Support NeoGAF

[Codes 208]

Down the line i can see them rebranding the basic switch as switch home or switch hybrid.

Especially if a pro version comes out.

 

[gspat]

Why would they notice if they aren't looking for it? You are looking for it, they won't be. They will be looking for a product named the Nintendo Switch and they won't have any idea that THIS Nintendo Switch doesn't actually 'Switch'. Not even sure what removable Joycons have to do with the removed feature still being in the name.

If I was buying this and didn't know any better, honestly, I'd think Walmart or wherever I bought this thing just sold me a cheap chinese knockoff that plays a ton of butchered NES games really badly.

 

[Kittehkraken]

This is probably a dumb question but with the Switch Lite coming in at 200 bucks can we expect 2DS XL to drop in price even more? I had an itch to buy one last weekend, saw a Mario Kart bundle for 150 bucks. Not bad, but is there a chance it would go even lower to say, 100 bucks, after Switch Lite?

I wouldn't count on it.

Honestly, buy a refurb from Nintendo if you want it cheaper ($99.99 atm). The stock changes periodically depending on what they have. The refurbs they sell come with a full warranty and look brand new. I couldn't have been happier with my Wii U refurb.

Nintendo 3DS | 2DS

store.nintendo.com

Lesser means smaller... ?

As far as i know, lesser and smaller are describing two different things. Smaller would describe the size of the Switch Lite, while lesser would describe its lack of features.

 

[20cent]

The Switch Pro won't have a handheld mode then.

 

[Codes 208]

If I was buying this and didn't know any better, honestly, I'd think Walmart or wherever I bought this thing just sold me a cheap chinese knockoff that plays a ton of butchered NES games really badly.

The first thing that usually comes to mind for parents is price. “So why is this one $100 cheaper?” Is probably going to be the first question on their minds if they have no prior knowledge to the product.

 

[Mochilador]

Nice. Options are always welcome.

 

[Kittehkraken]

1 - Remember the DS Lite?

2 - How are parents supposed to know that the main feature has been removed just from the word 'Lite'? Especially when the main feature is still in the name?

How are parents supposed to know the NEW 2DS/3DS are more capable vs the standard models?

By reading the box.

 

[Zog]

Id argue the ds lite was more of an exception than the rule. Its not the first hardware revision, but its one of the first to give a new name. Ever since then most console revisions have been renamed as “s” or some letter” (360 s, psp slim, ps3 slim, super slim, ps4 slim, one s, one x, etc.)

Never heard of the Game Boy Color? They named it that because it was capable of showing colors but it was part of the Game Boy line and was backward compatible. There was also a Game Boy Light, I bet you can imagine why they named it that way? NO, it's because it was a Game Boy with a backlit screen. Actually it was a Game Boy Pocket with a backlit screen, do I need to explain why they chose the name Game Boy pocket?

My point is that the word Switch is misleading in this product because it doesn't have that capability. All Game Boy variants could play Game Boy games but some had Color, a backlight or were smaller to fit in your pocket.

The word 'Lite' doesn't tell the consumer what features have been removed and the word 'Switch' still being in the name leads to expectation that it still 'Switches'.

 

[ReBurn]

Those colors suck. Pastel, Pastel, boring.

 

[gspat]

The first thing that usually comes to mind for parents is price. “So why is this one $100 cheaper?” Is probably going to be the first question on their minds if they have no prior knowledge to the product.

Not at Christmas... then it's "100 bucks less? Score!". Don't ask, just stuff in the cart and move on like you stole it.

That's what I did when Christmas shopping. Because I hated Christmas shopping.

I also hated Boxing day returns for similar reasons.

 

[Zog]

How are parents supposed to know the NEW 2DS/3DS are more capable vs the standard models?

By reading the box.

.Here we go, back to the disclaimers. You are depending on disclaimers to avoid confusion but then earlier it was stated that consumers don't pay attention to disclaimers.

Anyway, I would say that naming it Nintendo Go with a disclaimer that it plays most Nintendo Switch games is the better option because then parents don't expect it to....ya know....'Switch'.

 

[Codes 208]

.Here we go, back to the disclaimers. You are depending on disclaimers to avoid confusion but then earlier it was stated that consumers don't pay attention to disclaimers.

Anyway, I would say that naming it Nintendo Go with a disclaimer that it plays most Nintendo Switch games is the better option because then parents don't expect it to....ya know....'Switch'.

