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[Mihael Mello Keehl]

My two cents: family of systems with a single OS. Same library. Games scaled according to the specs, as you would see on PC or iOS. At least one handheld console in late 2016, at least one home console in 2017.

Definitely not a "hybrid".

Cant see them not releasing both. Handheld will be june after E3, console in holiday 16

 

[Triforce141]

Whatever the case may be, similar architecture, or os like android or ios. The exact game on both handheld and console that have cross saving and online playing would be awesome.

No need to debate whether or not Mario Kart Gaf should do a Mario Kart 7 lobby for a night, or stick with 8.

 

[Snakeyes]

I doubt it because they've openly discussed bringing FF14 to NX, which has dramatically turned around with the second release of it. They don't need to bring FF14 to other platforms.

That's an interesting point.

 

[superNESjoe]

My two cents: family of systems with a single OS. Same library. Games scaled according to the specs, as you would see on PC or iOS. At least one handheld console in late 2016, at least one home console in 2017.

Definitely not a "hybrid".

That's pretty much what everyone means when they say it's a hybrid.

 

[Clefargle]

And nothing is wrong with gimmicks provided the make freaking sense. Nothing wrong with sensible innovation that gives the industry a jolt. The industry is expected to sell less than half of the consoles it sold last gen. Huge drop off.

Yup, people use the word negatively but it can be positive when done correctly. Novel control schemes are great when implemented well and they justify dedicated consoles.

 

[Storm Kyleis]

That's pretty much what everyone means when they say it's a hybrid.

A hybrid is a single system that acts either as a home or a handheld console. I'm predicting separate systems with different specs.

 

[Shikamaru Ninja]

Makes me wonder if 3rd parties got their devkits at the same time Nintendo's 1st parties got theirs. That would be a pretty big change right there. I seriously was not expecting to hear Dragon Quest 11 get an NX announcement at all.

That's impossible. Although the outer first-party developers like Retro and Monolith may have got them around the same time as third-party developers.

But NCL R&D (everything), NOA R&D (SDK), NTD (chipset design, os), NST (SDK and Nintendo Web Framework), and NERD (cloud technology) are involved from day 1.

 

[Kissenkopf]

A hybrid is a single system that acts either as a home or a handheld console. I'm predicting separate systems with different specs.

Same here. Like Iwata said: same OS, different systems. More like iPhone and iPad.

 

[brett2]

Here's a quick thought...whatever hardware Nintendo uses to drive a 1080p 60fps game on a console, if they ported the exact same game to 854x480 60fps (the Wii U Gamepad specs), then it would take roughly 1/5th as much horsepower just measuring pixels. If they dropped the frame rate to 30 it could be roughly 1/10th as powerful. There's more to it than that obviously but as a ballpark figure it's pretty damn possible that they could put out a handheld with 1/5th - 1/10th the raw power of a new console at a reasonable price.

 

[Nanashrew]

That's impossible. Although the outer first-party developers like Retro and Monolith may have got them around the same time as third-party developers.

But NCL R&D (everything), NOA R&D (SDK), NTD (chipset design, os), NST (SDK and Nintendo Web Framework), and NERD (cloud technology) are the priority

Would you say that their outer 1st parties and 3rd parties getting devkits at the same time would be pretty big though?

 

[ramparter]

Here's a quick thought...whatever hardware Nintendo uses to drive a 1080p 60fps game on a console, if they ported the exact same game to 854x480 60fps (the Wii U Gamepad specs), then it would take roughly 1/5th as much horsepower just measuring pixels. If they dropped the frame rate to 30 it could be roughly 1/10th as powerful. There's more to it than that obviously but as a ballpark figure it's pretty damn possible that they could put out a handheld with 1/5th - 1/10th the raw power of a new console at a reasonable price.

Wtf!?! If only things worked like that...

 

[AzaK]

He has said it's definitely more powerful than Wii U. Which I guess isn't saying much.

Yeah. That statement is equivalent to saying nothing at all.

People need to get realistic and stop thinking that the pure tech specs of the NX is what will make it succeed. What does Nintendo really gain by making a >PS4 machine?

* A bit more lifespan after the PS5? The PS5 will be made much later than NX and therefore likely blow it out of the water again.

* Play catchup with PS4? What's to gain there? People have their "high end" consoles already and Nintendo is unlikely to get the same third party support as the others.

* Just stay in the game and maybe get some third party games for the next few years until PS5/XB2? OK, fine, but what else do they have?

I still think that Nintendo would see their tech specs as a "Let's at least hit the current mark....now, on with the important decisions like what interesting thing can we create?".

With this in mind I think they'll still be looking for some unique feature, combined with an acceptable mass market price.

