Looking forward to "NX"? (aka The Switch Thread)

[neorichieb1971]

For myself, if the market is only interested in games on other systems to come to Nintendo systems I'm less interested in Nintendo systems.

I loved the N64 when it came out and had exclusives like Waverace, 1080, Mario, Pilotwings, F-Zero, Goldeneye. People buy and remember consoles for exclusives, not for the cross over games that have a 2% hike in graphical performance over last years game.

And on that note, more Pilotwings please.

[HydrogLox]

what happened to the much more pertinent touchscreen question?.

Apparently I have to repeat myself - a controller with an integrated touch screen will make this issue go away. Only this one won't be forced down people's throat and it won't be as beefy as the Wii U Gamepad. People with a touch screen fetish will have to make due with Nintendo mobile products. The Switch primarily focuses on game play with tactile physical controls

and a strong possibility of a sim card setup for mobile WiFi.

Doubtful as it would unnecessarily increase the production cost of the product and as self-respecting smart phones can be serve as a WiFi hotspots only basic WiFi functionality is required.

[atheistgod1999]

>new console on the horizon
>one of the main discussions is over a web browsing app

Sounds about right.

[Skykid]

>new console on the horizon
>one of the main discussions is over a web browsing app

Sounds about right.

I know, it's nonsense.

and a strong possibility of a sim card setup for mobile WiFi.

Doubtful as it would unnecessarily increase the production cost of the product and as self-respecting smart phones can be serve as a WiFi hotspots only basic WiFi functionality is required.

Can Pokemon Go be played offline? Never tried it. I assumed GPS online was required.

[Specineff]

Gamecube - First wireless controller (Wavebird)

[ZellSF]

I'm not. I'm afraid that people won't want a portable, and that's where the NX's offering is strong. As a console? Not so much... You say no one will see it as an underpowered console because of the compromises in performance it will have to make for it to be portable. I really disagree, people do care about graphic performance, developers certainly care about the limits they will be working with.

Well like I said, we don't know anything except Skyrim. Is Skyrim particularly limited when it comes to technology and development power?

It runs on an 11 year old console, I don't think that it's running on the NX would be a good measure of performance, no. Not that Skyrim has been confirmed for the NX yet...

What's the perfect way to guarantee your launch of a device that can be played at home or outside? With a killer app that utilises both of those options. That killer app is absolutely Pokemon Go. And what better way to advertise your new console than have every motherfucker and his dog running around hotspots wielding the device like a divine electronic portal. The screen real estate will make GO enthusiasts piss their pants to buy one, and it's really the only thing that's guaranteed to shift units day one.

Your idea of a system seller is a Android/iOS port that people can already play on cheap tablets for all the same advantages? That also requires additional hardware that have very limited gaming uses (mobile network, GPS)?

what happened to the much more pertinent touchscreen question?.

Apparently I have to repeat myself - a controller with an integrated touch screen will make this issue go away.

Not really. Relying on an external touch screen will make the NX a lot less appealing to anyone who wants a tablet. When on the go, people want less devices, not more.

But if the switch is supposed to be touchscreen, what do you do when the screen is in its stand so you can play on your big TV?

There isn't a touchscreen when the controller is in the "at-home" configuration.

Don't allow developers to make games reliant on touch screen. So simple even Nintendo can figure it out. For apps, just emulate it using motion controllers.

[Ed Oscuro]

Is this the OG Skyrim or Skyrim Enhanced or Reloaded or Xtreme we're talking about?

From what I've seen the original Shield didn't have anything on the level of the original Skyrim, but if it can do Metal Gear R then that should have been in the ballpark. NX probably is targeting the new Skyrim but at 30fps, maybe 60fps if we're lucky.

[ZellSF]

Is this the OG Skyrim or Skyrim Enhanced or Reloaded or Xtreme we're talking about?

