nintendo rarely continues a gimmick from one system to the next, unless the system has great sales (like the motion control stayed, even if just by allowing the wiimotes on the wii U. It is in full force on switch). Maybe the 3d had the same status as motion control because of sales of 3ds, hopefully? The fact that Nintendo allowed games w/o 3d (unlike motion control on wii that 3rd party had to support), & even made games themselves w/o it means it's unlikely. Pokemon X/Y I hoped was an exception, & the M&L game was a remake, but Pikmin clearly just showed they didn't support 3d & design a game around it for whatever reason. Many don't care for the 3d, or about it, but there are lots like myself that it is a "make or break" issue for, but I don't know how many in the larger scheme of things, or if Nintendo knows (or cares) about us.
The Switch will basically fulfill the need of laying in the bed playing games for me versus buying a new system, especially w new consoles coming out around the same time most likely. Games made for portables are just different (in a good way, for me, but the 3d makes a massive difference to my immersion, & therefore my enjoyment of games). i just don't enjoy games like Zelda that were made for home consoles, where you need to see a far distance away & the small screen doesn't do it justice. The draw distance can be great in handheld mode, yet it all feels too small for some reason. Even the text in some games made for console is just too small in handheld mode. I can play them, obviously, but I enjoy them more on my TV & I feel like I am wasting those moments if I experience them first in handheld, so I wait until I can play on TV as opposed to playing in handheld mode. Games like Hollow Knight are fine in handheld mode. When I play 3ds games, which seem to always be optimized for smaller screen, I never feel like I'd rather play them on bigger screen (except Xenoblade Chronicles, but I did play it first on a tv on wii, so I'm not sure if that had any affect). It just seems too apparent when a game is created for one platform or the other, & I don't want to sacrifice the "experience" by playing other than it was intended or created.
Doubt anyone will read the comments this far down but... yeah, this is just PR talk. If the 3DS was getting a successor, they wouldn’t be considering it right now, they’d be pretty far into development of it. Systems take years to develop and the 3DS is already in life support. Remember when DS wasn’t gonna replace GBA? Oh wait.
@shgamer 480p! Youre a tech monster... you own a blackberry too?
@Crono1973 I'm not wrong, you are using loose and wrong translations to back up fact against actual factual Data.
You shown time and time again you have a severe bias in obtaining a 3ds replacement that isn't a switch.
There is no sense talking someone who refutes facts, you have shown emotion in your posts, and are refusing facts.
@ShadJV FYI, the newer comment go to top.
edit: on the first screen on mobile, at least. I see once u click on comments to see them all, it's in order.
@cyberlocc You keep telling me that my translation is wrong but you never tell me what you think the correct translation is.
@twztid13 Ya but the Switch is getting the handheld games too.
Since you named some JRPGs I assume you are a fan of them like me.
So Octopath? If the 3DS was going to continue that should have went to 3ds. It's horrid in docked mode, it's a handheld only game. It didn't go to 3ds because 3ds is done.
@cyberlocc
I obviously don't know what will happen. Just stating how I'll feel if this does come to pass and Nintendo makes a 3DS successor. Part of the reason I like the Switch is the hybrid nature and it seemed Nintendo was finally going to put all its big games on one platform (its shown time and again in recent years that it can't support two). If that's not going to be the case, I'm going to be a bit disappointed but of course I'll get over it and just trade my Switch in for the portable system that will actually get games.
@Crono1973 the translation is it's a second switch sku. Not a second console for your home sku.
Just like a PS4 slim is a second sku, or the Xbox S. Some small changes and a new sku.
@cyberlocc Octopath looks the same in handheld. 3ds is at end of life, as i said. A successor means a new handheld system.
Edit: Octopath looks horrid either way & should have unique art style instead of 16 bit garbage that I can't get away from that i have wanted to get past since the 80's.
@Gamer83 How will they find new games for a new system? new ports. That will make everyone happy.
@cyberlocc No difference.
@twztid13 it doesn't look the same in handheld lol.
When you play it docked you see the choppy graphics that are not so choppy on the tiny screen. It's like playing Pokemon blue on a TV it's obvious it wasn't designs for such a large screen.
Just like he said.
@Crono1973 There is a massive difference. You are trying to frame it as Japan uses the dock, but this sku is to add a second console and use the first dock.
That is false, they don't use the dock at all in Japan. Whether it's the first switch or 5th in the house, they don't use docks.
This is exactly why that Sku isn't coming here. We do use Docks in the US.
And don't say "People in the US don't buy more switches" as I sit here owning 3, and everyone I know has at least 2.
@cyberlocc Look, Nintendo refers to it on the box as a second unit and they don't include a power cord. They obviously intend you to use your first dock or power cord to charge your second unit.
@Crono1973 They do include the power cord...
They don't include a dock that's it.
A power cord is 40, why would you even buy it at that point it's the same price as the normal sku, lol.
The early reports said no power cord, by the pictures that is fake news. The actual units do have a power cord.
@sixrings A moment thought you meant Raspberry (pi). No it's some kind of mobile phone I think.
But on Raspberry; I've homebrewed my PSP with a ZX Spectrum emulator and it's fantastic, it's like the ZX Spectrum Vega + I will probably never recieve even though I paid for it.
@cyberlocc my bad, I misread ur comment thinking u said it looks bad in handheld (like most games & like my comment had examples of). I played the 1st demo in docked & was disappointed because I hate the artsyle so may have overlooked the things i wouldn't otherwise. I played the newest in handheld & it looked the same to me (which i thought u were saying looked bad), but again i may have ignored previous issues in docked mode & haven't played the newest in docked mode.
@cyberlocc No, you're wrong. It doesn't come with a power cord.
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/05/a_cheaper_customisable_nintendo_switch_2nd_set_has_launched_in_japan_without_a_dock
@Crono1973 that was proven false when they actually started selling. That was based off the photos provided only.
It has a power cord, and joycons and the tablet. It doesn't have the controller grip, nor the dock, that's all.
Nintendo just messed up. Because people that are buying them are showing power cords.
Furthermore once again, you are ignoring telemetry they DO NOT USE DOCKS IN JAPAN! I don't know how many other ways to put that. You just keep trying to step around the facts.
@cyberlocc Ok well that's good. Still it is called a Second Set and if Nintendo intended it to be the primary set then they wouldn't call it the Second Set. That it fully supports the dock means it's the same Switch but there is less in the box. That's not the Switch Mini many want.
Furthermore once again, you are ignoring telemetry they DO NOT USE DOCKS IN JAPAN! I don't know how many other ways to put that. You just keep trying to step around the facts.
It's because I just don't care about that. I am looking at what Nintendo is actually doing and what they are actually doing is selling a dock-less Switch that THEY call a Second Set.
