The Reggie Fils-Aimé book tour train just keeps on chugging away! Last week, the former president of Nintendo of America sat down with GamesIndustry.biz's James Batchelor for a chat following the release of his book, Disrupting the Game, to talk about not just the book but various industry issues and the future of Nintendo.
Towards the end of the podcast, James asks Reggie a question that's inspired by Nintendo's recent financial results and the current president of Nintendo's comments on transitioning to a new console generation. The Switch is one of Nintendo's best-selling consoles ever, even outselling the hugely successful Wii, and the company has often stumbled when following up some of its best systems — the Wii U, for example, tripped over the Wii's success.
When responding to the question of "what is it that Nintendo can do to capitalise on the Switch?", Reggie brought up how few and far between the transition from one successful console generation tot the next successful one have previously been very difficult, singling out two particular jumps:
First, I think it's important in looking at the overall history of this industry and recognise how rare it is for a company to move from one successful platform to the next. As I think about it, I can only point to two examples where this has been done over the last 30-plus years: Sony, moving from the original PlayStation to the PlayStation 2, from strength to strength. The other example I would point out is Nintendo moving from the Game Boy/Game Boy Advance generation to the Nintendo DS generation. So let’s just acknowledge that moving from one successful platform to the next is incredibly difficult and challenging to do.
The Nintendo DS alone is the best-selling handheld console ever at the time of writing this, with the PS2 being the best-selling home console to this day. Both the PlayStation and the Game Boy/GBA were also massively successful — The Game Boy/Color sits at third on the list of best-selling consoles, and the PlayStation has only just been outsold by the Switch — but Reggie acknowledges that these were a flash in the pan. The odds are stacked against Nintendo, essentially.
However, Reggie did reflect on previous comments that Nintendo has made on the lifecycle of the Switch, but that just because the company still has a way to go, it still needs to think ahead:
Specific to Nintendo and Nintendo Switch, the company has also said that in their view the Switch is still somewhat halfway through its lifecycle. So, if that’s true, the company needs to be thinking about what it’s going to do over the next four or five years or so to continue the core business momentum for the Switch. That's job one. And then job two is following the heels of that, to be thinking on what's next and what the future holds. It’s quite a heavy lift to be done.
I believe that, first and foremost, you need to be thinking about the content and what's going to be the content pipeline to keep players engaged. I do think you have to look at history and what are some of the historical tactics that have worked to maintain a lifecycle of a particular generation – and that includes everything from mid-cycle upgrades to looking at how you think about pricing and value. There are a number of different tactics you can play, but fundamentally the content pipeline needs to be there.
I continue to be very active in this industry, I’m active from an investor perspective, I'm active as an advisor, and I think that being aware of demographic changes, being aware of geographic opportunities, being aware about how technology is continuing to evolve — these are all things a company like Nintendo needs to be thinking about in order to successfully launch the system after Switch.
So while Nintendo needs to continue focus on the Switch, it also needs to start thinking about what went right with the console, as well as potentially what went right in its transition from the Game Boy era to the DS era. James Batchelor brings up the term "multi-household" earlier in the discussion, and the Switch has already released the Switch OLED last year. So if this is its mid-generation upgrade, then the company should — and is — looking at what it needs to do next.
Prices of video games have increased with this recent console generation, with many big blockbuster PlayStation 5 titles launching at $69.99 / £69.99, though pricing is different depending on the type of game, the publisher, and the budget. The Switch's library has stayed below this increase for the time being, but what the Switch's successor will do is yet to be seen.
The company will also need to have a line-up of games and projects to release for the system — which is no different from other launches — but with Zelda: Breath of the Wild as a Switch launch title, and a really strong starting year with Splatoon 2, Super Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and a ton of excellent indie hits, there are some big shoes to fill there too.
Reggie acknowledges that the transition is not going to be easy, as the Switch continues to dominate console sales worldwide. Its huge success might be hard to top, though as hardware sales slow down due to chip shortages, how much longer does the console have, and how ready will Nintendo need to be? We've covered our thoughts on a 'Switch 2' numerous times, most recently a few weeks ago following the company's financial report:
- Further reading - Talking Point: As Switch Hardware Sales Slow, How Long Can Nintendo Delay 'Switch 2'?
