The Nintendo Switch Console Thread

[gkarris]

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There are reports coming out since the Tegra reveal that the Dev kit handheld has a fan. If that makes it into the final design, that will not be good.

Nintendo will need to release the NX very cheap, and have more 'full' games available on release to warrant its place in my home at this stage.
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If Nintendo are going full steam at the Pokemon Go audience, then I see no reason for them to be in the hardware business at all.

Thanks for posting those vids - I tried the Shield TV out and was not at all impressed with it and returned it.

Note that Nintendo may be using the original Tegra (or maybe an in-between the 1 and 2, or a "Tegra NX" special for Nintendo) in the NX mainly to make sure they sell the NX at a profit.

Plus, just because a game didn't port well over to Shield from the 360/PS3 doesn't mean it will be bad on the NX. Just like a console, the developer can optimize the game for the NX as opposed to trying to get the game to run an the myriad of Android platforms.

I think everything should be fine - it is do or die for Nintendo as far as hardware this next one for them or it could be their "Dreamcast"...

 

[Savor]

Portable handheld/tablet connected to your TV has been something I have wanted for the last five years. Stupid Sony removed TV-out for the Vita when the later gen PSP had it. Cool. A handheld device with detachable controllers. Okay. But it better have digital downloads. Not buying cartridges to carry ONE game at a time.

If this idea doesn't work, then Nintendo better go make a mini SNES, N64, and GCN. Something that fits inside the palm of my hand like the mini NES. Put the best 30 games inside for each console, sell it for under $100, and I will buy it. Beats playing emulators and I have a small souvenir toy of each device I can collect since Nintendo is also a toy seller. The mini NES is one of the best ideas for Nintendo to continue to sell hardware. But most software can be played in the cloud now or digital. No need for physical media for me. Those are for the retro gamer collectors.

 

[the8thark]

Biggest issue I see is this. If the NX represents a minor improvement graphically to the Wii U, and if you only game in the house, why would you bother 'upgrading' to the NX unless it is by forced obsolescence.

This is exactly what the Nintendo marketing team has to overcome. The one plus Nintendo has is the number of folk that own a WiiU and not a 3DS compared to the folk that own a 3DS is tiny by comparison.

The upgrade is really not the main selling point of the NX. Nintendo really need to not talk about this. The main reasonm the NX exists is to prevent ***** like SSB4 3DS/WiiU and HW/HWL existing.
HWL is the definitive version, not HW.
SSB4 WiiU is the definitive version, not the 3DS version, even though the WiiU version is worse off to keep the same chatacter roster as the 3DS.
Why should weaker graphically ports of WiiU games even exist on the 3DS? The only reason is that's where the majority of Nintendo's userbase is, on the 3DS and Nintendo wanted the 3DS owners to have the games as well.

The NX is not about breaking any hardware power records. It's about considating their software business and stop making the useless half baked homogenised ports. Just one version of the game on the NX that works on the TV and on the go.
Breath of the Wild breaks no game graphic records, not even close, but you have to admit playing that on the go would be pretty cool.

People need to not think of the NX as a weak TV console and think of it as a more powerful, more capable 3DS that can be hooked into the television as well.
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If this idea doesn't work, then Nintendo better go make a mini SNES, N64, and GCN.

Is the Mini NES sells well this might just happen. But you never know with Nintendo. Nintendo said they'd make a SNES Remix after the NES Remix and NES Remix 2 sold well but that mever happened.

 

[0098386]

The NX is not about breaking any hardware power records. It's about considating their software business and stop making the useless half baked homogenised ports. Just one version of the game on the NX that works on the TV and on the go.

I wouldn't want to say "it's to stop cross-device ports from existing" because financially they make sense. It makes no difference really. I think, if the rumours are true, is that it's a way of bowing out of their weakest market whilst still retaining a presence. They've always been at their best with handhelds.

Part of the reason the Vita flopped was it had big games that could only be played on a small display. Dev kits had HDMI output, when they demoed release hardware I expected it would have Vita to PS3/4 streaming. Now the Vita is getting smaller, but high budget indie games it's really coming into its own (though just on a game-quality level, it's still not selling well!).

