kalosn

"On the other hand, over the course of these eight years and counting, it has become necessary to increase hardware processing performance in order for software developers to realize one of Nintendo's most valued tenets: offering new gameplay experiences."

That's exactly what I thought. Donkey Kong Bananza proves it full time.
Mario Kart World on the other hand, maybe that is actually possible on Switch 1, just not a 60fps.

Besides, who knows? They could come with a Nintendo Labo-like product eventually.... hm?

I know this talk is mostly about its battle system, but gosh those visuals are just gorgeous, even on Series S. I really hope the next Monolith Soft game looks at least close to this, the Final Fantasy inspiration is on touch there too.

I guess EA is waiting to see how Madden NFL 26 performs sales-wise on Switch 2 to see if bringing entries in the College Football series would be viable. It's understandable since it's a separate title, so hopefully we won't see another The Journey-like fiasco for us Nintendo players.
I hope they can bring some of their library soon, the Jedi games for example, they would map out decent success considering its based on a renowed IP.
But, why would it cost more digitally than physical? Isn't that ironic? I really wonder if that strategy's gonna work out, what if someone wants to install all the launch games digitally?

71GB? Wow, for a mobile device that would be prohibitely high, but how much does it weight on other platforms by comparison?
Maybe it's understandable they wouldn't have used a 64GB cartridge since it would've made the price more expensive, but even for some a Game-Key card would've been preferable.
Besidses, I thought they were using their new AI-upscaling tech to reduce game file sizes, still early days I guess.

The Hyperjump feature really looks like it'll make use of the improved memory, it's gonna be crazy I think. All those new modes just speak "New F-Zero features" for me though, it's a perfect example of what new innovations you could do with a new entry.

I wonder if they are using DLSS, but it actually seems they won't need it, it's looking promising.
The trailer's not looking like 4K though, in fact it looks a bit blurrier than even 1080p, but the screenshots do look high resolution. It's still looking like a tech showcase for the system already, and good to see they seemingly finally have the updated, 4K-supported dev kits, that way I'm sure they'll soon show a version closer to the final release.
It's a shame it won't support 120fps at launch though, but considering how it's going to show off a lot of modes I think it could be possible there, Mario Kart World wants that too after all.

@Jester676 You know what? Nevermind that. I think you were misleading my comment into calling Mario Kart World a last-gen title, when the only thing I'm stating is, the game probably has visual roots on Switch 1, it's quite evident when you look at the model/texture quality and the fact the visual touches look neat CGI, but not necessarily super VGX CGI or anything like that. Everything else? Open-world, 24 racers at 60fps? A 120 fps mode maybe? That is definitely Switch 2 territory.
Donkey Kong Bananza, on the other hand, does indeed look like a game developed from the ground-up for the Switch 2 in mind, just like SMO was for the Switch 1.

@Jester676 The engine at least, not the overall output, since I doubt that open-world would be feasible at 60fps on Switch 1. It's just that, the game does look stylized enough to resemble some Switch games.

So now that the game's out, it's been discovered the Xbox Series S is approximately 1260p but upscaled from very low resolutions (likely with FSR2/3)... I guess it probably won't run on Switch 2 without DLSS. At least that's an option hopefully Virtuos can manage, they're the ones who bought The Outer Worlds to the Switch after all.

If there's something the PC Handhelds have demonstrated, it's that overclocking the CPU and GPU ridiculous levels can let them achieve performance parity with the higher-end consoles, even if the visuals still stack at medium.
Um, actually, the Street Fighter 6 demo has a higher image quality than even Series S, it's pretty evident there:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvKaQpYNSjA
The visuals though, are a clear holdover from the PS4 version, even the textures in fact. That's a bit disappointing, it's not much different from Series S, but it lack some of its extra detail and shading. It does hint that reducing image quality would bring visual parity with XSS though.