We have to acknowledge James' sign-off with Reggie — a sweet reference to a famous Reggie meme around Animal Crossing: New Leaf — to which Reggie replies "Actually, I need to go back and play some Switch games." Well, there you go! Perhaps Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
You can listen to the full hour-long podcast on GamesIndustry.biz's by clicking the link below.
[source gamesindustry.biz]
Comments 63
We don’t need new hardware, there aren’t enough first party titles produced for the Switch.
More powerful hardware means longer, more expensive development times, delays, unfinished games hitting the shelves etc etc.
The most important thing in my opinion is for the next system to feel like a complete upgrade. You aren't losing your library, but you're also getting a new one. You aren't losing any features, but you're also getting new ones. Make it so that for existing Switch owners there's only advantages in buying this new system.
@Orokosaki One of the Wii U's biggest problems was the lack of third party support. Third parties are already starting to put less games on Switch due to moving to much stronger hardware so not upgrading just so they can focus on first party games is a terrible idea.
And that's not to mention that first party developers aren't doing so hot either with the Switch's limited power. It's largely agreed that Xenoblade for example would benefit greatly from better hardware.
Every system nintendo has put out since the gamecube's "failure" has been built around being unique and, admittedly, gimmicky (though in a fun way). The wii u failed to be different/unique enough for most, and the company suffered for it.
Nintendo has previously accused vr of not being fun, so I'm curious to see where they go to next revolutionize the industry.
Odds are, if they just make a switch 2, I'll buy it and a few others will buy it, but it won't carry the same momentum.
Here's hoping nintendo's R&D are up to the task.
I'm still hoping for another mid-cycle upgrade of a switch and/or a 'Switch 2'. The biggest weakness of Switch is its tiny storage space, the second is just that it isn't quite powerful enough. A previous comment said more powerful could mean longer delays in development if Nintendo uses it all, but more powerful could also mean shorter times to try to port 3rd party games onto the Switch because they won't have to downgrade things quite as much; plus they might run better/fewer cloud versions.
As for brand new system completely post-Switch... I can't predict given Nintendo's history. I would like back-compatibility but then Nintendo wouldn't be able to sell us the same games for the 5th time. Plus back compatibility seems easier for the digital titles than for the actual cartridges if there is a big change.
I basically want a switch lite with clamshell design with awesome feeling analogue sticks xx
@Polley001 largely agreed by who? Upgrading to new hardware right now would be business suicide. Look at the PS5 for example, apart from remakes there’s literally nothing released for it on a month by month basis because development costs and timescales are just too high.
Whenever new hardware does get introduced, we need the following from Nintendo (and as with most such requests, I'm not holding my breath):
1) Full backwards compatibility with Switch games. My collection is all digital for several reasons, but this is a no-brainer for physical releases as well. I've invested more into Switch games than any previous Nintendo system, and I've owned them all. BC would also alleviate the need for so many ports (which Nintendo always makes us pay a second time for) to focus on new, original experiences.
2) Fix the eShop. Make it actually navigable, and PLEASE do away with the glut of trash "not ready for mobile" titles that make the Wii's infamous "mountain of shovelware" look like an anthill by comparison. Seriously, the "Nintendo Seal of Quality" went WAY out the window with the Switch eShop; that needs to change.
3) Bring back Virtual Console. I prefer to OWN my retro games and have NO interest in anything tied to subscriptions or streaming, and I suspect this applies to many if not most other gamers as well. At least give us the OPTION to buy retro titles, Nintendo, and while you're at it maybe you could encourage the likes of Sega, Capcom, Konami, Atari, Midway, and others to fill out not only the new VC's catalog for other consoles, but offer the best catalog of classic Arcade games as well (perhaps Arcade could be its own category in the eShop, since Hamster, M2, and others have already contributed so many games; why not build on those instead of starting from scratch when the new hardware arrives?).
