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Nintendo Switch Lite announced

Codes 208

Member
The word 'Lite' isn't the issue here.



The same minus the Switching part.

Think they should have named the 3D-less 3DS the 3DS Lite?
The difference is that 2ds works without making too many changes to the name, like a pun.

How would one apply that type of naming to the switch?
 
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Zog

Banned
The difference is that 2ds works without making too many changes to the name, like a pun.

How would one apply that type of naming to the switch?

That was up to the people Nintendo pays, not me. Do you think that a 3DS Lite would be expected to have 3D? Like how the DS Lite has Dual Screens.
 
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Speedwagon

Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel. Yabuki turned off voice chat in Mario Kart races. True artists of their time.
So Nintendo doesn't INTEND for it to be used on a TV and if you can make it work on a TV, it won't work like the original Switch but will probably only display 720p.

Your original statement was:



They aren't just advertising it as such to make the original Switch stay appealing. They do not support hooking it up to TV. I don't think modding it to do something it wasn't intended to do means that Nintendo is hiding it's capabilities.
They don’t want to make a dock because you can’t detach the controllers. They do not want to make a cable because they do not want to distract from the original Switch sales, and because it would have to run on battery or split between TV out and power, and because the design to make it smaller and more affordable probably limited it’s power, heat management, and capabilities. It’s not intended to be hooked up the a TV, but with all likelihood it will have a 3rd party option or hack. Might even just work if you could dock it on the Switch dock. This would likely be limited, though, because the original Switch already has overheating problems in docked mode. I’ve had games crash after the fan ramped up.
 

FStubbs

Member
The difference is that 2ds works without making too many changes to the name, like a pun.

How would one apply that type of naming to the switch?

IIRC there were a few people who thought the 2DS was just the old school DS.

I think they could've come up with a little dock for this thing. Would be ugly but at least it would still "Switch".
 

Codes 208

Member
IIRC there were a few people who thought the 2DS was just the old school DS.

I think they could've come up with a little dock for this thing. Would be ugly but at least it would still "Switch".
Or just made it capable of docking but sold separately. It doesnt need to come with one if the purpose was to make a cheaper sku. (Which im fine with)
That was up to the people Nintendo pays, not me. Do you think that a 3DS Lite would be expected to have 3D? Like how the DS Lite has Dual Screens.
Yes because its not a 2ds lite.
 

DESTROYA

Member
People are overthinking the name, it’s a smaller portable version of the Switch, what were they supposed to call it?
I agree #phonepunk# and you guys are overreacting to the brand name.
No it doesn’t switch anymore but why would they change the name, branding in this day and age is everything and if you give it a different name it’s splinters that and just causes more confusion.
 

Zog

Banned
Yes because its not a 2ds lite.

So you agree that if they had named the 2DS the 3DS Lite instead that people would have expected that it still had 3D. How can you not see that naming this the Switch Lite will cause people to expect it to still be able to 'Switch'.
 

TLZ

Banned
Honestly the way i see it, arguing the semantics of a handheld-only switch being a switch that doesnt switch sounds like nothing more than nit-picking. Hardware and software-wise its the same product minus tv ouput. If it was called a switch lite but couldnt play switch games at all then i would say the criticism is legit.
How's it nitpicking when literally Nintendo themselves gave it that name, putting what it exactly does as its name? And what do you make of the 2DS not being called a 3DS because it doesn't do 3D, yet still plays the same games, and is still the same hardware? Why's it ok here and not ok there?

This isn't nitpicking at all.
 

Zog

Banned
How's it nitpicking when literally Nintendo themselves gave it that name, putting what it exactly does as its name? And what do you make of the 2DS not being called a 3DS because it doesn't do 3D, yet still plays the same games, and is still the same hardware? Why's it ok here and not ok there?

This isn't nitpicking at all.

Playing the logic card against the NDF are ya?
 
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Codes 208

Member
How's it nitpicking when literally Nintendo themselves gave it that name, putting what it exactly does as its name? And what do you make of the 2DS not being called a 3DS because it doesn't do 3D, yet still plays the same games, and is still the same hardware? Why's it ok here and not ok there?

This isn't nitpicking at all.
Because lite works. Its a lite version of the switch which implies less features or cuts in general.

