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[Jonneh3003]

Little Inferno and World of Goo..... I almost feel insulted to see these.

You are a fool.

 

[Omnistalgic]

Oh boy...I knew my favorite configuration was gonna be lousy...Using it at a tablet with a controller in hand sounds weak, screen is too small as I figured.

...

Damnit Nintendo, I'm tired of jumping through hoops to play your incredible games!

 

[ncslamm]

As a handheld, the Switch is a powerful piece of hardware with a gorgeous screen, but it's too large and power hungry to feel like you can really take it anywhere. As a console, it’s underpowered, unreliable, and lacking basic features and conveniences that all of its competitors offer. It’s nicely built and cleverly designed to be used in a variety of ways, but the bottom line is that the Switch doesn’t do any one of the many things it can do without some sort of significant compromise. Our testing will continue for the next few days as we try out the online features and other functions enabled by the day-one patch, but if I had to score it now I’d give it a 6.7.

I fuckin' LOLed. I can't stand IGN's review system. I mean, what would have made it a 6.8? Could something terrible happen with the online to drop it down a tenth of a point to a 6.6?

 

[bomblord1]

So the IGN review claims the power gap between the Switch and the Xbox One is the same as the original Wii and the 360

At the time of this writing, Nintendo has not officially confirmed the exact specifications of the Nvidia Tegra-based chipset that powers the Switch. That said, it's fairly clear that the Switch is almost as far behind the power curve of its competitors as the original Wii was when it first came out.

 

[Airbar]

At work right now so I can't read all the reviews. Only read the DF one so far as I trust them the most with hardware. They seem pretty positive on the Switch, albeit mentioning all the not-so-great things. So I guess a pretty fair review.
Don't get why everyones so hung up on the IGN review. Jeff Gerstmann seems pretty negative on the Switch as well, or more like torn on not knowing if he loves or hates it. But honestly he would be the last person I would ask for an honest to God assessment of a Nintendo console. Just relax guys, it's just a fucking console.

 

[Zombie James]

That DF review raised some pretty head-scratching design decisions. Like, why it the world would the OS UI be upscaled 720p instead of native 1080p when docked?

 

[Scrawnton]

So the IGN review claims the power gap between the Switch and the Xbox One is the same as the original Wii and the 360

Yea....... I don't believe that one.

 

[sazzy]

already waiting for the 1080p/60fps port of Zelda on Switch 2.

 

[Kresnik258]

Sounds like I expected!

Will probably pick this up next year. It's clearly inheriting Vita's spirit but right now, is a bit too pricey for what I'm after.

The potential is there at least, which is all I need.

 

[King of Cups]

Am I the only one who expects hardware (that relies on software) reviews to be a bit more grungy? This is all in line what I expected.

Usability is a huge thing, and before the day one update and lack of software use case, I imagine it's naturally going to be middle of the road. Otherwise, you basically seem to end up judging the content and value rather focusing on the actual hardware.

 

[Fireblend]

Despite having a day 1 preorder I feel like any negative reviews will be particularly justified today. How are people supposed to review this with like 2 games and no online functionality whatsoever, or anything other than being able to play games and a super barebones beta-like OS?

Pretty silly to have placed an embargo on the console if the day 1 patch wasn't releasing on time, to say the least.

 

[blue_phazon]

So the IGN review claims the power gap between the Switch and the Xbox One is the same as the original Wii and the 360

Isn't that obvious? It seems only slightly more powerful than WiiU judging from the games we seen

 

[dracula_x]

The Verge review – http://www.theverge.com/2017/3/1/14772530/nintendo-switch-review-zelda-breath-of-the-wild

The most shocking thing about the Switch might be how many obvious pitfalls Nintendo has managed to elegantly avoid. Going from playing on the tablet to the TV is completely effortless, and there's no sense of compromise whichever way you choose to play. Once you hold and use the Switch, it just makes sense.

Great hardware alone isn't enough, of course. I have little doubt Nintendo's first-party lineup will be amazing — Breath of the Wild alone is almost worth the cost of admission here — but the company's weak spots have always been continuing and expanding third-party support, as well as providing a robust online service. Those are the potential pitfalls to come.

The Switch has all the makings of something truly great. Now Nintendo just needs to support it.

 

[Kingpin Rogers]

I think Nintendo should be getting a lot more stick for not addressing the joycon issues.
They've got millions of terrified customers with no idea if their £280 brand new system will even work as advertised. If I wasn't a Nintendo fanboy I would have cancelled my pre-order at this point.

 

[FlashFlooder]

Wow I'm surprised the reviews are so lukewarm. Does not bode well, IMO

 

[Fuchs]

Doesn't seem that negtative to me. Glad I pre-ordered.
How was the reception of the Wii U during it's launch?

 

[BitStyle]

So the IGN review claims the power gap between the Switch and the Xbox One is the same as the original Wii and the 360

lol, I wish my Wii was that strong

 

[EloquentM]

That DF review raised some pretty head-scratching design decisions. Like, why it the world would the OS UI be upscaled 720p instead of native 1080p when docked?

Thaaaaaaaats interesting and really disappointing actually.