Nintendo just needs to keep it simple with the transition to a new console. There's no magic bullet solution, so I'll just name a few things Nintendo needs to look out for. 1) Backward compatibility to the Switch library, 2) Don't change the core selling factor that makes the Switch the Switch. More power is a given, so I won't note that, but I will say 3) Be careful not to create something new for the sake of adding/replacing a feature-- Make it count. And most of all 4) Don't be stubborn of major changes/directions/revolutions in gaming and technology. We'll see if Nintendo has learned from their past mistakes in the coming years.
@Orokosaki Have you seen Xenoblade gameplay? The graphics themselves are great but the resolution is horrid. And when did I say they'd have to release it right now? I'm not expecting it to come before 2024. Not sure where that PS5 argument is coming from either since Nintendo would definitely not make games of that scale and I'm not expecting them to.
Put shortly, what are you even talking about?
I've said it several times. The Switch successor really needs to have a first year that is similar to the original Switch, in terms of software. If Nintendo can match or exceed that (which is admittedly hard for the latter) then the Switch successor will do well. And for some reason, I have faith Furukawa can do it right. Something about him just seems very boring/straightforward. Which is what Nintendo needs, sometimes.
Edit: That last part sounds like an insult, but I don't mean it that way. He just seems like a good foil for the overall attitude of the company.
I also feel like backwards compatibility for the original Switch is necessary and very likely. Anything before that (that isn't on NSO) is less so, but I'm okay with that.
Historically Nintendo has never pushed the envelope of tech in their systems. They have always been behind others. I don't expect this to be any different. They make minimum changes to maximize profit, not to be trend setters.
Hopefully they’ll go the route of their handheld systems, where transitions have gone relatively smoothly with cross-gen compatibility.
I’ve invested so much into my Switch library, it would really be devastating if the next console isn’t backwards compatible! It’s a great bedrock on which to build.
But if it’s a digital-only system then count me out. I’ve got more than enough games to last the rest of my life anyway.
@Polley001 I’m talking sense, you’re obviously another one of the ‘I want better graphics’ brigade.
If the currently existing library for the Nintendo Switch isn't carried over 1:1 on day one with the new 'Nintendo Switch 2', the platform will not be nearly as profitable.
The biggest lesson the gaming industry (I'm hoping) has learned at this point, is the continuation of the existing library with the addition of new titles.
I still think Nintendo's best bet is to launch BOTW2 WITH the successor.
It drives huge momentum and can be used as a premier showcase for the new features and enhancements of the new system..but we'll see...
All they have to do is make a more powerful version of the Switch and use the existing library with better resolution and frame rate options.
@Orokosaki You need to calm down, there’s nothing wrong in wanting better graphics in games and performance. It’s why you own a switch after all, or am I assuming you only have the original NES to play on..
@Kiwi_Unlimited if Nintendo makes the Switch 2 as a continuation of the same product line, it will dominate for quite a while. Nintendo has already gotten onboard with NVIDIA's release system, we've gotten a new Switch SKU every other year. Nintendo has transitioned away from "consoles," the Switch is a gaming device likened to a smart phone or tablet.
The next upgrade will be a continuation of the Switch. Whether it's called the Switch is anyone's guess, but the hybrid and unified system are here to stay. They aren't going to separate home and handheld, you can't unopened Pandora's box.
If the Switch 2 is gonna be successful they will want to launch with Botw 2 (they saw how effective launching day 1 with Botw was), that means it's coming next year or more Zelda delays are on the way. All those statements about the Switch being halfway through it's lifecycle are poppycock, they're planning for a stealth release in 2023!
For a new console to be successful it had to offered something unique first before it could be a success. Having just backwards compatibility, better graphics, or better specs ain't gonna help anymore if the new console isn't unique in its own way. The PS2, Wii, Sega Genesis, GBA, and Nintendo DS are all unique platform in their own way so backwards compatibility on those are the icing on the cake. The Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, PS3, PS5, Xbox Series S, and PS Vita aren't that unique compare to their predecessor so even with backwards compatibility and better specs didn't help them as much. For the Switch successor to be successful, it needs to offer something unique but at the same time kept what was successful with the Switch, with acceptable specs, and feature full backwards compatibility.