From what I've seen the original Shield didn't have anything on the level of the original Skyrim, but if it can do Metal Gear R then that should have been in the ballpark. NX probably is targeting the new Skyrim but at 30fps, maybe 60fps if we're lucky.

Well they've made clear that they haven't announced Skyrim for NX yet, so for now it's no version: just a tech demo.

I doubt we'll be getting more details of that until January.

[Skykid]

Your idea of a system seller is a Android/iOS port that people can already play on cheap tablets for all the same advantages? That also requires additional hardware that have very limited gaming uses (mobile network, GPS)?

Oh yes siree I do. I consider Pokemon GO to be the system seller to end all system sellers - perhaps the most lucrative console launch title since something like Mario 64.

I don't expect it will be a port of the Android version either: I'm sure it would be made-over and jazzed up considerably - but if Nintendo wants to sell a new console and they don't stick GO on there... well, that would be nuts. Like I said, it's a double whammy: everyone buys the console to play it and then they walk around various corners of the world waving it about so everyone can see it.

[HydrogLox]

I consider Pokemon GO to be the system seller to end all system sellers - perhaps the most lucrative console launch title since something like Mario 64.

It did raise awareness for Nintendo as a mobile game brand - but apparently much less of anything else than everybody expected.

Can Pokemon Go be played offline? Never tried it. I assumed GPS online was required.

I guess it would be a hilarious public relations stunt if Nintendo could get a few million people to walk around in public while holding a brick sized device in front of their face - though I don't think they typically aim for that. I think that mobility is absolutely essential for Pokémon Go - and the Switch isn't exactly mobile in contemporary terms. I guess it's physically possible to operate it while walking but most people do a bad enough job of that with their palm sized smart device (either require more attention than chewing gum). Now nothing is stopping Nintendo from trying to lure Pokémon Go fans into a premium experience on the Switch but that would need to capitalize on physical controls and local two player support, something that doesn't work well on smaller touch screen devices. It better be something more exciting than Pokémon Box.

Aside: the Switch needs to retain most of it's functionality without the presence of WiFi. Otherwise the take it camping, to the cottage, to visit grandma in the boonies crowd is out.

The Switch tablet will have a camera

That camera would be useless in the dock - unless the camera is in one of the controllers which would increase production cost. So I wouldn't expect it out of the box. If somebody wants a camera that wirelessly communicates with the core unit let them pay for it.

Relying on an external touch screen will make the NX a lot less appealing to anyone who wants a tablet. When on the go, people want less devices, not more.

People who want a tablet already have one. The Switch fits into a different category. Neither a tablet or the Switch are designed to fit into the average shirt pocket, they tend to be backpack or luggage items. Nintendo has basically thrown together their 3DS and Wii U market and divvied it up between Nintendo mobile and the Switch (basically leaving the 3rd party AAA stuff for the PC-boxes to fight over). Products working better on a touch screen will stay with Nintendo mobile while the rest goes to the Switch. They will probably publish some integration apps so that iOS and Android devices can interact with the Switch. I also expect the Switch to be like "Barbie" - purchasing it is only the beginning, the acquisition of plenty more friends and accessories is soon to follow.

[TransatlanticFoe]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... -kimishima

3DS is not being discontinued with the arrival of Switch, which is great news - Nintendo dumped the Wii when it was still doing well in announcing WiiU, so it's good to hear there is still room for the 3DS as a true handheld. It's more portable than Switch and offers more than smartphone gaming. Nintendo might be stretching themselves too thin if they want to fully support all three though.

[BryanM]

Of course it's going to coast off the cliff until they have the Switch Mini out.

It's not the 3DS that kicks the bucket, it's its successor, the Super Mecha Death Christ S2.

[HydrogLox]

until they have the Switch Mini out.

Don't see the "Mini" happening - Nintendo mobile is going to take over a large part of the 3DS handheld gaming market. Nintendo is done with handhelds after the 3DS and dedicated home consoles after the Wii U. After that it will be simply be Nintendo mobile and their "portable micro console".

