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Report: NX Handheld Dimensions, Layout Info, Lack of Region Lock

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I don't like the direction of the NX. I mainly don't like the break off controllers.

It costs Nintendo maybe 2-3 dollars to include a mike and a camera. The break off controllers will add much higher cost to the unit to reinforce the rigidity, and them will cause a lot of warranty return anyway.

And all the fan concepts I see include alot of compromises to the control layout due to the break off nature of the controllers. All these design difficulty just because Nintendo want to let 2 people play games on the go. I have never seen anybody play those 2-player ipad games in public, ever. I think Nintendo is chasing a market niche that doesn't exist. Nintendo is better off keeping the controller intact and include a traditional large controller to use at home. They don't even have to include a home controller in the base package, they can just pack in a 10 dollar off coupon in the base unit.

With this break off design, it basically means Nintendo will make a lot of games that can be controlled by a d-pad and 2 buttons only. I don't think you can play a lot of 3d games with it.
 

Dr. Buni

Member
I like the detachable controllers. For the first time I might not have to "go easy" on a handheld controller so it isn't in risk of going faulty. Of course I am assuming they would sell the detachable parts separately, because why wouldn't they?

Although, as far as the functionalities are concerned, I can't think of many uses for them, aside from playing local multi with my brother in a handheld. But at the same time, somefin was mentioned about might be a bit concerning. Nintendo could focus on developing games that are to be played with one half of the controller and that could limit the games a bit, which would be unfortunate.

I won't miss camera and microphone either if they aren't included .
 

usmanusb

Member
Everything we know about Nintendo NX (with sources)

Everything here is a rumor, unless stated otherwise.

If you think I missed anything or made a mistake let me know here or on Twitter. I will keep updating this list until NX is officially announced.
Source links can be found below. New information will be highlighted.

Hardware


  • Nintendo NX will be a portable, handheld console (Eurogamer article #1, backed by Kotaku and WSJ article #1 among others)
  • A base unit, or dock station, is used to connect NX with your TV (Eurogamer article #1)
  • Six inch (6.2 inch?) multi-touch screen (Emily Rogers article #2)
  • The touchscreen has 720p resolution (Emily Rogers article #3)
  • The device is around 14 – 15 mm in thickness (Emily Rogers article #2)

    Controls
  • NX has detachable controllers (Eurogamer article #1, among others)
  • Features motion controls and next-gen vibration technology (LPVG article #1)
  • The d-pad is split (LPVG article #2, Emily Rogers article #2)
  • It has a Share / Social button (LPVG article #2, Emily Rogers article #2)
  • There are at least two shoulder buttons. No info about Triggers yet. (Emily Rogers article #3)
  • The right analogue stick will be below the face buttons. (Emily Rogers article #2)


    Features
  • Custom Nvidia GPU chip based on Tegra (Semiaccurate article #1, Eurogamer article #2)
  • Nintendo NX to use Nvidia's Pascal GPU architecture (@DirectFeedGames on Twitter aka. NateDrake on NeoGAF. Tweet Link)
  • NX CPU is more powerful than the CPUs of PS4/XBO. (LCgeek on NeoGAF. Comment Link)
  • Nintendo NX will use cartridges (Eurogamer article #1, WSJ article #2)
  • 32GB of built-in internal storage (Emily Rogers article #2)
  • SD card support (Emily Rogers article #2)
  • Supports USB 2.0 and 3.0 (Emily Rogers article #3)
  • The dock has two 2.0 USB ports and one 3.0 USB port (Emily Rogers article #3)

  • Below PS4 and XB1 in raw power (Emily Rogers article #2)
  • Camera and microphone are not built into the NX portable device. Note: This does not mean there isn't a camera/mic somewhere. We don't know yet. (Emily Rogers article #3)
  • Cooling is still a little noisy (Emily Rogers article #3)
  • Battery Life doesn’t sound to be great (Emily Rogers article #3)

    Other features
  • Nintendo NX is Region Free (No region lock) (LPVG article #3, Emily Rogers article #3)
  • Supports Unreal Engine 4 and Unity Engine (Emily Rogers article #2)


Software


  • NX is compatible with Nintendo's smartphone games (WSJ article #1)
  • Any game that runs on PS4/XBO should run on NX with little to no issue. (Osirisblack on NeoGAF. Comment Link)

    Confirmed Games
  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo (Source)
  • Just Dance 2017 - Ubisoft (Source)
  • Holiday 2017 Sonic Game - Sega (Source trailer)
  • Dragon Quest X - Square Enix (Source)
  • Dragon Quest XI - Square Enix (Source)
  • (Pikmin 4 - Nintendo (Source 1 | Source 2) Note: While the game is officially confirmed it is currently unclear if it will launch on NX, but we can safely assume it will be on NX.)