@Orokosaki
More power doesn't always just mean graphics.
There are quite a few games on switch which struggle to maintain a stable 30fps there are also other aspects going on under the hood which affect gameplay such as draw distance, if anything i would imagine a bit of extra power could end up making development smoother when it comes to optimisation due to the system doing more of the heavy lifting.
this isnt a "nintendoomed" situation, since rushing out newer hardware too fast could mean having to contend with the chip shortage, but having the power gap closed even by a small amount could open up more viable switch ports from third parties.
@BiscuitCrumbsInMyBed I’m completely calm! You’re right, there isn’t anything wrong with it but it’s not the be all of gaming.
agreed with both sentiments.
Its very rare for a company to stay successful console to console. Sony did it twice with PS1-PS2 and PS4-PS5. And Nintendo with GBC-GBA and GBA-DS. I think companies rest on their laurels and get big heads. They fail to innovate or forward-think.
And its all about software. Always has been. If you don't have games to draw me to your platform, why would I buy it? Xbox One X and Xbox Series X are the most powerful consoles of their gens. But what few games Xbox has also go to PC, so why buy an Xbox over PS or Switch?
There are two more target markets that still need to be tapped in order to be successful.
First is the mobile market outside of Japan. It's very hard to convince people using mobile devices that the Switch or its successor is the perfect device to take with you everywhere and everyday; the games on the Switch aren't as readily available to open up in the same manner as mobile games, and often warrant longer sessions of play. There are also the typical kids who play on iPads all the time - How do you convince a kid that the Switch offers better games? Especially on the standpoint of simplicity?
The other side of the spectrum is those looking for hardware. How do you convince consumers and developers that the Switch is powerful enough to handle the games they want? To put it bluntly, as much as one can compress a game, some games just can't run on that mobile technology or if they were, it would hold back the more powerful versions.
As much as I hate to say it, a full blown revision might be needed, though that price will be very scary.
@Serpenterror
The wii>wiiu jump definitely felt like a much bigger change than the DS>3ds especially considering the launch trailer had some wondering what it even was and while the 3ds wasn't as successful as the ds, considering it had the rise of smartphones to contend with which meant that quite a bit of the more casual (as in not playing as a hobby) audience was lost, it ended up doing amazingly well considered.
The vita was largely doomed to be a niche product (at least in the west) from the start, those expensive memory cards and library mainly associated with what some would call "weeb games" certainly didnt do it any favours (i personally enjoyed the device and it became my go to way to play a lot of psone games)
The switch by comparison is rather simple in terms of how it was initially presented, it was a handheld you could play on a TV and you could play Mario kart on it.
it was overall an evolution of a concept which had been tried before, but it managed to pull it off in a way which appealed to many people.
i feel like the switch's emphasis on choice was a big factor since it was largely up to the player how they chose to play it, since things like motion controls are largely an option rather than a requirement. in the end it felt like the concept had some of the widest appeal a system has had for a while.
I really think they should combine the features of the 3DS and Switch. It would be a great combo.
IMO, Nintendo is not going to compete (or try to compete) in the all-out specs department in the foreseeable future. I really hope to see at least 1440p, consistent 60fps docked next time, but I don't see anything they do next console-wise being successful without the maintaining of a mobile component. We don't need simply a "bigger," better Switch, exactly. That might do well, but I would like to see them do something a little different without sacrificing the portable option that makes the Switch so great. Nintendo has matured technologies from past generations of hardware such as motion controls and touch screens. I'm open to something new/creative/gimmicky next time around, but absolutely not at the expense of what's already working. As others are saying, internet functionality is one area where they do need to get more competitive, and Nintendo consoles, even more than others, will benefit from excellent backwards compatibility. Finally, I'm absolutely with Reggie and most others in the camp that frequent, outstanding software should remain top priority.
