MFD

@ThanosReXXX In regards to that development part, I must ask you this then: How come if Nintendo has such large teams, that a game like Xenoblade Chronicles 2 had minor issues (Frame drops, sometimes in the 10s at some areas under stress) and major ones (Errors that close the game. Many hours have been lost to these)?

How can it be that Mario Odyssey (so far I know) runs flawlessly where Zelda: BotW has noticeable frame-drops when using say Stasis+ and panning the camera?

But I'm going off-topic. So long as this doesn't take away from anything, it's not a problem. It's the moment it starts doing so that becomes the issue.

@nintendork64 Here's the thing, games like Mario, like Yoshi/Kirby/Donkey Kong, hell even Splatoon and ARMS, all of these games appeal to kids and adults alike, so is a product like this even required?

And the key question of all this, which I'll also direct @ThanosReXXX something that I feel a lot of people wonder: Is this a side project? A beginning of a far deeper venture? Does this take resources from other developments? How does one look at this?

@JaxonH Dormant IP would be a good one. Revive those people have been clamouring for, like F-Zero. Or use some great elements from older games for newer ones (Double Dash comes to mind)

@maruse As people have said, it's all about whether things like this take resources from other projects. For example, (just an example) Let's say Nintendo Labo takes away from Pokemon/Fire Emblem's on-going development. In that case, I can certainly see people's problem with it.

If it's 100% a side-project to flesh it out for kids, and NOTHING else, then I don't see a problem with it.

@JaxonH It's especially those other IP I'd like to see. Nintendo did a great job with both Zelda and Mario, but there is a too much.

Donkey Kong, Yoshi and Kirby. I can see the appeal, but they do all fall into largely the same category, that being platformers.

@JaxonH Then let me pose you the arguably scary question, since Nintendo's IP is great, but it's also finite, what happens when they've exhausted their immediate big hitters? Pure speculation, don't see this as anything else.

@Ryu_Niiyama So wanting people to not be forced to buy Nintendo's hardware to experience their games is trolling? I'd consider carefully what you're condemning here.

@Ryu_Niiyama Worth trying.

@JaxonH You didn't answer my part about the big January game

We'll see what happens. Nintendo has done a good job delivering, but, as I've said before, nothing is set in stone, and in the case of Pokemon and Fire Emblem, these are big leaps, not small steps. The teams that worked on those titles don't have experience in HD development, and it's a large leap from A to B.

That, and they need thirds to deliver equally.

@JaxonH They're going to have a hit, sure, but that doesn't have to be Pokemon. Can be FE or any of the others you've mentioned, if you're right that it's confirmed (still doesn't say much, since delays happen, isn't that right, Breath of the Wild?)

Your faith in them is truly astonishing, but I do not share it. Along the road, everything and anything can change. Nothing is ever truly set in stone, after all.

So then, if we're to go by 1 big title a month, what's January's?

@Anti-Matter Neither you nor I know what the future holds.

@JaxonH What guarantees us any of those games? Pokemon, I feel, NEEDS more time in the oven. This needs to be good, a real step up for the franchise, not something cranked out "because". If it takes multiple years, then so be it.

Fire Emblem is a possibility? But we've seen nothing of it yet, and may also take more time. These titles you speak of are not the kind to be forcefully cranked out to have something. They need their time, ESPECIALLY since these devs go from 3DS to Switch, which is a massive leap.

That mini-direct was mostly multi-platform games and stuff that's more family-oriented. That said, there's some things that indicate a direct coming, Ubisoft's teasing of something in the coming days, Monolith being silent on account of XC2 New Game+ are good examples of this.

Though the above can equally just be separate instances to occur later, but we know how much Nintendo loves being mysterious.

@Ryu_Niiyama And if they'd only go third-party with their games, they can make much more like this. Sounds good?

@electrolite77 Question is: What prevents history from repeating itself? They were wisely cautious, but with how the Switch is going right now, they can just as easily throw caution to the wind once more.