    Indie Games
  • Tank it! - Bplus (Source)

    Rumored Games
  • A Mario game within 6 months of launch (Source)
  • A Pokémon game by Gamefreak within 6 months of launch (Source)
  • A Super Smash Bros. game for NX launch (Source)
  • Splatoon (Source) Note: This game is in development but may not release. See source.
  • Super Mario Maker (Source) Note: This game is in development but may not release. See source.
  • Beyond Good and Evil 2 - Ubisoft (Source)

  • Bandai Namco is working on several NX titles. (Source)
  • Retro Studios is not working on Metroid, DKC or Diddy Kong Racing, sounds like a new IP (Source)

Source Links





Thanks a lot mate for reconciliation..
 

Shiggy

Member
Confirmed Games
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo (Source)
Just Dance 2017 - Ubisoft (Source)
Holiday 2017 Sonic Game - Sega (Source trailer)
Dragon Quest X - Square Enix (Source)
Dragon Quest XI - Square Enix (Source)
(Pikmin 4 - Nintendo (Source 1 | Source 2) Note: While the game is officially confirmed it is currently unclear if it will launch on NX, but we can safely assume it will be on NX.)

That Pikmin title could just be the one that was recently announced for 3DS. Miyamoto's wording sounds as if they just had a small team work on prototypes, with that ramping up to full production soon. With Pikmin 3DS developed internally, I wonder whether the Pikmin team is large enough to create to entries in the series at the same time.
 

Davey Cakes

Member
How feasible is it to use magnets to attach the side controllers instead of this abomination:

Dz9fZvF.png


I know that there are magnets that are really strong, as in needing actual force to take them appart, even in kids toys. It would be a much more elegant way to connect the device.
Ever since I first heard about the detachable controllers my mind has always gone more towards some sort of "magnetic" solution. Seems way more elegant and sleek than something which has pins sticking out if it, y'know? That said, I'm not sure what the risks are in having magnets that close to the console's innards.
 

Mpl90

Two copies sold? That's not a bomb guys, stop trolling!!!
Isn't Pikmin 3DS developed by Arzest?

As of now, the trademark at the end of the Direct indicated just Nintendo's name for Pikmin. However, it'll probably get updated as the game obtains an official name and more infos are shared. Something similar happened with Yoshi's New Island: the first time it was shown, back in April 2013, with no official title, the trademark only included "Nintendo". There was no Arzest on it.
 

Koren

Member
I like the detachable controllers. For the first time I might not have to "go easy" on a handheld controller so it isn't in risk of going faulty. Of course I am assuming they would sell the detachable parts separately, because why wouldn't they?
Why wouldn't they sell replacements for U Pad? ;)

That Pikmin title could just be the one that was recently announced for 3DS. Miyamoto's wording sounds as if they just had a small team work on prototypes, with that ramping up to full production soon.
I hope you're wrong.

I also home the splitted D-Pad is incorrect, and mostly a devkit thing (even if I can see why it could be a thing, unfortunately :/ )
 

ggx2ac

Member
How feasible is it to use magnets to attach the side controllers instead of this abomination:

Dz9fZvF.png


I know that there are magnets that are really strong, as in needing actual force to take them appart, even in kids toys. It would be a much more elegant way to connect the device.

As I mentioned once before. If there is space inside, the simplest solution is to make the connectors retractable so then there shouldn't be problems using them like Wii Remotes.
 
How feasible is it to use magnets to attach the side controllers instead of this abomination:

Dz9fZvF.png


I know that there are magnets that are really strong, as in needing actual force to take them appart, even in kids toys. It would be a much more elegant way to connect the device.

I'm sure this could be done, like how the Moto Z smartphone connect to its mods. The question is how cost effective the solution would be.
 

Sadist

Member
A few people are saying this but there's been no source/proof IIRC.