"Game Boy/Game Boy Advance generation"
Et tu, Reggie?😅
Seriously, if such a "single console" generation can last literal fifteen years, why are we even expecting a Switch successor after five? It's like the industry of today is embarrassedly trying to cover up the fact that Nintendo released two legitimately successful handhelds in a row... and yet succeeded them in mere three years each, with a backward compatible device to boot. I imagine Color in 2004 being like:
Nintendo still being concerned with hardware power was a wild time, I guess.😄
@Orokosaki
The industry is in a bind right now so I don't think it's predicated on new hardware. Why are EA/Ubi looking to sell? It ain't cause XBSX/PS5 dev time/money.
N needs to be looking to a new more powerful Switch that is FULLY BC with the first. Can redownload games, works with the same cartridges, etc.
Also need to fix the store. I can't believe it's still in the shape it's in this far into the lifecycle. The company really doesn't understand the internet for some reason.
@progx
I don't disagree with your statement about hybrid consoles, but there is a history we need to look at.
The wii sold amazingly. The wii u, which was a wii 2, failed to distinguish itself enough from its predecessor and failed. Maybe that was a marketing issue.
The DS sold very well. The 3DS which was A DS2, almost didn't, but nintendo made an aggressive push by quickly dropping the price of the system in an attempt to save it. Before that, as a successor, it was failing.
A switch 2 will likely have to be different enough, or marketed right, to not fall into a repeating pattern at Nintendo.
As already pointed out by others, the next revision/generation needs to have backward compatibility.
A more capable and beefier Switch seems like the safest way to go, with BC+Framerate/Resolution. I’m not asking for a portable PS5, but it would be nice if I didn’t have fear any big game coming to it getting a slap-dash cloud port.
It'll be interesting to see where they go from here, that's for sure. Nintendo simultaneously knows precisely what they're doing given the Switch's overwhelming success and is totally out of touch with the rest of the industry. The follow up could be a continuation of the Switch model or something wacky and off the wall, it could go either way. What I want is for the successor to retain portable functionality as that's the only way I play games these days.
For the Super Nintendo Switch(I'm sticking with it) would it being MORE powerful and better quality of life improvements, be enough?
Do we want more "innovation"?
Does it have to be a dedicated home console or is the hybrid way, the right way?
Backwards compatibility would have to be implemented, and not the way it is now, on nso. Don't want to sub, just to revisit BoTW1.
These are just some of my wants and worries.
@PepperMintRex @San_D
Yeah, maybe a little bit bigger screen than the OLED model, bigger joycon, better specs (like a portable PS4), 1080p screen, 4K when docked, backwards compatible with the entire Switch library. I don't think Nintendo hardware going forward can get away from the Switch's hybrid model
I still see no reason for an upgraded model. It's not like Nintendo is going to blow anybody away with the graphics regardless. It's still selling well so they need to think about that mostly, people aren't going to rush out for Switch 2 for the PS4 era graphical upgrade they'll make.
They do need to stop living in 1999 with their online service though.
I hope Nintendo keeps the Switch concept. Ideally, the next system should be more powerful than a base PS4 and Xbox One, maybe closer to PS4 Pro and Xbox One X power, so there could be some more third party support. Keep the superior kickstand of the OLED model. Fix the joycons. Improve the eShop. Bring back Virtual Console and let people choose between their rental service or VC.
@Orokosaki
We do need new hardware. I’d like to see some smoother framerates on my Switch titles.
@Orokosaki
Which has nothing to do with the power of the hardware.
It’s mostly a combination of leftover strife from the Pandemic (which delayed hundreds of games in pipeline for all consoles) and in some cases developer incompetence.
Also as a PS5 owner I’ve had a bunch of games to play. I sunk 130 hours into Returnal, 40 hours into Rift Apart, and 90 hours so far into Forbidden West. Not including the time I sunk into Miles Morales and 500 plus hours into COD Cold War. Plus I’ve been enjoying playing some PS4 games I missed out on with locked framerates and a good number even upgraded to 60fps from their original 30fps cap. Like the Last of Us Part II and Ghost of Tsushima Directors Cut.
There’s plenty to play on PS5. It’s actually going better than it was on PS4 at this point in the systems lifecycle.
It needs to be a NES > SNES style transition.