That would likely lead to the opposite problem. “Where are the nintendo go games?”

Switch Go, maybe, but i wouldnt call it nintendo go.

 

[Zog]

That would likely lead to the opposite problem. “Where are the nintendo go games?”

Switch Go, maybe, but i wouldnt call it nintendo go.

They don't exist and so no one can accidentally buy them. This is why the disclaimer on the box says 'Plays most Nintendo Switch games'.

 

[Neolombax]

The introduction video for Switch Lite bothers me a bit, why show people going to particular outdoor events, just for them to whip out a handeld gaming device and play with their friends? The boat ride in particular, the view was obviously pretty spectacular but both guys play games instead? What kind of message is this? Gaming device intends to detract you from real life?

That said, I'm pretty interested.

 

[Codes 208]

They don't exist and so no one can accidentally buy them. This is why the disclaimer on the box says 'Plays most Nintendo Switch games'.

Parent: where are the nintnedo go games?
Me: theres no such thing.
Parent: but we have a nintendo go.
Me: the nintendo go plays switch games.
Parent: oh. Then why is it called a nintendo go?
Me: because its a switch, but at the same time its not a switch.

Vs

Parent: so whats the difference between the switch and switch lite?
Me: the switch is a hybrid system that can connect to your tv or be played as handheld. The switch lite is just a handheld-only version of the switch.

 

[I Love Rock 'n' Roll]

The Lite is mean to be a handheld only. Its designed to be a portable.

The Switch when it goes to dock/undocked it changes the clocks. You add a TV out and now the Lite needs to start switching clocks.

Also how would you even play this on your TV? You can't put it in the dock due to its design. Ok a USB wire? Sure then you get the complaints about the wire being not long enough, not included, too expensive or ugly just hanging off your TV. Oh ya and remember when the dock was scartching Switch screens? Well how many people will be happy with their switch hanging off their TV all exposed?

Then you have to add in joycons/pro controller since you can't detach the joycons. So anyone buying this will have to buy extra controllers to play on their TV.

So basically you take this 199$ product, add 80$ for Joy cons, and 50-90$ for a dock/wire or whatever to attach to your TV.

This is a handheld system, its like complaining the 3ds doesn't hook up to your 3dTV so you can play 3ds games in 3d on your 50 inch TV. If you want docking get the regular Switch. Thats why its there.

Yes they could of had TV out, but it takes away a selling point from the regular switch, muddies the handheld nature of the lite, and would add a bunch of extra costs and complaints for consumers along with having the lite still operate in 2 different modes.

That's still less compared to the Switch + pro controler. You can get a PS4 pro for this price.

People want optionS, not limited product. I already said, the psp can be plug to a TV. It was a cool option, just like the Nomad did.

And why do you give a crap if switch lite + pro controler + dock cost more? Options.

To me, it's false advertising. It's worse than the wiiu. A false name on a product. It is supposed to Switch from tv to mobile like the Switch and like the Switch means but it does not. Lite just means it's lighter and smaller, member the NDS Lite? People are going to be so mad... and it'll be so fun to watch!

 

[Zog]

Parent: where are the nintnedo go games?
Me: theres no such thing.
Parent: but we have a nintendo go.
Me: the nintendo go plays switch games.
Parent: oh. Then why is it called a nintendo go?
Me: because its a switch, but at the same time its not a switch.

Vs

Parent: so whats the difference between the switch and switch lite?
Me: the switch is a hybrid system that can connect to your tv or be played as handheld. The switch lite is just a handheld-only version of the switch.

Let me make the conversation simpler for you.

Parent: Where are the Nintendo Go games?
Me: The Nintendo Go actually plays the same games as the Nintendo Switch
Parent: Oh. Then why is it called a Nintendo Go?
Me: To make it easy for consumers to tell the difference between the two versions as they have different features.

vs

Parent: So whats the difference between the Switch and Switch Lite?
Me: The Switch is a hybrid system that can connect to your tv or be played as handheld. The Switch is just a handheld-only version of the Switch.
Parent: So why call it a Switch if it doesn't 'Switch'?

 

[Slings and Arrows]

Microsoft release an xbox one s without a disc drive for reasons

Now nintendo release a switch that can't switch

What's next? Are sony going to release a playstation that can only be played with a wired atari joystick?

