I don't think you can substantiate your claim about more technology in the DS4 and honestly $10 is $10.
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Is Nintendo a premium brand? (Quality)
- Thread starter Amneisac
- Start date
I don't think you can substantiate your claim about more technology in the DS4 and honestly $10 is $10.
Differentiating features:
Switch Pro:
-NFC
-Better Rumble
-Better Battery (don't know if this is really a FEATURE rather than better optimization, but I'll include it)
DS4:
-Touchpad
-Analog Triggers
-Speaker
-Headphone/headset Jack
Completely disagree. If I had to choose between a burger at $10 and one at $20, with no crystal clear winner in any way, why would I choose the $20 one?
About the "more technology," I can only go by which has more differentiating features.
geordiemp
Member
Nintendo make good game software and shit CHOICES for hardware, and dont know what an operating system is IMO, but they do like to make controllers and change their function like an obsession.
Lets face it, Nintendo, Sony and MS just get third parties to assemble third party components, none of them are manufacturers of consoles really. I think of them as organising assembly of consoles and choosing the components.
360 was very powerful for its time, MS just pushed the silicon a bit too hard for performance as an aggressive choice. Nintendo just use lower power or lower clock components for profit, that is also reliable but not GOOD for gaming hardware. MS are probably best at OS, and Sony sit somewhere in the middle, Nintendo dont know what OS stand for lol.
Nintendo is not premium hardware at all, but Nintendo like profits to shareholders means a premium price. An ideal console would have Sony design, Microsoft OS and Nintendo helping make some games and let them have a fiddle with the controllers to keep them happy.
GiantBreadbug
Member
Hardware is here and there. Software is indisputably high quality.
Waffle Burger
Member
This. Reliable sure but even on the New Nintendo 3DS, screen lottery is not premium IMO.
For it to be that big of a difference in charge time, I'd call it a feature. But yes, this is about what I thought, in that they seem roughly on par.
LabouredSubterfuge
Member
My New 3DS (first piece of Nintendo hardware I bought in decades) feels incredibly flimsy, cheap and generally feels poorly designed re materials and comfort. I was pretty shocked to find that was the sort of thing Nintendo was putting out these days.
It may be reliable hardware but downclocking all your hardware probably has that effect.
It may be reliable hardware but downclocking all your hardware probably has that effect.
-Pyromaniac-
Member
They think they are. They aren't. That's why they do things with so much hubris even from a position of weakness.
randomengine
Banned
And Apple never had design problems or build quality problems yeah right
TDLink
Member
Yes absolutely.
Their hardware is always the most reliable and they're also always innovating. The competitors always follow Nintendo when it comes to stuff like Analog sticks, Rumble, Motion control, touch screen gaming, and I am sure soon this new "HD" Rumble.
From a software standpoint as well, people can complain about droughts or w/e but every game they produce is crafted with extreme care and typically innovation and creativity rarely seen in the rest of the industry. It's rare that a Nintendo game is bad or even mediocre (though it does happen on occasion).
The high quality of both their hardware and software and the push to continually innovate in both arenas are the reason they have so many fans.
Their hardware is always the most reliable and they're also always innovating. The competitors always follow Nintendo when it comes to stuff like Analog sticks, Rumble, Motion control, touch screen gaming, and I am sure soon this new "HD" Rumble.
From a software standpoint as well, people can complain about droughts or w/e but every game they produce is crafted with extreme care and typically innovation and creativity rarely seen in the rest of the industry. It's rare that a Nintendo game is bad or even mediocre (though it does happen on occasion).
The high quality of both their hardware and software and the push to continually innovate in both arenas are the reason they have so many fans.
I fear less for my 3DS when it fall from my table rather than my Vita that I know may not live (specialy the screen).
Very few companies own their manufacturing. Reducing the engineering that goes into creating a new piece of hardware as "organizing assembly of consoles" is ... weird.
Maintenance
Member
Apple products so far are light-years ahead of Nintendo tech. Comparing a piss poor 3DS screen problem to an IPS screen problem multiple times its resolution is ridiculous.
Competitors are smart because they take and expand on good ideas from Nintendo. Nintendo, however, is not smart, because they don't take and expand on good ideas from competitors.
Apple, as a comparison, OFTEN makes new ideas AND takes new ideas.
The pro controller doesn't have IR like the joy-cons, right?
TBH, I think it's really just the HD rumble that's jacking up the price rather than hubris on behalf of Nintendo. It's relatively new tech after all. But at that price, I think it's worth criticizing as well for lacking a basic headphone jack or analog triggers.
TBH, I think it's really just the HD rumble that's jacking up the price rather than hubris on behalf of Nintendo. It's relatively new tech after all. But at that price, I think it's worth criticizing as well for lacking a basic headphone jack or analog triggers.
There's part of me that could believe that, until I look at the price of their other accessories (particularly the charging grip and dock).
Comparing a long-lasting hardware product to a one-time-use, perishable food product?
