Red Liquorice
Member
Like everyone else is saying, I think the 2DS is a fore-runner to the look of the next handheld. So a tablet with buttons.
Like everyone else is saying, I think the 2DS is a fore-runner to the look of the next handheld. So a tablet with buttons.
What I think will happen next generation:
- Unified, ARM-based architecture across consoles and handhelds, allowing for 2 or more hardware lines (tablet for example)
- qHD resolution on handheld
- max $179 launch price
- single-screen, no 3D
Interesting, I didn't realize that qHD was being considered for standard HD TV in the 80's
"QHD (2560×1440)[edit]
QHD (Quad HD), also sometimes advertised as WQHD[27] due to its widescreen shape, or 1440p,[28] is a display resolution of 2560×1440 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio. It has four times as many pixels as the 720p HDTV video standard, hence the name.
This resolution was under consideration by the ATSC in the late 1980s to become the standard HDTV format, because it is exactly 4 times the width and 3 times the height of VGA, which has the same amount of lines as NTSC signals at the SDTV 4:3 aspect ratio. Pragmatic technical constraints made them choose the now well-known 16:9 formats with twice (HD) and thrice (FHD) the VGA width instead."
Interesting, I didn't realize that qHD was being considered for standard HD TV in the 80's
"QHD (2560×1440)[edit]
QHD (Quad HD), also sometimes advertised as WQHD[27] due to its widescreen shape, or 1440p,[28] is a display resolution of 2560×1440 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio. It has four times as many pixels as the 720p HDTV video standard, hence the name.
This resolution was under consideration by the ATSC in the late 1980s to become the standard HDTV format, because it is exactly 4 times the width and 3 times the height of VGA, which has the same amount of lines as NTSC signals at the SDTV 4:3 aspect ratio. Pragmatic technical constraints made them choose the now well-known 16:9 formats with twice (HD) and thrice (FHD) the VGA width instead."
Interesting, I didn't realize that qHD was being considered for standard HD TV in the 80's
"QHD (2560×1440)[edit]
QHD (Quad HD), also sometimes advertised as WQHD[27] due to its widescreen shape, or 1440p,[28] is a display resolution of 2560×1440 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio. It has four times as many pixels as the 720p HDTV video standard, hence the name.
This resolution was under consideration by the ATSC in the late 1980s to become the standard HDTV format, because it is exactly 4 times the width and 3 times the height of VGA, which has the same amount of lines as NTSC signals at the SDTV 4:3 aspect ratio. Pragmatic technical constraints made them choose the now well-known 16:9 formats with twice (HD) and thrice (FHD) the VGA width instead."
Interesting, I didn't realize that qHD was being considered for standard HD TV in the 80's
"QHD (2560×1440)[edit]
QHD (Quad HD), also sometimes advertised as WQHD[27] due to its widescreen shape, or 1440p,[28] is a display resolution of 2560×1440 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio. It has four times as many pixels as the 720p HDTV video standard, hence the name.
This resolution was under consideration by the ATSC in the late 1980s to become the standard HDTV format, because it is exactly 4 times the width and 3 times the height of VGA, which has the same amount of lines as NTSC signals at the SDTV 4:3 aspect ratio. Pragmatic technical constraints made them choose the now well-known 16:9 formats with twice (HD) and thrice (FHD) the VGA width instead."
qHD = quarter HD
QHD = quad HD
Yeah, it's dumb.
Anyone know what kind of chip packages are available for cell phones? I think someone mentioned a very reasonably powerful cpu/gpu package that went for $20 in bulk.
iSuppli estimated the Apple A7 costs around $18. I'd guess that other comparable top-end chips like the Snapdragon 800 cost about the same.
The GPUs in these things are anywhere between 1.5-2x the power of the GPU in the PS Vita as well.
Is it possible to have a capacitive screen and have it be BC with 3DS games that use Resistive screen? What resolution would be good to have for a single screen to emulate 2?