OLED. 1080p90 screen. Better stats. 100% backwards compatibility. 4k upscaling via the dock.
Then build better controllers that don't fall apart after a year. Maybe analog sliders like the 3DS is the way to go?
@Orokosaki
Well yeah. That’s part of the video game experience. Although for me I want better performance, not so much visual quality. What I mean by that is I want more Switch games that run at 60fps, have smooth framerates and frame pacing, and run at a locked 720p handheld and 1080p docked resolution. Too many Switch games are running at 540p or below and it looks like Vaseline is smeared on the screen when you move the camera.
@Orokosaki
They do need new hardware. It’s the nature of the industry. They certainly don’t need to chase PS5 specs in a handheld device but a leap to at least XB1 levels is getting due. If they don’t bring out a more powerful system soon third party support will dwindle. Their own software could benefit too given we’ve seen BOTW chug on occasion, Xenoblades resolution issues and the likes of Star Allies and Crafted World stuck at 30FPS.
The key isn’t sticking to the same hardware, it’s making sure they got the same things right as they did with the OG Switch to make the inevitable transition work. Specifically a strong first party line up in the devices early days, and making third party development as easy as possible.
Just to reiterate what many others have said, all Nintendo need to do is a more powerful device using the same form factor, and make it wholly backwards compatible. The latter is absolutely vital.
@Turbo857 I doubt Nintendo will do 4K, even if they go for 720p handheld and 1440p docked, that would be okay with me. What we definitely deserve though is better performance - like 60 fps should become the standard. Also, if they can fix their controllers (even my pro controller drifts).
The world changed, not everyone will be in lockstep as much as they were. If people think they used to live in a class divide they haven't seen anything yet.
I dont think the next console needs to be transcendent like theyve said it should. It would be enough of a headliner to get parts for the sequel console with increased specs at the same price point as the current switch. The steam deck is rather expensive despite its superior specs to nintendos. The next nintendo console should really refrain from release until the desired parts reach the necessary price point even it means to keep delaying the next console years after they have said to expect it. I expect other mobile device consumers arent loyal enough to not demand the best of the best asap from them. This unfortunate trend for them will yield a dust trail of obsolete parts that will actually be gold dust for nintendo and their sequel needs.
@Orokosaki I don’t mind where the Switch is graphically, but the loading times are ridiculous after playing a Series X. I am ok with things now, but in a yer or two, it will really feel dated.
@Orokosaki
Finally someone on here speaking out and agrees with my thoughts on Nintendo studio first party AAA games, or lack of.
Could you imagine them making a Zelda with all the graphical flare and 4K,HDR,high res textures, real surround sound etc etc. it would take them about 15 years.
Silly to me this is a talking point. The switch has proven to be a force. Keep it simple Nintendo. Update the specs/controller, make it modern starting with voice chat and cloud saves across the board, and improve your online capabilities and offerings. Another 100 million seller. Obviously a big part of this is securing third party support.
Whenever I think the Reggie articles are done, they just keep coming. Just change the name to ReggieLife at this point.
But I think the new switch needs backwards compatibility, more power comparible to the ps4 pro, and better controllers. I also think a look into a non hybrid console could be had. I’m starting to play on the tv more and more these days. But money-wise they should probably go hybrid. Also make it clear the switch 2 is different from the switch. This was the main reason the Wii U failed.
@Nontendo_4DS
It was a statement that came up again and again from Nintendo near the early days of the Switch. (See edit 2, below). It frustrated the hell out of me, because I love VR.
That being said, Nintendo has shown on several occasions that they're still interested in the tech, from the times they've shown up at VR conferences to their playing around with it in Labo.
There have been several previous indicators to their R&D group experimenting with it, too.
And if there is one thing that's clear about Nintendo, it's one they've begin experimenting with a tech, they won't fully let go.
(The first 3d tech for the 3ds was somewhere around the gamecube or gba, and the wii's controllers were just a natural progression of the nintendo glove. They seriously don't let go of old ideas, just wait until they've become truly viable.)
