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Speculating about a Nintendo Switch mini

As much as I love the mini mock up.... The Nintendo Switch environment needs games. Not a new platform.

Nintendo.... Zelda was amazing. Give me more.
 
I wouldn't want joy cons on a smaller console, they'd be controllers for ants. A cheap, stripped down Switch with attached controls for cheap would be good though.

What about a Switch XL? Remove the bezel, 7 inch screen, slightly bigger joy cons, 1080p screen, more storage. $499?
 
Council Pop said:
Yeah, that would be good but also, feels a bit meh? It's hardly a 3DS to 3DS XL leap in screen size, I'm not sure it would be worth their while.
Click to expand...

As THE feature to sell a Switch 2? I don't think so either. But as one of many? Probably. But I don't think they'll make the actual device any bigger, as it's pretty much the largest they could make it and keep it portable.

Such a model would be good to reignite main Switch line sales in a few years. But the purpose of a smaller variant would be to sell to kids and people looking for better portability. I think we'll see a cheaper, smaller variant first. And a Switch 2 with a larger screen replacing the old one later.

Bert said:
I wouldn't want joy cons on a smaller console, they'd be controllers for ants. A cheap, stripped down Switch with attached controls for cheap would be good though.
Click to expand...

I'd say it should have just one detachable controller, connecting to the bottom of the main unit. Rail size could be the same, but the actual controller would be bigger (approaching square format) and feature both sides of two joycons.
 
Meanwhile a TV only version would be totally incapable of gaining a handheld mode with accessories bought separately so I don't think we will or should expect one.
I also doubt they would introduce a new brand while maintaining compatibility with existing Switch games.
 
Jakartalado said:
As much as I love the mini mock up.... The Nintendo Switch environment needs games. Not a new platform.

Nintendo.... Zelda was amazing. Give me more.
Click to expand...

I always find statements like this strange. I mean if you bought a Switch for Nintendo games only then fair enough but I've already got a backlog on Switch between Shovel Knight, Graceful Explosion Machine, Lego City, Fast Racing Remix and Snake Pass (I'll be buying The Binding of Isaac as soon as it's available in the EU aswell). I'm also 70 hours into Zelda and about to start the fourth dungeon. Plenty of games for me tbh especially considering I own a PS4 Pro and Xbox One aswell. Switch is great for the types of games I would have never got around to on a dedicated home console.

On topic I don't think we'll see a Switch mini for a long time considering how well Switch is selling. Maybe the end of 2018. By that time Nintendo should be able to sell a smaller version of the Switch for a profit at $199.
 
They'll probably do exactly this (smaller screen, non-detachable controllers but compatible with all other controllers, charging cable, no dock but compatible with the existing docks) as soon as it's possible to make such a device profitable at sub-$199. Early 2019, maybe?

Drop the regular switch to $249 at the same time and throw in 1-2-Switch (which is a poor fit for the 'Mini' anyway) for free.
 
extralite said:
I actually covered all his points. I understand that you seem to think that you can make an arbitrary distinction between certain types of motion controls but attached/detached actually makes no difference for BotW or Splatoon 2. The tilt controls are the same both in handheld mode and in tabletop/TV mode. Also, Fatal Frame used the Wiimote for tilting as well and all the console Zeldas since TP used motion controls for aiming. TP and SS did it with a detached controller, WW, OoT and MM with attached controller and BotW includes both styles. The controls are the very same, it doesn't make a difference if they're in the console or in a seperate controller.

Also, you seem to think that accelerometers are purely for motion, and gyro purely for tilt. This is not true. Fatal Frame on Wii uses accelerometer for tilt, and so do Wii U, PSVR, all other VR HMDs. Gyro can measure CHANGE in rotation (movement around an axis), but it cannot measure the current absolute rotation (meaning all that gyros measure is relative to previous data). Accelerometer can measure current acceleration (movement along an axis), and thanks to gravity also the current downward tilt (because gravity is constantly accelerating downwards). You need accelerometers and gyros (and ideally also some positional tracking) used together for full motion data (tilting is motion).



Move is different because it also features outside/in and the Wiimote inside/out positional tracking but all the other ones are the same. Sixaxis is three accelerometers and three gyros, so is PSMove, the Wii Remote with M+ and joycons. You can also include smart devices, PSVR, Rift, Vive and Gear VR. They all use the same 3+3 sensors. Some also additionally use magnetometers for absolute directions.