Hogwarts Legacy is a bit worrying though, you'd expect they could hold at least 1080p docked without any meaningfulhitch to performance, but seeing frame drops while running at apparently 720p is not a good showcase of the hardware capabilities.. There's still time for it to be optimized, and since it doesn't seem to be using DLSS, there's potential for that too.

Meanwhile, Donkey Kong Bananza seems like the perfect answer to the question if its CPU is on the current-gen standard levels at least, it's like an evolved Knack system of combat and phsyics. Heck, even if it keeps that (likely native) 1080p picture, it'd still be comparable to a typical Xbox Series S release.

Also, many haven't noticed that Mario Kart World apparently runs on the same "LunchBox" engine that powered the Zelda BOTW/TOKT and Splatoon games on Switch, it's pretty evident by the physically-based lighting, physics engine, subdued art style and the fact even the reflection method is very similar to the one used in Breath of the Wild. It's an engine designed to bring modern visual features in a way that feels less taxing and more artistic, and also hints that the game was likely first designed for the original Switch in mind, but then they decided to boost it to the new generation machine as an exclusive. It's good if even the open-world is meant to run at 60fps after all.

Anyway, them calling the Switch 2 "future-looking" is a good enough sign from them. Even with the supposedly constrained clock speeds, it's still packing enough tech for the potential of higher clock speeds to be there, I guess...
I still think they need to be more convinced to call this more inline with a current-gen machine than the last-gen ones though.

It's a nice touch, but they could've also promoted it with "You're playing with (handheld) power".

Not really surprising since it was recently made Steam Deck-ready, but still pretty good to see!

So, it will fully support VRR for handheld mode, but not for TV mode? That doesn't make any sense. Seriously, they must clarify why they would change that out of random.

If it can run well on Xbox Series S, and especially, if Virtuos also works on it, then a faithful Switch 2 port would be pretty feasible.
But first things first, it'll need to prove it has the install base for it!

So here begins, the first Switch 2 marketing... They're doing the right thing in promoting the console as an evolved, better Switch. No focus on gimmicks, no confusing peripherals... and whatever affected the 3DS marketing message on its first months.
Also, I just realized how Hasta la Vista Bowser looks.

Nintendo has their roadmap to the Switch 2's launch, and I'm guessing that involves some kind of... balanced game announcement/release saga, I'm sure they'll eventually talk about games many are intrigued how they'll look and run on Switch 2.
I think the Switch work on The Witcher is more Saber Interactive's work. They were the ones who made the impossible true, so who knows what they could achieve with the Switch 2. The Upgraded Next-Gen edition has tons of improvements and visual enhancements, it would be nice to see them on the new console too.

At least not everything was fully shown, but what is a disappointment is that they seemingly confirmed 4-player split-screen is once again capped to 30fps. Why, and what does that mean for the alleged 120fps mode? I don't know, but I doubt it'll be avaliable on the free roam modes
On the bright side, they could justify that by upgrading Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, that game was truly max settings on the Switch 1 already.

It looks slick, but still kinda subdued. It still feels they used the Mario Kart Tour art style (not engine, that was Unity!), which was already inferior to Mario Kart 8's visual approach. That's not my main issue though, I wonder why they couldn't add more detail to the tracks, did they wanted to avoid pop-in?

I remember when they announced this Direct on the big Switch 2 Direct, I thought it was going to be as slick and direct as that one, with a presentator (maybe the game's developers themselves) explaining the secrets of the game to us. Even in just 15 minutes, they could've done the Elevator Pitch approach and explained to us in a very short time how much value this game would mean.
Instead, what was there was not a Nintendo Direct, it was a glorified Overview Trailer elongated to 16 minutes. With a somewhat generic tone, explaining things that were mostly already shown before, which so far are honestly just essential parts of a Mario Kart game. There are still so many parts that make this game shine, but not enough to justify the price tag.
Apart from the open-world, I still have to see how different this game is from that previous game, which is to day the biggest one with 96 courses. How can this Mario Kart be different? Maybe they could take inspiraton from the Forza series and how Horizon differentiates itself from the Motorsport games. You know, focus on make the world immersive, adding a story mode (!), get crazy with content and unlockables... there's just so much potential here to make it the craziest game in the series yet, but this presentation wasn't convincing.

