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Speculating about a Nintendo Switch mini

tsundoku

Member
i'd love to have an actual handheld size switch
the current size is way too big to take anywhere i dont have a table or a dock

been considering picking up the last few 3ds games i missed instead of taking the switch on my next roadtrip
 

Dynheart

Banned
I see no point in making a handheld. The Switch covers two markets very well, and makes off options to these markets to boot (docked VS undocked). Making a handheld would be redundant, confusing (no matter the name), and would cannibalize each others sales. Sure they could co-exists, and Nintendo will benefit monetarily, but perception is everything. For instance, despite the 3DS doing well for Nintendo's bank account, the industry only looked at the Wii U's sales numbers to make a declaration. If two handheld markets cannibalize each others sales, both ending up being mediocre, that's all that people will focus on thus another doomed generation.

I say just focus on the Switch. Sony and Microsoft have only one machine, no reason for Nintendo not to follow suit...good news is, it versatile.
 
If it's small like a vita and allows me to hook up to a tv with the same power as the Switch. I'd be ok with that. Joycons are completely useless for me cause I have a pro controller and I never detach them. Games like BotW I'd rather play on my tv anyways so the screen size doesn't matter. I just want a device that combines the handheld and home console games of Nintendo in one place.
 

RPGam3r

Member
It is already a portable. It doesn't need a smaller version that doesn't even follow the main reason behind it being called Switch. Hell this even does away with some of what is most likely making Nintendo a lot of money, which is the accessories.
 

baconcow

Member
How could that be that compatible with the current dock? You would have to put the entire thing, sticks and buttons included, into the dock.
 

0racle

Member
If anything, I can picture a dedicated cheap home console, no screen, no batteries just a plug in unit the size of the NES classic.
 

giapel

Member
Sounds very plausible to me. Lots of people use the switch as a handheld only so why not a more cost effective unit down the line? Call it whatever, it doesn't matter.
 

Dynheart

Banned
Am I the only one to think that any revision means that it'd only get bigger?

I don't think so. I thought about attached joycons, but that doesn't make sense considering the design of those controllers. Only thing I can think of is some hardware revisions, better button placement (perhaps a joycon with a D-pad). Better/sturdier way for the joycons to connect, or perhaps make them more seamless. The long shot would be a glass screen.

Otherwise, the bigger improvements would be for an entire different iteration completely (ala New 3DS), with better chipset/clock speeds etc.
 

Qwyjibo

Member
A modern-day GBA? I'd be all over that. That would be MUCH more appealing to me than the current version of the Switch. The key is that all the big 3DS franchises need to be moved to this Switch mini. It cannot co-exist alongside a 3DS.
 
D

Deleted member 465307

Unconfirmed Member
Am I missing something regarding the n3DS price? Since when is it $199? It launched at $170 and I thought it stayed there,* with Nintendo also selling a $150 game bundle in the past year.

*EDIT: It's not clear what it launched at since it was first bundled at $220 and then later $150. In any case, $170 was wrong. However, I still can't recall anything suggesting n3DS's current MSRP is $199, since I believe its most recent prices were $150 and $99. I'm actually not sure the product has an MSRP, as NoA doesn't even really acknowledge its existence on their website, which makes me think it's not sold in a traditional sense anymore and thus has no price. (In Japan, of course, it has a price. It was launched at 16,000 yen, while n3DS XL was launched at 18,800 yen. The original 3DS was sold for 15,000 yen after its price drop.)
 
Am I missing something regarding the n3DS price? Since when is it $199? It launched at $170 and I thought it stayed there, with Nintendo also selling a $150 game bundle in the past year.

They did the same thing with 2ds, it was nearly impossible to find at rrp. Was always discounted, retailer cut must of been large.

Which is more proof switch will be scalable.
 
Not only would the screen be too small to enjoy certain big HD games but you wouldn't be able to play games that heavily rely on the Joy-Con motion controls like 1-2 Switch.
 

Charadis

Member
As long as there is still a kickstand in this smaller iteration, then you can "Switch" with joycons (sold separately) that you'll have to bring along all the time, or use the ones at your friend's house, or yours.