Names like switch mobile, switch go, switch hendheld, pocket switch also work but the problem is that these names could lead people to believing the OG switch cant be played in portable. lite is just ambiguous enough to suggest its a switch but not specific enough to derail the capabilities of the OG switch.

2ds works for what it is because the name is a pun on 3ds.

Aside from that, theres no real reason to change the overall name because at the end of the day it still plays the same games and software as the basic switch which would end up leaving wii u-esque confusion of “why does it play switch games when its not even a switch?”
 

Nethernova

Member
You're out of your entire damn mind if you think selling this thing with TV out wouldn't kill the regular model dead in the water.

That's what's always happened though? Ds lite replaces the ds, the gba SP replaced the gba, the new 3ds replaced the o3ds
 

Zog

Banned
Because lite works. Its a lite version of the switch which implies less features or cuts in general.

Let me see if I understand this. We should ignore the word Switch and give most of the weight to the word 'Lite'.

Pack it up folks, we have been paying attention to the wrong word all along.
 
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Codes 208

Member
That's what's always happened though? Ds lite replaces the ds, the gba SP replaced the gba, the new 3ds replaced the o3ds
2ds didnt kill 3ds.

Switch lite is definitely a 3ds killer, but not a switch killer. There will always be a market for those who want to play on tv.
 

Trimesh

Banned
I'm not sure why a die shrink would affect what is likely a key component of the architecture - TV Out. If it turns out the new Shield also has no HDMI out and so the feature is not simply soft-disabled by Nintendo, I'll recant.

But right now this whole thing smells like the Wii U's inability to launch Gamecube games.

No, all the die shrink does is reduce the power envelope - which is something that would be negated by forcing the system into high performance mode in order to run an external display. If we extrapolate the power consumption of the new Tegra based on other CPUs using similar technology and assume the unit is always running in undocked (I.E. 720p) mode, then the system should be within striking range of a passive cooling system - which would be a big win from a cost/weight/complexity viewpoint.
Sure, you could do this and leave the HDMI connection - but in that case you would be running in the portable profile when driving an external display, and people are complaining enough about the quality of graphics on the Switch already even without degrading the image quality further.
 

DavJay

Member
Not a bad ideas but I don’t like the price. For just $100 more you get so much more. Bigger screen, ability to switch and the various controller option.

I don’t know what they are thinking with $200. At $150 it would be better.
 

BlackTron

Member
Because lite works. Its a lite version of the switch which implies less features or cuts in general.

Implies less features yes.

It doesn't imply that the feature that the device is named will be cut.

This is like saying it would make sense for the DS Lite to only have one screen. Because "lite" implies dropped features, and fuckall if "Dual Screen" is in the name.

Nintendo is selling products to the masses, not people on gaming forums. TONS of people will buy this expecting it to "switch". While a bunch of guys on high horses on gaming forums will say its their own fault for not researching the product, the fact is Nintendo doubled down on this messaging to make the first Switch a success and are shooting themselves in the foot.

This is missing something right in front of their faces, in hubris, like when the masses couldn't tell the WiiU was a new console and not just an add-on to the Wii. Yeah everyone here knew exactly what it was, unfortunately Nintendo needed to market to the other 80 million people. They took for granted their own importance, assuming everyone in the world will appreciate the gravity of a new Nintendo console launching and go out of their way to read up on it or whatever.

It will still do great, but result in a ton of confusion and aggravation. Many customers will feel misled or tricked. Not a good thing.
 
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DESTROYA

Member
Implies less features yes.

It doesn't imply that the feature that the device is named will be cut.

This is like saying it would make sense for the DS Lite to only have one screen. Because "lite" implies dropped features, and fuckall if "Dual Screen" is in the name.

Nintendo is selling products to the masses, not people on gaming forums. TONS of people will buy this expecting it to "switch". While a bunch of guys on high horses on gaming forums will say its their own fault for not researching the product, the fact is Nintendo doubled down on this messaging to make the first Switch a success and are shooting themselves in the foot.

This is missing something right in front of their faces, in hubris, like when the masses couldn't tell the WiiU was a new console and not just an add-on to the Wii. Yeah everyone here knew exactly what it was, unfortunately Nintendo needed to market to the other 80 million people. They took for granted their own importance, assuming everyone in the world will appreciate the gravity of a new Nintendo console launching and go out of their way to read up on it or whatever.