I don't doubt they haven't revealed everything yet. Not even close I mean, the sticker customization, what the coins, medals and ? Panels do, those strange UFO sightings.... I know they're holding off tons of secrets and things we don't know about the game. Maybe intentionally, as we're still one month and a half until the game releases, it made sense they decided to hold off things until later, or maybe nothing until the game releases to keep the surprises to the player (except a Story Mode, if there is one, that should be definitely announced before the game releases)
Maybe it was just a weird timing from Nintendo, they have their roadmap until the Switch 2 releases of games, announcements, details... this "Direct" was just part of it, for good or bad.

At least they didn't announce paid DLC... I do think it can get DLC though, just not paid please.

This will definitely put a new meta in strategy for the series. It looks truly interesting in fact.

It truly makes sense to make specific Battle Courses, after all, that's what MK8Deluxe fixed to the Wii U original.
But in an open-world game like this, I feel there could be a bigger potential to battle mode in the series, one where you drive through the world and use crazy or specific items to be the winner, kinda like a Battle Royale. With 24 players maximum though... I feel they can add more players if they wanted.

Yeah, they're pretty similar to what you could do in Mario Kart DS, but there are some things missing here. Do you remember having to race a Wiggler? Or beating King Boo? or the Bullies?
I feel they should still do more things with the open-world to make it substantial, not easy to fill in just 10 hours of playtime.

They could actually get some inspiration from how the Forza Horizon series manages open-world driving. An actual Story, random weather conditions, heck you can even give the physics meaning! And the fact these open-world driving games tend to have huge maps based on real-life locales. With that in mind, I just hope the game is big enough to justify the premium tag.

I just hope it's much more impressive than MK8's Rainbow Road, a truly next-gen interpretation of the track even.

As someone who played Fortnite ever since it came to the original Switch, I actually can't wait to see it running on Switch 2. We haven't seen a single UE5 game on the console yet, and who knows to what extent ray-tracing could be possible there, considering what even Steam Deck could achieve.

@Dr_Lugae Yeah, maybe. Your mileage may vary on how fun it was, but ultimately filler. Still, it had truly amusing parts, like the intro where someone said "It's like Nintendo heard me". For what, the price? lol

The performance is slightly worrying. With enough compromises on Image Quality and/or settings on Steam Deck, it at least ran at a stable 30fps, not to mention Rog Ally's ability to unlock the framerate. Still, it's surprising to see it look this good in just 7 weeks, so there's hope they can optimize it further.
On Xbox Series S, it ran maximum 1440p with 30fps on, and a 800p-1100p or something with 60fps on. The quality mode was stable, more than last-gen at least
Since the demo build doesn't have DLSS, I think it would be key on giving it close parity with that version at least. Achieving the maximum 1080p30fps on Handheld mode with similar graphical parity would be an good sign for the future, DLSS or not.
Maybe the supposed clocks are the limiting factor here. If they were overclocked, the overhead would be massive I'm sure, even at the cost of battery life. I still have a issue with those last-gen comparisons, even with the fact it has Phantom Liberty. I mean, sure it is a taxing game, but it's not Monster Hunter Wilds...

Also, not surprising to see this version won't have ray-tracing, as the only ray-tracing setting on consoles right now are shadows. Yeah, not even reflections, somehow.

When was the last time there was a Mario Kart Direct? Oh right! 11 years ago, the Mario Kart 8 Direct, which was 36 minutes long, where they talked about a lot of features (which honestly were mostly holdovers from Mario Kart 7), bundles, online, music, as well as the courses that would be present on the game. What could they talk about in just 15 minutes, which is less than half of that previous runtime, that would be the maximum convincement of why this game costs $80?
There was no talk of DLC back then, which was justified for a typical Mario Kart game. But for this? I fear even the smallest probability that they could announce it. Oh, the final 5 minutes of the direct will be intriguing, I don't think I'll be able to watch them
This Direct should emphatise why you would spend so much money on the game, focus on the expansive, not the expensive.

