Comments 26

Re: 'Switch 2' Will Be An Iterative Evolution And Will Cost $400, Predicts Analyst

upsidedownjim

I would like a Switch 2 to be a home console only with PS5 Pro-like specs. I know that's not going to happen so I would then like to see Nintendo take a Steam Deck approach and launch with 3 SKUs where the tech specs are the same but differ in storage and screen quality:

1. Base Model. 256GB NVMe SSD. LCD Screen (maybe smaller). $400
2. Mid-Tier: 512GB NVMe SSD. OLED Screen $500
3. Top-Tier: 1GB NVMe SSD. OLED Screen. $600

Rough pricing. To take advantage of fast data speeds, like PS5, I think games will need to be installed so storage space could be important. Nintendo could increase margins on the mid and top tier while still being able to release a more affordable option. Perhaps the mid-tier and upper tier have physical backwards compatibility and low tier is digital only, if a X1 chip is needed (not sure of the tech requirements for BC). Of course, full BC on all tiers would be ideal.

If they end up doing a Switch 2 Pro I don't think the above would cut into sales since the Pro would have increased specs and core gamers are likely to be the ones to double dip on a system.

Switch 2 Pro controller needs a better D-Pad. I returned 3 Switch Pro controllers to Nintendo when the Switch launched and the D-Pad sucked on all of them. I'd like analog triggers, as well. Still don't know why they regressed on that. Maybe a small touch screen but battery life would suffer.

Obviously, better joy-cons with no drift and better ergonomics.

Pie-in-the-sky: Reverse Wii U where the Switch 2 handheld sends the AV signal to the dock for dual screen usage (as an option). Can also dock for better performance and power. Right now, when docked, the Switch touch screen is useless. This would allow for better text input, better controls for games like Mario Maker and asynchronous play a la Wii U. Maybe allows for ports of mobile only games, maintaining touch screen controls. Could be a fourth way to play: Dock, Handheld, table top, touch.

In terms of power as close to Xbox Series S as possible with perhaps some "smart tech" to make up the difference. Just so it can hang with this gen of Xbox and PS5 - which could see new systems mid-way into Switch 2 life cycle.

We'll see what happens but most importantly are new and great games to play. Edit: Whoa. I didn't realize I wrote so much. The sooner Nintendo announces this thing the better! Can stop speculating

Re: Random: The Game Awards Urged Eiji Aonuma To 'Wrap Up' Zelda Acceptance Speech

upsidedownjim

Should be easy to figure out a reasonable runtime. Take the total number of awards x (how long it takes to get up to the stage on average + reasonable speech length ie 120 seconds). Then take the desired runtime and fit everything else into that time. Video Reveals have a set duration so you know to the frame how long they will take up. That just leaves dumb and awkward host banter and talking with various devs and presenters setting up awards.

Re: Where To Pre-Order Super Mario 3D All-Stars On Nintendo Switch

upsidedownjim

@sandman89 It's a shame for anyone who buys a Switch after March 2021 and will likely have scalpers hoarding the physical copies. Doesn't benefit the consumer. I think the Wii release of Super Mario All-Stars was also limited so maybe Nintendo is sticking to that formula. I have been preferring digital purchases but went physical since it'll be out of print after March 2021. Of course, if I lose the game or it gets stolen I'm screwed. So, maybe I'll get the digital version as well. cries

Re: Nintendo Announces Super Mario Remasters And Much More In Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Direct

upsidedownjim

Any idea what the "Additional accessories sold separately." relates to for Super Mario Sunshine? I assume it could indicate Gamecube controller support. I think it was the only game that had that text appear at the start of its gameplay. Edit: it could just refer to additional Joy-Cons for multiplayer and the title in the video wasn't specific to Super Mario Sunshine.

Re: Some Retail Nintendo Switch Games Will Require You To Own A MicroSD Card

upsidedownjim

The Switch doesn't have enough internal space for many games and Game Cards are expensive to manufacture. Requiring a low-cost SD card, that many would have anyway, seems to be a reasonable work-around to get third-party games onto the Switch.

The Switch has very limited storage capabilities. This isn't a shock or surprise. It costs more to manufacture Game Cards vs optical media. Not a surprise. Either Switch doesn't get the games, we pay more for titles due to Game Card cost or we get the games, at the same price as other systems and just have to buy an SD card. Seems reasonable.

If developers charged more for games with higher capacity Game Cards, wouldn't that end up costing people more than an SD card after a couple of game purchases?

Re: Poll: A Week On, How Do You Feel About the Nintendo Switch?

upsidedownjim

I keep going in waves of being okay with it and looking at all the faults. I'm not overly enthusiastic, atm. Pretty much the only thing keeping me interested is knowing that Nintendo will have a solid lineup of games over the life of the console (like Wii U). Overall, I'm fine with the hardware - I'm okay with it not being the most powerful on the block. However, the Wii and Wii U, gimmicky-or-not, at least offered new ways to play games to compensate for its lack of power (thus third-party games). The Switch doesn't really do that. It is either a home console or a handheld. The Joy-Cons, HD Rumble are refinements but don't offer a new way to play. The software reflects this. In that, it is essentially a line up of ports and/or games that could be built for Wii U. So, in order for me to be more enthusiastic about the system the system needs compelling NEW games that are enough to overcome the cons of the system.