I still think it's going to be a handheld-driven device, with a TV dongle or box to stream games to. Where other devices and systems can connect to the host device for multiplayer. I was hoping that there'd be some kind of upscaling function with TV games running on additional hardware with better visuals. But more and more I wonder if that's necessary as I sit here seeing what my iPad Pro can do with its crazy high (compared to regular TV) resolution.\

(If Breath of the Wild is playable any where like a real handheld then I might as well glue that cartridge into the system )

 

[the8thark]

I wouldn't want to say "it's to stop cross-device ports from existing" because financially they make sense. It makes no difference really. I think, if the rumours are true, is that it's a way of bowing out of their weakest market whilst still retaining a presence. They've always been at their best with handhelds.

I agree here. Nintendo is trying to make a handheld good enough to work as a TV based console as well.

Part of the reason the Vita flopped was it had big games that could only be played on a small display. Dev kits had HDMI output, when they demoed release hardware I expected it would have Vita to PS3/4 streaming. Now the Vita is getting smaller, but high budget indie games it's really coming into its own (though just on a game-quality level, it's still not selling well!).

I agree that's part of the reason. But it's not the entire reason. The Vita has no real must have IPs that are Vita exclusive. Nintendo has Pokemon and a few other portable only IPs. Since everyone wants to play them, they buy the portable hardware.

I still think it's going to be a handheld-driven device, with a TV dongle or box to stream games to. Where other devices and systems can connect to the host device for multiplayer. I was hoping that there'd be some kind of upscaling function with TV games running on additional hardware with better visuals. But more and more I wonder if that's necessary as I sit here seeing what my iPad Pro can do with its crazy high (compared to regular TV) resolution.

What if the NX was native 1080p but downscaled to the NX screen but stayed at 1080p when attached to a TV? 1080p is not even close to Apple's retina level of PPI.

(If Breath of the Wild is playable any where like a real handheld then I might as well glue that cartridge into the system )

If this is the case, which many think it will be, then Nintendo (if marketed well) should have a huge hit on their hands.

To me the NX is not slightly better portable WiiU. It is a way better 3DS that can play TV console games as well. I say 3DS because you can easy do dual screen on the NX (if it's like the rumours). Just split the NX screen into two.

 

[opeter]

I really want Nintendo to come back with a killer console, powerful and for 'gamers' ....

I agree but as it looks like, that simply won't happen. Nintendo don't want to fight/race with Microsoft or Sony.

 

[blesscheese]

I'm wondering, if the NX is portable as well as a home console, what happens to any Nintendo handheld?

I've always thought that the creeping, upward price trajectory of the DS and then 3DS was something of a strategic mistake, as it would cut into sales. The 2DS seems to bear that out...anyway, I was looking at my old GBA box, and the price was $69...!

 

[gkarris]

I'm wondering, if the NX is portable as well as a home console, what happens to any Nintendo handheld?

I've always thought that the creeping, upward price trajectory of the DS and then 3DS was something of a strategic mistake, as it would cut into sales. The 2DS seems to bear that out...anyway, I was looking at my old GBA box, and the price was $69...!

Yeah, for those that don't use 3D, the 2DS is a great alternative at $79. I love the feel when I tried it but the screen is too small. I love the 3D anyways and the New 3DS XL solved the problem of loosing the 3D when you moved the unit off a little.

So, IMHO, it will be:

2DS: $79
3DS XL: $149 (when the NX is released)
NX: $199

Here's to DS/3DS carts and games working on all three...

 

[blesscheese]

Yeah, for those that don't use 3D, the 2DS is a great alternative at $79. I love the feel when I tried it but the screen is too small. I love the 3D anyways and the New 3DS XL solved the problem of loosing the 3D when you moved the unit off a little.

So, IMHO, it will be:

2DS: $79
3DS XL: $149 (when the NX is released)
NX: $199

Here's to DS/3DS carts and games working on all three...

Yeah, I loved small screens until my eyes went...I do love small form factors, and being able to take a game with you, wherever you go. After buying the first 3DS and having my hands cramp, I traded it in for the XL, which was the size (screen and for my hands) I wish they would have released first. Then the New 3DS came out, but I'm sick of upgrading...I'll wait for the NX, and then see about what the future holds for Nintendo handhelds.

 

[nj-morris]

I agree but as it looks like, that simply won't happen. Nintendo don't want to fight/race with Microsoft or Sony.

Don't be so certain. Trends are very unpredictable. There is a fair chance that it will sell like hot cakes.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

My biggest issue is that Nintendo has clearly stated that this thing is not a Wii U replacement, which makes me assume that it is less powerfull than the Wii U. While that would be fine for a handheld, it won't be enough for me to buy it, if it is also supposed to be a home console when attached to a TV. (Unless they put out a billion awesomesauce games I must have)

Has there been any comparisons between the Wii U and the Tegra X1?