It's clearly based on the PS4 version, but with a higher image quality (possibly 1440p like the PS4 Pro) than even Xbox Series S.
I think they could optimize it further to at least enable AO and DOF..., even if it could impact image quality, but not performance.

Considering the Xbox Series S version was 1200-1440p30fps and 800-1080p60fps, I'm sure they could handle higher resolutions in both modes, especially with DLSS.
Last time I heard, 1080p was the target both docked and undocked, with DRS obviously there.

While I'm obviously not asking for it to have PS5/Xbox Series X one-one numbers (an hybrid console with those specs at comparable price would instantly put them out of business), what I hope is this console can serve as an handheld companion to the higher end of the current generation standards. You know, you have a PS5 for example, there you can play a current-gen game with excellent quality, but then you want to play it elsewhere and that's where the Switch 2 comes. Maybe with lower settings, but still playable to the point the single fact it can run current-gen-tailored games is impressive.
And considering how close the Steam Deck is to the Xbox Series S at least, I hope it can get that longetivity, as this generation seems like it just got off a slower start relatively, which somehow gave the Switch's sucessor a timely advantage.

Speaking about open-world racing, I hope Forza Horizon 5 does come to Switch 2, so we can get a closer look at multiplatform comparison.
@kCaracal Oh pardon me, I actually meant "4K (60fps) and 120fps(with lower numbers) separately. 4k120fps is PS5 Pro territory anyway, so it's not much of a surprise. DLSS could help with both performance and quality options.

A 120fps mode? Sounds interesting.
It's not exactly the Mario movie Rainbow Road quality it could've been, but it's okay, since Nintendo clearly focused here on using the new hardware to improve the gameplay rather than the visuals. It's a more real-time based pipeline with some physics on even, it sometimes makes it look less vibrant than MK8, even if the entire engine is actually a leap.
With an open-world focus and 24-player battles, I hope they get as crazy on the gameplay as they can, please justify that price, even if it's still quite high.
I just wish they employed DLSS more though, they could possibly reach something closer to 4K and maybe 120fps without sacrificing image quality, though in general it's still impressive how much the console can reach those high native resolutions.

"Future-proof" huh? That's very applaudible. It's nice to see an interview where sometimes it feels you're talking personally, like with honesty.

Curiously, I remember how those rumours often contradicted each other in terms of if it was going to be a 3D or 2D game. I guess the 2D people looked at the DKC-inspired level and guessed it was that way
At the end, it'll be a 3D sandbox game, but probably with small 2D levels contained

@HeadPirate However, it would also eliminate the second-hand market that physical media was always inheren to. Even if the price change was not so much, I think it would still cost comparable to a Steam Deck or a PS5 Digital Edition. But even if that isn't enough to at least lower its price to even $409.99, then I guess its better off the no pun intended (cards)
In fact, thinking about it, no PC Handheld is compatible with physical media, no matter how much they cost. I guess card-reading hardware always had a price advantage then...

I hate depressing reads, and I truly can't believe Nintendo would ofuscate the messaging here.
Look, they tried to make the messaging simple, and I can't believe there would be an article that actually agrees that those are mistakes and not misinformation.
The prices thing is one thing, and one that they can hopefully stabilize later on, but what I really know about the system is, it's going to be a new standard for the Switch, for Nintendo and its software.
Maybe a Digital Edition of the system could work for many, as was the case with PS5 and Series S. Just, just stop thinking about false assumptions and just focus on the message they are delivering.

Was there any confusion during the original Switch reveal? Yes, definitely, but I never saw any of it. I still got my console, played its games and enjoyed most of it thoroughly its life, never to "worry" about things completely irrelevant to what I was doing.