I think it's more fair to say that Nintendo may have over-engineered the Joy-Con. Too many features in one product than needed or likely to be used. But time will tell.
Baleoce
Member
This pretty much sums it up.
SerTapTap
Member
Nah, they're pretty middle of the road to me. I don't expect nintendo stuff to burst into flames, but since the Wii gen things have felt a bit cheap and controllers started showing a lot more signs of wear than they ever felt like they did in the SNES to Gamecube era.
It's hard for Wii to feel premium when I'm constantly changing batteries. And I think the Switch's confusing launch pretty readily showcases they're not a premium brand like apple (pricing aside).
Apple would never output a system then say "Here is a system you can use in two ways, with four different controller options! ...here is a game that forces you to use it in one very specific way with only one controller option. Goodbye." I don't always like Apple stuff, but they got famous for that laser focus (that they themselves feel like they're losing lately) that prevents the excessive mental load products like the Switch have.
I think the joycons are expensive because they had too many ideas and didn't know when to say "no", not because they think they're a "premium brand" and can get away with it. The dock feels iffy. I think they think they can get away with that (and a few other things) because their core fans are very dedicated, and only core fans probably feel a need for that dock. In other words the dock isn't $90 because you expect The Best Dock, but because they think only schmucks that will pay $90 for a dock wanted to buy the dock anyway.
It's hard for Wii to feel premium when I'm constantly changing batteries. And I think the Switch's confusing launch pretty readily showcases they're not a premium brand like apple (pricing aside).
Apple would never output a system then say "Here is a system you can use in two ways, with four different controller options! ...here is a game that forces you to use it in one very specific way with only one controller option. Goodbye." I don't always like Apple stuff, but they got famous for that laser focus (that they themselves feel like they're losing lately) that prevents the excessive mental load products like the Switch have.
I think the joycons are expensive because they had too many ideas and didn't know when to say "no", not because they think they're a "premium brand" and can get away with it. The dock feels iffy. I think they think they can get away with that (and a few other things) because their core fans are very dedicated, and only core fans probably feel a need for that dock. In other words the dock isn't $90 because you expect The Best Dock, but because they think only schmucks that will pay $90 for a dock wanted to buy the dock anyway.
ALLseeingEYE
Member
Hell naw,
Like, I mean, they absolutely could be, if their hardware didn't look like cheap kids toys, actually had premium specs, and their software wasn't always 8 years behind in tech.
I would really love for Nintendo to become a premium brand. When I go to see a Pixar film, I usually witness top-notch tech, and phenomenal artistry, and great story-telling. I want those qualities from Nintendo, on top of the excellent game design, but they instead choose to charge premium prices for non-premium products, even if the heart of the products are still strong.
Like, I mean, they absolutely could be, if their hardware didn't look like cheap kids toys, actually had premium specs, and their software wasn't always 8 years behind in tech.
I would really love for Nintendo to become a premium brand. When I go to see a Pixar film, I usually witness top-notch tech, and phenomenal artistry, and great story-telling. I want those qualities from Nintendo, on top of the excellent game design, but they instead choose to charge premium prices for non-premium products, even if the heart of the products are still strong.
soldierblue
Member
Generally speaking I don't consider Nintendo to have great build quality. The Switch looks better though, less of the glossed plastics found on the Wii/WiiU at least. I found the WiiU game pad to feel not excessively cheap per se, but the plastic has a bit much in the way of flex/creak to it and the screen was always sub par being a resistive TN panel.
Then there's the hinges on their handhelds. They always seemed to have a degree of "looseness" on the one I've had over the years.
I feel like Microsoft's hardware is typically "best" in terms of build. Sony isn't bad but, there always seemed to be a slight creaky plastic quality to their controllers and handhelds. The X1's controller is the most "solid" feeling controller I can remember using.
Then there's the hinges on their handhelds. They always seemed to have a degree of "looseness" on the one I've had over the years.
I feel like Microsoft's hardware is typically "best" in terms of build. Sony isn't bad but, there always seemed to be a slight creaky plastic quality to their controllers and handhelds. The X1's controller is the most "solid" feeling controller I can remember using.
I told him that $10 can be a difference depending on price, and he said that $10 is simply $10 regardless. You could have substituted that for anything else.
If I can choose between two different universal TV remotes, one $10 and one $20, and neither of them are discernibly better than the other, why would I choose the one that costs twice as much?
Lionel Richie
Member
Quality in what sense? If it's in the "being technologically robust", well then neither is Apple compared to their peers. If it's in the je ne sais quoi sense of being something you like, then I guess everyone is entitled to their opinions and shit.
Some of you talking about their hardware builds are ignoring something important to remember here. Unlike both of their direct competitors, Nintendo never faced a prominent class action lawsuit for their products being unreliable.
LordKasual
Banned
Games yes
Hardware or any other service, fuck no
they're probably the worst that's still in business
Hardware or any other service, fuck no
they're probably the worst that's still in business
As far as I can tell Nintendo hasn't designed cutting edge hardware internally since SNES. I don't think they invest as heavily in engineering as you think.
