• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

Behold Nintendo Switch (March 2017, Hybrid w/ Dock, Detachable Controllers, Nvidia)

Status
Not open for further replies.
NeonZ

NeonZ

Member
dimb said:
Battery life issues are an immense hurdle that I just don't see this overcoming. And even if this device is technically able to go anywhere, nothing about it seems particularly ergonomic. What is supposed to make this design portable?
Click to expand...

I guess there's a chance that the "pocket" space is already mostly taken by mobiles, and so they think it wouldn't really be a significant advantage. The larger size could also mean better battery, lessening your first complaint.

This is not even thinking about the split in game design that exists between handheld titles and console titles. Will every game be broken up into small chunks or have a "save anywhere" feature that make games more digestible while on the go?
Click to expand...
Part of the problem, like people pointed out before, is that recently for Nintendo there's little differentiating a portable from a console experience once the portables became capable of advanced 3d. Series like Mario Kart, Smash bros, NSMB and 3d World/Land were essentially the same for both portable and console. Although, really, the only thing the portable use particularly needs is some kind of rest mode.

These minimalistic controllers do not look at all comfortable and lack basic functionality that high end games would often require.
Click to expand...

Cheap simple multiplayer, kind of like the horizontal style for the Wiimotes, since it likely avoids the need to bundle the classic controller with the core system.
 
B

blankempathy

Member
Naudi said:
What? The mobile thing is gimmicky to me. So yeah take that out and release a damn home console lol. Why is that so hard to do. This looks like a mobile device that comes with a shitty controller to use on your TV.
Click to expand...

Gimmicky how? Tablets/mobile devices are a way of life for a lot of people. We use devices like chrome cast/roku/firestick/apple tv etc on a regular basis. The idea of a device that acts like a portable device and then can output to your tv is not remotely gimmicky in this day and age. Hell we have had devices before that allow you to play your handheld games on your tv via adapters or something like the pstv. You can connect your phone to your tv and output it there as well with the right cable.
 
O

Obscura

Member
I didn't buy a Wii or Wii U but I'm definitely interested in this.

Seems like a very cool amalgamation of their entire history.
 
N

NimbusD

Member
MrRemyJe said:
BscNs9X.png
Click to expand...

Missing the GBA cable for gamcube, and the gba addon for gamecube.

And actually any sort of connectivity there was with DS and 3DS with wii and Wii U, though I think those are more forgivable.
 
C

CTLance

Member
Dammit, even after a few hours of sleep I'm still wildly oscillating between hype and crushing angst. Nintendo, what hast thou wrought. :(

On one hand, this thing absolutely screams of nVidia simply relabelling a shield tablet design. Which makes me fear that nVidia just sold a design they had lying around "for free" with Nintendo adding their brand after the fact, which would be fiercely cost efficient (and thus tempting) for them. That would make me incredibly apprehensive about the whole shebang, because it'd mean that the air vent and tiny micro controllers would not have been vetted in the usual Nintendo way. Say what you will about their design team, but they really try to do things right.
(Then again, Nintendo gave us the singular most terrible second analogue stick bar none in the history of gaming with the nub on the n3DS. So who knows whether we really need "Nintendo seal of quality" hardware.) Still, I have a deeeeeeeeeeep mistrust of the tiny controllers (ergonomic mess, battery life concerns, connectivity and reliability concerns after months of use) and the need for that detachment mechanism in the first place. I'd have left the things firmly affixed to the side of the tablet and sold more wireless controllers, but whatevs. Plus, I honestly fear that the battery life of the entire unit will be pretty fucking terrible. I also pray that the fan will only be needed in the docked config, I am absolutely not ready for a handheld with a tiny fan. Not now, not ever.
There's so much that could be a disaster in that design. And even if nVidia completely rolled over and designed the thing for free and sells the chips at cost and send out their engineers and PR teams for free, it still has the potential to be expensive. I was already reeling with n3DS. Don't think I wanna get spendy with mobile hardware. No matter how capable.

So in that regard I'm terribly anxious.