What heavy hitters do we have for 2018 that aren't multiplatform/Yoshi/Kirby? It's high-time for a direct, especially after Labo.

@electrolite77 And if Labo does change perception negatively, it'll hopefully spur them to put their time into something else.

If anything, watching Nintendo struggle is entertaining.

@Agramonte Well, maybe the momentum is up, the shots are fired, and Nintendo's reloading takes time they didn't prepare for? Ubisoft are still teasing Nintendo related news though, and a direct could still very well happen. Or it's just that mini, and 2018 will become like the Dry Dry Dunes

@Einherjar "But at least this doesn't come at a time of drought, like plenty of "supposedly cool" WiiU announcements."

Do I sense some sarcasm there sir? That mini-direct was pretty cool, but Nintendo doesn't have any hard-hitters on their hands so far we're aware. Perhaps they've unloaded it all previous year, and we're simply in drought-country?

@ThanosReXXX To each their own on this one. The only one in my apartment that would love these, is my pet rabbit that enjoys tearing up anything cardboard

@Thisismycomment This at the same time baffles me. NoE copies games wholesale from NoA, the key example being Fire Emblem: Fates.

If they have different policies, then why are they copy pasting from one another?

@Ralizah What's the full name of this game? Just "Mudo" isn't ringing any bells on the Eshop nor on YouTube...

@sword_9mm They themselves still happily say they're targeting families though.

@PtM Portability has any game be a perfect match, apparently. Convenience trumps all....

@iLikeUrAttitude According to NintendoEverything, it's 1080P30FPS docked, so expect less (no idea how much) when handheld.

@Malcrash http://nintendoeverything.com/dark-souls-remastered-runs-at-1080p-30-fps-on-switch-when-docked/

@StuTwo "and stuff that’s heavily dependent on the features/power of a particular console. Or a combination of the above."

Looks grim.... I really hope that computing device patent will be something, as it can help secure these titles. Sure, doesn't work in handheld, but it's that or nothing.

@nocdaes Sure, nostalgia sells, just look at Crash Bandicoot. That said, how much can they feasibly make off of that, comparatively to new games?

@Razer Not the kind of games I want to play. I've had to do many upgrades to run Total War: Warhammer well on my PC, and it's still not good enough right now. RTS games just require power to render all that's on the screen, that's just how it is.

As for the merge, I would somewhat agree, if only the home-console part didn't make compromises on account of the other part, but then technology will probably even that out. That said, it should be said that, right now, it's really at the beginning stage, still in the kid's shoes.

I just hope that computing device is real, and it may very well be.

EDIT: About the PS4 and decline, this is an interesting thing to keep in mind: http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2018/01/ps4_sells_almost_six_million_units_in_just_over_a_month

@Razer So you'd want them to change the Switch into a pure handheld soon? Also you didn't answer my part about the Switch's successors.

And you're forgetting that the Switch is still fighting something in Nintendo's now chosen space. Mobile phones. They're not stopping any time soon, and if that bubble doesn't burst, then who knows what happens?

As for PC's, they still cost quite a bit of money to build a good one. Like, 1200 for a proper one, not even high-end. Compared to that, and keeping in mind that people's salaries aren't exactly skyrocketing, a console is still a more advantageous purchase for those who don't have buckets to spend. I don't see any of that "PC price catching up" of yours to be frank, not at all.

@Razer Honestly? Not a clue. So far I know the PS4 has sold pretty well, and the Xbox One... less so. I've always had Nintendo's stuff, handhelds included, and it's them I keep tabs on.

70 million PS4's sold, indicates to me that there's still plenty who want such an experience, honestly. I believe the console industry is just figuring out how to handle the meteor that rammed into it, that being phone games and how massive that's become. I duly hope that bubble pops at some point though, maybe that'll change things.

We don't know what happens in the future. For all we know, something happens that causes a severe decline in handheld gaming, which would cause a return of said console gaming, who knows. But the main advantages that a console have over a PC are still relevant, that being price, all games made to fit on said console, and exclusive games.

