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Can The 3DS and Switch Coexist Together?
- Thread starter ryushe
- Start date
DanteRavenkin
Member
They can, but personally I kind of hope Nintendo phases out the 3DS. I love my 3DS, don't get me wrong, but at this point I probably won't ever buy a new 3DS game again, and it's not my 3DS that I carry with me everywhere. I just feel like it's a lost cause in a way, because I know I'd abandon the game for something else on my Switch. I haven't even finished Pokémon Moon, and can't really bring myself to do so. I'm praying Nintendo announces Switch versions of Mario Sports Superstars and the new Fire Emblem.
So yes, I think they could coexist, but personally I'd rather they didn't.
So yes, I think they could coexist, but personally I'd rather they didn't.
I see your point, but I'm not convinced Nintendo values the budget market so much that they won't make the Switch the only star of the show. They've gone for the budget market hard in the past, but there's always been a clear phase out of the old device in favor of the new. I don't see why we won't see that same phase out here. In 2018 we'll see Switch get a price cut and the 3DS will be over.
WhiskerFrisker
Member
I will never understand the appeal of the 3DS. Every single time I use one I'm left thoroughly unimpressed. I hope the Switch makes the thing fade away.
bobawesome
Member
I hope the 3DS dies a quick (but not painless) death like the GBA.
Raonak
Banned
Yes, in the same way the PS3 co-exists with the PS4.
Development-wise, it's a completely new architecture, so porting between is tricky. It's gonna need to be designed with both the 3DS and Switch limitations (low power vs no 2nd screen)
3DS software is on the tail end, it isn't really doing interesting numbers outside of established franchises. And a lot of the people who are likely to buy 3DS software are probably looking to get a switch down the line. So, it doesn't really make much sense to greenlight a 3DS/Switch game which will take 2 years, in which the 3DS might be dead and the Switch might be a success.
Development-wise, it's a completely new architecture, so porting between is tricky. It's gonna need to be designed with both the 3DS and Switch limitations (low power vs no 2nd screen)
3DS software is on the tail end, it isn't really doing interesting numbers outside of established franchises. And a lot of the people who are likely to buy 3DS software are probably looking to get a switch down the line. So, it doesn't really make much sense to greenlight a 3DS/Switch game which will take 2 years, in which the 3DS might be dead and the Switch might be a success.
DiscoJer
Member
Development these days is just too expensive. They can only concentrate on one platform.
Unfortunately I think it's going to be a case where Nintendo mostly supports the Switch while 3rd parties largely ignore it and the 3DS with the exception of Capcom who keeps putting Monster Hunter on the 3DS.
Unfortunately I think it's going to be a case where Nintendo mostly supports the Switch while 3rd parties largely ignore it and the 3DS with the exception of Capcom who keeps putting Monster Hunter on the 3DS.
They can co-exist for now, and that's fine. It takes time to wind down development and start it up on a new platform.
It is interesting to see some people's thoughts on the matter here though, it is as if this is their first second console. Nintendo can't just magically wave a wand and change all of their projects over to Switch, nor do they just cancel the 2 or so years work they put into a game because now that the Switch is out the 3DS is obsolete.
Likely, Nintendo has a few projects left they were making for 3DS and will keep it that way, they may later port some of those games to Switch in the future (like they ported a few Wii U games to 3DS). Nintendo is probably NOT approving of any new big budget titles for 3DS, like many people seem to be imagining.
StayDead: Not really, at least if you look at Nintendo games to be released in Japan. US and Europe will probably have 3DS stick around a bit longer because it takes so long for them to get translations.
It is interesting to see some people's thoughts on the matter here though, it is as if this is their first second console. Nintendo can't just magically wave a wand and change all of their projects over to Switch, nor do they just cancel the 2 or so years work they put into a game because now that the Switch is out the 3DS is obsolete.
Likely, Nintendo has a few projects left they were making for 3DS and will keep it that way, they may later port some of those games to Switch in the future (like they ported a few Wii U games to 3DS). Nintendo is probably NOT approving of any new big budget titles for 3DS, like many people seem to be imagining.
StayDead: Not really, at least if you look at Nintendo games to be released in Japan. US and Europe will probably have 3DS stick around a bit longer because it takes so long for them to get translations.
The Switch being the system that can finally end the software segregation between console and handheld, that was the original appeal for me personally.
If I can have everything Nintendo on this singular device (bar any mobile games like Super Mario Run I guess), that would be awesome.