@Crono1973 good question! I think they can let that up to you:
Display only the top screen or both and in either case the rich screen is usable in the 3ds
@Crono1973 Oh it 110% is not the switch mini that everyone wants.
But that will come, likely with Mariko. They get bigger fish they have to revise to stop the hacking first, the mini is the after thought.
@twztid13 It just looks overblown super pixelated, it just doesn't feel right you know what I mean.
@cyberlocc @Crono1973
So, this second Switch. Why get it if you aren’t planning to play in portable mode? Gonna jam them both into one dock or not? If there is data that shows Japanese players play it portable 90% of the time who cares what the box says?
As far as I can tell, @Crono1973 has one requirement to make something a successor to the 3DS: two screens. Nothing else matters. If it’s cheaper than a 3DS, portable only, has twice the battery life with a 3D screen and plays old DS and 3DS games with a button to toggle the ONE beautiful screen to show what’s on either screen but also plays most Switch games, it will be a successor to Switch and or GameBoy and not 3DS.
That’s fine but there is no way Nintendo execs are limiting their vocabulary that way. Can you imagine the discussions of possibilities? “Only two screens will work. It’s a two screen market.”
@aaronsullivan So, this second Switch. Why get it if you aren’t planning to play in portable mode? Gonna jam them both into one dock or not? If there is data that shows Japanese players play it portable 90% of the time who cares what the box says?
Obviously both can use the dock but not at the same time. Consider this. You and your spouse each have one but you saved a little money buying the dock-less one. Both of you can play on the TV at separate times.
Now imagine a Switch that really was portable only. You would actually be stuck playing in portable mode. I don't think Nintendo wants that and so they call it a Second Set.
Do it. I would love a more portable console
@Crono1973 If you both can't play at the same time then what's the point? Can't use the dock at the same time.
You can both play on the TV at separate times on the same switch there is no reason for a second switch.
If you can afford to buy a second switch you likely have 2 TV's, so both could play on 2 different TV's on 2 different docks.
@aaronsullivan The thing, there was tons of polls about this.
People don't like 2 screens, people don't like 3D.
People do like better graphics.
Which makes the switch a clear win. The switch is showing that with being the fastest selling console since the Wii. The 3ds is not competition.
On top of that, you can afford 2 HD screens, they can't fit that kind of hardware into the size of a 3DS. The size would be larger and the price would be double what the 3DS was, it would cost more than a switch.
So... I think there's actually potential for this to be a cool thing. I don't necessarily think it will happen, but it'd be cool.
To start off with, I like the idea of a 3DS successor on paper. The 3DS (even the 3DS XL model) fits in my pocket, the Switch does not. The Switch only lasts about 3 hours without needing a charge again, my 3DS goes much longer than that. The 3DS has two screens, one of them being a touch screen; the Switch's touch screen is completely useless in docked mode. The 3DS has an accessible mic that has been used for some fun gimmicks in games, the Switch's mic port is only accessible if you're not playing docked.
So I think there is still room (in my lifestyle, at least) for there to be a 3DS successor, but what if it wasn't just that? What if it took a page from the GBA/Gamecube days or Smash Bros. 4 and ran with it? What it it was a Switch controller peripheral that could also play its own games?
If this 3DS successor was basically the Switch's equivalent of the Wii U controller, that would open so many possibilities. We could port more Wii U gems, we could continue with ideas and forms set forth in the Wii U entries of franchises. We could have auxiliary screens, we could have asynchronous gameplay. We could have a device that could handle/continue the 3D effects of the 3DS games and allow us to keep that back-catalog we have built up relevant.
And depending on how the Nintendo online service works out and what that retro game library ends up looking like, what if it could connect to the service and play the games and because it's cloud saved, it'd sync the saves and when you pulled it up on the Switch, your progress would be there and vice versa?
And there's more, but I'm already quite long-winded on this. >.<;
Basically, I think there's some cool possibility that could come from a 3DS successor, but I'm not holding my breath.
@cyberlocc I don't understand the question here. Are you saying that you don't understand why someone would buy a second set because they can't ALWAYS play on the TV?
Just forget it. Nintendo calls it a second set and that is that.
@DawgP Except like I just said, none of that will happen with a new 3DS.
It won't be as small as the old one, 2 HD screens won't have better battery life it will be worse.
240p isn't going to cut it anymore, they can't release another 240p system, and anything more takes more expensive screens, more advanced hardware ECT. They went as far as they can with the 3ds.
@Crono1973 Wait, did you just say "you don't understand why you would buy a second you can't play on the TV all the time".
No I do, you don't. You buy a second to play in handheld mode while someone else plays on the TV, or to play it as handheld only. That was the original argument, you said it's not for handheld it's for second.
Now you say, it's for handheld. Make up your mind lol. The only point to it is to use it as a handheld, period. There is no reason to buy a second switch with no dock if you aren't using it as a Handheld.
Releasing another system alongside the Switch would be the stupidest thing Nintendo have ever done. If you want Nintendo to be making games for other systems in a few years, wish for that.
@electrolite77 you're probably right:)
@cyberlocc I said that it can be used for both BECAUSE it's a second set and you already own a dock. You seem to insist that the only purpose for a Switch in Japan is for handheld play and obviously Nintendo doesn't see it like that.
I would like to see a Switch ecosystem expanded with ”dockless Switch”, a ”Switchless Dock”(I mean a dock, that has the soc built in), and later perhaps a new iteration of Switch, that has a 3d screen.
Expand, but keep the compatibility.
if a successor to the Nintendo 3DS is coming maybe it will be a smartphone version of it. that will make it a must buy....or better yet, a best buy...
@Crono1973 Nintendo does see it like that, because they see there own telemetry that shows people in Japan don't use the docks...
If that was true, why not release it in the states, where we do use the docks?
@cyberlocc Then why did they call it the Second Set?
I really don't see the point in Nintendo competing with themselves in the handheld market. Do they really need two handheld platforms at once? I mean that is already the situation with the 3DS right now, but at least that makes sense considering how the 3DS has been long established.
@FragRed That is definitely the problem with them competing with themselves in the handheld market. I mean they are already struggling to maintain the momentum they had last year with the Switch, do they really want to be trying to hype up another new platform at the same time? This isn't like it was in the past when they had dedicated home and handheld consoles, they now have a console that succeeds at being both of those things. I just don't see them having the strength to pull this off, something is going to be poorly supported as a result and portability is going to be a poor sales pitch when their existing new platform is already portable.
This literally wouldn’t make any sense. Like, why? The Switch is both, stick to the Switch please.
@Haywired he's playing Xenoblade Chronicles 2, sushi striker, ys, and Wolfenstein almost all at the same time in his switch. Do not disturb.