The Switch is essentially Nintendo's take on the next stage in the evolution of the PlayStation Vita.

• No need for separate portable and home-based systems with a non-compatible set of games (PS Vita and PS TV). So one device supports away-from-home gaming, alternate display options and standalone controllers.
• Local two player support.
• Touch screen and rear touch pad where judged as gimmicks by most Vita owners anyway so there is no great loss there.
• Likely not crippled by only supporting outrageously priced proprietary storage technology.
• I suspect effective performance will fall far short from Xbox One equivalence that is sometimes suggested/reported. I'm expecting more like original Xbox with improved 720p (augmented to 1080p docked) graphics. Initially that may sound a bit damning but the library of the 6th (home) console generation contains lots of gems that are worth playing even today. So more than ever it's going to be about the games that will be published for the system in a timely manner. And of course the Switch will be much more heavily integrated into the mobile eco-system (which didn't exist during the 6th console generation).

Basically Sony mishandled the Vita - now we get to see how Nintendo will fare with their version.

[ryu]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... -kimishima

3DS is not being discontinued with the arrival of Switch, which is great news - Nintendo dumped the Wii when it was still doing well in announcing WiiU

What? The Wii was long dead when Wii U was announced arrived.

[ZellSF]

Enough rumors about touch support by now for me to think it's basically confirmed.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... -kimishima

3DS is not being discontinued with the arrival of Switch, which is great news

They're not going to decide on the future of the 3DS line until they see how the Switch performs.

They're not going to tell you they're discontinuing the 3DS until they're actually doing so, because they want you to buy 3DS hardware and software.

Sorry, this isn't news, it's PR speak that means nothing.

People who want a tablet already have one.

But people who want a game console already have one too, so what's the point of the NX then?

[neorichieb1971]

Based on the idea that Nintendo are out of the hardware business if "Switch" does not succeed. I'd preorder straight away.

Competition is good. And we need to send the message to 3rd parties that Nintendo is worth a shit.

Thats my opinion. Come to your own conclusions, but the world is better off as a place with Nintendo making hardware.

[BryanM]

It is nice that a video game company is still in the business of making consoles.

Rooting for Nintendo to die is...

God, isn't it bleak enough that Citigroup owns our government? Why would some giant soulless conglomerate having a monopoly on vidya be a desirable thing?

[atheistgod1999]

Rooting for Nintendo to die is...

Nintendo is already dead to me.

[Mischief Maker]

It is nice that a video game company is still in the business of making consoles.

Rooting for Nintendo to die is...

There's a difference between giving an honest appraisal of the product they put on display and just being a hater rooting for Nintendo to fail. I would have been thrilled to death if they made a 3rd generation DS (pocket-sized durable clamshell portable) that ditched the touchscreen and 3D horseshit and just concentrated on processing power and better button-input to provide a superior gaming experience over screen-smearing phone apps.

Instead I'm saying this switch looks like a worst-of-both-worlds approach. It's huge and breakable in its portable mode, I doubt it has the processing power to compete in big screen TV mode, and the whole sliding mechanism opens all sorts of avenues for mechanical failure and lost parts.

Here's a better high-concept technical feat, Nintendo: Make a DS where the two screens TOUCH so we can have a portable system that provides TATE-style gaming experiences that your competition can't provide!

I don't want Nintendo to fail, but I'm not going to put on blinders to the fact that this sorta-console sorta-portable camel looks like a horse designed by committee.

[Squire Grooktook]

Rooting for Nintendo to die is...

Nintendo is already dead to me.

Honestly this gen has put out some of the most essential and hardcore Nintendo exclusives in decades. Not that they developed all of them, but any self respecting gamer of discerning taste is missing out by not owning a 3ds or Wii U.

[HydrogLox]

But people who want a game console already have one too, so what's the point of the NX then?

