@agramonte I’m with you on this one. Better yet, sign up for Apple Arcade’s one month trial period, play that and grindstone and then cancel at the end of the month.
"Honestly, lately, we’re kind of scared to say exactly where things are in the timeline for that reason."
I think that this comment is the most important thing I've read about the timeline. If the creators of the games themselves aren't 100% positive about where things land in the timeline, then the rest of us are putting too much stock into this.
@moon and @holygeez03. Awesome discussion guys! I want to provide my counter points because I feel you two have had the most compelling arguments for including apps on the Switch.
Increase the install base - Unless Nintendo can stream better than other portable streaming devices, I doubt the install base will increase by much. If you have multiple streaming devices most people would choose a phone or tablet because of superior portability, functionality and most likely battery life. If you don't have a streaming device, I feel most would choose to purchase a phone or tablet over the switch. This leaves you with only a few who would choose a switch based on apps. An increase in the install base for sure, but probably by a negligible number.
So then you might argue, "An increase in the install base is an increase, why not just go for it?" To that, I have the two following arguments.
1. Apps are not free for Nintendo - I'm not certain but I would think that Nintendo pays Netflix to have its app on the Switch. Even if this isn't the case there are support costs and opportunity costs of having this app take up screen space in the eshop and disk space on the internal storage. Real costs are passed on to the customer. The Wii U gamepad and 3d functionality on the 3DS were two features that in the end may not have brought much added value, but were still included in the cost at the end.
2. Apps fragment Nintendo's focused marketing message. Up to this point, Nintendo has been very focused on showing what the Switch is. It is a home console first, that can be used as a portable to play high-quality games. Throwing in apps and advertising those apps dilutes this message.
Another fantastic article. Congrats @ThomasBW84. Some of my own thoughts. Nintendo realizes that they aren't in the business of selling powerful consoles, they are in the business of selling entertainment which is why they rightfully removed themselves from the arms race.
What they didn't understand from the Wii U generation is that power matters to the extent that you can get rich 3rd party support, which in turn will drive console sales.
So very disappointed. With previous delays Nintendo has given us at least something to chew on to hold us over. ex. Twilight Princess HD. Now there's almost nothing. Nintendo will give us information on Zelda U to keep us satiated for the next 9 months. (assuming the NX and Zelda are not delayed again). How disappointing!
I'm tired of the argument "as long as they do a good job, I'm willing to wait for ___". Like we have to choose between crappy games released on time or a great game delayed. How about releasing a great game by the first release date? Too hard to ask?Zelda has been pushed back for well over a year by the time it comes out. This is getting ridiculous.
Last console game game came out on the 25th anniversary. This one is looking to come out on the 30th. I hope this doesn't become a recurring trend. 5 years for a console Zelda game is a long time.
I liked Paper Mario 64. One of my favorite N64 RPG's. Super Mario RPG is my absolute favorite game of all time. It it is the gold standard of Mario RPG games and I hope that Nintendo can create something close to it in the future
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Re: Review: Tangle Tower - A Superb Adventure That's Both Hilarious And Challenging
@agramonte I’m with you on this one. Better yet, sign up for Apple Arcade’s one month trial period, play that and grindstone and then cancel at the end of the month.
Re: Breath of the Wild Developers Discuss the Zelda Timeline
"Honestly, lately, we’re kind of scared to say exactly where things are in the timeline for that reason."
I think that this comment is the most important thing I've read about the timeline. If the creators of the games themselves aren't 100% positive about where things land in the timeline, then the rest of us are putting too much stock into this.
Re: Blaster Master Zero Has Been Downloaded 80,000 Times On Switch
I wonder how many copies it would have sold with a robust eshop? Seems like for many people it was a title they bought to take a break from BoTW.
Re: Poll: Does Nintendo Switch Need Streaming Apps and a Web Browser, Or Is It All About Games?
@moon and @holygeez03. Awesome discussion guys! I want to provide my counter points because I feel you two have had the most compelling arguments for including apps on the Switch.