1. Hardware
Let's start talking about the hardware. Obviously two analog sticks, but what about the screens? Many would like to have one single touch screen, but many others (me included) love having two screens. Lots of people loves the foldable design, too, but this could be against having one single screen. But there's a way to have both.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT9V0IUujFg
I already posted this video in the 3DS announcement thread, if you remember. Look at this solution, and look carefully at the screen's ratios.
Such a setup would allow for playing games like on DS and 3DS (upper screen, gameplay; lower screen, touch controls/hub/options/maps/etc.etc.), but also like on Vita, with a giant panoramic touch screen when the console is fully folded. It should be done in a way the triggers can be used when the console is completely opened. The console should also support NFC on the lower screen (for Skylanders-like games, easy payments, and any other possible use).
Having such solution + Nintendo Web Framework + Unity support (like Wii U) = easy, easy easy ports of iOS / Android titles, since there'd be one big touch screen.
Dealing with tech specs, it should be noted that mobile development is moving fast as hell, thanks to new models being introduced every year, and then new advancements in RAM, CPU, GPU are continuous. Imagining a Late 2016 launch as earliest date possible, and a $199.99 price as highest limit, it's very reasonable to imagine that Nintendo can have a good performing platform (with a RAM certainly better than Wii U; even quite better)with a price not over the highest limit, just by using 2014-first half 2015 components (since Nintendo uses already well-tested technologies), so with a design mostly off-the-shelves. Even better if they don't spend too much for the external/internal cams (obviously, better than the 0.3 MP of 3DS, but it's not necessary to go overboard...2-3 MP?) and for the two screens (they must offer good quality, it's enough). Even more if there's no 3D for the upper screen (;_.
2. Software
As said earlier, one console = much better flow of Nintendo titles. There should be a steady amount of Nintendo titles for the first months, both important and "second/third grade" (I mean saleswise: for example, Pikmin is "second-grade" commercially...unfortunately).
And then, two big and one mid-high level titles for Holidays.
They should also go deeper with collaborations since the beginning (what about Lego City Undercover 2: The Chase Continues, just for example), especially for the West: Western support must improve, and a good hardware would allow for easy ports of other consoles titles, at least at launch, and the low price makes the offering pretty attractive. Giving in dev kits tools that help porting (like for PS3 & Vita) must be mandatory.
...But without forgetting what makes their (portable) consoles unique: the Japanese support. Since this is still a portable console at its heart, Japan can't be ignored, at all. So, collaborations over there too, like they're doing (it seems) for 3DS, through helping some titles being brought over here. But also giving localization support that helps localization teams of mid-low publishers who wants to bring their content overseas, if not developing tools that helps translating from Japanese to English.
At launch, there should be three titles from Nintendo. What titles?
1. One of Nintendo's biggest franchises, in order to attract both core and casual audiences. One of those titles that is considered cool by both of them. I think a 3D Mario (not 2D, but 3D) would be perfect: 2D Mario is a fantastic seller, but Wii U demonstrated that it's not ideal for attracting people in the short run, especially if the console is priced too high
2. A casual/social title. Since 199.99 is the highest limit, a social title can be exciting for the first users of the platform. Especially if it's presented in a fashionable way, with lots of social features (not just online, which should be present). A sort of sequel to NintendoLand (NintendoWorld?) with a much better look of an amusement park, online multiplayer, and lots of attractions (new and from the original NintendoLand) already included in the game + additional attractions coming as DLC.
3. A brand new IP, much more oriented towards core gamers. Since core are (usually) the biggest component of the early adopters' audience, a great game "just" for them can be attractive. And launch is possibly the best time for a new IP to shine: new console, new beginning, not a big competition.
Indies' strategy should be the continuation + improvement of the current Wii U strategy. Nintendo should create a support studio for the indie titles considered as the most valuable by Nintendo itself: these titles would receive help in development by the studio, and being published by Nintendo themselves under the brand "Nintendo Indie Project", with all the advertising advantages it means.