But at the end of the day, you're suggesting console gaming is to die out for handheld? Because then I'd say handheld is to die out due to mobile phones. In fact, the home-console bit may just be what helps Nintendo on that front, as they did have trouble dealing with the impact of said phone-games, so far I know.

@Razer Ok, let's get very logical and technical for a second. The Switch itself, that which truly matters and has the innards, is a tablet in form-factor. Add the Joy-Cons and it functions as a handheld. You cannot play handheld with the Joy-Cons, they're mandatory, but you CAN play table-top, basically a "smaller" docked mode with no problem.

The home-console part is a side-accessory. I've read countless times how people didn't even bother to unwrap their dock. It's not a necessary piece of the Switch, not a real part of it. That, is why I dismiss it as a home-console.

As for the Switch's evolution, what more can you do on handheld part? It might get smaller and more portable with better battery over-time, but other than that it's pretty much set. As a home-console it has whole swathes of room for improvement.

@Razer I hope they find a way to cater to both, but then this is one, if not THE main challenge with having a hybrid: You'll have people using either mode over the other due to their situation. How, if at all, will Nintendo handle this? I'm curious....

@Razer What does the dock do right now? The tech inside is a converter, and that's just about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxUuDh5dOus

It doesn't need to empower the Switch to suddenly make games possible that weren't possible before, just make sure that the handheld compromises aren't affecting docked play.

Plus, I've sent Nintendo an e-mail before asking if they require third-parties to use both modes, and Nintendo basically told me it's up to them (Severed and Voez being handheld only games) So where's the shame in going docked only, even things out? They're allowed to.

@Razer I'm pretty sure it would create the same situation as both Microsoft and Sony have with the PS4/Xbox base models and their X/Pro equivalent: A mode that allows it to run with the extra power, but only an extra.

Also, just to be clear, I don't want "superiority" of home-console over handheld, I just want the dock to 1. Contribute meaningfully to the home-console experience beyond what it does now and 2. make sure that the compromises these games take to be handheld do not affect the game when docked. That is is all.

@Razer Ah, so it's because they don't see Nintendo as competition that they're doing all they can to secure Japan, namely by having Monster Hunter World as exclusive there, I see.

That computing device is a win-win situation. People you describe buy a Switch and it's great. People who want extra buy the computing device and don't have to camp with frame-drops and the likes. Where is the wrong here?

"I sense a lot of angst from you" Through damn computer screen? You're really full of it, aren't you? I'm merely advocating that Nintendo do the docked part justice, instead of a mostly empty plastic shell. Woe me for wanting the hybrid to even itself out.

No, it's people like you that will have the console's future development stagnate and make it so Nintendo will never bother upgrading the dock, or even eventually ditch it. The fact that we're even arguing about this, proves that you don't just slap 2 different crowds together like that.

@Razer Oh yeah, Nintendo's lovely dream of not competing. Listen, they market it home-console, they compete, it's as simple as that. And just in case you don't believe me, refer here: https://www.nintendo.com/switch/ "Nintendo Switch is designed to go wherever you do, transforming from home console to portable system in a snap."

As for home-console? Let me regale you with a patent by Nintendo themselves: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/04/nintendos_supplemental_computing_device_patent_is_cleared_for_completion That patent solves it, by making sure that those who play home-console don't have to suffer the the compromises that those who wish to play handheld make.

Or are you going to tell me it's fair that my experience suffers so you can have yours? Since that's an inherent problem of the Switch as handheld slapped together with a "home-console" mode (yes mode), and a BIG kink yet to be worked out.

@MoonKnight7 Cool your gears, I'm merely discussing things. And mailing Nintendo just nets you automated responses, but I'm sure you knew that.

@MoonKnight7 There are people who use one mode over the other, and I honestly don't see the appeal in playing handheld mode. It just risks my home-console by doing so, when I've got my 3DS/Phone for moments of being on my way somewhere.

But why not make it so people can use their preferred mode to max efficiency at the cost of the other? There are people who have never unwrapped their dock, and people who never remove their Switch from the dock, why not give them some love?