If I can have everything Nintendo on this singular device (bar any mobile games like Super Mario Run I guess), that would be awesome.
don't make me bust out a list of all the amazing looking Switch exclusives coming out in 2017
cause I know you've seen the list
I don't think they can "coexist" together if that is understood to mean both having different demographic shares which continue to sustain themselves with both unique and similar software offerings. That's not going to be how it is moving forward. It will more like be like the PSP -> Vita transition, where for a while Japanese games took a cross-generation approach on both Vita and PSP, like how there are still PS3 versions of PS4 games now.
The_Hitcher89
Member
Selfishly, I hope not
Can't see myself getting my money's worth out of the Switch if it doesn't get your Pokemons, Fire Emblems and Monster Hunters that have found their homes on 3DS
Can't see myself getting my money's worth out of the Switch if it doesn't get your Pokemons, Fire Emblems and Monster Hunters that have found their homes on 3DS
Until enough time has passed for Switch to have a replacement for 3DS SKU yes, but Nintendo should be convincing more 3rd parties to make more games for both. Yes it's a bigger gap than PSV/PS4 but considering what's coming it's not exactly a step down. Games like Etrian Mystery Dungeon 2 and Dai Gyakuten Saiban 2, for examples, should be on both.
3DS isnt going away anytime soon - its the only system with access to the massive 3DS libary which still has a bunch of evergreen games selling. It would be diffrent if Switch had full BC to the 3DS.
Dont know if GAF is the right forum to ask that question...for the majority the 3DS has been "dead" for multiple years now.
Nintendo wont put mayor development resources behind 3DS games, that doesnt mean they wont continue to make money off its software/hardware.
Dont know if GAF is the right forum to ask that question...for the majority the 3DS has been "dead" for multiple years now.
Nintendo wont put mayor development resources behind 3DS games, that doesnt mean they wont continue to make money off its software/hardware.
Look man, it's cool to be excited about things, but a Fire Emblem remake and another Pikmin do not a release calendar make. I will probably even play both of those, but "plenty" and "amazing" are not what we're looking at.
Yes, and it should be, the 3DS library is huge, and I bet there is a ton of non announced long development time games like rpgs coming to it in the future(like the ones that had operation rainfall happen on wii).
Even the announced games for the 3ds seems alot more impressive then the Switch games so far(which might tie to the potencial longer developments), where Xenoblade 2 I guess is the exception!
If anything, the Switch online fee should bring back the DS library's online functionality(even though the user base might be limited, could help "phasing it back"), imagine playing stuff like metroid prime hunters and advance wars online again,
Even the announced games for the 3ds seems alot more impressive then the Switch games so far(which might tie to the potencial longer developments), where Xenoblade 2 I guess is the exception!
If anything, the Switch online fee should bring back the DS library's online functionality(even though the user base might be limited, could help "phasing it back"), imagine playing stuff like metroid prime hunters and advance wars online again,
What about the abundance of outstanding DS enhanced ports coming to 3DS from Atlus? Huh???
Donniewahlberg
Banned
Mine do anyway. I don't really want to see an end to my 3ds, I think there's room for different experiences across the two devices, and the potential to serve different gamers. If folks think that the only way forward for Nintendo and a successful switch is for them to have one product and one product only on which all their games come out, well, that's cool, but it's not really want I'd like. I don't see the sense in it for creative minds developing software at Nintendo & third parties, and I don't really see the sense in it for even my own small sample group (3ds is much better suited to trust my kid with on his than the switch for example, while switch is naturally going to bring more family experiences for us together)
Massive Duck. C.M.
Banned
They'll have to for at least another year
What about the abundance of outstanding DS enhanced ports coming to 3DS from Atlus? Huh???
Man are they still going with those Etrian Oddesey remakes? Y i k e s.
Everyone saying "Yes but not for long" is basically saying no. "Co-exist" in this context means they can continue to operate and receive content and be successful at the same time in the market. Saying not for long means, well, they can't. One will push the other out. That's not co-existing, that's just a natural transition.
Will the 3DS continue to occupy space on this planet at the same time the Switch does? Sure. Will games continue to sell to people who own one? Absolutely. Will it actually co-exist the same way as a market-relevant device and supported platform? Not at all.
Console manufacturers always say they are planning a bright future with plenty of new and exciting content for their old console every time their new one comes out. It's just PR nonsense to shift the remaining units and convince anyone on the fence to buy one before they go away.