 

[Zannegan]

3ds is practically gonzo, dude. No more games. This is the de facto replacement. Might need one of my cargo sized pockets, but I'll manage.

And a hefty screen protector. Actually, with the vents and lint/dust, make that a case.

To that point, and since this is meant to be their budget/kid-friendly option, I still think they should have turned the sticks into slide pads and gone for a clamshell--more pocketable too. Ah well, I'm sure this will do well regardless, and a clamshell probably would have caused brand confusion.

 

[brian0057]

Parent: where are the nintnedo go games?
Me: the Nintendo Go actually plays the same games as the Nintendo Switch
Parent: oh. Then why is it called a nintendo go?
Me: To make it easy for consumers to tell the difference between the two versions as they have different features.

Parent: "So there will be Nintendo Go games?
Me: "Uhm... no. The device is still a Nintendo Switch."
Parent: "So it's a Switch that plays Switch games and it's also a handheld but it's not called Switch."
Me:... yes.
Parent: "Can I play future Nintendo Go games in my Nintendo Switch."
Me: "What? No, there are, and will be, no Nintendo Go games."
Parent: "But one is called Switch and the other is called Go."
Me: "No! They both play the same games. It's just that one is handheld + TV and the other is just handheld."
Parent: "Ah Ok. Then why not call it Switch Mini, Lite, or something?"
Me: ...

 

[Whitesnake]

The ergonomics of a Switch in handheld mode is awful. Any game that uses the right stick is a terrible experience because you have position your thumb uncomfortably far down on the controller. There is no comfortable way for me to hold the system and use the right joystick.

The New 3DS got this right by making the second analog stick a tiny nub to the upper-left of the face buttons. That way you just have move your thumb a bit upwards instead of pivoting it all the way downwards.

I was hoping a portable-only switch would maybe change the layout, but I guess not.

 

[Zog]

kid-friendly option

I keep seeing this but the reveal today showed mostly teenagers and adults playing this thing so.......where does this kid-friendly/aimed at kids stuff come from? Was the astronaut supposed to be the 'kid' in this reveal?

 

[Zog]

Parent: "So there will be Nintendo Go games?
Me: "Uhm... no. The device is still a Nintendo Switch."
Parent: "So it's a Switch that plays Switch games and it's also a handheld but it's not called Switch."
Me:... yes.
Parent: "Can I play future Nintendo Go games in my Nintendo Switch."
Me: "What? No, there are, and will be, no Nintendo Go games."
Parent: "But one is called Switch and the other is called Go."
Me: "No! They both play the same games. It's just that one is handheld + TV and the other is just handheld."
Parent: "Ah Ok. Then why not call it Switch Mini, Lite, or something?"
Me: ...

I explained it perfectly the first time. I feel sorry for the parent that asks you to explain this to them.

 

[Speedwagon]

The ergonomics of a Switch in handheld mode is awful. Any game that uses the right stick is a terrible experience because you have position your thumb uncomfortably far down on the controller. There is no comfortable way for me to hold the system and use the right joystick.

The New 3DS got this right by making the second analog stick a tiny nub to the upper-left of the face buttons. That way you just have move your thumb a bit upwards instead of pivoting it all the way downwards.

I was hoping a portable-only switch would maybe change the layout, but I guess not.

the Wii U was headed in this direction. Too bad Iwata died before he could realize the Switch (Lite)...

 

[brian0057]

I keep seeing this but the reveal today showed mostly teenagers and adults playing this thing so.......where does this kid-friendly/aimed at kids stuff come from?

Because it's cheaper.
And cheap means low quality.
And low quality means kids can be rough with it.
Or so I'm told.

 

[Nethernova]

This sucks. I LOVE the design, dpad, and the colours. I was going to be so in. My current switch is modded with homebrew so i keep it offline at all times. But i wanted a second switch for online play. But no tv out is 10000005 a deal breaker for me. Im not trying to play smash online on handheld only. Idiots!

Oh well, switch pro/second hand OGswitch it is then.

 

[DiddyInAHellcat]

I was just about to purchase the original switch today hopefully this means the price will drop glad I didn't buy it

 

[brian0057]

I explained it perfectly the first time. I feel sorry for the parent that asks you to explain this to them.

I've worked in both retail and I.T. support.
Trust me, people are that stupid.