Seriously though, all past reasons aside, what would a new 3ds accomplish, and who would be it's customer when a switch already does everything 3ds was meant to do (3d aside). Switch is a the newest game boy and the newest ds. It does the same thing for the same audience. 2 screen gaming is a project they've used for many years but Nintendo doesn't stick with a particular gimmick long, and wiiu kind of soiled the concept a bit. Now they have one machine, one manufacturing pipeline, one dev and licensing pipeline, and can reach all segments of Nintendo's market with it. A win for Nintendo and 3p developers. And consumers need only one device to play Nintendo games on, a win for gamers. 3ds still sells as a very cheap system with ready made games a mile long and they'll sell it until it won't sell, but there really is no advantage for anyone to continue dedicated portables now that tech had caught up to make it unnecessary. Nobody wins with Nintendo splitting efforts between a bespoke portable and"the good one". Now that the 3ds oriented 3rd parties are moving to switch as Japan overall adopts switch rapidly it's clear that's being accepted as the 3ds successor.
Now the only real missing link from gb and ds to switch is the smaller form factor for pocketability. A new sku for a pocket sized console very well may still be made, but it would be a switch inside and would run switch games for certain. Much like 3ds and 3dsxl were the same hardware in 2 different sizes, a cheaper Switch Pocket or such is very believable to likely. If it were cheaper it would also not be dockable, and would be a dedicated handheld only. But as a platform it would would be a switch still. Nobody gains anything other than bc with another custom architecture handheld.
Just make the switch 2.0, 1080 p screen, beefier hardware, and a slot for 3ds games , boom .
I would love this
No. Nintendo spreads its resources too thin when they have to support multiple systems. Focus on Switch for the next 2-3 years then release an updated version with more ram, stronger chip set and dual screen that is backwards compatible. That is my hope anyway. Would also love to see them buy a couple more studios, one in the east and one in the west to help get more software support. Wish Retro was putting out more but that seems like a lost cause at this point.
As much as I love Nintendo's handhelds I'd much rather they used their resources for Switch only.
In a world of HD I felt their resources were spread too thinly with 3DS/Wii U...
@pjzelda Posted my comment then read yours! Totally agree...
@datamonkey You have to take into account that 3DS games are much cheaper to make than WiiU/Switch games. HD graphics are very costly to make.
If they made a 3DS successor double the resolution (480p compared to 240p) the games would still be fairly cheap to make (just look at how many games the Vita actually got/gets despite the fact that it was a commercial failure).
Edit: And 480p graphics would actually look really good on a screen the size of the 3DS XL's.
I think continuing to support 2 non-compatible systems would be a mistake. I'd rather see them retire the 3DS and expand the Switch lineup. Release a Switch Mini to cater to the entry level market, Christmas presents for children and such, and maybe add Switch Pro, with more storage and beefier specs when docked. I think the Mini would be the more important of the 2 to get to market, though.
That said, if Nintendo announces the HDS, or GameBoy HD, or anything of the sort, I'm gonna pre-order it, because I'm weak, and I have access to credit cards....
Switch doesnt need a friend. it's doing just fine without a partner
The successor should be a dock-less Switch. I want to see a Nintendo where its teams aren't divided between two consoles. I thought that we'd be there by now but the 3DS just keeps on going.
You can't even fill the schedule in the second year of your new console. Seems like a terrible idea.
I’d be up for it
"Mr Furukawa is of the belief the device still has advantages over the Switch and stated Nintendo was “considering various possibilities” in regards to a successor for the popular handheld device." meaning there could also be a Switch Lite or a Switch Mini, but either way, with Pokemon, the 3DS's highest selling series, moving to Switch, the 3DS is not only over, the successor has already hit store shelves, and it's named Switch!!
@Dezzy they really couldn't fill the first year, because look how many Wii U ports there were in 2017! Its biggest game, Zelda, was originally designed for Wii U!
@DBPirate actually, it doesn't. It's dropped so far in Japan that the top 20 games list usually only list Pokemon, and it's not even close to the Switch/PS4 in weekly sales. The only- ONLY place where it has a decent chance has been America, due to scalpers/collectors continually buying all those limited edition (practically every version is now a special edition something), but unlike what Reggie said, it has NOT increased in sales this calendar year, it's actually DECREASED from Jan-March, 2018 compared to Jan-March, 2017!
Headline is a little misleading. He just vaguely said “considering various possibilities", which could mean anything. It could just as well mean that they're not considering a new 3DS.
I see so many people and being obsessed with the switch. The switch is a great system with a very bright future. But at the moment the switch is a garbage machine. Full of third party shovelwear. The 3ds is also full of shovelwear but compared to the switch now it has a far more superior libary of games. With many AAA titels. The switch could be a superior machine if they release more AAA titels in the upcoming years. The 3DS is a TRUE handheld device. The switch is not. Its a hybrid console. They don’t care about what people like the most. They know the switch groupies buy any garbage the eshop releases anyway. Its all about money. If they could earn much more in releasing a 3ds succesor then they will. For me the whole design and the 3ds console is far more superior and prettier then the switch af the
Moment. Switch mini and switch xl? LOL sounds kinda silly, why downgrade a system. They might release a switch with better specs, thats more realistic. 2 console types can excist next to eachother without a problem. There are already signs about nintendo not killing the 3ds. They switch will never be a true handheld. For me the 3ds is far more better. Love my switch to! But to many crazy switch groupies who worship the gods with any piece of garbage game that is being released on it. And asking for any game to be ported to the switch. I hope the focus will be a little bit more on the 3ds again wich it deserves.
@Princessgina They downgraded the 3DS to a 2DS. Twice! Downgrading widens the market by being more affordable to more people.
I really love the 3DS too, still my favourite system of all time. StreetPass was great. Focus does seem to have shifted, though.
@Princessgina
AAA games are NOT everything.
I don't see any appeals from AAA games, mostly i felt disgusted by AAA games (That usually rated 18+ games).
I don't need AAA everyday.
I just only need Appropriate games, doesn't matter NON AAA or Almost Shovelware.
Oh, some games are maybe Shovelware for you but Gems for me.
@pika677 Wii U ports count as filling the year, most modern consoles are filled with last gen ports for its first few years. Outside of Captain Toad next month, what we know about the 2nd half of this year doesn't even have Wii U ports to fill in the droughts (though they may be announcements for future Directs).
I just though of something.
The switch mini as we are dubbing it is going to have to be a clamshell. It isn't going to be 2 screens, but they can't fit all the switch hardware in a smaller screen size. It's going to have to be a clamshell, with 1 screen.
Think like the Nvidia shield, the screen can then be smaller and the whole system can be. Not that it needs to be then, as the current switch tablet is fine it's the joycons that hurt portablitiy.
So odds are high people will get their clamshell dreams in the switch mini. Though 2 screens won't happen and doesnt need to anyway.