On the hype side, damn that's a neat idea. MonHun with seamless toilet/couch/on the go gaming will be glorious. Mobile HD gaming even on the most popular "mobile" platform, finally? Yes please. Complete set of inputs, fecking finally. Potential for spontaneous multiplayer fun ("Wii light""). Possibly multitouch capable (and big) screen enabling Nintendo to actually use that damn feature. With the hardware team comparatively free and nVidia providing modern software infrastructure the entire company could churn out massive amounts of hugely impressive games. The nVidia link will also drag along a whole load of western companies that would usually shun Nintendo hardware - team green has impressive PR and dev relation capabilities, and if they are determined to make this a success, then we might finally see a Nintendo platform with genuine third party support. Quality stuff, not the usual "PR partnerships". And with nVidia engineers around the globe pouring over third party code and tweaking it for maximum performance, the games might actually exhibit some advantages for running on Nintendo hardware.

Only time will tell.

Ugh, this is really tearing me apart. This could be so awesome, or so terrible. Need more info. Desperately. Not some pastebins or leaks, but "Nintendo investor guidance" levels of confidence. And actual gamers using the thing.

*continues alternating between hype and dread*
 
S

SlipperyFishes

Banned
Lgndryhr said:
They told me the sketch about the NX was close to accurate. Also, in past has dropped subtle hints over their personal accounts or personal phone.
Click to expand...
Those were leaks confirmed by multiple sources. Look, I'm not saying they maybe knew something but Nintendo reps - like Apple reps - are kept in the dark for a very good reason.

People talk.

And if a rep really knew something they wouldn't dare mention it to anyone. Least of all someone who has the potential to tell others and cost them a job.
 
P

PdotMichael

Banned
sir_bumble_bee said:
An interesting point I heard earlier is that this console may try to solve people's problems with handheld gaming, mostly with comfortability. Nintendo highlighted multiple ways for one to enjoy their game on the go
Click to expand...

I can't really relate to any examples in that trailer. Neither do I neglect my dog nor I'm such an addict that I can't stop playing games for 1/2 hour.
 
gamerMan

gamerMan

Member
Wow, Nintendo actually gave consumers what they were asking for. Color me surprised! Also, the marketing of this seem geared to the same crowd as the PS4 and Xbox One. There were absolutely no kids or families in that teaser video. This is a product to win back die hard fans and looks like Nintendo succeeded by giving them exactly what they asked for. With a very clear marketing message, even the average consumer is going to eat this up.

I think the biggest limiting factor here will be the battery life. The 3DS and WII U gamepad had terrible battery life. From the sound of things, it looks like Nintendo missed the mark here. I think this is what keeps this from selling as well as the Wii.
 
N

Naudi

Banned
blankempathy said:
Gimmicky how? Tablets/mobile devices are a way of life for a lot of people. We use devices like chrome cast/roku/firestick/apple tv etc on a regular basis. The idea of a device that acts like a portable device and then can output to your tv is not remotely gimmicky in this day and age. Hell we have had devices before that allow you to play your handheld games on your tv via adapters or something like the pstv. You can connect your phone to your tv and output it there as well with the right cable.
Click to expand...

I just want a Nintendo home console. Not a new portable. That's what this is but now it also plugs into my TV lol the wiiu was such a piece of shit there is no way I'm buying into this anytime soon and I see there is games that look good on my TV for it. And under 200$ is required. What a dissapointment.
 
S

Seik

Banned
Naudi said:
Yeah but then I'm paying for this mobile device that isn't ever going to be mobile. It could either be alot cheaper or way better graphics for same price if they did a non mobile option.
Click to expand...

I don't get it.

It's both, so it can also be a 'home only' console, you just leave it on the dock.

If you're going with Nintendo, you're not there for the graphics but the exclusive games mostly. I mean, graphics, while always looking neat, never were revolutionary and this is the case since the Wii came out. Nintendo's speciality is more in the technical miracles departments, by this I mean that they manage to create games that squeezes the max out of the hardware they have. The likes of Xenoblade Chronicles (OG and X both on their respective hardwares) are good examples of that, BotW on Wii U as well.