To reiterate, gyro is not equal to tilt. Accelerometers get current tilt, gyros get change in tilt (never the absolute tilt).



Of course there are different categories or rather applications of motion controls. They still all qualify as such. If you want to refer to a certain type of motion control, you have to state so clearly. Because he was unprecise at first, Orioto had to move the goal post. Even after he did, the outlook for him to be proven wrong is still there.
Click to expand...
That's a lot of effort just to explain how you were taking his words out of context. Thanks, though, you have fully explained how you moved the entire field and used that to accuse someone else of moving goalposts. Context is important, I think you should reread his statement in context of his clarification (the thing you are incorrectly calling goalposts moving.)

Also, tilt controls and motion controls are not the same.
 
family_guy said:
New Nintendo 3DS has a slightly bigger screen than the original. I think around 0.5".
Click to expand...

Yeah, but it wasn't really a selling point of the N3DS though. Just a nice extra on top of the c-nub, face tracking, more power, faceplates etc.

extralite said:
As THE feature to sell a Switch 2? I don't think so either. But as one of many? Probably.
Click to expand...

Ah, but are you talking about a Switch 2, or an OG Switch redesign? It's the latter that I'm talking about. I'm not sure what other extra features could be added that doesn't change gameplay etc- I guess better battery life, slightly quicker processor. But by the nature of the Switch design, they really can't change how it looks, which makes a redesign a hard sell.


extralite said:
I'd say it should have just one detachable controller, connecting to the bottom of the main unit. Rail size could be the same, but the actual controller would be bigger (approaching square format) and feature both sides of two joycons.
Click to expand...

I can't really imagine this, I sort of know what you mean though. I think that this would be a better solution than creating a slightly bigger or small version of the Joy Cons, which would just be confusing. But also it sounds top heavy and difficult to hold maybe?
 
Yeah, I can see a Switch 2 with slightly larger display at the expense of the bezels, keeping tablet size and Joy-con compatibility.

Not for Switch 1 though.
 
extralite said:
As THE feature to sell a Switch 2? I don't think so either. But as one of many? Probably. But I don't think they'll make the actual device any bigger, as it's pretty much the largest they could make it and keep it portable.

Such a model would be good to reignite main Switch line sales in a few years. But the purpose of a smaller variant would be to sell to kids and people looking for better portability. I think we'll see a cheaper, smaller variant first. And a Switch 2 with a larger screen replacing the old one later.

I'd say it should have just one detachable controller, connecting to the bottom of the main unit. Rail size could be the same, but the actual controller would be bigger (approaching square format) and feature both sides of two joycons.
Click to expand...

Switch 2 should have a dual view screen like I was saying the Switch should have, so you'd see a different screen in tabletop mode depending on wether you're the player sitting on the left or right. Would be a nice bonus to sell the tabletop aspect that any other form factors don't use.

For a single detachable controller, if not a clamshell you could make the controller ergonomically chunky and have a slot underneath you can store the whole tablet inside. 😲
Then you can just use as an extra multiplayer controller for TV etc.
 
I don't understand why Nintendo should give up tabletop mode and local multiplayer with two included joycon in an eventual portable-only version of the Switch, especially when said machine will need full compatibility with the existing library. Price shouldn't be a concern if and when this device will become available, as the manufacturing cost will go down by then, so there's no point for Nintendo in releasing a portable console that isn't simply a Switch with no dock and HDMI
(and power adapter? Lol)
included in the package.
 
Rodin said:
I don't understand why Nintendo should give up tabletop mode and local multiplayer with two included joycon in an eventual portable-only version of the Switch, especially when said machine will need full compatibility with the existing library. Price shouldn't be a concern if and when this device will become available, as the manufacturing cost will go down by then, so there's no point for Nintendo in releasing a portable console that isn't simply a Switch with no dock and HDMI
(and power adapter? Lol)
included in the package.
Click to expand...
Even if the situation is such that Regular Switch is $200, having Portable Switch for $100 would be a Good Thing. And your spoiler says it all--they've tossed out much more significant things from the default package in search of cost cuttings before.
 
For the people who want a handheld only Switch, there's just as many who want a console only version. I don't see why Nintendo would want to do either which is why they went with the concept of the Switch being a hybrid so they can appeal to as many people as possible, recapture some of the magic from the Wii, and make money off accessories versus making a dedicated console or handheld that caters to a specific market.