As of now, the trademark at the end of the Direct indicated just Nintendo's name for Pikmin. However, it'll probably get updated as the game obtains an official name and more infos are shared. Something similar happened with Yoshi's New Island: the first time it was shown, back in April 2013, with no official title, the trademark only included "Nintendo". There was no Arzest on it.
Ah okay, I thought it was confirmed. I'd buy Pikmin 3DS, but if (yes, if) Arzest is developing it I'm out. For the life of me I just don't understand how those guys still get work.
 

hokahey

Member
I don't like the direction of the NX. I mainly don't like the break off controllers.

It costs Nintendo maybe 2-3 dollars to include a mike and a camera. The break off controllers will add much higher cost to the unit to reinforce the rigidity, and them will cause a lot of warranty return anyway.

And all the fan concepts I see include alot of compromises to the control layout due to the break off nature of the controllers. All these design difficulty just because Nintendo want to let 2 people play games on the go. I have never seen anybody play those 2-player ipad games in public, ever. I think Nintendo is chasing a market niche that doesn't exist. Nintendo is better off keeping the controller intact and include a traditional large controller to use at home. They don't even have to include a home controller in the base package, they can just pack in a 10 dollar off coupon in the base unit.

With this break off design, it basically means Nintendo will make a lot of games that can be controlled by a d-pad and 2 buttons only. I don't think you can play a lot of 3d games with it.

Lots of assumptions here. Did the nunchuck hooking in to the wiimote break it a lot? No. Same functionality.

Also, the two controllers will be necessary for home use. The fact that they could be used in any setting is just icing on the cake.

And until you see them, you can't assume anything has been compromised.

I'm picturing smaller Wiimotes. Fine by me.
 

Davey Cakes

Member
When I imagine NX in my head, I think of something that looks sleek like the Wii console itself as opposed to something like the 3DS or Wii Gamepad with sorts of "protruding" buttons and parts. I feel like Nintendo will make it look very modern and simplified, but fully functional.
 

lmbotiva

Junior Member
so Nintendo strikes again with an under powered system, my dreams of seeing a zelda game with incredible graphics will still be a dream it seems, yes, gameplay is key, yes, artwork on the zelda games is awesome but man i wish i could play a zelda game with awesome graphics, with decent antialiasing, with decent texture filtering, all the jazz
 
There's a 0% chance it's option 1. It makes no sense that they'd move backwards to an older architecture like that.

Anyway, it's obviously option 4.

LOL 0% ? Didn't we make the same statement with the W ii U?? And they ended up using an old IBM design for the CPU??
 

Oregano

Member
If Nintendo want to push on the "hybrid" aspect of the device to make the percieved value greater, a docked mode is a 0 cost investment that do that though and has no explanation baggage for the general public (you don't need to explain it at all) while being a significant plus for gamers that want to play on TVs. Even just 720p->900p would make it look substantially better on TVs, and that's like 55% higher clock, same assets (compared to 2.25 needed to reach 1080p). I'm saying this because a fan in mobile mode seems extremely sketchy and would mean the device probably run at like 2-3 hours top if the wattage is so high to need active cooling even with parker (at that size, a 6-7 W total shouldn't require active cooling, and parker hit 500 gflops at like 4-5W, add 2.5 W of the screen and you're there). Them going for much lowered clocks and 720p vs 1080p would give them much better battery life and IQ on TVs, in exchange for worse graphics in strictly portable mode (still better than WiiU i guess, at 250-350 Gflops vs 500-600 of docked mode, or what i guess 400-500 Gflop in a single unique Hybrid mode).

I just can't really see a fan there without needing to hit high clocks, but said high clocks seems extremely counterproductive for the mobile mode of the thing.

But from what we've heard developers haven't been briefed on any performance differences when at home or on the go. Whilst they might be aiming to make it seamless as possible for developers it's still the kind of thing they need to no to ensure games don't break.

I just find it hard to believe they're going to ship a portable with moving parts. I think the demo/prototype units still having an X1 inside whilst the final units will be a fanless Pascal equivalent is much more likely.

We'd still be looking at 3-4 Wii U power which would be pretty sick.

EDIT:

The only thing we can "assume" is this:

If NX is what we think it is, and it sells like candy and turns out to be really great, expect Sony/Microsoft to do something similar in the future.

The NX doesn't sound too far from the Microsoft's surface so MS could definitely get in on it if they wanted. Oddly I think Sony would have a harder time after they dropped Vita so unceremoniously. I guess we'll see.
 

ggx2ac

Member
I wouldn't assume that the dev kits would use the same connectors as the final system.

Yes, they could be smaller.

I can't think of other methods to attach the controllers to the NX.

I think using magnets is just overdoing it.