Like I said, softwares are key, exclusives more specifically. If they can get a solid launch window with a lot of solid OG titles and Wii U's 'must-haves' remasters along with a couple of third parties titles like Skyrim Remaster, they are in for a better success than the Wii U, imo. If both their handheld and home console devs come together on this, software droughts à la U are less likely to happen too.

Once in a while for a trip or something you'll have it, so there's that at least.
 
THE:MILKMAN

THE:MILKMAN

Member
Ashby said:
Damn, really? Laura Kate Dale has been dead-on with everything and she said we'd get price, date, specs and game details by the end of this month!
Click to expand...

Looks like Nintendo just did this three minute trailer to satisfy the promise of more details this year.
 
M

mstevens

Member
I don't get people's hangup on the unrealistic on-the-go gaming examples in the trailer. They're over the top, sure. That doesn't mean there aren't hundreds of other situations when it would be nice to take your game with you away from the tv or house. That's the entire reason handheld gaming exists.
 
P

PdotMichael

Banned
Seik said:
I don't get it.

It's both, so it can also be a 'home only' console, you just leave it on the dock.

If you're going with Nintendo, you're not there for the graphics but the exclusive games mostly. I mean, graphics, while always looking neat, never were revolutionary and this is the case since the Wii came out. Nintendo's speciality is more in the technical miracles departments, by this I mean that they manage to create games that squeezes the max out of the hardware they have. The likes of Xenoblade Chronicles (OG and X both on their respective hardwares) are good examples of that, BotW on Wii U as well.

Like I said, softwares are key, exclusives more specifically. If they can get a solid launch window with a lot of solid OG title and Wii U's 'must-haves' remasters along with a couple of third parties titles like Skyrim Remaster, they are in for a better success than the Wii U, imo.

Once in a while for a trip or something you'll have it, so there's that at least.
Click to expand...

But why should a customer buy a Switch for home console gaming if there are alternatives with better graphics for the same price?

All the arguments for picking the Switch fall down to "but Nintendo games".
 
R

rekameohs

Banned
Prisoner KSC2-303 said:
Well, they released a handheld without a charger, so I wouldn't be so sure.

Plus, multiple SKUs gives them a nice low price "from" to put in ads. Considering the 3DS crowd looking to upgrade, I think it's a distinct possibility.
Click to expand...
img01.jpg


Pretty sure everything in this image will be in every SKU at launch. Maybe down the line they'll release budget versions, but not now since that goes against the entire marketing campaign. I suppose they could make the middle controller piece optional and force home console use to need the Joy-Cons separately, but I doubt it.

Side note, what are the little marks on the bottom bezel of the tablet?
 
P

Prisoner KSC2-303

Member
OrbitalBeard said:
Your charger analogy is ridiculous. Even though its omission continues to baffle me, the New 3DS was an iterative upgrade aimed at core 3DS consumers. It's not the same thing at all.

As for the Grip, yes, I absolutely believe that will be included in the box. The Pro controller will obviously be a separate purchase.
Click to expand...

Oh come on, baffling or not, that's a lame excuse and you know it. The point is not a direct analogy, but rather the ability of a company to make such decisions that you'd scoff at beforehand as being preposterous.

You accept that the trailer featured things not likely to be in a solitary SKU? In which case, we agree it isn't entirely representative, but merely differ on which parts might be offered in separation.

As I said, agree to disagree.

Ninja Scooter said:
Was the entire marketing concept and campaign of the 3DS designed around the ability to charge the system? Was that a feature/selling point to appeal to consumers? Because that's the comparison you are trying to make. Releasing a handheld only device is not a terrible idea, but if that's the case calling it "SWITCH" and tying the entire reveal video around the idea of "play at home and on the go" would be incredibly stupid.
Click to expand...

Was the ability to charge a handheld a feature to consumers? See above regarding the analogy.

I think we're at risk of having viewed one short trailer, designed solely to get the central - most easily conveyed - concept out there, and assuming it represents the entirety of Nintendo's approach with this system. You could just as easily argue that calling it a home console is mixed messaging. They're trying to appeal to as many consumers as possible, and as such I think multiple SKUs, and in particular one designed to lure in their handheld gamers at a slightly lower price point is entirely feasible. In the coming months we'll no doubt see many of the ideas in this initial salvo expanded upon and perhaps slightly complicated. It seems a neat modular approach, and flexibility will be as much of a selling point as anything.

