That's actually slightly worse than I would put it. I still believe that the GPU is significantly ("2x"?) more capable than the one in PS3/360.
That would be true, but I just can't see how the system would be more ROP/bandwidth limited than PS360. Just 8 ROPs and low frequency after all?
Also, I wasn't aware games actually render at lower res for the gamepad, I thought it would just be downscaled, to get some free supersampling.
I go into Nintendo hardware like I do meeting new people.
They are trying to murder and/or rape me.
If they don't I'm pleasantly surprised.
Or mildly disappointed depending on the person or situation. On a scale of N64 to Xbox I put it's capability at M2. Marginal at best improvements under the best of conditions. Meaning something different now than before.
Beyond+ versus UE4 isn't as stark as M2 Castle demo and Enclave.
I'm more than willing to buy (when something I must have is there of course) and understand the motives behind it's "weakness".
But I also don't expect too much more than 360+ with an iffy CPU and more memory in a system that tiny, with almost nonexistent cooling.
It's still a very powerful videogame console. But limited in comparison to what could be made. And to what Sony and MS are likely making.
I just don't know if that's all that important anymore. The geek in me will always love seeing 3D rendering achieve and surpass the once insurmountable, but at the same time... I'd be okay with 360 class models with realtime GI at a much higher res, with some high quality AA. Most of this stuff looks acceptable. Not everything, but most. Just clean up the overall image for now. It's striking what a focus on IQ can achieve for most well designed software.
Dolphin is living proof of what producing a better image can accomplish. As long as the source is of quality.