As for why it would still retain the "Switch" branding, this is for continuity to deter platform confusion. It would be compatible with existing accessories and games. At this point, "Switch" could just be a branding barring any significance to meaning.
 

Qwyjibo

Member
Not only would the screen be too small to enjoy certain big HD games but you wouldn't be able to play games that heavily rely on the Joy-Con motion controls like 1-2 Switch.
Somehow I don't think that will be an issue for people interested in better portability. To me, the detachable joycons are not a positive or something that entices me to buy a Switch.

I honestly feel like the motion controls will one day be an afterthought when the Switch starts to get the big 3DS franchises. Hardly anyone will care.
 

shira

Member
I see no point in making a handheld. The Switch covers two markets very well, and makes off options to these markets to boot (docked VS undocked). Making a handheld would be redundant, confusing (no matter the name), and would cannibalize each others sales. Sure they could co-exists, and Nintendo will benefit monetarily, but perception is everything. For instance, despite the 3DS doing well for Nintendo's bank account, the industry only looked at the Wii U's sales numbers to make a declaration. If two handheld markets cannibalize each others sales, both ending up being mediocre, that's all that people will focus on thus another doomed generation.

I say just focus on the Switch. Sony and Microsoft have only one machine, no reason for Nintendo not to follow suit...good news is, it versatile.

It says in the article it's for kids who can't hold the Switch.
 
And nothing of value would be lost.


I would love to have a mini version of the switch that isnt as bulky and clunky as the current model in handheld mode
The Joy-Cons and the screen size are important to me in enjoying a portable console. The many ways you can use the Joy-Cons are what sold me on the machine. There is no way I'll play Zelda or Mario or ARMS on that tiny screen.
 
I'd buy one, but I would want them to keep the "Switch"-ability somehow.

Either make a cable you can plug into the TV and you still play with the handheld unit, or require that a separate joycons or a pro controller to play on the TV.

I pretty much only play in handheld mode and the current Switch is pretty heavy for a handheld, so a smaller, lighter system would be nice. But I'd still like the ability to play on the TV when i want to.
 
This would be the more elegant solution so far; they need to keep the detachable joy-cons so the mini is compatible with all the back catalogue of the console without issues (and mantain the attractive 2-players out of the box).
Agreed. A clamshell design with detachable joy-cons seems like the best solution to me. You still have the full package, only in a more compact and portable format.

I could see Nintendo doing something like the pictures in the OP though, as a sort of 2DS equivalent. It has less features, but on the flip side can be sold for far less as well. As long as they allow for a dock and wireless joy-con connectivity it could still have full compatibility and most of the Switch's functions.

I'd be interested in both.
 
The Joy-Cons and the screen size are important to me in enjoying a portable console. The many ways you can use the Joy-Cons are what sold me on the machine.

Do you actually detach use and the joy cons in portable mode? To me they are the worst part of the system. They are flimsy, absurdly small, and add nothing to my experience.
 
Just sell the handheld switch without the dock for $199. And maybe sell the dock for $100 if someone decides to buy it later. I think switch handheld for $199 can sell well.
 

yyr

Member
This is almost exactly what I'd want. If it had some sort of video out (like the PSP v2 had) that'd be even better.

For the record, I want a Switch that is more portable than the current model.
 

Crayon

Member
Do you actually detach use and the joy cons in portable mode? To me they are the worst part of the system. They are flimsy, absurdly small, and add nothing to my experience.

I almost always detach them in portable mode. I always disliked the typical portable gaming posture. I only use them attached if there is nowhere to stand up the switch.
 

NOLA_Gaffer

Banned
I wouldn't hesitate selling my current Switch for something a bit more akin to the New Nintendo 3DS. Bring back pocket friendly gaming!
 

jwk94

Member
I correctly predicted that bigger screens are something that consumers are have accepted. I don't see a mini being viable. The Switch is the perfect size.