Will the 3DS continue to occupy space on this planet at the same time the Switch does? Sure. Will games continue to sell to people who own one? Absolutely. Will it actually co-exist the same way as a market-relevant device and supported platform? Not at all.
Console manufacturers always say they are planning a bright future with plenty of new and exciting content for their old console every time their new one comes out. It's just PR nonsense to shift the remaining units and convince anyone on the fence to buy one before they go away.
Elfforkusu
Member
No, but Nintendo doesn't want to alienate their 3DS base, so they'll probably boil the frog very slowly.
D
Deleted member 465307
Unconfirmed Member
Nintendo will hold onto the 3DS until they know for sure that Switch is not a flop.
At that point when they *could* let go of the 3DS, I think the biggest factor preventing a Switch takeover is price. Battery is also probably an issue (but it's not that much worse than 3DS was at launch), as well as size.
I could see a $199 Switch Mini with a slightly better battery and smaller size happening 2018/2019 using a Tegra manufactured at 14nm. The only question would be how to maintain product continuity between the regular Switch and the Switch Mini (Would it use the same dock? How could size be reduced without affecting the Joy-Cons? Is it possible for it to be portable only and have no detachable parts? Should developers have to treat it as another SKU? etc.). I'm sure Nintendo is thinking a lot about this right now. I could also see this never happening and the general size remaining the same as Nintendo updates the internals and drops the price.
There's also the issue that Switch even at $199 would be the price of the most expensive 3DS and nowhere near the 2DS's $80 bundle. It might not be possible to hit the 3DS's prices without a drastic reimagining of the system, in which case I figure Nintendo would need to evaluate how the Switch is doing and if there's a space for a cheap dedicated handheld in 2018/2019.
I would not be surprised if Switch and mobile consume the 3DS's place in the market. Nintendo could use mobile as the place for their smallest, simplest experiences, and if portables were traditionally a kids market, mobile seems like a good place to find those kids.
At that point when they *could* let go of the 3DS, I think the biggest factor preventing a Switch takeover is price. Battery is also probably an issue (but it's not that much worse than 3DS was at launch), as well as size.
I could see a $199 Switch Mini with a slightly better battery and smaller size happening 2018/2019 using a Tegra manufactured at 14nm. The only question would be how to maintain product continuity between the regular Switch and the Switch Mini (Would it use the same dock? How could size be reduced without affecting the Joy-Cons? Is it possible for it to be portable only and have no detachable parts? Should developers have to treat it as another SKU? etc.). I'm sure Nintendo is thinking a lot about this right now. I could also see this never happening and the general size remaining the same as Nintendo updates the internals and drops the price.
There's also the issue that Switch even at $199 would be the price of the most expensive 3DS and nowhere near the 2DS's $80 bundle. It might not be possible to hit the 3DS's prices without a drastic reimagining of the system, in which case I figure Nintendo would need to evaluate how the Switch is doing and if there's a space for a cheap dedicated handheld in 2018/2019.
I would not be surprised if Switch and mobile consume the 3DS's place in the market. Nintendo could use mobile as the place for their smallest, simplest experiences, and if portables were traditionally a kids market, mobile seems like a good place to find those kids.
This. I'm not sure that late localisations of games counts as support (and, in the case of Atlus what will be very late, potentially not even retail versions of remasters of niche DS RPGs that we'll be lucky to even see in Europe). That stuff is the kinda games I'm ok with, but won't make a drop in terms of sales. I think the barometer of support is Nintendo itself. After FE Echoes, they've got a Pikmin platformer, Ever Oasis and a version of FE Warriors that's releasing alongside the Switch version.
It's obviously winding down, I don't understand why some people think the 3DS with its cheap-to-develop-for 65m user base was suddenly going to be dropped for the Switch in 2017. Development takes a long time and there's a measure of risk in supporting an unproven platform. Looking at what's up for pre-order on Amazon, the handful of niche 3DS games aren't even what I'd call a healthy upcoming product range compared to what it has behind it. It's hardly co-existence, more that Nintendo are spacing out a few cheap tentpole releases combined with a few late games from third parties and a lot of late localisations. The combined first party dev costs for 3DS compared to Switch at this point must be minimal.
Let the 3DS sign off gradually like every other reasonably successful before it, rather then acting surprised when a handful of late 3DS titles get released despite having the next major, mainline entries of pretty much every Nintendo IP guaranteed to land on their new purchase. It was the same for PS4 owners when the PS3 was still getting games it wasn't, for DS owners when the GBA was still around etc.
Of course it can, I guess the real question is should it.