That is the marketing challenge that Nintendo will have to get past and that is no easy feat. For many people it will be easy enough to come to the conclusion that they don't need a Switch for "gaming" if they already own a touch screen smart device and/or home entertainment/gaming system. However there are a hodgepodge of reasons why some people may want the Switch. The media outlets aren't doing Nintendo any favors by comparing the Switch to Xbox One/PS4 despite Nintendo's continued assertions that

For us, it's not about specs, it's about content.

1: Nintendo hopes that there are enough Nintendo diehards left to act as the first wave of Switch adopters. These people will less likely come from the pool of disgruntled Wii U owners but more likely from 3DS owners looking for an upgraded gaming experience rather than constraining their experience to the limited capabilities of their all-in-one touchscreen smart device on Nintendo mobile products.

2: Nintendo then further hopes that the local 2 player capability will lead to some "infectious social gaming", i.e. Switch owners inviting others in their social group to a round of a 2 player game on the spot, luring some more non-Switch owners into a purchase. Smart devices and handhelds require each player to have their own device already and with home entertainment/gaming systems you have to be, well, at home.

2.5: Starting with the 7th console generation local multiplayer has been more and more de-emphasized in favor of online multiplayer. The physical limitations make local multiplayer on touchscreen smart devices impossible (short of requiring each player to have their own device connected through wireless data services and game servers). Nintendo is trying to appeal to gamers who value the shared gaming experience with people in the same room without being tied to any particular location or requiring more than half of the participants to own a Switch.

3: For whatever reason people may use the same premier display in their home to watch movies and play games which can lead to contention at times. The Wii U addressed this via gameplay on the gamepad itself. But the gamepad can't leave the range of the base unit. The PS Vita/PS4 isn't as limited as it works over wireless internet - as long as the connection is solid, low lag, and high bandwidth (but you need to purchase two separate systems to take advantage of this). The Switch easily addresses this contention.

3.5: Gameplay continuity. At night play the game on the large display in the comfort of your own home, during the day pull the Switch out of your backpack to make some more progress during a break. The Switch is a much cheaper, simpler and reliable solution than the PS Vita/PS4 Combo (of course the graphics quality for the at home gaming sessions will take a hit).

Much in the same way as you can use your smart device as a universal remote for your TV the Switch will likely allow iOS/Android devices to interface with it - so touchscreen (and camera) support is only as far away as your touchscreen smart device - provided touchscreen support is even beneficial in a Gameboy Advance->link cable->GameCube kind of way.

From personal experience: I would rather play Fast Racing Neo on the Switch than AG Drive on my iPhone based on my experience with Wipeout 2048 on PS Vita/PS TV.

Granted I've never really warmed up to gaming touch controls even though I used them with a few iOS games. In the case of AG Drive they always felt inaccurate and my fingers covering part of the display always detracted from the experience. Matters improved considerably once I started using a steelseries stratus mobile gaming controller (despite its diminutive size). I even used a Lighting AV Adapter with a larger display though I suspect that it introduced processing lag, so most of my time was spent on the 5.5 inch device screen.

After all that I still prefer playing Wipeout 2048 on the PS Vita - though I rather use my whitelisted PS TV given a chance. Does that mean I would play the Wipeout HD/Fury PS Vita DLC over the Wipeout HD/Fury PS3 Game? Of course not - but if my PS3 isn't currently hooked up (happens quite a bit to my consoles) I may simply have a quick Wipeout HD/Fury fix on the PS Vita if I can't be bothered to set the PS3 up.

... so we can have a portable system that provides TATE-style gaming experiences ...

Nintendo can provide that easily enough on existing iOS/Android touch screen devices by including mobile gaming controller support - no need for a whole new piece of hardware.

[qmish]

missing out by not owning a 3ds or Wii U.