I really love box-arts that show how big the game is by showings its landscapes, so I guess Mario Kart World

I think this game could be well more than just a racing game like the previous one. The GameCube game had a mode where you would travel and battle on an open city environment, and that was the closest thing to a 3D Kirby game back then.
It felt like a 3D Smash Bros, and guess what? You could say the same about Kid Icarus Uprising's multiplayer modes. It feels Sakurai has been teasing concepts for a 3D Smash Bros since while ago, this game could continue them pretty well

I hope we can see more of its DLSS capabilities soon.

Awesome to see this huge game coming to a Nintendo console and on handheld form (for the second time)
But the Switch 2's "The Witcher 3 moment"? Maybe for the Switch Pro that never came it would've been one, but here, not necessarily. It's a graphical and gameplay showcase of course, and a hugely demanding game, but it's not like if was a current-gen taxing game. It runs at 1440p approximately on the current gen consoles, with 30 or 60fps targets depending on which mode or Series S you choose. 1080p30fps and dynamic 40fps on Switch 2 suddenly feels like a good comparison point, and that's without even confirming the use DLSS. Plus, Steam Deck can run it, and Rog Ally can go beyond 30fps (if you don't have issue with it lasting for less than 1 hour though).

So yeah, I think we still have to see Switch 2's Witcher 3 moment, but if you ask me, a game like Starfield or Dragon's Dogma 2 could be well deserving of that merit.

It'll be an interesting journey. Nintendo adressed many of Switch 1's flaws but also bought in some new challenges. It's a premium hybrid console, a decently powerful home console, and a high-end handheld definitely. It's like my dream of a more powerful Switch from few years ago more than came true, and honestly I couldn't be more excited for that (even as I also became more content for simplicity and fun as time passed)
It really didn't needed a new innovation (or "gimmick" as many call them) to drastically change the hybrid concept that made the Switch 1 so successful and versatile. In fact, once again the potential for new ideas will reside on hardware features and peripherals, the new Chat button is awesome, and game sharing has very positive potential.

I'm also wondering how future-proof it'll be. Thanks to its high performance and DLSS it'll surely remain relevant for the coming years, even as devs would push PS5 and Xbox Series to their limits.
However, some (especially Microsoft) are already talking about the next-gen from current-gen, but it still seems pretty early to think about that, this console generation had really just began taking off from cross-gen from 2023 onwards, games are already huge (and costly), and full of detail, and Nintendo is finally joining the club with their new console. How they'll handle current-gen challenges is another thing, hopefully they can do the industry favors.
What will drive consoles next could well be beyond prettier visuals and high performance, tech is more than just that after all.

This console is surely packed with high-end tech, Nintendo heavily invested in building this new console with the fortunes of its previous console's massive success. Heck, they even have Sony to thank for the 3D audio there! And now, HD Rumble will become comparable to DualSense's Haptic Feedback, which is cool too.

Now that we're living the Switch 2 extravaganza, it's easy to see how games like this and Rhythm Heaven help Nintendo create that balance between high-end and the mainstream, premium and cheap. Something tells me the Switch Lite will become more popular the coming months, especially if you're also planning to buy a Switch 2 and/or another current-gen console

The graphical quality shown on the Direct was apparently a test footage, as this demo is reportedly running with a higher visual fidelity than anything show previously on Switch 1, which is awesome. Either that or the game generally went through a visual upgrade.
Remember the HD (4K!) Metroid Prime everyone wanted since the Wii U days? It's finally coming. It's finally coming.

Astro's Playroom wasn't even a tech demo, it was essentially a free-to-play platformer without a single microtransaction.
While it's nice to see Nintendo giving its touch on tech demos, it would've been better if it was free. It's as simple as that.

Ruining the industry? Nintendo? That's unvelievable, they ought to do the complete opposite of that...

