They had major software droughts in the past because their development was split between two platforms. The plan for the NX was to consolidate their software development.
As far as diversifying beyond dedicated gaming hardware and software, aren't they already making plans for doing just that, with theme parks and other stuff?
I could see them doing a smaller piece of hardware based on the Switch. Essentially the same machine but more portable and without the ability to dock. Runs the same games. This could be an option.
They've had major software droughts because there have been few 3rd party developers giving their consoles meaningful support. Consolidating software development never meant developing for just one device, and even if it did, there will still be droughts if they are once again the only developer making games for it.
Not at all. The Switch is ridiculously huge; way too big to carry around on a daily basis. If Nintendo could release another portable system around the size of the New Nintendo 3DS I can continue to pocket it daily as I do with my 3DS now.
I think it depends on what Nintendo wants to do. They should share the same library and support the same cartridges. I'm thinking Holiday 2018 they release Switch Minis alongside releasing their new Animal Crossing which release either with just the handheld device for $175 or both the handheld device as well as the console components and joycons first $250. Switch Mini is a much smaller touch screen and lower resolution it also comes with a standard control scheme built in since joycons won't work with its dimensions. It may come with attachments of its own though. I could see them coming up with two controller shells that the screen could slide into, if it doesn't come with built in buttons/sticks. One that enables DS play, the other one resembles a Vita like layout.A 3DS successor can't be a Switch-like device in the way people think. Basically:
- It needs to be cheaper, like $100-$200 meaning it won't happen for several years or it has to use different (read: slower, software incompatible) internals. Same base architecture and tool chains would make sense though.
- It fundamentally can't work like a Switch, perhaps a small subset of games could work but that picture is looking bleaker based on the capabilities of the Switch and the compatibility messaging will be worse than PSTV even if it is the case.
- It makes more market sense to shift down in size from where it is now, not a n3DS-sized Switch but rather something smaller than that as the Switch kinda awkwardly sits in the non-pocketable space.
Talk about mixed messages.
Come on Ninty, focus on your new hybrid hardware! I don't want to regret being there day one.
I mean Kimishima was directly asked about a 3DS successor.
Can't say: "Yes, there is a new handheld in development right now!"
Can't say: "No, we are going all in with Switch and have nothing in R&D should it fail!"
Best he can say is, "We're considering it."
Switch pre-order cancelled!
I don't get the skepticism. They're presumably going to release a smaller Switch at some point.
I was just alerted that some NeoGAFers think some of my Nintendo text translations (from Nikkei, Kyoto Shimbun) are off. This amuses me.
I get it but I really want them to focus. Switch is their best idea since the original DS came out.
If it picks up I'll only need one Nintendo console going on, there won't be droughts like we've known on home hardware since a couple of generations, and the system seems to be ready for hardware updates later on (tablet upgrade or dock scd).
This is a dream came true for Nintendo gamers, I don't want them to miss the point. And I've never been really fond of the 3ds despite the incredible library.
A Switch with no dock, no detachable joycons, no confort grip, no straps. Just the screen and permanent joycons.
Would buy it.
The name would make no sense though, since it wouldn't Switch anything.
Nothing points towards us ever getting a fully portable-switch. It's a fanboy dream.
NeoGaf*
*and a Japanese native speaker that just RT'd your tweet saying that he didn't really agree
Iwata called NX their new "platform" for all their future hardware. He said NX itself is not specifically one hardware configuration. I'd say that's fairly clear in terms of what their plans are (or at least were), and it's in no way unreasonable to interpret that as saying there will be future Switch hardware revisions.
And even without those quotes, hardware revisions have been Nintendo's thing since the NES days.
Yes there will be a "New-Switch" down the road, but it will be a hybrid, not a "handheld-only".
They can release a new portable and still do that.
Yes there will be a "New-Switch" down the road, but it will be a hybrid, not a "handheld-only".
Precisely. This is only going to be better for everyone, one huge userbase for two platforms.It's going to be a smaller Switch.
They just integrated their console and handheld teams. They aren't going to turn around and re-divide them to support a separate handheld platform again.
Why?
Nintendo's hardware form factor revisions, especially for handhelds, always tend to be size revisions that try to fill holes in their market. They will also do revisions to the hybrid formula, but if they see a market demand for a smaller handheld Switch, they will create one.
It'd literally be an iPhone / iPad situation. I want a new handheld, so yes please.
They will also definitely never release a 3DS without stereoscopic 3D or clamshell form. No siree.
They will also definitely never release a 3DS without stereoscopic 3D or clamshell form. No siree.
Why?
Nintendo's hardware form factor revisions, especially for handhelds, always tend to be size revisions that try to fill holes in their market. They will also do revisions to the hybrid formula, but if they see a market demand for a smaller handheld Switch, they will create one.
The issue with a smaller Switch, is smaller controllers. Which sounds horrible.
What the hell was the point of the Switch then? Limited-performance hardware for...what? If there's a new true-portable in the lineup, it will continue to get the lion's share of third-party games. There's no point creating a portable home system if there's still a portable system. Their strategy makes no sense.
i think he's running his mouth too much.
this could end up hurting the switch a bit if people pass on it because they "have a sucessor for 3DS in the works"
Nintendo has a bad habit of doing this imo. It's like they kill hype for their machines. If this was Sony they'd be like "one machine to do it all, portable and home console, 10 year life, only gaming machine you will ever need, etc." Instead of showing that type of confidence Nintendo will frequently downplay the importance of the system. They did it with the DS saying it was just a 3rd pillar and not the real gameboy replacement and they're doing it now with the Switch. If the Switch bombs big time you can always release something else, every other company in the world operates that way. I wonder if they're always pandering to nervous investors.i think he's running his mouth too much.
this could end up hurting the switch a bit if people pass on it because they "have a sucessor for 3DS in the works"