Also, I think every console should include a special software, something very attractive for everyone. Wii included Wii Sports, 3DS included Face Raiders, StreetPass games and other things, Wii U Nintendo Land (in the Deluxe pack)...so what about the next console? It's an idea I already exposed to other members, so I'll use the description I made back then
Right now, there's nothing that can be considered as crazyness-inducing as the Wii back in 2006 (just talking about "pure" gaming consoles; otherwise, iOS and Android ARE the next big thing). 3D is not the next big thing at all, Gamepad + Miiverse neither, and certainly TVTVTVTVTVTVTVTV won't either.
I believe it's going to be something...software, not hardware. And it would be a consequence of all this recent social focus, thinking about it. Let me explain.
Social and Internet made far, far easier for people expressing their opinions on everything (especially things they don't know a thing about XD ), but it also allowed so many people to express their hobbies, or better...their talents. YouTube, Facebook, Twitter...are all full of photos/videos of people showing off their biggest abilities: how many videos of people playing piano/guitar/any instrument are on the web? What about people singing? And what about reviews/let's play/any possible video content, even short movies?
It's easy to see the impact of social in giving to people the possibility to show what they can do. But we haven't seen this in gaming yet. Or better, not in its biggest form possible: so far, just sharing gameplay videos/photos (which is still great, no doubt). And this is the reasoning that leads me to thinking that the next big thing in gaming is going to be...a game where you create your own game.
I already have many ideas about this software.
First of all, its basic tools should be very, very easy to use for creating games: 2D tools for stages, characters with a little editor, objects, and these are available once you play this software for the first time.
Then, the software should have an in-game store where you can buy other tools, through in-game currency, system coins (like the 3DS ones) or real money. Some of these tools should be also randomly distributed through free downloadable content some months later from their appearance in the in-game store (like SpotPass content).
Once completed, this games could be distibuted just through people in your friend list, or on the digital store itself (a specific section of the whole DD store of the console, called "The house of people's games", or something similar XD), where they can be downloaded by everyone with a console. In the latter case, they should be first approved by the platform holder itself, obviously (and before that, users should see the official terms for distributing content on the digital store, and agreeing with them).
When distributed publicly, games can be priced too: users should have the possibility to put them with no cost or at 0.99 as minimum, all depending by the amount of effort (and money of any kind spent).
The more these titles succed both sales wise and reception wise, the more in game money you earn, money that can be spent in the in-game store.
Another big feature of this title should be a sort of Gold Membership: paying a fee per month (between 1.99 and 2.99), users would have access to many more and better tools, especially for creating (and animating) your own character. But people who have games that sold a fixed amount on copies on the digital store could have access to the Gold Membership for free for a limited time(from 6 months to a year, depending on the amount of success).
Moreover, the games that sold huge amounts could be put outside of the specific users content channel and being highlighted like "User content of the month", for example, for gaining more revelance.
Multiplayer could be possible too, especially for Gold Members: it would allow people to create teams for their games (one doing levels, one doing music, and so on), with a fixed high amount of team members. Still, making a game all alone should be possible without problems.
The only big hurdle I can think of for this idea is the economic aspect: how could people obtain to gain from the games released without being worried of seeing their own money stolen? I thought that something like a sort of PayPal specific for the people who uses the software and releases titles on the worldwide marketplace could work: users should just use their account for registering on the official site of the software (where anyone can see the latest titles released even without entering the digital shop on the console), and they'd have a personal bank linked to their credit card / PayPal account, but it should be always the user deciding when the money can pass from the site's "personal bank" to its real life funds, every time. Obviously, releasing content on the marketplace should be available just for who is 18+ years old: children and teens can share the content created between each other.
I think THIS could be what's going to capture people's imagination in the future: a software where everyone can create a game, of any scope, from the littlest to titles with a good amount of work behind. The choice is up to the player.