One of the big sells of the Switch was that their handheld and console development would be merged to support just one system so that releases would be faster, continuing to support the 3DS pretty much throws hot piss all over that argument. But one should always take what Nintendo says with a healthy dose of skepticism anyways, they're full of shit more often than not. So yeah, the more they focus on the 3DS clearly the less manpower they have available for Switch games which will clearly hamper the Switch. As a consumer I can't help but look at the situation and assume then that the first party output and game release calendar of the Switch will by default then have to follow more or less the same pattern as the Wii U. Maybe the Switch is a tad easier to program for than the Wii U was or maybe it isn't but will take longer anyways since Nintendo's teams had generations of experience with that architecture, or maybe it'll be easy enough to code for that despite them being unfamiliar with the architecture it's all a wash but with the teams still split between a handheld and a console, yeah, I assume the same support from Nintendo for the Switch as the Wii U got. Only you as a consumer can decide if that's sufficient enough or not for you.
That said, the 3DS is definitely suited to portability more than the Switch is. Cheaper, more rugged, better battery life with the new models, still has those portable features like streetpass and shit that the Switch gave up, it's hard to imagine the Switch truly taking the place of the 3DS.
I don't really "get" what Nintendo's doing here to be honest. Really, I think keeping the 3DS alive really hurts the Switch's prospects, which, unless they have a possible 3DS/GBA type successor under wraps seems short sighted. However, it looks to me like they really botched a lot of the Switch and I can't see it doing well as a portable compared to its' predecessors so I can't see the Switch reaching 3DS numbers regardless of what Nintendo does with their teams anyways so maybe it doesn't matter if they don't give it the strongest launch year, maybe it's destined to be a mediocre seller.
One of the big sells of the Switch was that their handheld and console development would be merged to support just one system so that releases would be faster, continuing to support the 3DS pretty much throws hot piss all over that argument. But one should always take what Nintendo says with a healthy dose of skepticism anyways, they're full of shit more often than not. So yeah, the more they focus on the 3DS clearly the less manpower they have available for Switch games which will clearly hamper the Switch. As a consumer I can't help but look at the situation and assume then that the first party output and game release calendar of the Switch will by default then have to follow more or less the same pattern as the Wii U. Maybe the Switch is a tad easier to program for than the Wii U was or maybe it isn't but will take longer anyways since Nintendo's teams had generations of experience with that architecture, or maybe it'll be easy enough to code for that despite them being unfamiliar with the architecture it's all a wash but with the teams still split between a handheld and a console, yeah, I assume the same support from Nintendo for the Switch as the Wii U got. Only you as a consumer can decide if that's sufficient enough or not for you.
That said, the 3DS is definitely suited to portability more than the Switch is. Cheaper, more rugged, better battery life with the new models, still has those portable features like streetpass and shit that the Switch gave up, it's hard to imagine the Switch truly taking the place of the 3DS.
I don't really "get" what Nintendo's doing here to be honest. Really, I think keeping the 3DS alive really hurts the Switch's prospects, which, unless they have a possible 3DS/GBA type successor under wraps seems short sighted. However, it looks to me like they really botched a lot of the Switch and I can't see it doing well as a portable compared to its' predecessors so I can't see the Switch reaching 3DS numbers regardless of what Nintendo does with their teams anyways so maybe it doesn't matter if they don't give it the strongest launch year, maybe it's destined to be a mediocre seller.
Vault Dweller 111
Member
I hope not. My dream is to just be able to pack my Switch with all of the essential Nintendo properties, new IP's are great of course but Nintendos stuff is so good that more of the same is still great. And all departments focused on one console will help that.
Imagine at the end of the Switch lifetime we have:
Zelda Switch
Smash bros Switch
Metroid Switch
Mario Kart Switch
2D Mario Switch
3D Mario Switch (Odyssey hype)
Pokémon Switch
Etc.
All of those series getting BOTW treatment. Golden age returns.
Imagine at the end of the Switch lifetime we have:
Zelda Switch
Smash bros Switch
Metroid Switch
Mario Kart Switch
2D Mario Switch
3D Mario Switch (Odyssey hype)
Pokémon Switch
Etc.
All of those series getting BOTW treatment. Golden age returns.
The 3ds has all those games, and the DS before it.
This is the first time since the SNES/GB that Nintendo isn't instantly killing of the support for one machine when the next launches (Or in case of the Wii - years earlier).
