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Kimishima considering 3DS successor

Instro

Member
I'd assume a smaller form factor, or even clam shell design, but with the same basic hardware if this actually happens. There could be very well be a more powerful device or add on in the works as well for that matter. If you go back a couple years ago Iwata spoke of the next generation being a family of devices, so it wouldn't be a total shock if they do this. I would expect the games to be the same, outside of potential visual differences.
 
Why do people think Nintendo will only release one hardware platform going forward? You guys do remember that unlike Sony and Microsoft they wouldn't have anything else to fall back on, right? They are too big of a company to go all in on one product.
 

Lynd7

Member
Iwata spoke about having a platform and multiple devices, no reason a handheld based on the Switch couldn't happen, in fact I think they should put out various configurations.

Everything will be the same on a dev level most likely, just scaling and targeting different power and features.
 

jj984jj

He's a pretty swell guy in my books anyway.
I mean, it's hard to read what he means. I doubt it's a completely separate library as we've covered in many other threads, but what I'm wondering is, is it as likely as them taking on VR as said by Mochizuki? Because I don't see them doing that for many years if they ever do. Is it just likely he said they're keeping their options open? Because some people are acting like the Switch is a blow away success already and they don't need anything else.
 

Zalman

Member
Why do people think Nintendo will only release one hardware platform going forward? You guys do remember that unlike Sony and Microsoft they wouldn't have anything else to fall back on, right? They are too big of a company to go all in on one product.
Because all signs point towards it. It's what Iwata said was his plan, it's why the development teams were restructured, it's why Fire Emblem and seemingly Pokémon are coming to the Switch.

A 3DS successor will be nothing more than a smaller Switch. I'd eat my hat on it.
 

Somnid

Member
A 3DS successor can't be a Switch-like device in the way people think. Basically:

- It needs to be cheaper, like $100-$200 meaning it won't happen for several years or it has to use different (read: slower, software incompatible) internals. Same base architecture and tool chains would make sense though.
- It fundamentally can't work like a Switch, perhaps a small subset of games could work but that picture is looking bleaker based on the capabilities of the Switch and the compatibility messaging will be worse than PSTV even if it is the case.
- It makes more market sense to shift down in size from where it is now, not a n3DS-sized Switch but rather something smaller than that as the Switch kinda awkwardly sits in the non-pocketable space.
 
Considering one of my personal biggest selling points on the Switch was the presumed "joined-forces" method of having every Nintendo-produced game coming out on one platform, this gives me pause on getting a Switch beyond the first year. I'm not gonna be sold a portable device from Nintendo just be sold yet another one 2-3 years from now.
 
I'd love a inexpensive Nintendo portable to take around in addition to my Switch for home use.

Huh? It doesn't matter how inexpensive it is; it's a completely redundant device and thus is a waste of money

Why do people think Nintendo will only release one hardware platform going forward? You guys do remember that unlike Sony and Microsoft they wouldn't have anything else to fall back on, right? They are too big of a company to go all in on one product.

They're not; they're making games for mobile two.
 
Why do people think Nintendo will only release one hardware platform going forward? You guys do remember that unlike Sony and Microsoft they wouldn't have anything else to fall back on, right? They are too big of a company to go all in on one product.

One software platform, though? Certainly feasible.

A 3DS successor can't be a Switch-like device in the way people think. Basically:

- It needs to be cheaper, like $100-$200 meaning it won't happen for several years or it has to use different (read: slower, software incompatible) internals. Same base architecture and tool chains would make sense though.
- It fundamentally can't work like a Switch, perhaps a small subset of games could work but that picture is looking bleaker based on the capabilities of the Switch and the compatibility messaging will be worse than PSTV even if it is the case.
- It makes more market sense to shift down in size from where it is now, not a n3DS-sized Switch but rather something smaller than that as the Switch kinda awkwardly sits in the non-pocketable space.

- We already know it won't happen for a couple of years at least because they're still supporting the 3DS as of now. At that point they could potentially use a smaller node size of the same internals, as well as remove the internal fan due to the higher efficiency and not using docked clock speeds.
- What do you mean by "small subset"? The vast majority of Switch games work in handheld mode, and the back of the Switch boxes tell which modes are supported too.
- Smaller than the n3DS... not XL? That's crazy talk, who would even use that?
 

Zalman

Member
Considering one of my personal biggest selling points on the Switch was the presumed "joined-forces" method of having every Nintendo-produced game coming out on one platform, this gives me pause on getting a Switch beyond the first year.
They can release a new portable and still do that.
 

asagami_

Banned
Well, a Switch Pocket/Lite/Mini may be already a full project, if they want launch it in 2-3 years. After all, the DS really sell good when the Lite model was released.
 
As others have speculated; I'm thinking/hoping it all stays within the same Switch family. They could sell Switch minis with the console portion($200) and without the console component($150). $150 for a gaming handheld is pretty good and would likely sell well for people who don't care about console gaming or already own a Switch so they can just use their current console. Down the road they can sell more powerful Switch consoles with($350) or without an upgraded handheld component($200). $200 for a decent powered gaming console with a pro controller would also sell pretty well for those that don't care about handheld gaming or already own the switch/switch mini and can just use that handheld device with it. The more powerful console would overall improve performance of games running on Switch while also allowing for Wii U gamepad/TV play
 

FireVoa

Member
As someone who doesn't plan on buying a Switch but LOVES his 3DS I'd be ok with this I guess. To be honest, just continuing to support the 3DS for another 1-2 years (unlikely) would be awesome.
 