Tech wise it's much easier to take the Switch internals and make that into a console for $150 than to try and figure out how to shrink the Switch's already minuscule internals into a smaller handheld while keeping decent battery life and thermals.

A Switch mini would also need to make sense business wise. Making a smaller handheld version doesn't make up for the money they'd lose from people not buying accessories. At that point everyone would just choose the cheaper model.

People are also forgetting that Nintendo is a stubborn company and stuck in their ways. They wouldn't get rid of the tablet to make the Wii U cheaper and have discontinued the NES Classic which has been incredibly popular. Why would they do something as logical as make a cheap handheld only Switch?
 
JoshuaJSlone said:
Even if the situation is such that Regular Switch is $200, having Portable Switch for $100 would be a Good Thing. And your spoiler says it all--they've tossed out much more significant things from the default package in search of cost cuttings before.
Click to expand...

But what makes you think a Switch mini would somehow cost $100 less? The only things it won't have are the dock and the joycon latch/rail mechanism, and I suppose a smaller screen. But I don't think those savings will add up to as much as people are thinking.

I agree with Rodin here, there just doesn't seem to be enough of a benefit to potentially split or confuse the user base like this.
 
Skittzo0413 said:
But what makes you think a Switch mini would somehow cost $100 less? The only things it won't have are the dock and the joycon latch/rail mechanism, and I suppose a smaller screen. But I don't think those savings will add up to as much as people are thinking.
Click to expand...

Don't forget the Joy-cons themselves. Making 2 dedicated bluetooth controllers each with its own battery, wireless system, IR camera in one of them, NFC, and gyroscopes isn't nearly as cheap as people may think it is, plus the added production complexity compared to build a single piece system.

Hence why they cost $80 a pair.
 
I can definitely see them producing a portable focused iteration of the Switch hardware for children, it's a no-brainer. It's harder to predict whether it would still support TV play, if it doesn't then the Switch branding would be awkward.
 
I don't know how this would work out. The 2ds still had all of the functionality of a 3ds, minus clamshell.

This takes away the "switch" aspect along with the motion controls they are using for games.
 
jts said:
Don't forget the Joy-cons themselves. Making 2 dedicated bluetooth controllers each with its own battery, wireless system, IR camera in one of them, NFC, and gyroscopes isn't nearly as cheap as people may think it is, plus the added production complexity compared to build a single piece system.

Hence why they cost $80 a pair.
Click to expand...

I forgot about the dedicated batteries and bluetooth, though I don't believe bluetooth adds to much to the cost. But the batteries surely do. However, you'd still have to include the IR camera, NFC, motion control and HD rumble if you want feature parity with the OG Switch. Again, outside of batteries I don't see much cost savings there.
 
MicroSwitch sounds like a bad idea and a marketing nightmare.

Nintendo is nailing the hardware and message of console games on the go with their current hardware. Don't ruin the message now.
 
I'd honestly prefer if they stick with one model, and then revise it for extra portability in 3/4 years. Just unify your audience and your games.
 
jts said:
Don't forget the Joy-cons themselves. Making 2 dedicated bluetooth controllers each with its own battery, wireless system, IR camera in one of them, NFC, and gyroscopes isn't nearly as cheap as people may think it is, plus the added production complexity compared to build a single piece system.

Hence why they cost $80 a pair.
Click to expand...

They cost $80 a pair because you are getting two wiimotes/controllers.

But the two joy-cons + dock DO make the Switch console more expensive, because of the additional production lines to make ONE device, which i've mentioned in the BOM thread some weeks ago.
 
I'd be more likely to get a switch mini. Don't really care about playing it on the big screen as long as I can take the console games on the go.
 
Jumping into the thread a little late. I'd like to say that while the idea of a Switch mini seems obvious its presence poses some interesting questions. First and foremost for me is what happens to the DS line? Specifically, while I don't expect new games to be released the form factor of the Switch is not conducive to a Virtual Console that would support anything from this line. I can't imagine Nintendo (actually I can) throwing away all that potential money. I wonder could the release of a dedicated VC handheld also be on the horizon?
 
Skittzo0413 said:
But what makes you think a Switch mini would somehow cost $100 less? The only things it won't have are the dock and the joycon latch/rail mechanism, and I suppose a smaller screen. But I don't think those savings will add up to as much as people are thinking.
Click to expand...
I mean, if it's only $70 less, or even $50, that'd be a pretty big deal, too.