Considering this post is already massive, I'll continue later, in a different one![]()
It's a second idea about the hardware itself. If you remember correctly, I already posted here my first concept for the next handheld, a foldable design BUT with two screens of equal dimensions, both touch and attached to each other. Then, if the console is fully open, you'd have basically one giant screen (and people should have the option of selecting between classic two screens mode and one giant touch screen mode). So, a sort-of-tablet, but with the whole recent handheld Nintendo identity (foldable design, two screens) still presents.
Now, the brand new concept I thought about is based on both the screens not just being "simple" touch screens, but haptic screens. Haptic technology allows for much greater feedback compared to normal touch screens, much better reliability for control. Then, thinking at haptic technology AND, as also muu in another similar thread did, how Monster Hunter uses the bottom screen (touch d-pad), I've had this (I admit it) extreme idea.
Yep, those buttons are on the screen, not on the console. They're digital (except L and R, still physical). Yeah, we allo know that digital analogues on touch screens, as well buttons on the touch are too unreliable to be considered reliable enough, let alone as reliable as real analogues / buttons. But, as said earlier, hatpic technology should greatily diminish such a legitimate concern, and in the next years it'll even improve.
However... what are the advantages of using digital buttons?
Actually there are many of them
-You can put both analogues, d-pad and buttons on the top screen, when you play with the console wide open
- You can put them all on the bottom screen, if you play in a classic DS-like portable style
- You can put some of them on the top screen, other on the bottom
- You can change size and position of single bottons
- You can customize the single parts, with special skins for the background, bottons and what else (they could be unlockable through completing Nintendo's version of Achievements/Trophies)
- Becoming the best emulator system ever. Yeah: to play older games with much bigger fidelity than ever, just select that console's control scheme, and go. Think about replaying Super Smash Bros. Melee with all your favourite Nintendo Gamecube analogues and buttons (the great A!), just as an example
- Letting developers creating special control setupus just for specific games. Like, a Street Fighter game having an arcade like setup, with simulated arcade sticks and arcade buttons, in conjunction with something similar to SSFIV's touch functions. Or, a Steel Battalion game where there are many things to touch on both sides of the top screen, for a bigger immersion in the game itself
Letting the customer him/herself decide the setup to use would make this console perfect for everyone, for every kind of customer / hand. And a great way to let people themselves customise the console, at least on the screen itself. What's also great about this design is that, if you rotate the console, it can become a good-looking sort-of-tablet device, which is something quite difficult when physical buttons are involved. And it'd be a foldable sort-of-tablet too. When rotated, there wouldn't be the "pad bars", the whole two screens would be used for surfing the web, eShop, and other functions.
Tell me (hopefully, without insulting me too much due to physicial buttons being lacking XD ) what do you think about this.
And this is the brand new hardware concept which I came up with. As said earlier, I'm 100% aware it's a different, risky concept, especially looking at how games on mobile and tablets which try to use on-ouch-analogues and screens, but with the help of haptic technology, there'd be so many advantages for the customers, but developers as well, giving to them much, much bigger gameplay possibilities on both touch screens, and not just the bottom one...great possibilities, given the technology I still remember I had to post other thoughts on there, I hope to remember that...and this time, posting as well.
I already posted my opinion / opinions (or at least, part of them) in Glass Rebel's thread back then. I'll just repost them here, since they're quite big
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I could actually continue posting what I promised time ago here, then![]()
the problems with the 3ds:
-price
-price of games
-brand identity (this mainly hurt at launch and forced a lot of unnecessary resources to go its way)
-dual screens when they are no longer necessary
-shrinking marketshare
people are right when the 2ds is a sign of things to come. their next system needs to be inexpensive out the gate, with more inexpensive, accessible software (no more $40 games), and probably a single screen.
it would probably be a good idea to drop the ds name. i don't think it quite caught on like nintendo thought it did. actually, now would be a good time to bring the game boy name back. if they bring out a successor to the 3ds in 2015, it'll have been about 10 years since nintendo stopped supporting the game boy advance. they could get away with having a single screen while also having an instantly recognizable brand. one thing they need to do though is make sure they have their old titles available for download. there should be a team dedicated to emulating old games, and i don't mean nst.