In all honesty they could make a clamshell joycon that's uses the rails for the current switch. It would make it more portable would be easy to do, and would give everyone there clamshell. They could stuff in a huge extra battery, It would also be detachable, so you could dock the switch, or use joycons. It would be top heavy, but such is life.
@pika677 I meant that they're still releasing games for it. Granted, a good chunk of them are remasters, but it's something.
If we get a clamshell switch, imma buy it.
The problem with a Switch Mini is that it's already hard to read the text in games like Skyrim in handheld mode on a normal Switch.
And besides how small should it be?
The Vita is already hardly pocketable (guess they could make it a clampshell design with the controls under the screen).
I still feel the ds catalog is untouchable. Make those games accessible in the next gen, all set.
@cyberlocc
"It's going to have to be a clamshell, with 1 screen."
GPD ?
@Anti-Matter Pretty much just like that ya.
I don't think they can make it smaller than it is right now. If you dissasemble a switch it's pretty much as small as space it can be.
I bet highly on a clamshell mod for the current switch with a big battery, everyone wins. The switch tablet is about the size a 3ds XL, slap on a bottom that is as thick adds a tad height it will be protable and have much more battery life. Without having to make another sku.
@cyberlocc
Oh, btw....
Check my post above.
What if the next 3DS is like on video above ?
If it has a clamshell design and plays 3DS games (doubtful, but I'm always hopeful), I'll be a happy camper.
Absolutely I would buy a successor to the 3DS!! I think there are many design changes they could implement while keeping the dual screens which is the most important thing. They could make it slimmer and a slide out second screen instead of the clamshell. They also need to ramp up the internals and give it more horsepower. If they were able to mirror whatever is released on the Switch and have exclusives to the handheld it could be great. The Switch is portable, but not a handheld console... it's a bit too big to be a handheld. I think they could be very successful with a new handheld as long as they don't do something stupid and make it for kids primarily.
@Haywired
Pretty much. People are overreacting to the vaguest of vague comments.
The hardware's not aged well, especially when you can get a more robust on-the-go experience with a Switch.
I really believe this is a mistake. It would be stupid to jeopardize Switch`s climbing install base by releasing another handheld system. For me, Switch is a excellent all in one system and Nintendo needs to put all of it`s efforts in raising that sales number, so they can get more and more developers on board, not f`ing it up by releasing the unnecessary competition by themselves.
Time for the Nintendo iPhone, complete with slide-out controller and buttons and exclusive games developed for the phone. Tackle mobile and keep a 2nd pillar of revenue beside the home console line.
@MegaTen We have that, it's called the Nintendo Switch.
That is the successor lol.
@Anti-Matter Except that is a Nintendo switch in a way.
Wiiu / 3ds in one, yep thats a switch.
The problem with that idea is a switch will never fit in that form factor. There is already battery complaints if they make it thicker than maybe, they could make it smaller with non detacheable joycons and the same battery life. We will have to see.
When you consider that the 2DS / New 2DS XL was a huge hit for many younger gamers because of its affordable price, smaller form factor, cheaper software and hardware, Nintendo should definitely consider making handhelds more accessable in the future, so I'm open for a new dedicated handheld from them.
@Inkling I don't know. If I have a Switch then the only thing that I want from Nintendo is a more powerful Switch. So why would I buy a handheld that is weaker than the Switch?
Also, with the Switch unifying the Console and Handheld ideas, then the company can put all their focus on making the gameplay work. For instance, was the Pikmin for 3DS a hit or did people pass?
@MegaTen But isn't that the Switch. Also, wouldn't having two systems mean dividing the focus on making a game great (i.e. Pokemon).
It’s a bit humorous that “Nintendo can’t support two devices” when Nintendo has been supporting two devices for almost thirty years.
A simpler cutdown switch hardware would work fine as a 3ds ... It purely comes down to the software side. What is the value of the second screen? Would they keep it compatible with 3ds games? It's a 3d screen still a thing?
They could do a souped up 3ds with a better screen, faster processor and even mobile network...
Would it be compatible with the switch - use it as a controller? The price point would need to be around half to work...
@NinChocolate "is that a modded NES30 stick?"
That it is! I have been getting back into fighting games and have been feeling really nostalgic about the arcade days so I ordered the NES30 along with Street Fighter 30th Anniversary. I replaced the buttons with Sanwa quiet buttons and the stick is a Seimitsu LS-32. It was a fun and easy project. I went with the red, white, and blue like the old Street Fighter II arcade cabinets. The stick certainly works a lot better for me than the joy-cons.
@MegaTen
"it's not the ideal portable gaming experience like we have experienced before."
I consider Switch as a Handheld rather than console since i can play it on the go oftenly rather than put it docked.
Size doesn't matter for me as long it's OFF TV = Handheld.
Btw, Not ideal on what aspect ?
I would like it if they just laid the 3ds to rest and focused on the switch. IDRC about the mobile phone games at all though. When I think Nintendo, I don't think about my phone.
@cyberlocc A bit like this? https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/01/amazon_switch_game_placeholders_add_more_weight_to_january_nintendo_direct_rumours#comment4282310
@rjejr and I were imagining this in January.
edit: No one is going to follow the link so I'll just repost my mock-up. The original post has more background on my thinking, though.
I love my 3DS, I still play it all the time. But I don't really believe we need the next generation of 3DS to come out yet. I feel like they should just focus on the Switch for the next couple of years while continuing to release select games on the 3DS.
Release games on the Switch that need the Switch's increased power/hardware, and release games on the 3DS that the 3DS can handle. As the Switch is both a home console and a handheld, and with the Switch having been released not that long ago, and with the absolute need of supporting the Switch, why put time and effort into developing another handheld system?
Put your main focus on the Switch. We don't need another WiiU mishap. The 3DS is fine for at least the next couple of years.
@Crono1973 Besides Nintendo sharing that it use is observed to be about half and half between docked and portable overall, I'm finding your scenario pretty absurd to suggest that one would buy a second Switch only to swap it out with another to play in the dock. If it is going to remain in the dock, just make a new account and save $230.
It seems to be trending away from portable as the preferred method? At least that's one way to read it and comparing it to this article from October last year:
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/10/nintendo_gamers_prefer_using_switch_as_a_handheld_rather_than_docked
The bottom line is this. The Switch lacks the classic games. The 3DS already has a ton of classic games available. A true 3DS successor would bridge the gap and allow us to play those same classic games not only on a portable device but also through HDMI on our big screen TVs. Let's be honest, what we want is the ability to play our favorite games either on the go or on a big screen.
All of you got it wrong. Keep up with technology people!
Samsung had been developing a foldable screen for a long time. It will be used in a future phone. No doubt Nintendo will use this for their clamshell console too.
I hope it's dual screen.
A clamshell type switch-compatible system or a backwards-compatible 3DS-like system with a higher resolution, either would be fine by me.