Edit:
Any time you see Nintendo patent something, assume you'll see it again. . . Just not necessarily for a couple of console/system generations.
Edit2:
A quick search found this for vr "not being fun"
https://www.google.com/amp/s/gamerant.com/nintendo-virtual-reality-fun-127/amp/
Nintendo just needs to go the refresh route going forward with the Switch. Ie every 3-5 years release a Switch X.0 version thats still compatible with the past library but has advantages of being the latest and greatest. Some games will for a few years still run just not optimized for that version and lets say every other numbered upgrade you need to update or cant play the latest games. Basically a more casual version of how Apple dose the Iphone. Since these are basically just modified tablets it would let them keep up with tech but not force them to over produce and release annually even would continue there trend of using existing tech instead of cutting edge. I upgraded to the oled over a light last year i would probably upgrade to a 2.0 next year if it meant better play be that graphics or more stable framerate or higher tv resolution.
The only thing i fear from a 4k enabled switch is the game download sizes. Put more flash memory or a ss drive into the next system please… micro sd cards max out at a very limited 2gb and those aren’t cheap i got a 1 tb and its maxed out with enough left over to possibly fill two more.
I'd like to just have a dedicated home console the switch in my opinion is a handheld console with the option of playing on a bigger screen I'd rather have the choice of a handheld or a home console because the hybrid idea just mean outdated tech or a big price tag
Wow, just like when he was working with Nintendo he used a lot of words to say pretty much nothing at all
@Dezzy70 thank you…..so many people are blindsided by wanting better performance but at what cost - we’re already seeing games announced years before they’re released and at the end of the day we won’t ever see a true generational leap in hardware ever again like the days of going from SNES to N64.
@Kiwi_Unlimited while I would’ve agreed with your statement, there has been a big change within Nintendo since the Switch’s launch. They’ve been doing things differently with the Switch than they have with previous generations. Again, they’re not going to split up these divisions, it’s unified going forward and any future Nintendo device will share a common platform. Whether it’s a “Lite” and “ShieldTV” combo, Pandora’s box is open and you can’t close it.
If you want to rely on history that’s fine, but the Nintendo 64 and GameCube were not successful systems either. Last time Nintendo had back to back successes were the NES and SNES, plus Game Boy, Advance and DS. I’m thinking Nintendo is going to treat the Switch similar to a tablet or smart device. Also, using an Arm-based SoC is going to be better for Nintendo in the future. Once Qualcomm, Samsung and AMD make similar chips to Apple’s M-series, you’ll see X64-86 start to fade out of the market.
@Would_you_kindly they’ll probably make a TV-only pro model in the future. They’ve been collecting use-case data from all Switch users since 2017. Using an Arm-based SOC will allow for scalable technology, whether handheld and TV.
I think the concept is still so fresh that they need to carry on with switch at least for the next gen. The new gimmick can be VR since im sure they are (if they are) looking at 4k just so they can expand on the concept that labo VR thing unfolded.
Backwards compatibility
a few cameras so they can make those quirky games Japanese love
a microphone and built in speakers on joycon 2
And a good 6 to 9 amazing games whithin the first 6-7 months (Zelda BOTW definitive edition, metroid prime 4, Mario kart switch, pikmin whatever number they are now, Mario movie the video game, 1,2,3 switch, star fox trilogy remake, paper Mario 5, luigi's mansion 4, The F zero game retro have shelved, a new donkey kong game) and a few 3rd party games and boom, 27million consoles sold the first year.
@Orokosaki
The SNES to N64 was one of the best generation leaps for me.
When I played Mario 64, Wave Racer it was truly a generational leap. I even had an imported N64 as I could not wait to play those games and the console to release in the UK.
Those were the good old days.
The Switch needs to turn into the controller, and the Dock needs to become the Series X.
Just give us a more powerful, backward compatible Switch 2.
If they wanna try something different and quirky they can always release some peripheral later on
Reggie is a spin doctor for Nintendo. Putting it out there that no new Nintendo console is on the horizon, and the Switch has a long way to go, hoping it will spread like Chinese whispers and us consumers and the stock market believe him.
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