Are people actually surprised at this? I mean, it's disappointing, but the Switch effectively prices Nintendo out of a lot of markets if they go Switch only. They need a budget solution for their brand.

It might (probably?) be a stripped down Switch though,
I don't know about this 3DS successor comments, but Nintendo should've thought twice before they set such a high price for Switch and accessories. I'm sorry, but most people just aren't willing to pay such high prices for Nintendo hardware unless it's lightning in a bottle like the OG Wii.
 
Because all signs point towards it. It's what Iwata said was his plan, it's why the development teams were restructured, it's why Fire Emblem and seemingly Pokémon are coming to the Switch.

A 3DS successor will be nothing more than a smaller Switch. I'd eat my hat on it.

"Unified architechture" never meant one device. Iwata specifically cited iOS as inspiration, which has always had multiple concurrent hardware devices since the release of the iPad. It doesn't make sense for a company of Nintendo's size to rely on variants of one device. It isn't even just about "hedging bets" or anything, it's just bad business. I'm as confident that Nintendo will release another dedicated handheld with unique functionality to the Switch as you are that they won't.


One software platform, though? Certainly feasible.

Considering that they have yet to ramp up smartphone development in any meaningful way, I disagree
 
Good Luck playing games like ARMS or 12switch on a switch mini then..

ARMS supports button controls. As for 1-2 Switch you're right, that's not supported in handheld mode.

"Unified architechture" never meant one device. Iwata specifically cited iOS as inspiration, which has always had multiple concurrent hardware devices since the release of the iPad. It doesn't make sense for a company of Nintendo's size to rely on variants of one device. It isn't even just about "hedging bets" or anything, it's just bad business. I'm as confident that Nintendo will release another dedicated handheld with unique functionality to the Switch as you are that they won't.


Considering that they have yet to ramp up smartphone development in any meaningful way, I disagree

I'm going by exactly what you said in the first part of your post here. iOS is a single software platform, with multiple hardware devices. I don't know what smartphone development has to do with the Switch software platform.
 

dafodeu

Member
Nintendo is most likely developing a 3ds successor but even they don't know if it will be released. It all depends on how the Switch does, if Switch sells really well like the Wii or DS they won't release a 3ds successor, if sales are disappointing they will.
 

Tall4Life

Member
So I was right in saying that the Switch is a successor to their home consoles, not their handhelds? oh boy, that's one thing i didn't want to be right on
 

mollipen

Member
420p Switch.

Honestly, giving us a new DS that simply doubles the current screen resolution to 800 x 480 would be totally fine with me. It's still be lower resolution than the Vita currently is, but it'd be good enough for me.

I don't really want a new dedicated handheld anything, though. I want Nintendo to have one platform that does both and for them to only have that one platform to try to support.
 
I'm glad I canceled my Switch preorder and wait. If the Switch doesn't have a rich library from the 3DS then it's basically the deal breaker for me. I'll wait until a new Monster Hunter announced for the Switch before I consider getting one.
 

Lindsay

Dot Hacked
Makes sense that they wouldn't wanna give up whats left of that sweet sweet handheld market seeing as how Sony's almost certainly not coming back for a third round. Would be pretty great if they keep on with another dual screen style handheld!
 
Unless its another variation of the switch this is a really bad idea, i thought the point of the switch was to close the gaps between the portable and home console?
 

Lindsay

Dot Hacked
Unless its another variation of the switch this is a really bad idea, i thought the point of the switch was to close the gaps between the portable and home console?
Is that something Nintendo ever said or suggested? I only remember seeing stuff like that from hopeful, starry-eyed forum dwellers.
 

aadiboy

Member
If they were to make a handheld only Switch without detachable joy-cons, that means the entire library would have to be playable without motion controls. It would also basically be an admittance by Nintendo that the Switch's gimmicks were unnecessary, just like they did when they released the 2DS.
 
"We have no faith in the Switch."

Is that something Nintendo ever said or suggested? I only remember seeing stuff like that from hopeful, starry-eyed forum dwellers.
Kind of implied by the fact that it's a portable.

Like, come next month, Nintendo will have two different portable gaming platforms with two different libraries. Doesn't really make much sense.
 

Mr Swine

Banned
So this is why we haven't seen any 3DS type games on Switch? Sounds stupid that they are going to divide the market by having 2 different handhelds, that is if the 3DS successor isn't a Switch mini that is a lot cheaper than switch is
 

Easy_D

never left the stone age
I see two scenarios for a 3DS successor:

1. Switch Mini. Smaller form factor that plays all Switch software.

2. An incredibly inexpensive, low-spec device ($99-$149) that technically has its own library of portable-foucsed software. However, these games are also Switch compatible (though games created specifically for Switch won't play on this device). Marketed primarily to children.