@ecco6t9
And how many generations did they support two systems successfully? Two. How many systems did the home system fail? Three. And two of those failures were with SD Home systems and mainly 2D portables.
None of their competitors try to support two systems. Nintendo trying to do so now would be an absolute disaster.
The best thing Nintendo could do is to take the modular design of the Switch and expand on it.
Make a core console that can be connected to different screens and game card ports.
You want a Switch? You buy a the core console and the Switch unit (screen, card reader and controllers)
You want a 3DS? You buy a the core console and the 3DS unit (screen, card reader, and controllers)
You want a Wii? You buy a the core console and the 3DS unit (HDMI, CD reader and controllers)
Next generation? Just release a new core console with better hardware and off we go.
The module upgrade of Core, Battery and system setup can help to keep the price down. And offer a wide range of options.
"and eventually make mobile platforms a main pillar of revenue"
I need to hurl! Rip Nintendo!
On a 3DS succesor: Told ya guys! Its gonna happen, sooner then you think. I think its already very far in development. We may even see it at E3 2019. Funny thing, it may have more interesting first-party games then the Switch. Oh dear...
Well, if the price is right and the games are good I'll buy it anyway. Its just that they should give the Switch more love. But Switch as the one and only device, that was never gonna happen!
I could totally go for a new clamshell that was backwards compatible with GB/GBA/DS/3DS/Switch game cards. That would be almost perfect actually: I don't like the looseness and 'give' of the joy cons in handheld mode that's there in the sides.
@Anti-Matter with AAA games i mean a a variety of games. Such good rpg’s animal crossing, story of seasons, just a very good libary with different kinda games in the taste for every player. Like the 3ds has. Some games on the switch right now are fine. But most of it is still shovelwear. And if you like that kinda games fine. But it still makes it shovelwear games. Use to produce low selling price.
@Henmii
There won't be a dedicated handheld 3DS successor at E3 2019. It doesn't exist.
I love it when people misconstrue vague speculation as total fact...
I’d hope the Switch games would be compatible. I’d be totally ok with a “Switch Mini” that had the performance of the Switch but a single screen hinges design similar to the DS line that didn’t have the switches removable controls. Perhaps a smaller 720p display too to improve pocket ability.
I do hope whatever they do isn’t a new platform that’d not Switch compatible. It’d mean undoing so much great work.
I'm hoping it does lead to a 3DS successor, not in the sense of just another iteration but a completely new type of handheld.
Switch is Nintendo's home console, so there will be another handheld console. It's as simple as that. Handhelds are the thing that they've been consistently market-leaders with since they started making them and I can't see them stopping just because their home console blurs the line between the two a bit. A competitor might come in and take over.
I think some people have just read the misleading headline and are now like "3DS successor confirmed!" He doesn't actually say anything of the sort. Though there will almost certainly be a 3DS successor, and it will be the Switch Lite. Why would Nintendo unify their home and handheld divisions only to just disunify them? If, as @cyberlocc said, 90% of Japanese gamers (even without the inevitable smaller, more portable Switch Lite) use the Switch as a handheld, then they clearly already see it as a handheld (as if Pokémon on the Switch wasn't confirmation enough). So why would Nintendo release a second separate handheld to compete with their own product? The Switch, Switch Lite and Mobile will have pretty much everything covered.
Don't... I'm an ultra huge Ninty fan and I really feel Ninty should just make a console that's up there ... Portable not really working (Wolfenstein 2 res and FPS are bad) so if the switch can't handle alot from that don't bother... Just make a GameCube 2.0, has lots of power like the X and get those third parties in! Make games look beyond and with a normal controller... Me personally, I can't stand the 3ds, things like Samus returns and Luigi's mansion games and so many others are wasted on it... That tech demo for Zelda for the WiiU looked amazing but we never got it, make that but way more please.
Don't neglect franchises either and no gaming droughts like what we have had with WiiU and Switch
@Henmii
Have you been drinking? There isn’t a 3DS successor, there isn’t going to be one, and nothing here suggests here will be. Did you even read the article?
@Haywired
“Though there will almost certainly be a 3DS successor, and it will be the Switch Lite. ”
The only statement that makes sense.
@acavier
3DS games would look absolutely awful on a big TV. They look bad enough on the 3DS.
@gatorboi352 Oh it's bound to fail, isn't it?
Please no. I don’t want two systems.
@N64SNESU
??
what do you consider a portable console?
the switch really isn't any bigger than a lynx or game gear.
@electrolite77 I wouldn't dismiss the possibility of a true 3DS successor (e.g. a 480p 3DS-like device), this is Nintendo we're talking about.
The only problem I see with focusing solely on the Switch is the price point. No way can most families afford multiple Switches in their budgets. If the 3DS successor were a smaller Switch (perhaps without removable controllers, cause some kids aren't gentle. . .mine certainly aren't) and if some sort of game share set up existed, I guess it could work. But with Switch graphics, would the price of the smaller units still be low enough? Plus are families going to spring for the more expensive Switch titles, even with a game share set up?
Would be a very smart business move... here in Ireland the 3ds still sells a lot!
Nintendo could do with something more child-friendly once the DS range has run its course.
2/3DS is still selling 6 million a year and they're only competing with themselves if you consider the Switch's portable capabilities, so there's probably no immediate rush.
It may well come if Sony or Microsoft announce any handheld component of their next consoles.
I hope it outputs at 720p, is backwards compatible with 3DS games with upscaling, and can display games in 3D! Call it a useless feature all you want, there are dorks like me who use it all the time!
@sword_9mm something I can fit in my pocket, no bigger than a 3ds XL.
@KayFiOS yeah I love playing in 3d too
@aaronsullivan Happy 4th of July month.
I skipped this one, kind of laying low this summer.
They really shouldn't make another 3DS, those kickstarter guys making the vertical holder show how to turn the Switch into a dual screen 3/DS if a company really wants to make dual screen games. Nintneod obviously doesn't or it wouldn't have removed the Gamepad screen from BotW and made a Swtich dock into a toaster.
Have you seen the new Amazon Fire dock for $35? It turns the 8" Fire tablet, that I bought my wife at Target for $50 for Christmas, into a Sony Dash/Chumby. Or a $220 Amazon Show. The thing the Wii U Gamepad should have been from the start - a clock, calendar, digital picture frame - and the Switch should be in it's dock. But Nintendo sucks at everything except games.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07BNXZDJ3/ref=ods_gw_h1_desk_zsds_announce_apos_renderB?pf_rd_p=ba22a555-92b9-4793-af02-01526f2885b5&pf_rd_r=DR27PCM8MAXPQN1CA6TY
There are so many indies on Switch nobody should be complaining Switch is too difficult or expensive to program for, even at 720p or 1080p. Too difficult to port a home console game too maybe, but not for the indies. So they don't need a 480p system. Even most phones are 720p at this point, even the $100 ones. I only buy phones under $100 but only w/ 720p screens. So programmers don't need an inferior device to make games on.