@MsgBoardGamer I wouldn't say "far less" important though. If that were the case, why'd Nintendo put in all this effort to accommodate them? No, they are DAMN important in the end.

@MsgBoardGamer What is your aim? I don't get it. Nintendo sells best on Nintendo consoles, we know that, but if Nintendo were to ever rely on their development alone, somewhere, something would go downhill. Sony and MS rely on third-party software, and although Nintendo relies primarily on their own games, they cannot keep going on that alone. It would tire out their franchises in the long run.

@electrolite77 Call it what you like, but can I also take that you think the dock as it currently is is fine? And that it's an equal hybrid in that both modes are equally good?

@MoonKnight7 You don't think there's an argument in wanting the Switch to be better? In wanting the dock to have some actual merit of it's own, rather than be what is now? (which is not a whole lot)

It's not a case about feeling better about myself, it's a case of genuinely wanting to know, if people excuse the Switch's performance when docked, just because it's handheld. If people are satisfied with how it performs, just because of handheld. THAT is what I want to know.

We've never had a "hybrid" console before, 2 groups what want different things from their respective machines lumped together, so there's a lot of kinks that come with that, and the Switch, as it stands, is just far more handheld than it is anything else, and I'm afraid Nintendo will never develop the dock if the majority is satisfied with it, since why would they waste their money on something people are happy with and they can sell for yet more money?

@MsgBoardGamer So you say third-party being less important is a fact? Sure. I'm going to politely request you to leave it at this, otherwise I'm going to have to use the ignore function.

@MsgBoardGamer You only care about what you perceive to be the truth, us discussing leads nowhere. Let's call it quits while we're still on reasonable terms, hm?

@MsgBoardGamer I see what kind of person I'm talking to, and I'll leave you to it.

@WhistleFish It's probably because Switch gets those people who buy more than JUST Nintendo that it's doing this well, but yes, I see your point.

@MsgBoardGamer I'm talking about that dismantling video about the dock, or are you telling me that the 80% empty plastic is worth 99 euros?

You want evidence for third-party? Why else would Nintendo bother to make it significantly easier for them to develop games? Why else is this a thing? http://nintendoeverything.com/kimishima-cautious-about-selling-10-million-switch-units-this-fiscal-year-third-party-asked-for-big-games-quickly/

They're really asking for big games quickly because they're so self-assured of their case, riiiiiiiiight. You think third-parties are irrelevant, but they're the SOLE reason why PS4/Xbox One sell the way they do, and their franchises are equally if not MORE flagship than some of Nintendo's stuff.

@MsgBoardGamer Forgetting and ignoring third-parties wherever you go I see.

@MsgBoardGamer Sure, just ignore the clear faults I've pointed out with the docked part. As for the part you mentioned with Nintendo games vs third-party games in that list, I'll ask you plainly: does that make the third-party games less important? If you answer yes, then you must want Nintendo to go down horribly at one point or another. But you know what man, I'll leave you to wallow in your fanboy pool, peace.

@ekwcll Now I know for sure you're talking out of your bumhole. I play my Switch docked 100% of the time, and I can SEE all the faults with the graphics, whereas handheld people consistently tell me that the graphics are awesome in handheld mode. Going to more P on the Switch, just means you can see how bad the graphics actually are.

"Only certain games from the gba can connect to the game cube." A hybrid is 2 things, connecting a GBA to a Gamecube makes it literally 2 things, connected to one another. Since you can use the GBA with some of those games. Sure, it's just some games, but those games still fulfil have the Gamecube fit the definition of a hybrid.

That said, I'm cutting this pointless discussion with both of you short, since I might as well talk to a concrete wall, and expect it to tell me the definition of life.

@MsgBoardGamer I never said it was worthless, since that would mean it literally has NO merit. I said BARELY. Look at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxUuDh5dOus You can strap that small bit of technology to the back of a tablet holder, sell it for half if not less the price of the current standalone dock, and you've got the same thing.