It will still do great, but result in a ton of confusion and aggravation. Many customers will feel misled or tricked. Not a good thing.
You don’t think they will put a disclaimer on the box that says portable mode only and it doesn’t hook up to a TV?
 
Let me see if I understand this. We should ignore the word Switch and give most of the weight to the word 'Lite'.

Pack it up folks, we have been paying attention to the wrong word all along.

In the consumer world the name Nintendo Switch is more a brand than something describing what it does. Having the Nintendo GO and Nintendo Switch on the shelf side by side would cause FAR more confusion than "but does it Switch?" for the general public. Just like the DS family, you need to read the box to tell you what each model is capable of. The 3DS, New 3DS, 2DS and New 2DS all had different capabilities. The Switch and Switch Lite are no different.
 
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BlackTron

Member
Remember when 2DS was announced people were angry too because it looked ugly and didn't have 3D? It's still sold well. Gamers just want to be angry about dumbest stuff sometimes.

That made a lot more sense than this. In that case, they appropriately changed the name to reflect its capabilities.

The thing would have sold well whether they called it 3DS or 2DS. However calling it 3DS would have caused a lot of confusion and hassle. That's what they're doing now with Switch Lite.
 

Zog

Banned
Remember when 2DS was announced people were angry too because it looked ugly and didn't have 3D? It's still sold well. Gamers just want to be angry about dumbest stuff sometimes.


Maybe people were concerned that developers would stop including 3D in their games. Luckily that didn't happen...oh wait...
 

Flintty

Member
I don’t get the negativity. This is an entry model for kids - it will sell a shit load. That’s my kids’ Xmas present sorted. They mostly play my Switch in handheld mode so this is perfect and cheap enough to leave them to it.

If this doesn’t tick your boxes, you’re not the target audience. Buy the regular Switch.
 
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Zog

Banned
In the consumer world the name Nintendo Switch is more a brand than something describing what it does. Having the Nintendo GO and Nintendo Switch on the shelf side by side would cause FAR more confusion than "but does it Switch?" for the general public. Just like the DS family, you need to read the box to tell you what each model is capable of. The 3DS, New 3DS, 2DS and New 2DS all had different capabilities. The Switch and Switch Lite are no different.


So it's better for the disclaimer to say 'Doesn't actually Switch, handheld mode only' than to name it Nintendo Go and have the disclaimer on the box say 'Plays most Nintendo Switch games'?
 

Codes 208

Member
Doesn't really matter one way or another. Better if it does of course, but that's just a little band-aid on a dumpster fire.
So far marketing and word of mouth has been pretty clear that its a handheld only. Time will tell of course but as long as their message is clear i cant see it being that big of an issue.

Atleast nothing as bad as the wii u’s mismanagement.
 
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So it's better for the disclaimer to say 'Doesn't actually Switch, handheld mode only' than to name it Nintendo Go and have the disclaimer on the box say 'Plays most Nintendo Switch games'?

The standard 2DS can't emulate SNES eshop titles or play New 3DS/2DS only games like the New 2DS can. The Switch Lite will have similar disclaimers of what it can and can't do vs. the more expensive Switch.

There is zero difference apart from being anal about the name.
 
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highrider

Banned
It’s cool, but I’m glad it isn’t a powered up version cause I would have been bummed as I bought a switch last month. Much prefer the look of the standard gray colored Switch as opposed to this design, but it’s fun looking and I’m sure kids will be all over it.
 

Zog

Banned
My 2DS can't emulate SNES eshop titles or play New 3DS/2DS only games like the New 2DS can. The Switch Lite will have similar disclaimers of what it can and can't do vs. the more expensive Switch.

There is zero difference apart from being anal about the name.
Wow, did you just ignore what you quoted?
 

DESTROYA

Member
Doesn't really matter one way or another. Better if it does of course, but that's just a little band-aid on a dumpster fire.
Dumpster fire is a bit of a over statement.
Will you agree in this day and age branding is important? Can you give me a example of what they should call it?
Personally I think it would cause more confusion of calling it something entirely different.
Let’s say you call it Nintendo go, your everyday Joe Schmoe would have no idea it plays Nintendo switch games because it says Nintendo go on the box.
All they have do is put a disclaimer on the box that says.

‘’This model works with all Nintendo Switch games in portable mode only, you cannot use it docked to a TV”
Or something along those lines,
It will say that on the box and on all advertising descriptions of the Switch lite. Simple and no confusion, you guys get to hung up on the name switch and not the name brand known as the Switch.
 

