I'm seriously torn on this one, don't get me wrong I owned all ninty consoles and I'll own this one at some point but not decided on 'at launch' or within its first year. factors are:
for:
- I got sold on console/handheld concept. I got my pc for gta/overwtch/re7, I don't game on mobile so idea of fifa/skrim/splatoon/zelda/indies on the go, easy lan parties, head to head battles in public sound all good. At first I didn't like the idea of motion controls, ir camera,hd rumble etc but seeing ARMS in action made me believe that this really have the potential to be the ultimate party machine if Nintendo plays its cards right.
- Obligatory Nintendo unified software output, japanese devs focus, potential high level indies support.
- Sure It'll have Zelda, Mario etc but it'll also have ARMS, which looks like to coolest thing I've seen in long time. Might be just a feeling but passing the torch to up-comers in Nintendo will lead to wonderful things look at Splatoon it's almost old SEGA resurrected, who knew Nintendo could be this hip.
against:
- I'm still not sure if ninty finally understands the current gaming market & willing to do what it takes to be leader.
Case 1 'Online '. Talk of unified Nintendo account, global server architectures, parties, clans, Splatoon test-fires etc, wonderful 8 years behind the curve but still good. Charging for it? OK not ecstatic but surely they must know that they'll have to provide value comparable to psn xbl right? No, maybe, who knows? What you get is bullets points, voice chat via smart phone, one free snes/nes game per month and Reggie pr talk of how Nintendo's own reality bubble is safe place for children and how everyone got smartphones anyways. Weeks from launch nobody knows anything about store, wii shop transfers still in limbo... Classic elephant singing happily Nintendo.
Case 2 '3rd Party'. Talk of easiest machine to develop for, scaled down UE4 ports, announcements like Skyrim all good yet only couple of original ips, couple of announcements from majors (fifa etc) few indies. Devs asking for kits via twitter, final kits being sent only 3 months ago, etc. Nintendo needs some major, perspective changing line up, not just 'good' if its aiming for wii-level success. Announce an unexpected hype generating major title (idk like Read Dead, Overwatch, something big impressive unexpected), say that all top indie games on pc will be available on switch, elevate platforms strengths via selected titles (fifa on the go is good but how about Championship Manager on top of that),
Minor Misc. Cases 'Nintendo Reality Bubble Effects'. Supply issues, create-a-demand tactic might work for Nintendo in the short term but it's also pissing of customers like me, stuff like Gamestop awarding customers with pre-orders is just pure bs. Overpriced accessories, 60 bucks for 1-2 Switch instead of pack-in, 50 for Bomberman (this might just be FckKonami though) also making me question if Nintendo ever truly learns.