I think a Switch mini would be nice. The current model is a little too heavy for extended handheld play without resting on something.
 

wildfire

Banned
Like I said in the other thread, calling it a "Switch Mini" and then selling it as a standalone handheld SKU with no dock will only cause confusion.

"Wait, why can't I plug this into my TV? Why the fuck is it called a Switch if it can't be switched?"



Wait this doesn't make sense, how are you not forcing people to buy a separate dock when you're proposing a SKU with no dock? Or are you assuming this is for people who already have the Switch? I'm confused at which people you're trying to target.


Tv out exists I certain phones now.


A switch mini can integrate the ports needed.
 
Do you actually detach use and the joy cons in portable mode? To me they are the worst part of the system. They are flimsy, absurdly small, and add nothing to my experience.

I use stand mode a lot. I love that as a portable console I don't need to hunch over and play it like a 3DS or Vita. Sometimes I use a separate Joy-Con and sometimes I attach both to the grip. I love that I even have an option in how I want to use my Joy-Cons. As someone that is rarely home during the week it really is amazing that I can carry around a console experience everywhere I go.
 
I actually want a Switch with the same screen size as the Wii U GamePad. I tried it out on LA and thought it was too tiny for an open world game like BotW.

But a 4" Switch that fits in my pocket for Pokemon and Mario Oddysey? I don't know what I want anymore!
 

Forkball

Member
A Switch Mini will come for sure. It will be targeted to kids like the 2DS. I imagine it to be a very similar concept to the OP, with non-detachable joycons. For people saying it goes against the concept of the Switch... the 2DS doesn't have 3D. Not to mention, they will soon sell the dock separately. And there is always the possibility that the Switch mini could have the dock bundled in with it. How much the dock actually cost? That thing has almost no actual hardware in it.
 

kunonabi

Member
It is already a portable. It doesn't need a smaller version that doesn't even follow the main reason behind it being called Switch. Hell this even does away with some of what is most likely making Nintendo a lot of money, which is the accessories.

It absolutely needs a smaller version. Removing the docking aspect is silly though.
 

Ninman

Member
I actually want a Switch with the same screen size as the Wii U GamePad. I tried it out on LA and thought it was too tiny for an open world game BotW.

But a 4" Switch that fits in my pocket for Pokemon and Mario Oddysey? I don't know what I want anymore!
It is the same size as the Gamepad, but I want a Switch with no bezels and maybe 7' inch screen.
 

wildfire

Banned
Not only would the screen be too small to enjoy certain big HD games but you wouldn't be able to play games that heavily rely on the Joy-Con motion controls like 1-2 Switch.
The mini isn't for you.


It's for kids under 10 and adults who are willing to sacrifice screen real estate for a pocketable device.


Many of you guys are over thinking some flaws.


The only serious conundrum are the joycons.


There are valid reasons to maintain or to get rid of them with the mini.


Nintendo could disappoint a lot of people because one decision prevents the mini from being cheap while the other decision would gimp many features.
 
Tv out exists I certain phones now.


A switch mini can integrate the ports needed.

I don't buy that, the OP's concept is already pretty small for the Switch hardware to fit in, and now you want to add tv out ports? Shit's gonna get cramped.

Am I missing something regarding the n3DS price? Since when is it $199? It launched at $170 and I thought it stayed there, with Nintendo also selling a $150 game bundle in the past year.

170 was the price you saw of the original 3ds xl hardware. N3DS XL was launched at 199.

It will still be able to switch. Nintendo will stay sell docks separately. A disclaimer in the box will say "Dock sold separately"

So the whole savings argument that was thrown around itt doesn't even make sense (it didn't already with the fact that people are acting like taking the dock away = big savings). Why even call it a switch then if you're going to separate the hybrid nature and force consumers to pay more to have the best of both worlds. This is backwards from what Nintendo ended up doing.
 
It is the same size as the Gamepad, but I want a Switch with no bezels and maybe 7' inch screen.

Really? Maybe the bezel on the GamePad is playing mind tricks with me then but it looked incredibly tiny when I was playing it on the Switch and Zelda looks much wider(but lower res) on my GamePad.
 
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