 

[MRU]

My biggest issue is that Nintendo has clearly stated that this thing is not a Wii U replacement, which makes me assume that it is less powerfull than the Wii U. While that would be fine for a handheld, it won't be enough for me to buy it, if it is also supposed to be a home console when attached to a TV. (Unless they put out a billion awesomesauce games I must have)

Has there been any comparisons between the Wii U and the Tegra X1?

Well the Wii U is more powerful than the 360/PS3 and the Tegra X1 ports digital foundry made has shown most perform worse than their Xbox 360/PS3 versions other than the odd exception such as Doom 3 BFG edition.

So that leads me to think that the Tegra X1 is less powerful than the Wii U, which is a worry / concern to me too. Why would I buy a device for home use (no interest in it being used as a mobile device) that is less powerful than my Wii U, which has already seen multi-platform gaming dry up long ago due to the sheer gap in performance power with PS4/XB1, let alone Scorpio & Neo hybrids also landing in 2017.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

my Wii U, which has already seen multi-platform gaming dry up long ago due to the sheer gap in performance power with PS4/XB1, let alone Scorpio & Neo hybrids also landing in 2017.

Exactly. It seems quite clear that Nintendo has all but abandoned the Wii U, which means we should expect a replacement of some sort. The NX does not seem to be that replacement though, so I am quite curious what approach they will go. Nintendo is known for gimmicks that sometimes work, sometimes not, and not revolutionary approaches, so I don't expect a cradle with a powerful GPU in it, to upgrade visuals to 1080p@60Hz whenever you reach home. It would be neat though, and a 720p@30Hz mobile thingy would be fine on the go.

If it is a portable thing, then it will sell a lot, because that's Nintendos home yard and the 3DS is getting old. If it is a portable/console mutant without any new thinking and just an HDMI out port, then I do think it will tank, unless Nintendo does a 180° turnover on their approach to online gaming, kiddy games and advertising.

 

[MRU]

Exactly. It seems quite clear that Nintendo has all but abandoned the Wii U, which means we should expect a replacement of some sort. The NX does not seem to be that replacement though, so I am quite curious what approach they will go. Nintendo is known for gimmicks that sometimes work, sometimes not, and not revolutionary approaches, so I don't expect a cradle with a powerful GPU in it, to upgrade visuals to 1080p@60Hz whenever you reach home. It would be neat though, and a 720p@30Hz mobile thingy would be fine on the go.

If it is a portable thing, then it will sell a lot, because that's Nintendos home yard and the 3DS is getting old. If it is a portable/console mutant without any new thinking and just an HDMI out port, then I do think it will tank, unless Nintendo does a 180° turnover on their approach to online gaming, kiddy games and advertising.

Yeah I'm just hoping that they actually are going with the Tegra X2 which should at least put it above the Wii U. Otherwise with only 3 games known for the NX so far (sonic in Q4 2017, zelda Q1/2 2017 and Just Dance 2017) they need to really deliver more than what I fear they are actually going to.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Yeah I'm just hoping that they actually are going with the Tegra X2 which should at least put it above the Wii U. Otherwise with only 3 games known for the NX so far (sonic in Q4 2017, zelda Q1/2 2017 and Just Dance 2017) they need to really deliver more than what I fear they are actually going to.

Well, I personally don't see a problem in no games having been announced for a non-existant console.

I expect Nintendo to go all in on games being announced during the NX reveal. Like with the Wii U, except this time we'll hopefully get them all.

 

[apolloa]

I have a Shield TV, it's certainly a powerful fast device. Not sure what it will be like with next gen games but it is said to be half way between a last gen console and a current gen console.
So if they make a handheld with a more powerful Tegra chip then they could certainly compete with current systems.

I'm interested to see what Nintendo make. It will certainly be a handheld that's relevant if it can run all the current gen games as no other phone or tablet can do that.

 

[gkarris]

Yeah I'm just hoping that they actually are going with the Tegra X2 which should at least put it above the Wii U. Otherwise with only 3 games known for the NX so far (sonic in Q4 2017, zelda Q1/2 2017 and Just Dance 2017) they need to really deliver more than what I fear they are actually going to.

I think if we want to see what Nintendo is currently using someone needs to crack open that NES Retro Console this holiday season and see...

(yes, it is easier to emulate an NES but is seems that if they have that emulator already written, then it's an easy port over to NX).