N64 - off the shelf design from SGI
GameCube - engineered in large part by ATi
Wii - two GameCube's duct-taped together (shout out to the motion controls though, which were slick in 2005)
WiiU - AMD/ATi again
Switch - Nvdia
GBA - almost unplayable until the flip model
DS - almost unplayable until the Lite model
3DS - 400x240 screen in 2011
N64 - off the shelf design from SGI
GameCube - engineered in large part by ATi
Wii - two GameCube's duct-taped together (shout out to the motion controls though, which were slick in 2005)
WiiU - AMD/ATi again
Switch - Nvdia
GBA - almost unplayable until the flip model
DS - almost unplayable until the Lite model
3DS - 400x240 screen in 2011
ZombiePlatypus
Member
Yes and no.
I don't think anyone would argue that they're premium in terms of tech-level.
Regarding durability and quality, they've generally been amazing.
I love this Xplay Segment where they WRECK a gamecube, and it still works.
My Wii fell off a shelf years ago, and continues to function beautifully today, despite a cosmetic crack on the side of the console's case.
The only thing that keeps me from giving a resounding "yes" to this is the 3DS. There was the screen-scratch issue with the og model. While I never had that issue, my Animal Crossing XL edition had various issues with its analog stick. The thumb rest on it even snapped off and I had to super glue it back on. And I mostly play JRPG's, not twitchy games.
So, yeah, still quality, but not the way they used to be.
I don't think anyone would argue that they're premium in terms of tech-level.
Regarding durability and quality, they've generally been amazing.
I love this Xplay Segment where they WRECK a gamecube, and it still works.
My Wii fell off a shelf years ago, and continues to function beautifully today, despite a cosmetic crack on the side of the console's case.
The only thing that keeps me from giving a resounding "yes" to this is the 3DS. There was the screen-scratch issue with the og model. While I never had that issue, my Animal Crossing XL edition had various issues with its analog stick. The thumb rest on it even snapped off and I had to super glue it back on. And I mostly play JRPG's, not twitchy games.
So, yeah, still quality, but not the way they used to be.
This is a good point.
They've had all of the time in the world to fix online/OS/accounts, for instance.
Spiral Insanity
Banned
Fuck no. How would ANYONE argue that.
casey_contra
Member
In terms of software, Nintendo's quality is incredible. As a primarily Nintendo gamer I take it for granted, but when I recently got a PS4 I was of course amazed at the graphics and performance... but so many glitches, bugs and freezings. Yikes!
TDLink
Member
This isn't true. Nintendo doesn't chase power like their competitors but they do take ideas from them on occasion, and far less than the competitors take from them.
The biggest thing they haven't taken from them are their online infrastructure. Which they do seem to now be partially (At least) doing.
enigmatic_alex44
Whenever a game uses "middleware," I expect mediocrity. Just see how poor TLOU looks.
3D World > Galaxy
MoogleWizard
Member
Premium software and quality, durable hardware.
Django.Mango
Member
Of course it is a premium brand in gaming, their hardware may be clunky, but also robust as hell. Never had any problem with its hardware, from NES to the wiiU. DS and 3DS are fine too. I can go dwonstairs and fetch my NES, running like on day one.
So i agree.
eyeball_kid
Member
Nintendo has reliable hardware, and has some interesting features, but I wouldn't call them a premium brand. That would be like calling a Camry premium. By most accounts I've seen of the Switch, the hardware is well-designed, but not exactly premium. The hardware performance is mediocre, the design looks generic and un-sexy, and the pro controller is supposedly cheaply made.
The last console I'd consider premium was the OG PS3. Built like a tank, premium materials (for a console), loaded with features and functionality, custom ("boutique") hardware design, and powerful.
The last console I'd consider premium was the OG PS3. Built like a tank, premium materials (for a console), loaded with features and functionality, custom ("boutique") hardware design, and powerful.
LordOfChaos
Member
I agree. The 360 was somewhat there too. I miss the 7th gen that went in like battle tanks, while the 8th gen started off as hybrid sedans.
I'm sure the respective companies don't miss bleeding shittonnes of money during that time though.
Eh? The original 360 was ugly, loud, had a low build quality and an external power supply.
Toadthemushroom
Member
They are definitely marketing the Switch as an aspirational product. Probably the best thing to do if they want a safe degree of sales momentum in its first year (not expecting to break records, but, you know, have dedicated players using the device) while also keeping the baseline hardware of a high quality. I'm glad every future Switch game can at least be designed with HD rumble, capacitive touch, and high quality IR/gyro in mind.
The charging grip is dumb as fuck. That, I'll concede, is just pure greed since it doesn't even come with its own battery and should have been included with the console from the beginning. I'd almost rather it didn't exist at all since the joy-con battery life means the vast majority of people will never need it anyway. Not sure about the dock though since USB-C docks do tend to run a little pricy.