the problems with the 3ds:
-price
-price of games
-brand identity (this mainly hurt at launch and forced a lot of unnecessary resources to go its way)
-dual screens when they are no longer necessary
-shrinking marketshare
people are right when the 2ds is a sign of things to come. their next system needs to be inexpensive out the gate, with more inexpensive, accessible software (no more $40 games), and probably a single screen.
it would probably be a good idea to drop the ds name. i don't think it quite caught on like nintendo thought it did. actually, now would be a good time to bring the game boy name back. if they bring out a successor to the 3ds in 2015, it'll have been about 10 years since nintendo stopped supporting the game boy advance. they could get away with having a single screen while also having an instantly recognizable brand. one thing they need to do though is make sure they have their old titles available for download. there should be a team dedicated to emulating old games, and i don't mean nst.
How big a kick in the cojones would it be if they didn't add a second circle pad?
pretty sure they'll do that. they've been adding one standard controller thing per generation. remember it took until the ds to get four face buttons.
four shoulder buttons will probably happen in 2021 or something if nintendo's still adding things to it. or maybe they'll steal the back touch pad idea from sony.
pretty sure they'll do that. they've been adding one standard controller thing per generation. remember it took until the ds to get four face buttons.
four shoulder buttons will probably happen in 2021 or something if nintendo's still adding things to it. or maybe they'll steal the back touch pad idea from sony.
I've never used the Vita, but the back touchpad seems pretty neat.
I've never used the Vita, but the back touchpad seems pretty neat.
I've never used the Vita, but the back touchpad seems pretty neat.
Nightmare scenario.
Even if they add 2 shoulder buttons (and I think they have to) it'll probably some half-assed solution like on the Classic Controller or some add-on :/
How big a kick in the cojones would it be if they didn't add a second circle pad?
the problems with the 3ds:
-price
-price of games
-brand identity (this mainly hurt at launch and forced a lot of unnecessary resources to go its way)
-dual screens when they are no longer necessary
-shrinking marketshare
people are right when the 2ds is a sign of things to come. their next system needs to be inexpensive out the gate, with more inexpensive, accessible software (no more $40 games), and probably a single screen.
it would probably be a good idea to drop the ds name. i don't think it quite caught on like nintendo thought it did. actually, now would be a good time to bring the game boy name back. if they bring out a successor to the 3ds in 2015, it'll have been about 10 years since nintendo stopped supporting the game boy advance. they could get away with having a single screen while also having an instantly recognizable brand. one thing they need to do though is make sure they have their old titles available for download. there should be a team dedicated to emulating old games, and i don't mean nst.
Maybe something similar to this:
![]()
I disliked it for a reason: Accidental activation.
maybe they can just add the gamecube's soft click shoulder buttons instead.
I wouldn't expect the price of games to go lower at all. But anyone using whatever pricing they want would be nice. AA5 being 30 and SMT4 being 50 as good examples.
Looking at the Wii U one would think that all digital shoulder buttons are to be expected... but it's Nintendo so...
Expect more and more games to go digital-only then.
I'm probably in the minority, but I love the 3D on the 3DS.
I hope they take the technology and improve it even further rather than discarding it.
Based on their current technology strategy, they have merged handheld and home consoles into one group. The are already looking into single software framework for development which is easy to be workable or portable on their handheld and home consoles at the same time.
I think Nintendo will make next handheld system based on Wii U design architecture. It will have similar horse power but with modern shaders and graphic technology of that time (~2016)
And the price range will be ~200$
Biggest question will be about resolution and will it be 3D? Or they could go with two version of the system just 3ds and 2ds
What do u guys think?
That looks really neat. Reminds me of the PSP2 concept that someone did.
![]()
Sony or Nintendo, I would love to see a handheld of this form-factor.
this looks like shit i dont want my games looking like some middle schoolers photoshop experiments