 

[opeter]

Don't be so certain. Trends are very unpredictable. There is a fair chance that it will sell like hot cakes.

I didn't wrote, that it wont sell ... I only wrote, that the big N does not want to race in hardware power with MS/Sony.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Newest rumor on the streets is that Mario and Pokemon will be available on the NX within 6 months of the launch. If that is the case, this thing will sell like hot cakes, no matter what it is. Their 3 biggest IPs available right from the start?

Now, going back to our previous discussion - Is this a "Late scrambling Wii U to NX port disaster" of the games, or are they build from the ground up for the portable mutant? We will see. I am not sure Zelda: BotW will be as awesome to play on a 5" screen compared to my living room 50", but no way am I picking up a Wii U now.

 

[Taustin Powers]

I'll be honest. In my ideal scenario, Nintendo would get out of the hardware business and become a software company, releasing their games on Sony's and MS's platforms. Nintendo's direction in hardware over the past decade has been frustrating to me at best.

Stop with the hardware gimmicks, focus on what you do best: make awesome fun games! The first party Wii U titles would have sold so many more copies on other platforms.


I know, I know, not gonna happen...

 

[blesscheese]

Now, going back to our previous discussion - Is this a "Late scrambling Wii U to NX port disaster" of the games, or are they build from the ground up for the portable mutant? We will see. I am not sure Zelda: BotW will be as awesome to play on a 5" screen compared to my living room 50", but no way am I picking up a Wii U now.

That's exactly what I've been meaning to ask: with the slow drip of games for the Wii U, how are they expecting to release the first-party games needed for the NX to make it successful? With as long as it takes them to deliver the final product, when are we going to see a Mario game, a Splatoon game, a Mario Kart, a Super Smash Brothers, etc....??? Games that are built (from the ground up) for the NX?

 

[MRU]

Newest rumor on the streets is that Mario and Pokemon will be available on the NX within 6 months of the launch. If that is the case, this thing will sell like hot cakes, no matter what it is. Their 3 biggest IPs available right from the start?.

I wouldn't believe ANY date leak from Nintendo (and especially a third party close to Nintendo who this comes from) as they ALWAYS and i mean ALWAYS slip date sadly and either way 6 months later after launch isn't exactly from the start launch should be launch not 6 months after its gone on sale.

 

[Rychy]

I get from the game development side why a console/portable hybrid is a desirable idea ... but I just don't like it as a game player. The compromises of such a device seem big. I always end up buying Nintendo's handhelds because of the Phoenix Wright and Fire Emblem series, but it very rarely leaves my apartment. So for me it'll be like having a console with the limitations of a handheld. I'm hoping it'll have a traditional controller available like Wii U, but I imagine many games might use dual screen setup with the "console/handheld" screen and TV. I wonder if the Wii U gamepad will work with it in "console" mode?

I don't know, obviously I'll just have to wait and see, but my general feeling is hybrid devices don't do either thing as well as a device dedicated to one thing. I hope they knock it out of the park though.

 

[gkarris]

I get from the game development side why a console/portable hybrid is a desirable idea ... but I just don't like it as a game player. The compromises of such a device seem big. I always end up buying Nintendo's handhelds because of the Phoenix Wright and Fire Emblem series, but it very rarely leaves my apartment. So for me it'll be like having a console with the limitations of a handheld. I'm hoping it'll have a traditional controller available like Wii U, but I imagine many games might use dual screen setup with the "console/handheld" screen and TV. I wonder if the Wii U gamepad will work with it in "console" mode?

I don't know, obviously I'll just have to wait and see, but my general feeling is hybrid devices don't do either thing as well as a device dedicated to one thing. I hope they knock it out of the park though.

Nintendo will have to have 2 modes of play, a big screen and a portable with the game UI changing depending on the screen.

I have an 8" Windows Tablet and MS touts being able to play Windows games on it - but most of them, the text is essentially unreadable (the game assumes you are playing on at least a 17" screen)...

 

[gkarris]

Bethesda MAY make NX games:

http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/08/09/bethesda-absolutely-looking-into-making-nintendo-nx-games

but yes, according to the comments, the developers said this about the Wii U.

I guess 3rd parties won't develop for Nintendo until there's a user base, but there won't be a user base until Nintendo's console gets these games (whereas developers will make games for Sony and MS before the console's even out).

Poor Nintendo, as time goes on, they're looking more like Sega did in the Dreamcast days...