BlackTron

Member
So far marketing and word of mouth has been pretty clear that its a handheld only. Time will tell of course but as long as their message is clear i cant see it being that big of an issue.

Atleast nothing as bad as the wii u’s mismanagement.

Doesn't the message start with the product's name? How you can achieve clarity in a situation like that, good luck!

When you need to even question the effectiveness of marketing and word of mouth to ensure everyone knows your product doesn't do the word its named. What a world, can't imagine this not making sense, to anyone!

This is not as much a fail as WiiU but it's the same type of mistake. They're both derivative, lazy, and fail to convey the nature of the product.
 
Wow, did you just ignore what you quoted?

Can't say i did, no.

Calling it anything but a Switch when its a SWITCH is stupid from a consumer stand point. It will create confusion in stores. The box will have disclaimers just like the DS family of what it can and can't do versus other models. Saying "This cannot dock with a TV. Handheld only" is far simpler than creating an entirely new brand and creates far less confusion.

The average consumer doesn't look at the Nintendo Switch and goes "OH IT SWITCHS!!!". Switch is a brand name on the shelf not something describing what it does.

Again, there is zero difference then what Nintendo did with the DS family. Nintendo simply could be more creative with DS versus Switch.
 
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That made a lot more sense than this. In that case, they appropriately changed the name to reflect its capabilities.

The thing would have sold well whether they called it 3DS or 2DS. However calling it 3DS would have caused a lot of confusion and hassle. That's what they're doing now with Switch Lite.

You're overthinking this, any other possible name would generate even more confusion and the marketing seems pretty clear that this is a portable only console. It looks like a portable only console and they're advertising it as such. Nobody is stupid enough to look at this and take more than 2 seconds to understand what it is if they have even a passing knowledge of what a Switch was.

Never get too specific with your name. That's how you end up with the Xbox SAD.
 

Zog

Banned
Can't say i did, no.


Well here is what I said:

So it's better for the disclaimer to say 'Doesn't actually Switch, handheld mode only' than to name it Nintendo Go and have the disclaimer on the box say 'Plays most Nintendo Switch games'?

So I ask again, which is better?

Calling it anything but a Switch when its a SWITCH is stupid from a consumer stand point. It will create confusion in stores. The box will have disclaimers just like the DS family of what it can and can't do.
Yeah, it can't 'Switch'.

The average consumer doesn't look at the Nintendo Switch and goes "OH IT SWITCHS!!!". Switch is a brand name on the shelf not something describing what it does.
Nintendo pushed the name 'Switch' by showing that you could 'Switch' from handheld to tv play. If the average consumers doesn't see the 'Switch' as a hybrid then I guess Nintendo's marketing failed again. You seem confident that they will get it right with the Switch Lite though. LOL

Again, there is zero difference than what Nintendo did with the DS family. Nintendo simply could be more creative with DS versus Switch.

See, this is wrong. They didn't name the 2DS the 3DS Lite, they didn't remove the second screen on the DS Lite. I have no idea what you are talking about.
 
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Codes 208

Member
Doesn't the message start with the product's name? How you can achieve clarity in a situation like that, good luck!

When you need to even question the effectiveness of marketing and word of mouth to ensure everyone knows your product doesn't do the word its named. What a world, can't imagine this not making sense, to anyone!

This is not as much a fail as WiiU but it's the same type of mistake. They're both derivative, lazy, and fail to convey the nature of the product.
“Introducing the switch lite, a handheld only...”

“...if youd like to know which games are compatible, just check for this mark on the back of the game case...”

“...If you have further questions, refer to nintnedo.com”

I felt this was a good start. And as mentioned earlier, disclaimers should also be noted for future references. (Like the 2ds boxes having stickers saying it can play 3ds games but no 3d capability)
 

jshackles

Gentlemen, we can rebuild it. We have the capability to make the world's first enhanced store. Steam will be that store. Better than it was before.
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D

Deleted member 752119

Unconfirmed Member
Remember when 2DS was announced people were angry too because it looked ugly and didn't have 3D? It's still sold well. Gamers just want to be angry about dumbest stuff sometimes.

People for some reason have a hard time 1) accepting that not everything is going to be for them and 2) hardware isn’t always going to fit what they’d prefer.
 
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