So yes, they need a replacement for the $199 3DS XL and even more importantly the $79 2DS for Frozen 2: The Game next holiday. But it should really be a Switch Mini, Switch Advance. I'm not even sold on the clam shell design either. Yes, it's a benefit, but so many people have tablets in covers these days, just make one of those, a foldable cover.
If they can turn the $179 3DS into a $79 2DS they can turn the $299 Switch - $100 of which is the Dock, Grip, straps and HDMI cable - into a $150 no-TV out Switch Mini so kids can play Pokemon Go. That's my story the past 2 years, haven't had a reason to change it yet.
If they do make a true successor on a different OS than Switch is running, why? As it said in the article, mobile is their 3DS successor. Any non-Swtich games can be on the billion mobile devices in the world. They milked 3DS enough, time to get all developers on board the Switch. Thing needs games. Have you seen that July-Aug-Nov article? Made it consider trading in my Switch, it's pretty pathetic. I dont' play any third party sports, fighting or FPS shooter games, and I won't play RDR2 either, but Switch is still very light in AAA games. E3 was depressing.
@Nincompoop "Samsung had been developing a foldable screen"
New Microsoft pocket Surface is rumoured to have that as well.
https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/29/17518582/microsoft-surface-dual-screen-andromeda-device-pocketable
The tunnel vision for the Switch really is annoying. Some of you seem to believe that the Switch is the only gaming device you need or will ever need.
They need to concentrate on the switch.theres still plenty to add to the system.theres social apps and of cour Netflix,YouTube any switch owner would love that.
Not a bad idea to have different offerings for different budgets. A smaller, more portable device at a price point of say, maybe, $100-150? Maybe NOW would be the time to bring back the Game Boy line. Make a true successor to that.
@Grumblevolcano
Oh you can’t dismiss it. Launching another system alongside the Switch would be utterly illogical, nonsensical and bizarre. And this is Nintendo we’re talking about so of course you can’t dismiss anything like that. 😉
@Crono1973
Who said that then?
im actually not mad about this. as long as we get a new top down zelda in the next 10 years, im happy
@electrolite77 Most people who said something like: 'We don't need this, we have the Switch'.
If your ultimate goal is to have as many people as possible interact with your IP then having a single model of dedicated hardware to play those game costing almost £300 is not very smart. Hence this.
@Crono1973
That’s a different thing. And even that isn’t a quote.
@electrolite77 Not different at all. People want every game ported to the Switch, they don't want Nintendo to develop for anything other than the Switch.
There is tunnel vision where the Switch is concerned.
My all time favorite console is the 3DS (I have owned several models and I currently have a New 3DS XL Majoras Mask Limited Edition).
I own a Switch and I got it at launch, I use it quite a lot, but it doesn’t come close to the 3DS when I think about all the amazing gaming experiences I’ve had on the 3DS. The 3DS was the console that really turned me from a Nintendo supporter to a hardcore Nintendo fan girl.
Nintendo could do well with testing some proper DS family vs Switch family competition.
Remember how the 3DS left the PS Vita to die? Kind of like how the original DS left the Game Boy to die.
It’s valuable to know how your own products preform against each other. That way you can create the ultimate handheld console and blow all other handhelds away for the next 10 years and maybe even longer.
I’m all for more games and options for everyone, but personally I hope this is third pillar talk. I think Nintendo has a gold mine on their hands if they keep refining the switch design. The system is already powerful in its own right (face it a system this powerful, small and with good battery life was just unheard of before) so I am curious to see what their partnership with nvidia will bring. With 3ds devs having to migrate and step up their game Nintendo is forcing their exclusive devs partners to improve their game design and quickly.
Even pokemon go is a step up for game freak (and that’s with them mimicking the go artstyle) and we have no clue what pokemon2019 will look like. Im all for keeping the 3ds as a legacy system, maybe expand the greatest hits for those coming into the space for the first time but I am hoping that Nintendo merely shifts the switch to that budget/entry slot after they announce switch two.
Not to hand wringing but this is where I get a little nervous about the new prez. I think with the switch the last of Iwata-denka’s groundwork has been laid and now Nintendo has to figure out where to go from there. I worry that they will spin their wheels trying to please everyone rather than pushing their tech. I get it, this is the difference between a tech and entertainment company or simply a company wanting profit at all costs but we might lose some interesting momentum because of it. Time will tell though. As always I ‘ll enjoy what I have and move on from what I don’t enjoy.
I realize that no direct mention of a 3ds successor was mentioned but the PR tapdance wouldnt be needed if Nintendo stands their ground. I think gaming is getting beyond having both a portable and a home console (especially since phones and tablets and to a lesser extent ultrabooks have moved into the handheld space in a more entrenched fashion given that they serve multiple purposes) and now that the switch has eliminated the need for both I think Nintendo needs to focus on leveraging that.
I do feel mobile if taken seriously could occupy the budget game space. Many legacy games have gone to mobile and if it stops being treated just as a free to start space it may gain mor traction with dedicated system gamers and it is a prime space for younger gamers to grow up on.
What should happen is once MS/Sony release their next consoles, Nintendo would release an upgraded Switch, similar to what they did with GBC/DSi/New 3DS, which would be more powerful than PS4 Pro/Xbox One X, but not as powerful as the new consoles. And they would continue to market the original Switch at a lower price and could run only handheld quality games.
But we all know that all Nintendo ever does is make bad business decisions, so they will probably try to release another handheld alongside the original Switch.
@Crono1973 @
People want more games on a system they have? Shocking.
Plenty of people are pointing out that they want all Nintendo’s games on one system, like they get with their competitors. Plenty of people are pointing out what an utterly stupid idea launching another system would be, correctly. But people saying the Switch was the only gaming device they ever need? Nope.
I wish Nintendo made something more like a GBA. Less power, smaller & simpler games that could easily be 16-32bit 2D stuff, small console. Something that's easy to grab with you and games that don't require that much to pick up and play. It would be a very different console when compared to the switch & 3DS. It would fill gap that neither of these current consoles really do.
If the 3DS and it's games are still selling, they should keep pushing it and it's games and convince people to take the dive. The best way that they can do this would be to just toss out more 3DS variants, but at this point, with the cheapest 2DS just being $80 when bundled with something like MK7, I can't see them dropping the price right now. The 3DS works best as a cheaper alternative for anyone new to gaming, or doesn't have money to throw around, and they've got plenty of options and designs (okay, not so much with the New 3DS, but I know people are probably willing to forego a bit more horsepower and 3D for their games). Just keep the 3DS next to the Switch as a cheaper option, and you grab people who can afford both.
