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[Craig Majaski]

I had to work during the day, but catching up on this patent tonight and I'm surprised by how much information and nice looking illustrations there are. I know one thing that people kept trying to figure out was where the memory card slot was on the Switch. One of the drawings has it located on the very bottom of the tablet. I added in some labels to make it a little easier to see:

I go more in-depth in my article for Nintendo Times and pull out relevant text from the patents and bold some important details. I can't believe in under a month people will be playing the system at hands-on events.

 

[what-ok]

Is screen resolution at 720p a fact?

 

[wildfire]

....Is there anything the Switch can't do?

4k checkerboarding

Here's the bit about the vein detection:

Vitality sensor confirmed but they are only using it as an ID scanner.



They had to justify all that research and development expenses somehow!

It can certainly do VR, my iPhone 5c with it's sub 720p screen can do fun little VR games.

No one is suggesting it will run AAA VR games.

There aren't any AAA vr games to begin with.

 

[tronic307]

Hell yeah. I strongly suspected but it's nice to have confirmation.

What surprised me control-wise was the gamepad itself has a magnetometer when the joycons don't. I guess putting that and other motion sensors in the gamepad itself is purely for the HMD? edit: oh, answered above.

Also, the IR sensor seems to be on the bottom of the right joycon. How will that work? They don't expect people to hold it upside-down, right?

Also nice to have confirmation of rumble!

I think they may expect that. Overhand grip like a flashlight with the right bumper as the tail switch, simulating a stylus. I don't think we'll actively play whole games that way, it would be there just so that touchscreen functionality isn't entirely left out of console mode. Nothing precludes the Switch supporting dedicated motion/pointer controllers but one might think Nintendo would be a bit reluctant to revisit the whole Wii(U) thing.

 

[iamaustrian]

so wait a moment...Does the switch actually render the picture at a higher resolution when docked? that would be frickin awesome.
if it's just upscaling they wouldn't be mentioning it in a patent, right?

 

[z0m3le]

so wait a moment...Does the switch actually render the picture at a higher resolution when docked? that would be frickin awesome.
if it's just upscaling they wouldn't be mentioning it in a patent, right?

yeah it renders at 1080p when docked, at least that is the target Nintendo would shoot for.

Also, nothing stops Nintendo from selling you a 4K dock sometime later to match Scorpio/Pro as long as they put thunderbolt in the USB-C, which is also what another patent is about, you've probably heard about "SCD" that can only work with switch if there is a fast enough port on it, and Nintendo likes their ports for future expansions, so I'm finding this just as likely as the VR HMD.

 

[plank]

Sorry if this been posted already but this is a good summary video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vImxcwEXE6o

 

[Speely]

Is screen resolution at 720p a fact?

No spec is an official fact yet. None will be till January. That said, the screen on the Switch is 720p.

 

[mikeyvids]

Isn't the Tegra 2 / Pascal optimized for VR and renders VR image in a super efficient way resulting in better quality renders and speeds?

Maybe the 2 rumored SKUs is for a higher res mobile screen for better VR.

I feel like I'm in the minority excited for the ability to switch between portable, console AND VR.

 

[Theosmeo]

Not enough pictures in OP

Need mooooore

 

[SMD]

Likely not and to be honest it really doesn't need one. Cameras on handhelds have always been both poor quality and only used for a few gimmick games. I can count on one hand the amount of times I used my 3DS's camera.

Yeah, fair, but it's a big deal because it means that people who work in restricted areas can actually buy one now.

 

[Persona7]

Joycons are going to be expensive as fuck.

Camera on the 3DS was only good for QR code scanning in Animal Crossing, Tomodachi, etc. Really hope they continue that weird trend of social features like that.

 

[ShadowFox08]

Joycons are going to be expensive as fuck.

Camera on the 3DS was only good for QR code scanning in Animal Crossing, Tomodachi, etc. Really hope they continue that weird trend of social features like that.

$40 lol

 

[marc^o^]

Sorry if this been posted already but this is a good summary video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vImxcwEXE6o

Thanks for this, I missed joy-cons also had L&R buttons on the side :-o

 

[Starchasing]

Hell yeah. I strongly suspected but it's nice to have confirmation.