 

[Speedwagon]

This sucks. I LOVE the design, dpad, and the colours. I was going to be so in. My current switch is modded with homebrew so i keep it offline at all times. But i wanted a second switch for online play. But no tv out is 10000005 a deal breaker for me. Im not trying to play smash online on handheld only. Idiots!

Oh well, switch pro/second hand OGswitch it is then.

Or. You can turn your OG switch into the online Switch and mod this Switch?

 

[KAOS]

Should be cheaper. What's the battery life?

 

[Codes 208]

I've worked in both retail and I.T. support.
Trust me, people are that stupid.

Ive been working in retail for six years. Sometimes i still get people who ask me stuff like if you can play xbox games on ps4.

I was just about to purchase the original switch today hopefully this means the price will drop glad I didn't buy it

It wont. They wont cannibalize their own sales like that.

 

[Zog]

This sucks. I LOVE the design, dpad, and the colours. I was going to be so in. My current switch is modded with homebrew so i keep it offline at all times. But i wanted a second switch for online play. But no tv out is 10000005 a deal breaker for me. Im not trying to play smash online on handheld only. Idiots!

Oh well, switch pro/second hand OGswitch it is then.

No doubt Nintendo was thinking more about the Japanese market.

 

[Codes 208]

Should be cheaper. What's the battery life?

7 hours vs the OG’s 6. Not a huge improvement mind you.

 

[DragoonKain]

Question and sorry if this was already asked.

I read the rumors weeks and weeks ago about a new model Switch coming that is more powerful than the original.

Were those false rumors and this is the new Switch? Or are they going to unveil another model later on?

 

[Codes 208]

Question and sorry if this was already asked.

I read the rumors weeks and weeks ago about a new model Switch coming that is more powerful than the original.

Were those false rumors and this is the new Switch? Or are they going to unveil another model later on?

The short answer is N/A

The long answer is its still probably in development, rumors suggested both a pro nad handheld only system, this fits half of the rumors.

 

[Zog]

Question and sorry if this was already asked.

I read the rumors weeks and weeks ago about a new model Switch coming that is more powerful than the original.

Were those false rumors and this is the new Switch? Or are they going to unveil another model later on?

You never know with Nintendo. They will tell you they have no plans for something one day and the next day reveal that same thing.

 

[TLZ]

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?”

Yea. Which is calling it a Switch from the beginning wasn't a good move imo. Have the main naming as something else like NX, like someone else mentioned, or whatever other name, then have the Switch next to it to indicate what it does. So NX Switch, NX Go/Lite/whatever, NX Home/whatever. This would've been much better naming.

Anyway, not that what I or anyone here say or think matters anyway. Nintendo gonna Nintendo. I'd just prefer they'd do better with the naming.

I'll get this later for my kids as it's more kid friendly and sturdy. I'm hoping they release a lime green version by the time I get one.

Now I await the Home version direct, which will never happen

 

[Nethernova]

Or. You can turn your OG switch into the online Switch and mod this Switch?

From what ive read on forums, there is a chance that even if you format the switch restore to factory settings etc and take it online with no homebrew apps at all you can still get banned. Not sure how it works, but dont wanna risk it. Tablet-only ebay sales thankfully arent too pricey here though.

 

[MagnesG]

This thing already has the USB-C connection.... heck, I'm willing to bet the tv-out functionality is just disabled. Way cheaper to make 1 board then selectively nuke features for market segmentation.

It has smaller vents than the OG Switch, or they simply can't bother to develop (hardware development) the heat solution from a smaller switch form factor, and that takes money and time.

If you are gamer you know what the Switch Lite is, if you aren't a gamer you are just going to assume it's a smaller Switch that still 'Switches' like you saw in ads.

Why would they notice if they aren't looking for it? You are looking for it, they won't be. They will be looking for a product named the Nintendo Switch and they won't have any idea that THIS Nintendo Switch doesn't actually 'Switch'. Not even sure what removable Joycons have to do with the removed feature still being in the name.

The ads has a dock and detachable joycons/pro controller, and if you already had those you wouldn't be confused. First time buyers would already wonder why it's not included in the box.

Such a sad argument. Can't even differentiate between a brand awareness or its functionality.

 

[Codes 208]

Yea. Which is calling it a Switch from the beginning wasn't a good move imo. Have the main naming as something else like NX, like someone else mentioned, or whatever other name, then have the Switch next to it to indicate what it does. So NX Switch, NX Go/Lite/whatever, NX Home/whatever. This would've been much better naming.

