Handheld mode resolution drop makes sense. It's an effort to balance battery life and performance with the fact that the processing power is essentially cut in half.
I think it's a bit odd that it drops in docked mode though. Maybe the engine they use isn't the best for mobile hardware optimization?
Whatever the case may be, the same issues were present in XC2 and despite some framerate dips, my enjoyment of the game wasn't really diminished. It remains one of my favorite RPGs.
I temper my expectations with the Switch (as someone who also owns a PS4 and a decent gaming PC). I understand that concessions have to be made in order to prioritize certain aspects (namely handheld mode's battery life).
I'm not willing to shell out $60 for the game at the moment, but none of this is deal breaking.
@nintendoknife The Switch uses AC wi-fi, which is the best you can get right now. I find it interesting you say it's terrible when my Switch runs Hulu better than my Android smart TV (and it's not like Sony Bravia TVs are slouches). On my Switch, all the content I pay for is there, whereas on the smart TV, HBO and Starz content is missing (and isn't even able to be searched).
The Switch also downloads games faster than my PS4 or my PC (comparing games with similar download sizes).
That's two examples of the Switch wifi being rather capable (another user responded to you saying the same as I have). So either something is up with your Switch or the Internet you use isn't very good (and this coming from a guy who uses satellite Internet).
@UmniKnight The Switch can run the Snowdrop engine, which isn't a small thing. Same engine behind the Division. It also runs Unreal Engine 4, also not an engine I'd claim to be a slouch. More goes into consoles than sheer hardware power: it's how the architecture functions, how that architecture executes the software, etc.
You're telling me that the Switch can run an engine that handles the Division, and it's somehow super weak? Say what you want about that game, it's still present gen. Then you're off on this "developers don't want to make compromises" argument.
Look at NBA 2K18. It has full parity with the other console versions. So does WWE 2K18. FIFA 18 is missing a feature or two, but EA felt so strongly about the Switch that it built a Switch version FROM SCRATCH with a different engine.
Now, let's look at the Wii and compare it to the PS3 and Xbox 360. The Wii was a far weaker system comparatively, and yet you saw developers clamoring to make games for it because of sales. It's the best-selling home console ever. You had Black Ops AND Modern Warfare 3 on the Wii.
Power does not matter when compared to hardware sales. That's because hardware sales = user base and the stronger the user base the more incentive developers have for porting their games to that particular console. They're willing to make "compromises", as you say, to reach that user base.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE The "toys to life scam" is for all consoles, not just the Switch. I'd hardly call it a scam. Toy-based video games aren't exactly unpopular. Disney's Infinity, Skylanders, etc. They're not huge hits but they ARE successful. This just takes it another step forward.
Comments 4
Re: Video: Digital Foundry Delivers Its Verdict On Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Handheld mode resolution drop makes sense. It's an effort to balance battery life and performance with the fact that the processing power is essentially cut in half.
I think it's a bit odd that it drops in docked mode though. Maybe the engine they use isn't the best for mobile hardware optimization?
Whatever the case may be, the same issues were present in XC2 and despite some framerate dips, my enjoyment of the game wasn't really diminished. It remains one of my favorite RPGs.
I temper my expectations with the Switch (as someone who also owns a PS4 and a decent gaming PC). I understand that concessions have to be made in order to prioritize certain aspects (namely handheld mode's battery life).
I'm not willing to shell out $60 for the game at the moment, but none of this is deal breaking.
Re: Nintendo Switch System Update 8.1.0 Is Now Live
@nintendoknife The Switch uses AC wi-fi, which is the best you can get right now. I find it interesting you say it's terrible when my Switch runs Hulu better than my Android smart TV (and it's not like Sony Bravia TVs are slouches). On my Switch, all the content I pay for is there, whereas on the smart TV, HBO and Starz content is missing (and isn't even able to be searched).
The Switch also downloads games faster than my PS4 or my PC (comparing games with similar download sizes).
That's two examples of the Switch wifi being rather capable (another user responded to you saying the same as I have). So either something is up with your Switch or the Internet you use isn't very good (and this coming from a guy who uses satellite Internet).
Re: Ubisoft Will Announce More Nintendo Switch Titles "Quite Soon"
@UmniKnight The Switch can run the Snowdrop engine, which isn't a small thing. Same engine behind the Division. It also runs Unreal Engine 4, also not an engine I'd claim to be a slouch. More goes into consoles than sheer hardware power: it's how the architecture functions, how that architecture executes the software, etc.
You're telling me that the Switch can run an engine that handles the Division, and it's somehow super weak? Say what you want about that game, it's still present gen. Then you're off on this "developers don't want to make compromises" argument.
Look at NBA 2K18. It has full parity with the other console versions. So does WWE 2K18. FIFA 18 is missing a feature or two, but EA felt so strongly about the Switch that it built a Switch version FROM SCRATCH with a different engine.
Now, let's look at the Wii and compare it to the PS3 and Xbox 360. The Wii was a far weaker system comparatively, and yet you saw developers clamoring to make games for it because of sales. It's the best-selling home console ever. You had Black Ops AND Modern Warfare 3 on the Wii.
Power does not matter when compared to hardware sales. That's because hardware sales = user base and the stronger the user base the more incentive developers have for porting their games to that particular console. They're willing to make "compromises", as you say, to reach that user base.
Re: Ubisoft Will Announce More Nintendo Switch Titles "Quite Soon"
@SLIGEACH_EIRE The "toys to life scam" is for all consoles, not just the Switch. I'd hardly call it a scam. Toy-based video games aren't exactly unpopular. Disney's Infinity, Skylanders, etc. They're not huge hits but they ARE successful. This just takes it another step forward.