 

[Axass]

The whole "same games on both platforms" thing is what makes me dream the most: a world where we get only a Mario Kart per generation, but with many more features, and with leftover time and people to create a new IP.

 

[Kurt]

What if the hardware engine can be attached to your handheld. So the console is the handheld which can connect to tv. But you can use an another controll type. This way you have 2devices for a lower price

 

[Tookay]

Here's a quick thought...whatever hardware Nintendo uses to drive a 1080p 60fps game on a console, if they ported the exact same game to 854x480 60fps (the Wii U Gamepad specs), then it would take roughly 1/5th as much horsepower just measuring pixels. If they dropped the frame rate to 30 it could be roughly 1/10th as powerful. There's more to it than that obviously but as a ballpark figure it's pretty damn possible that they could put out a handheld with 1/5th - 1/10th the raw power of a new console at a reasonable price.

I don't think graphical power is just an exercise of simple division, not even for illustrative purposes.

 

[atbigelow]

The whole "same games on both platforms" thing is what makes me dream the most: a world where we get only a Mario Kart per generation, but with many more features, and with leftover time and people to create a new IP.

Part of the dream for having a compatible library, is that you don't have to wait for each "checkbox" IP to show up for each. None of this Mario Kart 7 on 3DS, and then 8 on Wii U years after. They can make a single Mario Kart, and then move onto a new game.

I'm excited to see how it will free up Nintendo's creativity pipeline.

What if the hardware engine can be attached to your handheld. So the console is the handheld which can connect to tv. But you can use an another controll type. This way you have 2devices for a lower price

They have repeatedly said it wasn't a hybrid.

 

[John Harker]

Makes me wonder if 3rd parties got their devkits at the same time Nintendo's 1st parties got theirs. That would be a pretty big change right there. I seriously was not expecting to hear Dragon Quest 11 get an NX announcement at all.

Just because you don't have a dev kit yet, doesn't mean you aren't planning/producing software for a console.

 

[DaSorcerer7]

Just because you don't have a dev kit yet, doesn't mean you aren't planning/producing software for a console.

Any tidbits for us John?

 

[Nightbird]

Part of the dream for having a compatible library, is that you don't have to wait for each "checkbox" IP to show up for each. None of this Mario Kart 7 on 3DS, and then 8 on Wii U years after. They can make a single Mario Kart, and then move onto a new game.

Does that mean online play across both Systems?

 

[Not75Drops]

Maybe close third parties (lol) might have gotten kits earlier than others? The only one I can think of is Capcom mostly because of MH.

 

[Oregano]

Does that mean online play across both Systems?

Sure? There was already a DS/Wii game with cross platform multiplayer.

Maybe close third parties (lol) might have gotten kits earlier than others? The only one I can think of is Capcom.

Level 5, Koei Tecmo, Bandai Namco and Sega/Atlus seem like obvious candidates.

 

[DaSorcerer7]

Maybe close third parties (lol) might have gotten kits earlier than others? The only one I can think of is Capcom mostly because of MH.

Wouldn't be surprised if Squarenix had as well.

 

[StevieP]

Just because you don't have a dev kit yet, doesn't mean you aren't planning/producing software for a console.

Especially when you've received documents earlier in the year outlining the NX platform and it's goals.

 

[AniHawk]

I doubt it because they've openly discussed bringing FF14 to NX, which has dramatically turned around with the second release of it. They don't need to bring FF14 to other platforms.

I also think Square's opinion of Microsoft, particularly with the handling RotTR's exclusivity, has turned sour. So just as a general thought, I really would like to know how Nintendo tries to leverage Square owning Eidos in their big for western third party support, assuming they try at all.

maybe not western support, but i think they would love to finally have parity with other consoles currently getting multiplatform japanese games. nx could get final fantasy versus xiii, kh3, and ffviir when they release in 2017, 2018, and 2019 respectively. it's probably nintnedo's goal to secure all third-party support in japan as much as they can to make it the de facto place to grab all manner of games like those since the rest of the market basically ignores it outside the 3ds.

 

[Azoo]

Wouldn't be surprised at all if Sega has already had the devkit for a while, considering them and Nintendo's buddy-buddy status as of late. Probably working on the 25th anni Sonic game right now for it.

 

[budpikmin]

If the system does in fact share the same library of games I think it would be a really smart move for Nintendo. Obviously it would free up resources. There is another huge benefit though - if they find themselves in a similar situation to this gen where their handheld is working but their home console isn't then the home console would still get guaranteed support of all the games devs put out for the handheld. Imagine the Wii U receiving The 3DS game library by default, it would be amazing. Now if Nintendo can find a way to make the process super streamlined so that devs don't feel like they are making two games in one that would be even better.

 

[Litri]

Holly molly, did all this happen over the weekend?? Gotta read through all this...