I don't think a 3DS successor is needed, and I don't see any signs that it's happening. Best case scenario for such a device would be more dual releases with the Switch, but doing that for an entirely new console would probably be awkward. They tried the more power 3DS already and that didn't catch on, and like I said, there plenty of options for people as is with 3DS.
For Switch, I know people are hoping for a pocket edition, but I really think that has a lot of fundamental problems. A smaller screen would be harder to see things on, and make local multiplayer especially difficult to play with, and they're the issues of the Joy-Cons. Assuming they don't try giving a mini-Switch microscopic detachable controllers, just keeping it as a single device would go against the whole design philosophy. Plus there are games like ARMS and the upcoming Mario Party that utilize individual Joy-Cons uniquely, which they couldn't do in this case.
I think maybe it's time for Nintendo to think about redefining the concept of mobile games again. Switch already has a BIG role in this market and 3DS still has a few years to live. So Nintendo has the opportunity here to create a new concept to replace the 3DS without affecting the Switch. I would love to see a new attempt at gaming phone. Forget those monstrosities of Nokia and Sony, I trust that Nintendo can do something new, beautiful and functional. It would be wonderful to take the phone out of your pocket, unfold it, open it, no matter what it is, to "activate" controls that are attached to the device and play Nintendo quality games. I do not care that it will not be as thin as today's smartphones.
how about this instead?
@Crono1973
you're correct. a switch +PC/PS/XB is pretty much the standard.
i don't think N should try and deal with 2 systems unless the new gameboy would be more like the tiny little GBA they sold for a little while. something a little more powerful that can do the pixel indie stuff and some simple mario/zelda games would be ok.
@nichrs
i've heard this a lot but no one wants to take on the iphone at least here in the states. samsung is the closest and they're really no competition.
i guess N couldn't do much worse than htc/lg/sony/moto do with a phone. it'd have to be android so maybe N would actually support the OS with updates unlike the rest of the android vendors but i just don't see it. a partnership with apple would be better imo.
@ogo79
As if Nintendo would make a console that powerful.
@MegaTen Ya, except they said the exact same thing about the DS, it wasn't the replacement for the GBA, but another Pillar.
Except it wasn't. It's called marketing lol.
@Andrew5678 there is games that can't be played on a 2ds, there was games that couldn't be played on a non New 3DS. That won't stop a mini switch.
Besides I don't think anyone said a pocket switch would be able to use joycons it would, it just wouldn't come with them.
@Phle Of course you have better memory's with the 3ds, you had it for 8 years...
There comes a time when you have to move forward.
@N64SNESU
"something I can fit in my pocket, no bigger than a 3ds XL."
I don't even want to put my New 3DS XL inside my pants pocket. Too dangerous, it may damage my 3DS. I put inside my handbag together with my Nintendo Switch.
Portable is NOT Pocket size.
Laptop is also Portable despite is NOT Pocket size.
Change your definition about Portable.
I agree that the switch 2 should have 3ds game slot, or 3ds hardware add on should be created for the switc to emulate 3ds games.
Though under the right conditions I'm not opposed to a 4ds, I'm totally okay with Nintendo and others just continuing support for 3ds. I don't think the switch should put itself or it customers into confusing situations like the 3ds did by creating some many versions that were not a sequel. I think there should be no other switch other than its sequel to not divide or confuse its base
My playtime between Switch and 3DS waxes and wanes between the two. Usually I play my Switch, but more recently I’ve been playing a lot of Zero Escape on my 3DS as a change of pace. However, unless there’s a killer app for the 3DS successor, I won’t be purchasing. I play too many systems and I’m looking to cool off my gaming habits somewhat.
@westman98,
How do you know? It isn't confirmed in any way, but I feel the chances are pretty high. The 3DS is still a thing, especially in Japan. If they would make a succesor, it would fly of the shelves!
@electrolite77,
No, I wasn't drunk lol. Just read my comment above. A 3DS succesor would make perfect sense. Minus the 3D of course. Maybe I should call it a 2DS succesor.
@Henmii
The 3DS is fading fast in Japan. More importantly than that, 3DS software sales across the world have collapsed and continue to fall. Nintendo expects to ship less 3DS software this fiscal year than Switch hardware (16 million 3DS games vs 20 million Switch units). This tells me that engagement with the 3DS is low, even if its hardware sales are still decent in the west.
If Nintendo is still in the process of "considering various possibilites" regarding a dedicated handheld 3DS successor rather than confirming its existence or at least announcing a vague codename (like the NX, which was announced 2 years before the Switch launched), then it tells me that such dedicated handheld 3DS successor currently doesnt exist and likely will never exist. At the very least, it won't be shown at next year's E3.
A new portable console would be pretty stupid for Nintendo.
It will be stuck between the Switch and mobile games.
The Switch is in the sweet spot between portable consoles (basically nothing except the 3DS), home consoles and gaming laptops (which are expensive and not the best to play on)
@Nico87 Agreed
Nintendo's R&D department is creating bonkers hardware prototypes around the clock, all days of the year.
They'd be very silly to NOT have them look at the possibility of following up Nintendo's handheld line, an unbroken chain of success since the first Game & Watch in 1980.
@cyberlocc The games that can't be played on the New 3DS are in the vast, VAST minority and came out long after the 3DS' sales peaked. The most significant ones I remember are Xenoblade Chroncles 3D, Binding of Isaac and Hyrule Warriors. You could count the Virtual Console titles as well, but those aren't anything close to being system sellers, despite still being great titles.
I don't doubt it happening, but the most likely situation would just be a Switch that came without a dock. It's be the easiest way of lowering the price for those who don't have a ton of cash, without compromising the whole point of the console. It was meant to be portable and playable in multiple spots or at home, and at least allow instant two-player co-op at the drop of a hat without having to worry about accessories that don't come out of the box. I mentioned the problems with going for miniature Joy-Cons and co-op on a smaller screen, but another issue with a pocket-sized Switch would be the system's oversized screen potentially getting damaged in your pocket. You could go with a clamshell design again, but then you've practically got a whole new device that could easily get forgotten in the hype, or cut into the Switch's market if you push games and backwards compatibility for it.
@Andrew5678
I think the clamshell design is taken too far. It isn't that good it isn't that different.
The switches screen is plastic, with a decent distance to the LCD panel, anything that would break it would likely break the clamshell as well.
Also there is the option of turning the screen the other way lol.
Idk, like look at boogie2988s 1yr review. He only uses it handheld, he has videos of him litteraly throwing the thing across the room, there is chunks of plastic missing from the shell ECT. The switch is alot more durable and alot more portable than most people give it credit I think.
It's like I said earlier they said it can't be a handheld with 3 hours battery. Sure it can though, you don't need to play video games for 6 hours straight on a handheld. Even then, theirs car chargers, USB charging docks ECT.
People find laptops and tablets to be portable. Is a tablet not a handheld device? They come much bigger.