For all the Switch 2 hype there are some concerning asteriks regarding the prices... those are PS3-level of console launch concerns in fact, and for Nintendo to not remediate most of them would be a irony of unbelievable proportions.
The value of the console should remain as it is, considering how much it packs, yet I still see the kind of barrier that some consumers could face if $450 is still pretty expensive. Probably the best solution would be offering a Digital Edition, maybe with even more storage (unless that'd increase its price too). If it's too expensive overall, simply sell your current Switch and buy a Switch Lite while you save money until buying the next-gen console.

The games are another thing though. Digital games will be cheaper, but on retail (the market Nintendo is known for supporting pretty well even today), many games that cost $80 should definitely drop their price. I know Mario Kart World will be huge, and its online focus is also something to consider. I didn't knew there was an additional cost to online services (in fact, its ironic when microtransactions are a way of making them cheaper), but the most ridiculous case here is definitely the "remastered" games. Kirby and Super Mario Party should cost only $70, even with all the camera functions they're adding, there's no justification to that price considering the camera is separate even.
Zelda TOKT already costed $70 on Switch 1, so its price increase may seem more justified. Honestly though, I don't remember even Starfield costing that much...
As for GTA 6, $100 sounds incredibly ridiculous. I know its development costs must be a record high, but... it's still not fair for everyone. I'm really worried those prices could potentially overshadow the Switch 2 launch games. Nintendo is aiming for diversity with its line-up

The industry is moving maybe at a too fast pace, to the point we're already talking about such prices for games? That's one thing, but Nintendo's case definitely needs fixing here. Mario Kart World can either still cost that much or drop its price to a digital equivalent depending on what they show on the Direct. Zelda TOKT is maybe justified since it is indeed a big game becoming even more plentiful with these updates (I hope they're not all though, Master Mode...). But Kirby and Super Mario Party? Definitely drop their prices.. I don't wanna know how much they could charge for an enhanced AC New Horizons edition...

Remember when Nintendo dropped the 3DS price when it wasn't selling, and even the Wii U in some markets. With the Switch that wasn't necessary, especially after the Switch Lite came by, thanks to its immediate sales success, something that's not guaranteed here, both the 3DS and PS3 had early challenges because of similar reasons. The PS2 on the other hand... I don't really remember, but I'm pretty sure its price wasn't an issue.

It's not like devs with reputation could simply increase their game prices without excuse. The only thing that is certain and will become relevant for this generation is that Nintendo's games will also become bigger and more expensive to make. Ideally, and knowing how much they betted into researching DLSS, that means they could be working on turnarounds that could positively affect the rest of the industry, while still working on smaller scale games like Tomodachi Life and Rhythm Heaven.

This definitely should be a free included game on the console. Astro's Playroom was, why not this?!
In fact, this seems to lack the charm of Astro's second appearance in comparison, which is something I would've NEVER thought I'd say about a Nintendo game...
I really hope they somehow backtrack and make this a free game. Knowing Nintendo, it's not likely... but there's always the chance for change.

It's nice to see all these accessories being finally unveiled with official accompaniment.

Now that is impressive! It's like, two console generations ahead of the Switch 1, and several mobile generations ahead it. We've yet to see how capable it'll be of running current-gen games, but cross-gen games show tons of promise already.
DLSS is confirmed here, which is even better news! Even though we still need to see it in some way, I wouldn't be surprised that's how many games will reach its highest resolution/performance targets, hopefully close to Xbox Series S at least. Ray-tracing is there too, but considering how demanding it is even for PS5/XSX, its usage will definitely be on select games (Fortnite?)
While price and battery life could be affected by demanding games, there is something Nvidia is incredibly ahead compared to its competitors: efficency. We need more hands-on to see how capable it'll be.

If Nintendo's upscaling technology patent is to be followed, that's a way to decompress file sizes without affecting game quality.

VRR is definitely cutting-edge tech, so this is fascinating news
Now we just need to confirm a single use of upscaling technology (to be specific, Nvidia's DLSS) in any of Switch 2's games to have a further analysis of the level of hardware here.