 

[Oregano]

maybe not western support, but i think they would love to finally have parity with other consoles currently getting multiplatform japanese games. nx could get final fantasy versus xiii, kh3, and ffviir when they release in 2017, 2018, and 2019 respectively. it's probably nintnedo's goal to secure all third-party support in japan as much as they can to make it the de facto place to grab all manner of games like those since the rest of the market basically ignores it outside the 3ds.

I imagine that is one of Nintendo's goals and just looking at the state of the dedicated industry in Japan it would probably be a good idea for JP publishers to go all in but I doubt they will. They're already entrenched in the PS ecosystem.

 

[ffdgh]

Wouldn't be surprised at all if Sega has already had the devkit for a while, considering them and Nintendo's buddy-buddy status as of late. Probably working on the 25th anni Sonic game right now for it.

Gimmie sonic colors 2 or sonic adventure 4 3 at launch.

 

[Hero of Legend]

Wouldn't be surprised at all if Sega has already had the devkit for a while, considering them and Nintendo's buddy-buddy status as of late. Probably working on the 25th anni Sonic game right now for it.

Let's hope so.

 

[Sandfox]

I imagine that is one of Nintendo's goals and just looking at the state of the dedicated industry in Japan it would probably be a good idea for JP publishers to go all in but I doubt they will. They're already entrenched in the PS ecosystem.

A lot of those "entrenched" series are either in decline or were small to begin with so I could see them possibly deciding to go multiplat.

 

[Snakeyes]

I've been one of these people that, from a consumer point of view would be completely happy to see regular, (12-18 month) upgrades of a home console. I don't give a shit if someone has a better console than me like I don't care that someone has the iPhone 6s and I have a 5s. When I'm ready I'll get an iPhone 7 or 8. At the point I feel I would like an upgrade, I can basically do it and get the "latest and greatest". The current console model means I have to wait 5-7 years; I have no choice.

The one caveat - it needs to be backwards compatible, using the same fundamental architecture, ala phones. Devs then take the responsibility to scale accordingly which they do anyway if they release Wii U vs Ps4, vs PC.

Now, I'm not sure if from a business perspective that would work in the console space. New generations of console bring along with it big jumps in tech, hype and marketting power. There's value in that for tech minded consumers and so it helps sell the systems. However, I can't help but wonder how successful it'd be if Nintendo took a different approach; something similar to phone makers where phones almost take on the role of being a consumable.

One could argue this is exactly what Nintendo is aiming for - by doing away with the concept of traditional hardware generations in favor of a continuously evolving platform, you bring the conversation back to the software. At the same time, the faster hardware refreshes (which is something that various third parties have been asking for as well) and multiple form factors keep the tech heads interested.

 

[Oregano]

A lot of those "entrenched" series are either in decline or were small to begin with so I could see them possibly deciding to go multiplat.

Well I concede that a new generation is the best time to make changes like that but so far we've just seen publishers double down on that strategy.

 

[Azoo]

Gimmie sonic colors 2 or sonic adventure 4 3 at launch.

I'll gladly take another Adventure-esque game if they learn from past mistakes and focus more on bringing back Sonic's gameplay and the Chao Gardens from those titles. A game like that would be good as gold, but considering Sega's track record with Sonic, that's all under a giiiiigannntic if.

Also I hope Capcom has had it for a while too. A Megaman comeback on NX would be extremely rad, and while SFV is confirmed PS4-exclusive, I wouldn't mind seeing Super SFV on there, lol.

 

[DragonKnight]

I'll gladly take another Adventure-esque game if they learn from past mistakes and focus more on bringing back Sonic's gameplay and the Chao Gardens from those titles. A game like that would be good as gold, but considering Sega's track record with Sonic, that's all under a giiiiigannntic if.

Also I hope Capcom has had it for a while too. A Megaman comeback on NX would be extremely rad, and while SFV is confirmed PS4-exclusive, I wouldn't mind seeing Super SFV on there, lol.

There will be no Super SFV. You will have to wait for SF 6.

And sony put capital into SF 5. With the WiiU we see that nintendo is not above moneyhatting.

 

[Azoo]

There will be no Super SFV. You will have to wait for SF 6.

Oh, well then. That's more a relief than a bummer to me, since I always thought the constant variations were a kinda lame choice, so uhh I guess I'd like to see something else from Capcom but my mind fails me at the moment.

 

[Sandfox]

Well I concede that a new generation is the best time to make changes like that but so far we've just seen publishers double down on that strategy.

If anything I would say we've seen quite a bit of console/handheld multiplat games along with more games starting to hit Steam. Depending on the NX it could see some interesting franchises as well.

 

[Snakeyes]

There will be no Super SFV. You will have to wait for SF 6.