The only 3DS I had was the XL the Switch is barely bigger than would go on my jeans pocket. A jacket pocket sure, or a bag. You don't need to keep the thing in your pocket anyway.
Once again portable doesn't mean in your pocket lol with a 2.5inch screen.
Wow! I never expected them to consider this! I would love another auto-stereoscopic 3D system!! I really hope any 3DS Successor continues the super-stable and glasses-free 3D! Imagine how great it would look on a high-resolution screen!
@FragRed
I agree here. The biggest reason I was excited for Switch was the thought Nintendo would have the full weight of it's first party development dedicated to one device. If anything, they should make a more portable model of the Switch.
I'm hoping the 3DS successor is just a Plan B they are keeping open in case the Switch suddenly looses steam.
@cyberlocc No, I see why you might think that, but that’s not the case for me. After owning a 3DS for a year I was dying to get more, I bought every game and spent every opportunity to cuddle up in bed and play. The Switch has given me the exact opposite effect, I kind of force myself to turn on and I end up putting it away pretty fast. So far I’ve only been happy with 5-10% of the games I’ve gotten. Oxenfree is the only game that totally got me, and I enjoyed The Count Lucanor and Timbleweed Park too. I have so many games for the Switch it’s really sad to say that none of Nintendo’s own games managed to impress me.
The Wii U is still above The Switch for me. I have yet to fall in love with The Switch. I even think the Splatoon game on Wii U was better than the Switch version, as the Wii U had the best controls I’ve ever tried in a shooter.
Maybe it’s worth adding that I always use the Switch in handheld mode, and it’s kind of heavy and uncomfortable to hold with my tiny hands, so I bought a stand for it, but I’m still not amazed.
There might be a chance for Nintendo to turn it around, but I’m starting to get a bit worried.
I'd love to see a 3ds successor. If people sont like it then don't buy it and allow those who would like one to buy one instead if spewing salt at those who continue to love the 3ds even after the switch is out
@Oat
It's nothing to do with salt. It's about not wanting Nintendo to commit suicide.
@westman98,
I didn't know it was fading that hard in Japan. Even more reason for me to believe that a succesor is on the horizon. That they keep it this vague is just because they keep their cards close to their chests. But we'll see!
@Henmii
"The 3DS is selling well, so they should make a successor"
"The 3DS is fading fast, so they should make a successor"
🤔🤔
I dunno. I think a dedicated handheld is a bad idea since it'll split resources to 2 platforms instead of one. Switch can do double duty, so if a dedicated portable succeeding the 3DS comes out, it might have to be a smart phone too (or offer an additional useful, mainstream functionality other than solely be a games device).
I think they struck a nice balance with the Switch where they can have compelling under-powered hardware, where gamers prefer to play their ports in addition to unique gameplay experiences. A dedicated portable system just wouldn't cut it at this point imo.
@Haywired
hahahaha
no lies there
@westman98,
Lol, you found a contradiction OBJECTION!
Ok, my whole point was that the 3DS sold so much in Japan that it would be bonkers to not follow that up. No the Switch doesn't count, even if that also sells massively in Japan (and in the rest of the world). Nintendo always looks first and foremost to their own country.
forgot how to embed videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyWX6CjJCIU
To be honest, I don't think making a brand new handheld would be necessary. What it would do is alienate consumers and Nintendo would have to make sure it gets its own library of games, including exclusives. The Switch has been doing really well, so why not make a cheaper, handheld-only version of it, with the clamshell design and all? After all, Nintendo took a similar route when they made the 2DS, and the Switch can already do local wireless multiplayer anyway.
Why I want a 4DS...
https://entertainmentepilogue.wordpress.com/2018/07/07/the-future-of-nintendo-why-i-want-a-4ds/
@Averagewriter It's going to be smaller but include more than twice as much hardware?
@Crono1973 that's what I said. It's a portable than can dock to your TV and used as a console.
@molliolli182 it'd called a Gameboy advance. You can get them cheap online these days.
People care too much.
@liveswired funny! I was really thinking of something more than just a gba. A bit more powerful and with extra capabilities like SN eshop and such. Online multiplayer too.
@Slitth That's... a very dumb idea. I take it you don't understand how gaming business and console and game making works, do you?
@Alantor28
It's like any other business.
You have to balance operation and development cost against income.
And you have to do this while under pressure from competitors and the marked.
In the console marked you are selling purpose driven computers and software.
You income is determined on how strong you brand is and how good you product hold up pressure.
Now you have to make sure that a development gives you the maximum income.
So it is best not to have too many development projects running.
But if you have to few you will also be at risk.
Now if we take the Nintendo Switch hardware and OS setup.
If Nintendo wanted to launch a new stationary console.
They could start from scratch and use a lot of money developing the new console.
Or they could take the Switch and OS and put in in a new box.
Doing that right now would be a bad idea, but when the Switch line is moving on the old hardware could be used to make a classic console really easy.
This is something we see done in the car industry.
With the game boy series I do not think that Nintendo will go for a new motherboard setup.
They may use the Switch motherboard and use it in the new DS3 series
A successor will be most welcome.
What we want:
-Increase in screen resolution PLEASE. 800 x 480 (without 3D) will be PERFECT!!!
-Slight increase in CPU power
-Slight increase in GPU power
-Slight increase in RAM and VRAM
That's all. Otherwise the formula is great. These small increases to hardware specs shouldn't add too much to the cost. We are not looking for crazy specs. We just want something that doesn't look so painfully pixelated
No, it's not! This guy is as much of a PR liar as Reggie is! The proof comes from Game Freak. If the 3DS were getting a successor, not only would that undercut Swtich's main reason for owning it, Game Freak wouldn't even bother touching the Switch, because it wouldn't be a handheld. Game Freak already said numerous times they will NOT put Pokemon on anything other than a handheld.
The truth is that they know the 3DS is sinking, and by saying "oh, don't worry, keep buying it, because it's going to last forever, and it's getting this shiny new successor soon" that'll keep sales from tanking faster than they already are. If a true successor were coming that wasn't Switch, it'd be out already! The 3DS is now older than the original DS when the 3DS launched, and with Pokemon moving to Switch, that is a VERY clear sign Switch is just as much the 3DS's successor as the DS was to Game Boy (ie indirect successor, because Switch isn't a real successor to Wii U either- quit yapping about ports, the 3DS also has Wii U ports, is that also the Wii U's successor?).
I hope they do. Switch is a great console but it's no replacement for the 3ds. And anyway, after all the sales the ds and 3ds family has made, it would be a mistake to abandon it. Switch and switch mini are still big, and the clamshell dual screen design of the 3ds gives it different advantages over the switch, as well as disadvantages of course! I think that they should make a modern successor with dual screen and clamshell design but modern graphics and new tech additions and features. Maybe it could work with the switch too, like be able to connect with it to play?
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