Increase the install base - Unless Nintendo can stream better than other portable streaming devices, I doubt the install base will increase by much. If you have multiple streaming devices most people would choose a phone or tablet because of superior portability, functionality and most likely battery life. If you don't have a streaming device, I feel most would choose to purchase a phone or tablet over the switch. This leaves you with only a few who would choose a switch based on apps. An increase in the install base for sure, but probably by a negligible number.
So then you might argue, "An increase in the install base is an increase, why not just go for it?" To that, I have the two following arguments.
1. Apps are not free for Nintendo - I'm not certain but I would think that Nintendo pays Netflix to have its app on the Switch. Even if this isn't the case there are support costs and opportunity costs of having this app take up screen space in the eshop and disk space on the internal storage. Real costs are passed on to the customer. The Wii U gamepad and 3d functionality on the 3DS were two features that in the end may not have brought much added value, but were still included in the cost at the end.
2. Apps fragment Nintendo's focused marketing message. Up to this point, Nintendo has been very focused on showing what the Switch is. It is a home console first, that can be used as a portable to play high-quality games. Throwing in apps and advertising those apps dilutes this message.
Just my two cents.
Re: Video: A Good Look at Why the Nintendo Switch Isn't Comparable to the Wii U GamePad
@ThomasBW84 Since this is the best Nintendo community online I figured I'd share this.
As of Feb 3, 2017, Best Buy is taking Switch preorders in the US! http://www.bestbuy.com/site/video-games/nintendo-switch/pcmcat1476977522176.c?id=pcmcat1476977522176&pageType=REDIRECT&issolr=1&searchRedirect=nintendo+switch#
Act quickly!
Re: Editorial: The Nintendo Switch 'Power' Debate is Likely Missing the Point
Another fantastic article. Congrats @ThomasBW84. Some of my own thoughts. Nintendo realizes that they aren't in the business of selling powerful consoles, they are in the business of selling entertainment which is why they rightfully removed themselves from the arms race.
What they didn't understand from the Wii U generation is that power matters to the extent that you can get rich 3rd party support, which in turn will drive console sales.
Re: Nintendo Switch Will Be a Single-Screen Experience
It is apparent that Nintendo is hoping to incorporate every lesson they learned from the Wii U
Re: Super Mario Run Notification Sign Ups Reach 20 Million
Haven't signed up and I don't plan to. I figure I'll hear about it and I'll download the app soon after
Re: Feature: A Summary of Nintendo's Key Announcements on NX, E3 and Mobile
So very disappointed. With previous delays Nintendo has given us at least something to chew on to hold us over. ex. Twilight Princess HD. Now there's almost nothing. Nintendo will give us information on Zelda U to keep us satiated for the next 9 months. (assuming the NX and Zelda are not delayed again). How disappointing!
Re: Feature: A Summary of Nintendo's Key Announcements on NX, E3 and Mobile
I'm tired of the argument "as long as they do a good job, I'm willing to wait for ___". Like we have to choose between crappy games released on time or a great game delayed. How about releasing a great game by the first release date? Too hard to ask?Zelda has been pushed back for well over a year by the time it comes out. This is getting ridiculous.
Re: Reaction: Nintendo Shakes Up E3 With No NX and a Focus on Legend of Zelda
@GloryQuestor I think so as well. It seems crazy to release the NX without a showing it at E3
Re: Sound Your Survey Klaxon, Nintendo of America Wants Your Feedback
I'm not sure how reliable the results will be.
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo is Right to Move On From the Wii Family Name With NX
@thomasbw84 A well written article that proposed views of Nintendo's history I have not previously considered. Keep up the good work!
Re: The Legend of Zelda on Wii U and 30th Anniversary on the Agenda for Upcoming Famitsu Feature
Last console game game came out on the 25th anniversary. This one is looking to come out on the 30th. I hope this doesn't become a recurring trend. 5 years for a console Zelda game is a long time.
Re: Editorial: Paper Mario is 15 Years Old Today, and Provides a Reminder of Nintendo's Wonderful Whimsy
I liked Paper Mario 64. One of my favorite N64 RPG's. Super Mario RPG is my absolute favorite game of all time. It it is the gold standard of Mario RPG games and I hope that Nintendo can create something close to it in the future