The height of the NX was what again 92mm if it's not incorrect. The Wii Remote Motion Plus is about 160mm.

I tried handling the Wii Remote at the 90mm range of length, it feels small but it fits in the palm of your hand. Such that, the connector would get in the way.

However, the Wii Remote Motion Plus feels definitely hollow. Unless the supposed advanced vibration take up much space I expect these detachable controllers to be hollow too even with motion sensors, accelerators, gyros etc.

Hence, I would find just retracting the connector to be a simpler solution than to have to spend money making the controllers have magnets including the NX device itself. If I remember correctly, the NX may use a Magnetometer which would be sensitive to magnetic fields. (Speculation)
So magnetic forces exerted by the controllers attaching to the NX may screw up the use of the Magnetometer. I think even the Wii U Gamepad used a Magnetometer. I definitely remember hearing it once.

Point is, I find retracting the connectors makes more sense.

Edit: Here it is. (About the Wii U Gamepad using a Magnetometer.)

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/11/wii_u_gamepad_offers_nine_axis_controls

Becky Oh, chief executive of PNI Sensor Corporation, the company behind the GamePad’s geomagnetic sensor, has spoken in an interview with GamesBeat about how the technology improves the accuracy and reliability of the GamePad.
[The gyro and accelerometer] are good at tracking relativistic change. But it doesn’t tell you absolutely where you’re pointing and where the pointer is. What the magnetic sensor does is use the Earth’s magnetic field as a reference. It can always guide [the GamePad] back to what the absolute position is.
Oh believes the new geomagnetic technology will allow the failings of six-axis devices — such as the Wii Remote — to be eradicated, saying she thinks several genres of games can now be played much more responsively.

Edit 2: Oh shit, the controllers have the same thickness as the NX, so are they 25mm or are they 15mm?

It says the Wii Remote is 30.8mm thick. So maybe the reduction in size might not be too much of a problem.
 
so Nintendo strikes again with an under powered system, my dreams of seeing a zelda game with incredible graphics will still be a dream it seems, yes, gameplay is key, yes, artwork on the zelda games is awesome but man i wish i could play a zelda game with awesome graphics, with decent antialiasing, with decent texture filtering, all the jazz

Stop being greedy ;)

In all honestly, BOTW looks fantastic as it is, can't wait to see more of it in action soon.

I don't mind a moderate powered console. Graphics to me are almost at that universal stage, art direction etc is key. I think Nintendo approach to making things within their means is sensible at the very least. Games are expensive to make in terms of time and cost, the more power you have, that increases. Triple A titles currently need 3 - 6 million sales just to break even.

It is nice to be wowed by the likes of Uncharted 4, and say the density of the city scape in fallout 4, but for me it is not a vital ingredient anymore.

Obviously understand peoples expectations are different :)
 

Dystify

Member
Übermatik;215793865 said:
Great compilation, but the contradictions in power reports still leave me skeptical.

What contradictions? You mean comments like the CPU being better than XBO/PS4, but still being weaker in raw power?

Edit: Or the older comments of NX being more powerful than PS4, whereas more recent comments say it's weaker?
 

Retrobox

Member
Stop being greedy ;)

In all honestly, BOTW looks fantastic as it is, can't wait to see more of it in action soon.

I don't mind a moderate powered console. Graphics to me are almost at that universal stage, art direction etc is key. I think Nintendo approach to making things within their means is sensible at the very least. Games are expensive to make in terms of time and cost, the more power you have, that increases. Triple A titles currently need 3 - 6 million sales just to break even.

It is nice to be wowed by the likes of Uncharted 4, and say the density of the city scape in fallout 4, but for me it is not a vital ingredient anymore.

Obviously understand peoples expectations are different :)

Isn't Nintendo pretty damn good at making games that don't require absurd amount of sales to break even? Didn't they say Breath of the Wild needs to sell 2 million worldwide to be considered a success? Because they're selling double that amount on Wii U, nevermind the NX.
 

Davey Cakes

Member
so Nintendo strikes again with an under powered system, my dreams of seeing a zelda game with incredible graphics will still be a dream it seems, yes, gameplay is key, yes, artwork on the zelda games is awesome but man i wish i could play a zelda game with awesome graphics, with decent antialiasing, with decent texture filtering, all the jazz
I agree that there's a level of disappointment with Nintendo not pursuing a full leap in home console capabilities.

That said, Nintendo's failures in the console space have fueled this.