What surprised me control-wise was the gamepad itself has a magnetometer when the joycons don't. I guess putting that and other motion sensors in the gamepad itself is purely for the HMD? edit: oh, answered above.

Also, the IR sensor seems to be on the bottom of the right joycon. How will that work? They don't expect people to hold it upside-down, right?

Also nice to have confirmation of rumble!

That ir is to atach controllers that are plastic shells. The ir can see the controllee move inside so it would be very cheap to make them

IR camera use to track markers withing input devices mentioned. For example, attach the right Joycon to a dummy controller shell, so the built in IR camera tracks buttons/sticks with reflecting IR parts

This is the new ginmick , the placement of the ir is not good fpr pointing

 

[Kurt]

Dont care about the vr part.
It's the biggest gimmick for gaming at this moment.
It will be rejected unless the magic leap which is a bit different.
No one going to play long sessions of vr games for days.
Thats my imo of it.

That said, i'm hoping that it has something unique.
Like a different rumble or scrolling wheels (which still can be added)
720 is more than ok for a portable screen.

People talking about underpowered.
It isnt not known how powerfull it will be.
I think it will be close to xbox one.
Which is ok, because all current gen games can be ported.
Also, i'm sure that a lot of games will not be ps4 pro exclusive. Same for the next xbox.
Its like the new 3ds, not that many games are been released that was only for that kind of system.

 

[Bjoern the Smexy]

From a quick read of the patent:
*snip*

Holy shit, this is literally my dream console and more.
I can't wait to have this console.
I don't want it now, I want it last year!

 

[Zeyphersan]

Sorry if this been posted already but this is a good summary video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vImxcwEXE6o

Great video, thank you

 

[Hermii]

Isn't the Tegra 2 / Pascal optimized for VR and renders VR image in a super efficient way resulting in better quality renders and speeds?

Maybe the 2 rumored SKUs is for a higher res mobile screen for better VR.

I feel like I'm in the minority excited for the ability to switch between portable, console AND VR.

Appearantly you didnt keep up With the latest Maxwell romours

 

[roytheone]

Dont care about the vr part.
It's the biggest gimmick for gaming at this moment.
It will be rejected unless the magic leap which is a bit different.
No one going to play long sessions of vr games for days.
Thats my imo of it.

That said, i'm hoping that it has something unique.
Like a different rumble or scrolling wheels (which still can be added)
720 is more than ok for a portable screen.

People talking about underpowered.
It isnt not known how powerfull it will be.
I think it will be close to xbox one.
Which is ok, because all current gen games can be ported.
Also, i'm sure that a lot of games will not be ps4 pro exclusive. Same for the next xbox.
Its like the new 3ds, not that many games are been released that was only for that kind of system.

Sony is not even allowing pro exclusives at this point.

 

[Metal B]

So.... what is the purpose of the body of the console itself having motion control if both joycons also have it? I can't imagine any scenario where the unit itself would be in motion without the joycons attached.

This is actually really smart from Nintendo.
If the hardware is strong enough to get easy XBoxOne and PS4 ports (which Nvidia promised), then the Switch can also get ports from mobilgames. Then Nintendo has to continue supporting Indie Developers, which they already to greatly. The possible VR attachment also includes future development for the new market. And let's not forget the past with a complete VC library (NES, GB, SNES, GBA, N64, GCN, DS, Wii and; 3DS and WiiU ports).

Nintendo could make the ultimate console to end all consoles.

 

[Bjoern the Smexy]

Appearantly you didnt keep up With the latest Maxwell romours

Which, for better or worse, seem to be getting shot down left and right.
But let's not devolve this thread into that discussion again. Especially because Maxwell is able to do VR just fine as well.

So.... what is the purpose of the body of the console itself having motion control if both joycons also have it? I can't imagine any scenario where the unit itself would be in motion without the joycons attached.

Joy-Con-less gaming. Using the Switch as a tablet. At least that's what I think of it.
That and even more precise tilting and stuff.

 

[Zeyphersan]

Anyone post this Reddit rumor already, or talk about it? I know it's from a little over three weeks ago but I just stumbled across it:

https://m.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwit...r_someone_who_producing_switch_at_foxconn_is/

Some stuff in there lines up with the patents, at least, and was posted prior. Before the Fallon thing too

 

[marc^o^]

So.... what is the purpose of the body of the console itself having motion control if both joycons also have it? I can't imagine any scenario where the unit itself would be in motion without the joycons attached.