"Protects the Switch from damage" That's rich. I guess you must've "mystically" red over all those claims of it scratching people's screen and such? That's some damage protection alright, holy moly.

It does NOT reinforce the home-console concept of the Switch. The primary unit that matters is a tablet, with the Joy-Cons it's a handheld, and it can function perfectly fine without need for a dock. In fact, Nintendo could probably just put an HDMI cable with the current Switch, something to hold it meanwhile, and ditch the dock entirely, and people would STILL buy it in droves.

The dock doesn't do ANYTHING by itself. It's a side-accessory, which does not exactly reinforce the feeling of "Wow, I've really bought myself a home-console" no, it tells you "You've got yourself a handheld with a glorified, overpriced HDMI cable".

I don't look at sales charts, but as per this: http://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-reveals-the-most-played-games-on-switch-since-launch-in-north-america/ There are plenty of third-party games that are getting loving, and I've got a feeling some similar sales numbers to go with it.

@MsgBoardGamer That division part is true, but the Switch itself barely has, if any, real merit as a home-console. It is the undisputed king of handheld, but can't even come close to the PS4/Xbox One base models. There's a reason why there are still quite a few third-party FLAGSHIP titles that aren't coming out on the system.

And sure, Nintendo games are the primary sales-drivers, but that doesn't take away that if Nintendo misses out on the big third-party games, it won't help their case. After all, GAMES sell consoles, why do you think Sony is as desperate as they were to get World exclusive on PS4 in Japan?

So what are you going to tell me next? That I'm not allowed to want the dock to be better than it is? that it's perfectly fine this way, how those playing docked get their experience diminished for those playing handheld?

@MsgBoardGamer And so we should ignore all else? Nice logic you've got going on there, pal.

I like how you ignore my points about the Wii-U situation and all that, good going. Also, the dock is a side-accessory and severely overpriced to boot. You can't argue with that.

Oh, and just to slap your own words in your face, these are yours "it natively plays the next generation of flagship video games in more or less their most advanced form" NEXT GENERATION FLAGSHIP GAMES that isn't JUST Nintendo, or are you going to disregard THE ENTIRETY of third-party next?

@MsgBoardGamer Because it isn't all about Nintendo games. Sure, Nintendo games are great, but did you handily FORGET what happened to Wii-U after third-parties dumped the console?

A healthy line-up of both Nintendo and third-party games are required to keep a console healthily stacked with games, since if you have JUST Nintendo, you'll either get a Wii-U situation, or since all the development will (probably, don't even know that for sure) go to Switch, you'll get that the quality of the games will take a hit, since Nintendo is forced to crank them out in order to keep momentum going. So either droughts, or loss of quality, take your pick.

@MsgBoardGamer "2. it natively plays the next generation of flagship video games in more or less their most advanced form (i.e., with the best graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics)"

I've got a bridge to sell you then. Just about every multiplatform game runs worse on Switch, because it simply is behind the PS4/Xbox One hardware wise (base models at that), and it simply has less space for hardware parts.

So either you've got a towel tied to your head that covers your eyes when you play these games, or you never look at comparisons. The Switch compromises on the home-console experience to allow handheld users to experience theirs as well as possible.

It allows you to connect, sure but again, so does an HDMI cable. Push comes to shove, the Switch underperforms, significantly if you ask me, as a home-console, so as to allow it to perform stellar as a handheld. Nintendo's own games look fantastic on their systems, but then, they always have, just look at Mario Kart 8 on Wii-U.

Oh, and as extra kicker, it's FAR from guaranteed that the Switch will get the next generation of flagship titles. A good example of that, is you tell me where Monster Hunter World, Read Dead Redemption and I'm sure there are PLENTY more for Switch are eh?

@WhistleFish True, and by the very same definition, anything that has an HDMI cable for use should be a hybrid too. I'd argue Nintendo either has to make the dock a real, and valuable asset to the Switch, or make it have it's own bit of power, separate from the main unit.

@Slim1999 In a way, they already have, since they are offering their games on phones now.