If you think of NX as a handheld first and foremost, then it's a substantial leap over 3DS and Vita. Going by reports, a mobile/handheld device with this sort of technical leap above its predecessor is unprecedented from Nintendo. NX will be a beast in that space, while it'll likely just be adequate in terms of the full TV experience (if what we're led to believe about its "hybrid" nature is true).

Zelda: BotW is already impressive so if that's the ceiling I'm okay with it, especially if we're talking about something that you can take with you on the go.

Skeptical about the no region locking thing. Since they're going with carts they could always implement physical region locking like they did on the FC/NES and SFC/SNES.
Emily said "confirmed" didn't she? The reason I'm led to believe her is that usually she'll try to disclaim her statements in some way so that if they're wrong, she won't be fully to blame.

A straight confirmation is different to me, though. Additionally, she's not the only source on that.

Again, NX is a handheld, succeeding the 3DS and DS lines. The DS was region-free, so it's not like cart-based games haven't been free of restrictions in the past.
 

Snaku

Banned
Skeptical about the no region locking thing. Since they're going with carts they could always implement physical region locking like they did on the FC/NES and SFC/SNES.
 

Ganondolf

Member
I don't think the battery will be any worse than the 3dsxl. Hopefully if that's the case they may sell an extended battery like they did with the gamepad if it's a cost issue and not a space issue.
 
Isn't Nintendo pretty damn good at making games that don't require absurd amount of sales to break even? Didn't they say Breath of the Wild needs to sell 2 million worldwide to be considered a success? Because they're selling double that amount on Wii U, nevermind the NX.

Yeah they are. They have always excelled in that regard, and probably goes to explaining why they were confident enough to go with the WII being what it is was. Games like Super Mario Galaxy sill look amazing today.

Mario Kart , Captain Toad and Xenoblade could pass for current gen titles also, they're really good looking games.

People could argue that Zelda is guaranteed to sell X amount of copies so there budget should be higher, but i guess nintendo still need to make money of the back of the game.

Seems looking at sales data, the median for Zelda titles in terms of sales is 4 million, with a couple of the more successful titles doing just about double of that either side.
 

ggx2ac

Member
Skeptical about the no region locking thing. Since they're going with carts they could always implement physical region locking like they did on the FC/NES and SFC/SNES.

That method of region locking is very outdated and easy to break if we're talking about physical region locks.

I'm just not that knowledgeable on the homebrew scene for how current region locking works with firmware on 3DS and Wii U.
 
The Tegra X1 is in the devkit and it is being actively cooled.
That means two things: it's clocked high enough to produce good performance, but also much heat.
NateDrake told us the final GPU inside, will be Pascal based.
The Pascal successor to the TX1 is 60% more powerefficient.
This means two things. It will consume 60% less power. It will run much less hot than the TX1 to reach the same performance.

Conclusion: battery life can be boosted tremendously by switching to Pascal, due to the chip draining 60% less power, and due to the fact that it doesn't need active cooling, hence no cooling fan further draining the battery.
60% less power? Wow I did not know that. Amazing
 

Mariolee

Member
They have to announce a date for the announcement this week. If only to undercut the hype of the Playstation Meeting as well as get ahead of the Tokyo Game Show.

I can feel it in my bones.
 
R

Rösti

Unconfirmed Member
Is he the only one to state that Xenko is working with Nintendo on the NX ? Not a single media I searched seems to give him any attention at all.
That information appears to come from a purported real email sent by Silicon Studio. We know from before that NX presents Silicon Studio a growth opportunity: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=202786063&postcount=398

Whether HappyNintendoFan is the only one talking about Xenko on NX I don't know. But if Xenko on NX is true it'd be quite nice, it is a good engine.
 
I really feel for you guys who are disappointed with the NX power envelope. I mean this thing is guaranteed to be at least 2x Wiiu in the palm of your hand and at 720p to boot. Imagine WWHD with twice the effects in the palm of your hand. That alone gets me very excited.

I mean everyone gushed over games like Uncharted 3 and Last of Us not too long ago. And now there is a portable from nintendo that will be capable of at putting out games that look/perform twice as good as those games...in the palm of your hand. How many Wiiu fans or here touted Mk8 as gorgeous. Youre getting a device that pumps out visuals at least twice as good.

Im a bit biased because portables are my first love. Small screen or big screen doesnt matter to me.

Also inb4 "im a nintendo only gamer". I have a ps4 and will be grabbing a neo day one.
 
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