It would be useful in iPad mini mode with touchscreen games. It also adds fuel to the VR potential use.

 

[KingSnake]

So.... what is the purpose of the body of the console itself having motion control if both joycons also have it? I can't imagine any scenario where the unit itself would be in motion without the joycons attached.

The tablet has also a magnetometer which makes it more precise than the ones in the joycons. Like the Wii U Gamepad was. So that makes it the better way to play Splatoon for example.

Plus mobile games ported to Switch.

 

[EDarkness]

Anyone post this Reddit rumor already, or talk about it? I know it's from a little over three weeks ago but I just stumbled across it:

https://m.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwit...r_someone_who_producing_switch_at_foxconn_is/

Some stuff in there lines up with the patents, at least, and was posted prior. Before the Fallon thing too

I think people dismissed this a few weeks ago. Probably can find more about it in one of the other threads.

 

[AgeEighty]

I go more in-depth in my article for Nintendo Times and pull out relevant text from the patents and bold some important details. I can't believe in under a month people will be playing the system at hands-on events.

PAX East is in mid-March, and it should be a hell of a show this year for this very reason.

 

[DaSorcerer7]

Anyone post this Reddit rumor already, or talk about it? I know it's from a little over three weeks ago but I just stumbled across it:

https://m.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwit...r_someone_who_producing_switch_at_foxconn_is/

Some stuff in there lines up with the patents, at least, and was posted prior. Before the Fallon thing too

I agree it does line up with the patents.

 

[KingSnake]

Anyone post this Reddit rumor already, or talk about it? I know it's from a little over three weeks ago but I just stumbled across it:

https://m.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwit...r_someone_who_producing_switch_at_foxconn_is/

Some stuff in there lines up with the patents, at least, and was posted prior. Before the Fallon thing too

It's fantasy based on reality. Remeber that Switch was shown before this and Tegra X1 exists since some time, so a lot of basic info was available.

 

[Ushojax]

So I guess this confirms that touchscreen features in tablet mode will be replicated via IR pointing in TV mode. Mario Maker et al should still be possible with minimal changes.

 

[GokouD]

The tablet has also a magnetometer which makes it more precise than the ones in the joycons. Like the Wii U Gamepad was. So that makes it the better way to play Splatoon for example.

Only if you fancy playing Splatoon on a tiny, tilting screen... It's going to be hard to get used to the pad/tv screen being either/or and not both like the Wii U!

 

[Clefargle]

TIL:

"Slidably" is a word

 

[KingSnake]

Only if you fancy playing Splatoon on a tiny, tilting screen... It's going to be hard to get used to the pad/tv screen being either/or and not both like the Wii U!

Hmm, you're right. Too bad that the Grip doesn't have one then. I hope the pro controller has motions controls.

 

[-shadow-]

Hmm, you're right. Too bad that the Grip doesn't have one then. I hope the pro controller has motions controls.

They'd be stupid not including it into the Pro Controller.

Spoiler

So I assume no headphone jack or motion in the controller just because Nintendo...

 

[forknknife]

Apparently the original Oculus devkits had 720p screens and while they didn't look great they were still usable.

I tried it. It was HORRIBLE, specially the screen door effect.

 

[marc^o^]

Switch VR would be close to a DK1 experience.

DK1 vs DK2 comparison:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjAPxs0Z_xU

DK2 vs CV1 comparison:
https://youtu.be/5qxAk3QQQDQ?t=28

 

[Jasper]

I know the Switch doesn't have a camera, but do the patents confirm whether it at least has a microphone?

 

[AzaK]

Is USB C even capable of transmitting internet data, power to recharge battery, and 60fps high quality video with no latency all at the same time?

Fuck internet data. I want to connect 10 Switches together for the Uber console.

 

[Gaogaogao]

portables dont usually need cooling fans, this thing is weird

 

[Inspectah_Deck]

portables dont usually need cooling fans, this thing is weird

Microsoft Surface says hi.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/9727/the-microsoft-surface-pro-4-review-raising-the-bar/2

We use Surface Pro 4s as full blown Windows 10 Workstations where I work, they have incredible performance for a tablet.