Anyway, not that what I or anyone here say or think matters anyway. Nintendo gonna Nintendo. I'd just prefer they'd do better with the naming.

I'll get this later for my kids as it's more kid friendly and sturdy. I'm hoping they release a lime green version by the time I get one.

Now I await the Home version direct, which will never happen

Agreed. But by now rhere’s definitely some brand recognition which is likely the strongest reason why this one continues the moniker despite removing the titular feature.

 

[magnumpy]

afaik every nintendo handheld has been hacked. no usb-c seems like a security measure D:

 

[Closer]

Everyone asking why it's still called Switch probably are the same ones that thought that WiiU was a Wii peripheral.

 

[Speedwagon]

Guys there is a clever reason it is called Lite. The Switch as we know now is very heavy because the heavy metal heat sink inside for docked mode to reduce heat. Now it is ‘Lite’ because it doesn’t need to be docked, thus they put less heatsink inside for the fan to cool. Case Closed.

 

[MagnesG]

afaik every nintendo handheld has been hacked. no usb-c seems like a security measure D:

Usb-c is still there for charging. For unpatched switch yes the switch is publicly hacked, using the easy dumb RCM exploit, and Deja Vu exploit for patched Switch is in the works.

The Switch Lite will use a different SoC though, not compatible with Deja Vu I assume.

 

[Romulus]

It's exactly the opposite of what I want. I want a $300+ console I can play BOTW at 4k. Fuck handhelds, even with 20/20 vision looking at some small screen sucks.

 

[Kataploom]

Here is the thing, you average consumer doesn't really think about if name "Switch" fits the system or not, all they see is that its portable only Switch system that plays Switch games.

This is important.

If it was called different (Nintendo Go, Nintendo Fly, Nintendo Whatever) it would bring even much more confusion because people would think both devices run different games and would be constantly asking the same question at the stores...

Hell, I've seen people asking if 2DS runs the same games than 3DS on internet when it first came out and some month after...

Also, as I commented before, maybe Nintendo just see it different internally than we do and they can justify it internally.

BTW, people will complain anyway, I can't see it not happening.

 

[cryptoadam]

That's still less compared to the Switch + pro controler. You can get a PS4 pro for this price.

People want optionS, not limited product. I already said, the psp can be plug to a TV. It was a cool option, just like the Nomad did.

And why do you give a crap if switch lite + pro controler + dock cost more? Options.

To me, it's false advertising. It's worse than the wiiu. A false name on a product. It is supposed to Switch from tv to mobile like the Switch and like the Switch means but it does not. Lite just means it's lighter and smaller, member the NDS Lite? People are going to be so mad... and it'll be so fun to watch!

So buy a Switch regular than. There are options. If you want dock play you pay 299 and get a regular switch. If you only want handheld you pay 199.99 and get a Lite.

If Switch Lite was the same as a Switch then Nintendo would of been better off just doing a price drop.

 

[Grand Theft Scratchy]

Let me make the conversation simpler for you.

Parent: Where are the Nintendo Go games?
Me: The Nintendo Go actually plays the same games as the Nintendo Switch
Parent: Oh. Then why is it called a Nintendo Go?
Me: To make it easy for consumers to tell the difference between the two versions as they have different features.

vs

Parent: So whats the difference between the Switch and Switch Lite?
Me: The Switch is a hybrid system that can connect to your tv or be played as handheld. The Switch is just a handheld-only version of the Switch.
Parent: So why call it a Switch if it doesn't 'Switch'?

You know the answer: It's still called Switch because it's capable of playing Switch games.

There's no need to continue going in circles over this.

 

[Xenon]

+ solidly-attached controllers
+ improved battery/less heat
+ higher PPI
+ $200

- tv out chopped, given its was done by the same IC doing usb 3.0...

You could've done better, nintendo.

Isn't this just due to making the resolution the same while shrinking the screen? Not sure I'd make that a plus.

 

[DiscoJer]

I keep seeing this but the reveal today showed mostly teenagers and adults playing this thing so.......where does this kid-friendly/aimed at kids stuff come from? Was the astronaut supposed to be the 'kid' in this reveal?

The price. Like the 2DS, it's meant to be a budget option for parents to buy their kids when Pokemon comes out.