Minus dock, HDMI cable.
Minus grip.
Minus separate bluetooth/batteries/gyro on joycons. Minus the rails/connectors/general extra manufacturing hassle of producing three pieces rather than one.
Possibly less powerful AC adapter (if a dock-worthy one would be sold with the Mini version of the dock)

It adds up to a non-negligible difference. When 2DS was introduced its main difference from the original model was lack of a 3D filter on the top screen and hinge, and that was enough for them to make the MSRP something like $40 less at the time--and it removed one of the features that was in the name of 3DS in an even more permanent way, since you couldn't choose to add back in the 3D with an optional purchase.
 
Yeah, a Switch Mini is plausible down the line with a smaller overall size and built-in (non-detachable) controls, joycons and dock sold separately. Holiday 2018 is the earliest I'd expect to see it, and 2019 is more likely still.

But where's my GBA [Micro] Classic? That's the hardware I'd really like right now.
 
Farmboy said:
They'll probably do exactly this (smaller screen, non-detachable controllers but compatible with all other controllers, charging cable, no dock but compatible with the existing docks) as soon as it's possible to make such a device profitable at sub-$199. Early 2019, maybe?

Drop the regular switch to $249 at the same time and throw in 1-2-Switch (which is a poor fit for the 'Mini' anyway) for free.
Click to expand...

throw in a game that the 'mini' can't play....?

We will see a powered Dock before we see the mini IMO. It will be The Switch's version of the mid-generational improvements but still retain full BC because you still have the original console..
 
Mock up concept is really well thought out

Still dockable and works will all controls schemes

Would need a kick stand even though tabletop mode usage would be rare

really cool but needs significant die shrikage as well as maintaining a sizable battery
 
ProtomanNeo said:
Jumping into the thread a little late. I'd like to say that while the idea of a Switch mini seems obvious its presence poses some interesting questions. First and foremost for me is what happens to the DS line? Specifically, while I don't expect new games to be released the form factor of the Switch is not conducive to a Virtual Console that would support anything from this line. I can't imagine Nintendo (actually I can) throwing away all that potential money. I wonder could the release of a dedicated VC handheld also be on the horizon?
Click to expand...
Wii U already had DS VC games it was possible to view on one screen, and the same should hold true for Switches of all sizes. Games that used the two in a combined vertical way would be significantly hurt, but most would come across pretty well I think.
oUWmUz0.jpg

2WEhfZm.jpg

emag said:
Holiday 2018 is the earliest I'd expect to see it, and 2019 is more likely still.
Click to expand...
I say early 2019. 1) Nintendo has talked about how 3DS has stuff coming even through 2018. 2) Introducing a new model at the big holiday time would just exacerbate supply/demand issues. GBASP and DS Lite were both early year launches worldwide, DSi and New 3DS were in the NA/EU regions. 3) Much sooner starts to seem implausible for making significant size improvements.
 
I'm confused about a possible Switch Mini or Switch Go supporting a dock and Table Top mode. I though a hypothetical Switch Mini or Switch Go would solely support handheld mode only. By supporting handheld mode only would lead to games that require motion controls via the Joy-Con exclusively useless, I don't see this as a big deal because a handheld gamer most likely will be using the handheld only Switch in places where Table Top mode would be very inconvenient anyway. Also, by only supporting handheld mode only, a Tegra X1 with a die shrinkage, from my limited understanding, should be able to passively cooled along with removing the Dock, HDMI cable, Joy Cons, Joy Con Grip, manufacturing wise Nintendo should be able to remove fans and the other parts use in actively cooling the Switch.
 
Malakai said:
I'm confused about a possible Switch Mini or Switch Go supporting a dock and Table Top mode. I though a hypothetical Switch Mini or Switch Go would solely support handheld mode only. By supporting handheld mode only would lead to games that require motion controls via the Joy-Con exclusively useless, I don't see this as a big deal because a handheld gamer most likely will be using the handheld only Switch in places where Table Top mode would be very inconvenient anyway. Also, by only supporting handheld mode only, a Tegra X1 with a die shrinkage, from my limited understanding, should be able to passively cooled along with removing the Dock, HDMI cable, Joy Cons, Joy Con Grip, manufacturing wise Nintendo should be able to remove fans and the other parts use in actively cooling the Switch.
Click to expand...
Honestly, dock mode is a stretch goal, and I can see it being axed (name be damned) OR...

...locked to portable clocks on this particular Switch device.
 