Wow I'm surprised the reviews are so lukewarm. Does not bode well, IMO

Doesn't seem that negtative to me. Glad I pre-ordered.
How was the reception of the Wii U during it's launch?

Thisisneogaf.gif

 

[Visualante2]

Kobun's review was hilarious. Not a way to launch a piece of hardware in 2017.

That DF review raised some pretty head-scratching design decisions. Like, why it the world would the OS UI be upscaled 720p instead of native 1080p when docked?

Are screenshots 720p or 1080p? Wonder if it has to do with that.

 

[Jacce]

The Verge written review, very positive.

http://www.theverge.com/2017/3/1/14772530/nintendo-switch-review-zelda-breath-of-the-wild

I think Nintendo should be getting a lot more stick for not addressing the joycon issues.
They've got millions of terrified customers with no idea if their £280 brand new system will even work as advertised. If I wasn't a Nintendo fanboy I would have cancelled my pre-order at this point.

Millions aren't terrified, hundreds at most are even vaguely aware it's a thing.

 

[Trago]

Man, the battery will be a problem. I'll need to find a decent power bank.

 

[outunderthestars]

Almost every review is a review in progress but they all agree the tech as is is impressive... what lead you to this conclusion exactly?

Joycon issues, flimsy kickstand, poor battery life combined with a dearth of content at this point.

 

[Manmademan]

So the IGN review claims the power gap between the Switch and the Xbox One is the same as the original Wii and the 360

We've pretty much known this though. The Switch is nowhere close to where the PS4 and Xbone are

 

[Ansatz]

I just want to know how the hardware is in terms of playing games on it, I don't care about missing features or loading times in the menus. I wonder if there are other immediate issues like the joycon loosing connection which would directly impact gameplay. Since I will be getting a pro controller anyway and plan to play Zelda in TV mode, this particular issue doesn't affect me. Are there other problems like that or am I set for a flawless experience with Zelda on Switch? Stuff like the eShop can wait, I don't mind if the system is incomplete at launch in that sense.

 

[Seik]

What a dumb idea to lift an embargo when you're not even distributing the patch that would enable a full review.

Joycon issues, flimsy kickstand, poor battery life combined with a dearth of content at this point.

-Joycon issue is inexcusable indeed, this is by far the biggest problem here.
-You took the CNET kickstand video seriously?
-It's not scientifically possible to do better with the battery, unless we find a technology superior to Lithium-Ion. However, I agree that the time it lasts is rather short.

 

[GinoFelino]

Wow I'm surprised the reviews are so lukewarm. Does not bode well, IMO

You're reading what you want to read, bud.

You are a fool.

Don't let them bait you

 

[ChaosZeroX]

Sounds like I expected!

Will probably pick this up next year. It's clearly inheriting Vita's spirit but right now, is a bit too pricey for what I'm after.

The potential is there at least, which is all I need.

I don't expect Nintendo to decrease on pricing. They barely even have sales on their games.

What a dumb idea to lift an embargo when you're not even distributing the patch that would enable a full review.

A patch doesn't change hardware.

 

[PapaEmeritus]

Agreed. This does not favor them to allow these before the console was a little more fleshed out in its features.

Well considering every single review says, a patch is coming and we cant use half the functionality yet, but yea the hardware is great and it works, but don't know the rest of the features. Foolhardy to me.

 

[dracula_x]

Ars Technica review – https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/03/nintendo-switch-review/

The Good

• Extremely thin portable form factor makes the system quite easy to pick up and play.
• 6.2-inch, 720p screen is easily the most beautiful display ever on a portable game console.
• Breath of the Wild is a potential system seller, even if it's available on another system.
• Holding two Joy-Cons completely separately in two hands is a revelation.
• HD rumble haptics are a cute party trick.

The Bad

• Three-ish hours of portable battery life on high-end games could have you hunting for outlets.
• As a TV-based console, the system is underpowered compared to similarly priced competition.
• Extremely tiny shoulder buttons get in their own way.
• Holding the Joy-Con horizontally is an invite to hand cramp city.
• The left Joy-Con frequently disconnects when playing on a docked console.
• Initial software support is neither deep nor broad, and the future is uncertain.
• The incredibly flimsy kickstand can snap off quite easily.

The Ugly

• Having to wait a few more months for the true Super Mario 64 follow-up we've been craving for years.

Verdict: Definitely don't buy it as your first and only console. As a second console, consider holding off until the end of the year unless you simply can't live without a fully portable Zelda right this very moment.

 

[SomedayTheFire]

Wonder when we can expect teardowns? Next week after the public release I suppose

 

[Mohonky]

Review scores for hardware is such a strange concept to me.

At a launch yeh, you can only really review hardware at the end of its cycle, its like reviewing a movie based off a trailer.

24shrs from now I'll be on my way home from EB games with a Switch and LE Zelda, so Im good. If it has as many games the quality of the Wii I, it'll be a massive success to me, loved that system. Whether its a commercial success or not isnt relevent to me, just that Nintendo continues as is or better.

 

[kimifan141]

Going by the reviews i guess the console is still work in progress would be a terrible purchase at launch at that price , will hold off until a future price drop and more nintendo games.