The Switch, with current info, lacks services that are pretty standard for any device that connects to a TV. These features increase the value proposition and could even be done better on the Switch (go from watching Netflix on TV to the bus, easily share family photos and videos on the tv, etc). I'm sure they'll come in time - just surprised they may not be there day one.

I'd like to see the Switch be: Nvidia Shield + Apps/Services + mobile games (make use of touchscreen, attract casuals) +strong VC + new compelling software. I think that'd be a pretty strong value proposition and have enough to appeal to a wide variety of people.

Of course, it has only been a week (feels longer!) so, we'll see how Nintendo addresses the concerns and hope they do well!

Re: Talking Point: Considering the Paid Online Service for the Nintendo Switch

upsidedownjim

@Snader I think it would be a great move for Nintendo to offer a 'GeForce Now' service. It would expand their game library immensely and immediately - which given the line up revealed is desperately needed. If that cost is included in their online service, I think that would go a long way to make it a justifiable expense for gamers.

In addition, to make the mobile aspect of the Switch more appealing, expand the game library and to make use of the the touchscreen, I hope the Switch is a system that will see mobile games - similar to Android and iOS.

Right now, at least for me as a life-long Nintendo fan, the Switch is barely appealing. So, I can't see how it is appealing to even the casual market. None of the games seem like they could be done on the Switch. Most are ports and content-added but few are ground-up dedicated for Switch.

Nintendo has talked about wanting to follow a model similar to Apple - so I think the above is possible and could go a long way to improve the value proposition of the Switch. It might be a bit confusing having a lot of avenues to play games - Switch-only, eShop, Virtual Console, GeforceNow, mobile but if they can make it clear I think it could expand the gameplay options available - which consumers would value.

Re: Miyamoto on the Reasoning Behind Super Mario Run's Pricing

upsidedownjim

I think $10 is fair for a Nintendo game. They just need to make it clear why that's justified (ie, enough levels). The internet requirement is odd since people won't be able to play commuting on subways or airplanes when they may want to play. Also, for me, I have an iPad and an Android phone. I'd like to get the game now but don't want to pay twice. So, I may wait for an Android release. Too bad there isn't a cross-buy option. I'd pay $15 for access to both platforms.

Re: Talking Point: The Pros and Cons of Nintendo's NX Secrecy

upsidedownjim

Nintendo will have to reveal at least some new info by their next Investor Meeting near the end of October. They told investors last year (and repeated this year) that they would reveal more info to them. I may be mistaken but that would be the last opportunity to inform investors directly this year?

Re: Talking Point: Unique and Affordable - Nintendo's NX Needs to Avoid Direct Competition With PlayStation and Xbox

upsidedownjim

I thought the Android rumour was long debunked. Have new rumours surfaced? Since Nintendo is releasing 'Super Mario Run' on iOS first because it is more "stable platform" I don't think NX OS will be based on Android. Would seem odd to support the competitor to Android first if you are then going to base your next major console/platform on the less stable OS. Now stock android with some dedicated tweaks might solve the stability issues. Or the incentives Apple gave were worth going exclusive on release.

Re: Analysts Expect Nintendo NX Reveal by Early October and Make Bold Super Mario Run Predictions

upsidedownjim

Nintendo announced the NES Mini about 4 months before its release. So, you gotta figure Nintendo would have to reveal NX at least that far in advance and probably more due to the significance of the platform. So, I'd expect an announcement pretty much anytime between now and end of October (not a huge leap, I know).

My worry with mobile is that games could look better on a smartphone than games on NX - if the rumoured handheld/720p screen is accurate. And with senior developers working on mobile titles, it could delay NX titles.

Nintendo could be competing with $650 devices that can be subsidized through carriers or payment plans. Those devices would have higher resolution screens and yearly updates to hardware. I'm not sure if an Apple A10 is better than a Tegra X1 but I think it could be difficult for NX to stay ahead of mobile. Which is kind of the problem with using mobile to draw consumers to a, potentially, inferior product - with the exception of physical control buttons. I'm still holding out hope for a more dedicated 'console' like experience but there haven't been rumours to really indicate that to be the case.

Another random point - the NX mockups keep showing circle pads but there was an Iwata asks that described why they changed the gamepad from circle pads to c-sticks - because they weren't comfortable. Would seem odd to ignore that decision.

Re: Talking Point: Considering the Angles of a Portable and Dynamic Nintendo NX

upsidedownjim

How would the different chips on Wii U (AMD) and NX (Tegra - if true) affect the development of Breath of the Wild?

Since we know the game will be on both systems - shouldn't there be some similarity in architecture between the consoles?

If there isn't an easy way to get BotW to work on the different architecture then it might dis-spell parts of this rumour.