Ninja Scooter said:
Too literally? The system is LITERALLY called the Nintendo Switch. It's like if the Wii was called the "Nintendo Waggle" and you proposed they release a SKU without a Wii mote.

Yes it's risky, but in the position that Nintendo are in, with the Wii U being a dismal failure and the 3DS market being anything but a guarantee, they had to take a risk.
Click to expand...

I agree, they have to take risks, and one I think they could make is to launch multiple SKUs which could hamper their marketing but draw in more of thier handheld gamers. Ultimately, people won't pay for a feature they feel is unecessary to them, - just look at how many supposed Nintendo fans said they'd consider a Wii U but didn't want a GamePad.
 
N

Naudi

Banned
gamerMan said:
Wow, Nintendo actually gave consumers what they were asking for. Color me surprised! Also, the marketing of this seem geared to the same crowd as the PS4 and Xbox One. There were absolutely no kids or families in that teaser video. This is a product to win back die hard fans and looks like Nintendo succeeded by giving them exactly what they asked for. With a very clear marketing message, even the average consumer is going to eat this up.

I think the biggest limiting factor here will be the battery life. The 3DS and WII U gamepad had terrible battery life. From the sound of things, it looks like Nintendo missed the mark here. I think this is what keeps this from selling as well as the Wii.
Click to expand...

Lol. Not even close. How many 20-40 year olds do you see walking around with this thing? Kids sure. Hardcore? This is well off the mark.
 
C

chaosblade

Unconfirmed Member
Given that they are pushing this as a Wii U replacement first and foremost, it doesn't make a lot of sense to sell a dockless SKU out the gate.
 
F

FlaygletheBagel

Banned
Godzilla's Left Toe said:
welp
Takashi MochizukiVerified account
‏@mochi_wsj
Nintendo: no more official announcement would come this year on 1) game titles 2) spec details, including region-lock status.

https://twitter.com/mochi_wsj/status/789289178684981248
Click to expand...

Really disappointing, but I guess it makes sense to get the holidays out of the way before talking games.

Not so sure why they'd want to keep a lid on the specs till then though. You'd think they'd want to get specs out of the way early on, to weed out the inevitable complaints about battery life, power, etc., and then come back in January with a killer launch lineup to wash the negativity away.

Guess next week may be some of the last Switch news we get for the rest of the year.
 
B

bomb

Unconfirmed Member
Naudi said:
Lol. Not even close. How many 20-40 year olds do you see walking around with this thing? Kids sure. Hardcore? This is well off the mark.
Click to expand...

yeah. this is a lot more "trendy" than a 3DS. It's a lot closer to a ipad than a 3DS in terms of socially excepted if that really means anything anyways.
 
B

BlastProcessing

Member
rekameohs said:
img01.jpg


Pretty sure everything in this image will be in every SKU at launch. Maybe down the line they'll release budget versions, but not now since that goes against the entire marketing campaign. I suppose they could make the middle controller piece optional and force home console use to need the Joy-Cons separately, but I doubt it.

Side note, what are the little marks on the bottom bezel of the tablet?
Click to expand...

I would hazard a guess that the two slots are for the speakers and the rounded one is for a light sensor to handle display auto-dimming.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Modern Vintage Gamer: How the Nintendo Switch Security was defeated
Opinion Trailer Hardware
2
895
Celcius replied
Would you agree that Nintendo has always been better as a portable platform holder vs. a home console one?
Opinion Platform 2
52
3K
SirTerry-T replied
[GameSpot} Nintendo Switch 2: 11 Features We Want, From Backwards Compatibility To 3DS Support
2
52
4K
Edgelord79 replied
"Where's my Metroid Prime Trilogy on Switch?" — A look at Prime 3's gameplay and controls
35
5K
Captain Toad replied
Nintendo Switch |OT| Switch It Up
3 4 5 6 7
332
26K
BadBurger replied
Top Bottom