Still waiting for francis to review the unit haha https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2PcAsMTBzg

 

[Ninja Dom]

I just watched Digital Foundry's video review (almost 18 minutes).

It's a very well presented review. Watch it guys.

 

[Brofield]

I'm still confident in my purchase, and I'm glad to own the Master Edition of Zelda.

But yeah, these reviews seem to enforce my idea of telling my friends to wait until October or so. You'll have five main 1st party titles (Zelda, Mario, MK8, Splatoon 2 and ARMS), a ton of indies, (hopefully) a good selection of 3rd party titles, and a much stronger userbase. Really, the only thing you're gonna miss out on is the free online, but even then you'll get a stronger idea of if it's worth paying or not from everyone else for $20ish a year

 

[Matbtz]

Wow I'm surprised the reviews are so lukewarm. Does not bode well, IMO

That's not surprising at all, we already knew that the switch is missing some key features at launch and they also reviewed it without the day one patch.

 

[KingSnake]

That's actually false but I guess this thread is more fond of doom and gloom.

Nothing to see here, see you tomorrow.

Bye, I guess?

Most of the reactions are "It's the coolest Nintendo console ever but really undercooked at launch".

Which is not such a negative thing if you think it through. Because with time might become great.

 

[bomblord1]

Isn't that obvious? It seems only slightly more powerful than WiiU judging from the games we seen

No? The wiiU -> Xbox One was significantly smaller than the Wii -> 360

Saying a system that's about ~4x the power (docked) has a larger gap seems crazy.

 

[The Elite]

How are so many people just hoping over the positive reviews and just reading the negative ones? Everyone makes it sound like doom and gloom in here.

 

[Orakio Rob]

Thanks for the great OT, Dystify! I'm very busy today, but also very curious about the Switch, and the summary the thread provides is perfect for me right now.

 

[VOOK]

Excellence. Thanks Vook you legend. Been a fan of your site for years. Best read so far.

Cheers mate!

Now to start my Zelda review...

 

[phanphare]

sounds like what we all knew

the Switch is a thoroughly enticing piece of hardware that just need more software

sounds like it'll start really gaining momentum over the summer in Japan and leading up to the holidays in North America

 

[Kai Dracon]

I'm starting to think that Nintendo really is executing the strategy theorized about by a few commentators. Do a soft launch of the Switch and let the hardcore get theirs, stock up big games for the next 8 months, then really push it at christmas after a major OS update that rolls out the full online network and features.

Right now the system really does seem like a blank slate that does nothing but play Zelda. That just screams "early adopter product".

 

[Zombie James]

Kobun's review was hilarious. Not a way to launch a piece of hardware in 2017.

Are screenshots 720p or 1080p? Wonder if it has to do with that.

I don't remember if it was mentioned in the video review but he did say they screenshots are saved as JPEGs. Is there a PNG option buried somewhere?

 

[Kureransu]

What a dumb idea to lift an embargo when you're not even distributing the patch that would enable a full review.

I would say it's also and equally dumb idea to "review" it when you are well aware everything won't be available before March 3rd.

 

[Dark Cloud]

The Verge written review, very positive.

http://www.theverge.com/2017/3/1/14772530/nintendo-switch-review-zelda-breath-of-the-wild



Millions aren't terrified, hundreds at most are even vaguely aware it's a thing.

Why is nobody talking about this review? Again these hardware reviews are hilarious. I can pull up hardware reviews for Wii U, DS, 3DS, PS4 and X1 to see how many people said don't buy those hardware. That should be the common review anyways.

Dang N64 only launched with Super Mario 64 and Pilogwings so that was a don't buy.

 

[ChaosZeroX]

Right now the system really does seem like a blank slate that does nothing but play Zelda. That just screams "early adopter product".

That didn't bode well for the N64 with Super Mario 64

 

[lt519]

Nothing new, only people really enthusiastic about new tech should buy new tech. System is a bit bare bones for now, but if you are just into games that shouldn't be a big deal.

 

[Seik]

I'm starting to think that Nintendo really is executing the strategy theorized about by a few commentators. Do a soft launch of the Switch and let the hardcore get theirs, stock up big games for the next 8 months, then really push it at christmas after a major OS update that rolls out the full online network and features.

Right now the system really does seem like a blank slate that does nothing but play Zelda. That just screams "early adopter product".

Yeah, it definitely is a soft launch, Zelda and Bomberman aside, I'll only have indies to cover-up the lack of software until MK8.

I would say it's also and equally dumb idea to "review" it when you are well aware everything won't be available before March 3rd.

Indeed, but Nintendo has the big end of the stick here, they decided when to lift the embargo. I put the fault on them on this one.

 

[Zedark]

I just watched Digital Foundry's video review (almost 18 minutes).

It's a very well presented review. Watch it guys.

And read the write-up as well, it is very good too.

 

[Joe Shlabotnik]

I don't expect Nintendo to decrease on pricing. They barely even have sales on their games.



A patch doesn't change hardware.

Hardware reviews absolutely include OS and functionality. It's not just a physical design and form review.