It's the Playstation approach and it makes sense. The 3DS is now cheap - especially the 2DS. It's right there for a casual audience to buy and dive into the backlog. That only works well, if the system still has somewhat active support though.
I mean the 3DS sold better in 2016 in the states than 2015. That's kind of insane! No reason to cut it off early.
We'll see if Nintendo provides anything huge aside from FE in the next year, but they will make sure to transition the hardware into 2018 as long as the sales are still holding.
They can easily support the system with game translations for a year too.
It's the Playstation approach and it makes sense. The 3DS is now cheap - especially the 2DS. It's right there for a casual audience to buy and dive into the backlog. That only works well, if the system still has somewhat active support though.
I mean the 3DS sold better in 2016 in the states than 2015. That's kind of insane! No reason to cut it off early.
We'll see if Nintendo provides anything huge aside from FE in the next year, but they will make sure to transition the hardware into 2018 as long as the sales are still holding.
They can easily support the system with game translations for a year too.
ArtHands
Thinks buying more servers can fix a bad patch
people criticizes Nintendo for killing their hardwares too early before next gen replacement comes so yah, i think and hope 3DS will still be active for the next 2 years or so.
And well, people keep calling Reggie a liar when he said 3DS will still have sufficient life out there, and now people want 3DS to die just so Reggie can be wrong.
And well, people keep calling Reggie a liar when he said 3DS will still have sufficient life out there, and now people want 3DS to die just so Reggie can be wrong.
Markitron
Is currently staging a hunger strike outside Gearbox HQ while trying to hate them to death
I hope not, the Switch is off to a good start but it's gonna need all the games it can get. And since it's so much more powerful than the 3DS, I don't want any games being cross-developed either.
Green Yoshi
Member
I hope so.
The 3DS is an amazing system and you can carry it around without any protective case. Nintendo Switch is a cool hybrid system, but it's too big for your trouser pocket.
The 3DS is an amazing system and you can carry it around without any protective case. Nintendo Switch is a cool hybrid system, but it's too big for your trouser pocket.
That makes no sense at all. 3DS and Switch are two completely different products with vastly different price points. They serve two distinct consumer groups. They can co-exist just fine. Switch won't substitute the 3DS for now, that's just impossible. Right now it's the successor to the Wii U, which is officially dead.
UltimaKilo
Gold Member
The 3DS is insurance. If the Switch continues to sell well beyond 2018, maybe not. However, we still don't know if most consumers will play Switch as a portable or on the TV.
Considering how bad the battery life currently is for the Switch, I would say it's not quite yet fully portable enough to replace the 3DS. Also, two different price-points and not to mention the 3DS is still selling quite well.
The 3DS shouldn't be killed anytime soon. Honestly, I'm just surprised the New 3DS didn't have an improved screen with the obvious GPU and RAM bump that would have been required for 480p.
Considering how bad the battery life currently is for the Switch, I would say it's not quite yet fully portable enough to replace the 3DS. Also, two different price-points and not to mention the 3DS is still selling quite well.
The 3DS shouldn't be killed anytime soon. Honestly, I'm just surprised the New 3DS didn't have an improved screen with the obvious GPU and RAM bump that would have been required for 480p.
rochellepaws
Member
In what sense? Its sales remain strong and continues to be virtually sold out everywhere.
Big sells from who? Nintendo certainly never said that.
Makoto-Yuki
Banned
I hope Nintendo ditch the 3DS. They shouldn't be putting anymore games out for it. Every game should now be on Switch going forward. No more 3DS or Wii U titles. All games go to the Switch. I loved every DS I owned but it's time to move on.
Right before the Switch came out, I was making good headway in Pokémon Sun and had just made it to the Elite Four. I now have NO desire to go back and finally finish the game.
I mean, I know I will one day, but it'll probably be a while for now once I decide to clear up my immense DS/3DS backlog.
They will overlap for a year as the last few localisations and outsourced spinoffs drip down the pipeline. Internally there are almost zero development resources being devoted to 3DS software.
They want to sell as many as possible before they announce Pokemon for Switch, 3DS is still a good machine for kids and has a rich library. No point killing it before it's neccesary.
They want to sell as many as possible before they announce Pokemon for Switch, 3DS is still a good machine for kids and has a rich library. No point killing it before it's neccesary.
My take: The 3DS will get another hardware revision and exclusive games for a certain amount of time. It makes the most sense. They need to support their strong 3DS base for the foreseeable future. Their fastest selling video game got released a few months ago on 3DS. They can't just abandon the 3DS now.