For me personally, this is what i would play if i'll get me some current-gen Nintendo:

3DS:

7th Dragon III Code:VFD
Chain Blaster
Crimson Shroud
Devil Summoner - Soul Hackers
E.X. Troopers... but, damn, region lock!
Fire Emblem Awakening
Fire Emblem Fates Conquest
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Kirby: Planet Robobot
KOKUGA
Labyrinth no Kanata... but, damnm region lock!
Liberation Maiden
LBX: Little Battlers Experience
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate or any other
Nano Assault EX
Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse
Shin Megami Tensei IV
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
Shinobi
Taiko no Tatsujin... but, damn, region lock!

Also, KORG DSN-12

WiiU:

Bayonetta 2
Devil's Third (i trust Iconoclast)
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Fast Racing NEO
Fatal Frame V
Splatoon
Tank! Tank! Tank!
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
Xenoblade Chronicles X
ZombiU

Well, wiiU surely has less stuff i'm interested in

[Skykid]

Rooting for Nintendo to die is...

Nintendo is already dead to me.

That's because you weren't alive during the time that everyone else learned to appreciate them.

[qmish]

Skykid, nah, maybe not.

I know many people who grew up on nes/snes but started not giving a f about Nin since Wii release, moving to microsoft or sony instead.

[brokenhalo]

Imagine a world where we could just pick up the new AAA Nintendo title on the ps4/Xbone and not have to deal with the latest nintendo gimmick console. It would be perfect. I think I've got maybe a handful of hours on my wii-u, and a stack of games still in their plastic wrappers. I'm sitting this one out, shiny new zelda be damned.

[BryanM]

Imagine a world where we could just pick up the new AAA Nintendo title on the ps4/Xbone and not have to deal with the latest nintendo gimmick console. It would be perfect.

Imagine a world where all the garbage FIFA, Call of Duty, and Gran Turismo games all went into a gutter and died. It would be perfect.

Wait... no. It wouldn't be. Because there are people who like that stuff.

pliz stop wishing for the death of the dungeon crawlers and their latest nintendo dungeon console. thnx a lot

-- a non-FIFA fan

the whole sliding mechanism opens all sorts of avenues for mechanical failure and lost parts.

The three piece design is obviously a defect to those who'll never take the arms off.

I'm sure the NX Micro will go with a one piece design. I have faith in jesus. he never lets bad things happen

[qmish]

^ why GT pick though? NFS or Forza or smth even more...

GT at least has some great jazzy soundtracks.

[Tarma]

Just watched the promo video for the Switch... first time I've really seen it properly as I've not been following Nintendo for sometime (I guess about the time I realised that the Wii was only getting copius amounts of shovelware and not a lot else).

It looks really cool, some very clever ideas to transcend static to mobile gaming with a clear emphasis on the social element Nintendo very cleverly relied on to make the Wii a success.

However, software will be the key, and if all the Switch can generate is quality through first party Nintendo titles then this will die on its arse just as quickly as the Wii-U imo.

I hope it is a success so I can justify buying one, but if all that's worth buying is the next Mario Kart game and the odd Zelda release, then I'll pass.

Does anyone know if it's compatible with Wii / Wii-U software?

[BulletMagnet]

Does anyone know if it's compatible with Wii / Wii-U software?

Presumably not, since it uses cards instead of discs.

[ZellSF]

But people who want a game console already have one too, so what's the point of the NX then?

That is the marketing challenge that Nintendo will have to get past and that is no easy feat. For many people it will be easy enough to come to the conclusion that they don't need a Switch for "gaming" if they already own a touch screen smart device and/or home entertainment/gaming system. However there are a hodgepodge of reasons why some people may want the Switch.

There's lots of reasons why people might want the Switch as a tablet as well.

Honestly this gen has put out some of the most essential and hardcore Nintendo exclusives in decades. Not that they developed all of them, but any self respecting gamer of discerning taste is missing out by not owning a 3ds or Wii U.

I like portables, so I actually agree with the 3DS. Especially since it has a vast, varied library of games. There's at least 10 systems with a better selection of games than the Wii U though.