I definitely think option 1 is the likely scenario, as I think option 2 would confuse consumers.

Yeah, whatever happens, all that software *needs* to be on the Switch too imo
 
ARMS supports button controls. As for 1-2 Switch you're right, that's not supported in handheld mode.



I'm going by exactly what you said in the first part of your post here. iOS is a single software platform, with multiple hardware devices. I don't know what smartphone development has to do with the Switch software platform.

iPhone and iPad have unique hardware and software functionalities. They run the same OS but they aren't simply smaller/larger version of one another. Nintendo's next handheld can totally have similar architecture as the Switch, I'm not saying it won't, but it isn't simply going to be a smaller version that'll receive all the same games. There will be Switch exclusives, there will be dedicated handheld exclusives.

What smartphone development has to do with the Switch software platform is that outside of the 3DS, it's Nintendo's only other software platform. Once 3DS support ends, Nintendo would just have just those two, unless they replace the 3DS. The fact that Nintendo still seems content to releasing only a couple smartphone games a year tells me they aren't expecting that branch to pick up the slack. If Nintendo isn't going to diversify their major revenue stream beyond dedicated gaming hardware and its software, they aren't simply going to release one dedicated gaming platform.
 

Vena

Member
This thread is a thread of hot takes and little logic.

So this is why we haven't seen any 3DS type games on Switch? Sounds stupid that they are going to divide the market by having 2 different handhelds, that is if the 3DS successor isn't a Switch mini that is a lot cheaper than switch is

latest
 

shounenka

Member
Like the other Serkan Toto tweet, there's no news here either.

後継機に関しても「求められるニーズやマーケットがあるので、引き続き検討している」と述べた。


Regarding a successor (to the 3DS), Kimishima commented that Nintendo was continuing to look into the idea given that there is demand and a market for a successor unit.

In other words? "We're still looking into it."
 

Felensis

Banned
As often stated elsewhere: They won't create another hardware/software platform. Iwata said some two or three years ago that Switch will be a family of systems with the same OS philosophy like iOS/Android.

A 3DS successor IMHO will be a smaller portable only Switch. Same OS, same Nvidia Tegra, same games.
 

Tathanen

Get Inside Her!
Guys there is a huge segment of Nintendo's market not met by the Switch. Super portable, super CHEAP, kid-friendly, not multiple pieces, personal and not shared in a household. The switch being a handheld doesn't suddenly invalidate everything that's ever mattered in the traditional handheld market.
 

MoonFrog

Member
Is that something Nintendo ever said or suggested? I only remember seeing stuff like that from hopeful, starry-eyed forum dwellers.
They did say things like presenting a device that appealed to fans of different form factors across regions.

They did say they want to create 'brother systems' with a shared platform like iOS.

They did unite their hardware departments and their software departments.

They did announce a hybrid console and announce games absent on Wii U but present on 3DS for it. FE. SMT. SE JRPGs.

They repeatedly show it as a portable, both handheld and tabletop.

Japanese developers have mentioned it as a portable for Japan to shore up PS4 sales overseas.

...

If there is a 3DS successor that competes with Switch for software from Nintendo and Japanese third parties, that is a colossal risk to the Switch and is a butchering of the hybrid and shared libraries concept.

If it exists it had better be a new Switch model or something that plays games smaller than 3DS games, but it's hard seeing such as that compete with mobile.
 
iPhone and iPad have unique hardware and software functionalities. They run the same OS but they aren't simply smaller/larger version of one another. Nintendo's next handheld can totally have similar architecture as the Switch, I'm not saying it won't, but it isn't simply going to be a smaller version that'll receive all the same games. There will be Switch exclusives, there will be dedicated handheld exclusives.

What smartphone development has to do with the Switch software platform is that outside of the 3DS, it's Nintendo's only other software platform. Once 3DS support ends, Nintendo would just have just those two, unless they replace the 3DS. The fact that Nintendo still seems content to releasing only a couple smartphone games a year tells me they aren't expecting that branch to pick up the slack. If Nintendo isn't going to diversify their major revenue stream beyond dedicated gaming hardware and its software, they aren't simply going to release one dedicated gaming platform.

They had major software droughts in the past because their development was split between two platforms. The plan for the NX was to consolidate their software development.

As far as diversifying beyond dedicated gaming hardware and software, aren't they already making plans for doing just that, with theme parks and other stuff?
 

Hip Hop

Member
Why do people think Nintendo will only release one hardware platform going forward? You guys do remember that unlike Sony and Microsoft they wouldn't have anything else to fall back on, right? They are too big of a company to go all in on one product.

There's nothing more to gain.

At best they only have 10million or less on the console side with how the Wii U did.

Their handheld numbers dwindled from past systems.

The best they can do now is combine both ecosystems, and they did with the Switch.

I expect nothing else but a smaller form factor of the Switch as how he is speaking.
 

n0razi

Member
Doesnt that completely invalidate the entire point of the Switch?


It might (probably?) be a stripped down Switch though,


How much more can you strip down the Switch?
- 4-5" 540p panel
- midlevel SoC... A53s?
- 2gb ram
- no motion controls
- no dock/video out
 
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