 

[Mihael Mello Keehl]

Microsoft Surface says hi.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/9727/the-microsoft-surface-pro-4-review-raising-the-bar/2

We use Surface Pro 4s as full blown Windows 10 Workstations where I work, they have incredible performance for a tablet.

They are computers inside of tablets. Probably better than 90% of actual laptops/desktops pending which one you get.

 

[KingSnake]

I know the Switch doesn't have a camera, but do the patents confirm whether it at least has a microphone?

Not an integrated one. But you can plug one in the headphones jack.

 

[KtSlime]

I can't believe there is no camera, that seems like kind of a strange omission.

 

[SinCityAssassin]

I can't believe there is no camera, that seems like kind of a strange omission.

Could be an add-on, but yeah. How would the QR scan from sun and moon transfer to the stars port then?

 

[Turrican3]

Show me a First or Third Person Shooter that allows the player to change view/control camera with the right analog stick while aiming (and ONLY aiming, not turning once across adjusted boundaries) is done via IR pointing. I've been wondering how good that could be since the Wii days, and now it seems we may have an opportunity to find out.

Hmm, that seems cumbersome at a first glance, but I'd probably try it anyway (BIG fan of IR pointing here, as everybody probably have already guessed)

Why why why aren't the joysticks and buttons centered, and the two controllers asymmetrical when they easily could have been?

As someone has already hinted at, I guess this was deliberately made to be able to have a decent wiimote-like functionality (by holding the joycon upside down) so that the analog stick can be used as a primary input method if needed.

By using reflective IR tape, the user could mark the exact corners of the TV screen and achieve 1:1 pointer tracking, basically a more exact Wii pointer capability.

This could be very interesting (and brilliant, I'd add), but I don't get how it would work: I mean, do IR cameras actually emit IR light as well?

 

[Inspectah_Deck]

They are computers inside of tablets. Probably better than 90% of actual laptops/desktops pending which one you get.

Yes and because of the active cooling they can draw more than 15 watts of power without throttling.

 

[Graphics Horse]

This could be very interesting (and brilliant, I'd add), but I don't get how it would work: I mean, do IR cameras actually emit IR light as well?

Not themselves but they are often used alongside an emitter and the patent talks about them.
The New 3DS has an IR emitter for the face tracking camera.

 

[Diablohead]

portables dont usually need cooling fans, this thing is weird

They do when they push the limits of temp and power, my windows 10 tablet lacks a fan and becomes an oven after 10 minutes of heavy rendering, I wish it had one.

 

[Noitshado]

What if:

-Right joycon's IR sensor acts as PSVR and Oculus cameras for positional tracking.
-Hmd has IR reflectors
-Pro controller has IR reflectors
-Alternatively maybe the joycon can be mounted on the HMD and tracks outward
-maybe with IR reflector gloves hands can be tracked
-HMD has built in battery to allow more power and extended play
-HMD sold seperately and has SCD like processing power for $200
-Docking to HMD essentally acts as another dock and Unit runs in "console mode"
-Tablet motion sensors aid in tracking, light sensor detects when user takes off the HMD
-Tablet screen is 1080p games run 720p with upscaler in "portable mode"
-Switch at $250-$300 + HMD $200 = $450-$500 price for VR, Console, Handheld with a
"Switch how you play" Slogan

If all is possible how much more viable is SwitchVR? Maybe the joycon can be mounted onto the hmd and tracks the ir reflectors on the tv as a point of reference and can still track your hands? With all these features it would essentially be a psvr in function and be enough for sit down experiences. This could possibly explain mention of additional docks and having motion sensors in the tablet itself along with a seemingly larger IR sensor than from prototype. 1080p might not be ideal for portable but they have mentioned its a console first with console level experience. I just wonder what impact a 1080p screen running 720p upscaled image would have on battery and IQ in portable mode. The HMD at least acting as a dock for console mode is the only way I see VR being remotely possible with the performance requirements. Fan noise might be an issue but most likely you would be using headphones anyway. Modularity and sum of all parts seems to be a heavy theme with the design of Switch so splitting all parts to combine for various things seems to make sense. I dunno, what does the Mighty Brainstorming Gaf Hive Mind think?

 

[Aleh]

Christmas would have been boss with a Switch under the tree. Oh well, the best console ever is worth the wait.