I could be down for a SwitchMINI, I'd also wish Nintendo would consider a Swicth "core" system, that has no screen and is a more traditional home console.

I doubt the latter will ever happen sadly.
 
Polygonal_Sprite said:
I always find statements like this strange. I mean if you bought a Switch for Nintendo games only then fair enough but I've already got a backlog on Switch between Shovel Knight, Graceful Explosion Machine, Lego City, Fast Racing Remix and Snake Pass (I'll be buying The Binding of Isaac as soon as it's available in the EU aswell). I'm also 70 hours into Zelda and about to start the fourth dungeon. Plenty of games for me tbh especially considering I own a PS4 Pro and Xbox One aswell. Switch is great for the types of games I would have never got around to on a dedicated home console.

On topic I don't think we'll see a Switch mini for a long time considering how well Switch is selling. Maybe the end of 2018. By that time Nintendo should be able to sell a smaller version of the Switch for a profit at $199.
Click to expand...

I just got a new job and don't have time to play my PS4 anymore.

So I bought the Switch to play while in public transport.

But there's no game available after Zelda (80 hours - 120 shrines, 4 stars on lots of equipment and I grabbed every clothing available). At least for me. Already played Shovel Knight, Binding of Issac, and I Am Setsuna on PS4.

I'll grab Mario Kart day one.... But after that.... Only Splatoon in July. I'm screwed.
 
Nostremitus said:
That's a lot of effort just to explain how you were taking his words out of context. Thanks, though, you have fully explained how you moved the entire field and used that to accuse someone else of moving goalposts. Context is important, I think you should reread his statement in context of his clarification (the thing you are incorrectly calling goalposts moving.)

Also, tilt controls and motion controls are not the same.
Click to expand...

You're right about one thing, I already spent too much effort replying to you. Your low effort post above won't change the facts though.
Did you vote Trump?

Council Pop said:
Ah, but are you talking about a Switch 2, or an OG Switch redesign? It's the latter that I'm talking about. I'm not sure what other extra features could be added that doesn't change gameplay etc- I guess better battery life, slightly quicker processor. But by the nature of the Switch design, they really can't change how it looks, which makes a redesign a hard sell.
Click to expand...

In my mind, Switch 2 would be like iPhone 2, or a PS4Pro or Xbox Scorpio in console terms. A redesign, but also beefed up version.
 
jts said:
Honestly, dock mode is a stretch goal, and I can see it being axed (name be damned) OR...

...locked to portable clocks on this particular Switch device.
Click to expand...

Yeah if it's significantly smaller it won't be able to run cool enough in that mode, would likely do the native 720p out if it even had a TV output. Maybe when it's got a 7nm chip it could but that won't be for a while.
 
I really like the mock up and I can see Nintendo make something very similar once they officially end support for 3DS or around 2019. I know plenty of people that have been using it strictly as a handheld. I'm also sure theres someone thats crafty enough to make this right now.
 
For my interests I'd rather see an option in the complete opposite direction as in lose the portability option and just give me a traditional home console for use on a TV with the Pro controller included.

I get that it will never happen as it's called the "Switch" after all but that's really all I want in order to play the Nintendo classic franchises.

That said, the Switch will be re-acquired for Mario Odyssey.
 
DrROBschiz said:
Mock up concept is really well thought out

Still dockable and works will all controls schemes

Would need a kick stand even though tabletop mode usage would be rare

really cool but needs significant die shrikage as well as maintaining a sizable battery
Click to expand...

It wouldn't need it if in the revision Nvidia made the Tegra XI on an 16nm node. Nintendo would be free to reduce the battery size by a third and still have at minimum 20% more battery life than the current Switch.

As for the mockup the screen will never be that big. It costs money to go bezelless. You can save money by making the screen smaller. They will definitely shrink the screen and potentially even have more bezel. At that point I hope it's 540p if possible. Otherwise they will still make it 720p in order to maintain the aspect ratio.



Malakai said:
I'm confused about a possible Switch Mini or Switch Go supporting a dock and Table Top mode.
Click to expand...

Your confusion stems from the assumption Nintendo would agree with you that there wouldn't be confusion over making an integrated controller device.

I assure you that when Nintendo conceived of the 2DS they definitely of the same mindset that they have to make a distinct brand name for such a revision and would never call it a Switch mini. Any Switch at all times needs to be able to have a portable and TV out mode.
 
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