Yup. That being said, Nintendo funding a new Darkstalkers or Marvel Vs. game would be very interesting and more in line with their character-driven brand.

 

[Oregano]

If anything I would say we've seen quite a bit of console/handheld multiplat games along with more games starting to hit Steam. Depending on the NX it could see some interesting franchises as well.

Yeah but that's part of the PS Ecosystem. Rodea is the only 3DS/Wii U example in recent times and we haven't really seen that many 3DS/Vita releases.

The Steam point is a good one but for example we're seeing Tales on Steam whereas Baba ruled out Nintendo platforms.

 

[DragonKnight]

Nintendos hardware need only be powerful enough to handle Half Life 3.

 

[Myggen]

Nintendos hardware need only be powerful enough to handle Half Life 3.

Nintendo exclusive.

 

[Valkyri von Thanatos]

Really hoping NX delivers. The best I could hope for is a handheld/home console pair at a almost XB1 tech level roughly, with the best Wii U games ported over to both versions. Give us portable Bayonetta, give us Smash NX (Smash Wii U port with all DLC characters + Ice Climbers and all 3DSbexclusive stages remastered), give us universal VC and Zelda on portable and home consoles simultaneously!

If Nintendo even does this much, with the console only catching up as a nearby third in power between the other consoles, I'd be happy. Shared library seems like it could be the most exciting evolution/innovation since they made the Gameboy. Also gives that free form Sharp display tech, Nintendo! NX portable being two full size, low bezel touchscreens at 540p and with buttons/d-pad/circle-pads/etc. on top of them would be amazing!

From this thread, in January:

 

[Sandfox]

Yeah but that's part of the PS Ecosystem. Rodea is the only 3DS/Wii U example in recent times and we haven't really seen that many 3DS/Vita releases.

The Steam point is a good one but for example we're seeing Tales on Steam whereas Baba ruled out Nintendo platforms.

Baba was commencement on making a Nintendo exclusive game like Graces IIRC since the games sell better on PS, but that doesn't really apply to multiplat since it would still be on playstation. Also, I think most are expecting a Nintendo ecosystem this time around and for it to be easier to port games from other platforms on the NX.

 

[DragonKnight]

Really hoping NX delivers. The best I could hope for is a handheld/home console pair at a almost XB1 tech level roughly, with the best Wii U games ported over to both versions. Give us portable Bayonetta, give us Smash NX (Smash Wii U port with all DLC characters + Ice Climbers and all 3DSbexclusive stages remastered), give us universal VC and Zelda on portable and home consoles simultaneously!

If Nintendo even does this much, with the console only catching up as a nearby third in power between the other consoles, I'd be happy. Shared library seems like it could be the most exciting evolution/innovation since they made the Gameboy. Also gives that free form Sharp display tech, Nintendo! NX portable being two full size, low bezel touchscreens at 540p and with buttons/d-pad/circle-pads/etc. on top of them would be amazing!

From this thread, in January:

Not sure i like this to be honest. Dont like touching my screens.

 

[Malus]

Yeah but that's part of the PS Ecosystem. Rodea is the only 3DS/Wii U example in recent times and we haven't really seen that many 3DS/Vita releases.

The Steam point is a good one but for example we're seeing Tales on Steam whereas Baba ruled out Nintendo platforms.

Speaking of Rodea how is that game? Didn't it release very recently?

 

[Oregano]

Baba was commencement on making a Nintendo exclusive game like Graces IIRC since the games sell better on PS, but that doesn't really apply to multiplat since it would still be on playstation. Also, I think most are expecting a Nintendo ecosystem this time around and for it to be easier to port games from other platforms on the NX.

As I said I'm sure that's Nintendo's goal but it remains to be seen whether publishers will bite. The Wii U could have easily been included in a lot of Vita/PS3 releases in Japan this gen but it really didn't get (m)any, even at launch.

EDIT:

Speaking of Rodea how is that game? Didn't it release very recently?

No idea, it was delayed a few weeks AFAIK. Though my order on the Nintendo UK store still says 16/10/2015.

 

[Sandfox]

As I said I'm sure that's Nintendo's goal but it remains to be seen whether publishers will bite. The Wii U could have easily been included in a lot of Vita/PS3 releases in Japan this gen but it really didn't get (m)any, even at launch.

I'm guessing a lot of the Wii U's issues stopped them from trying. I'm not saying it will happen, just that I could devs possibly trying that with some franchises.

 

[Pancakes R Us]

Well that's been happening easily since the DS, even the N64 saw a form of "hw update".



Probably, my guess is that they're both part of the same platform, somehow, somewhat.

I think when you have Square Enix announce things before anyone else has said anything, you have to think something has changed.

I think some money exchanged hands from Nintendo to SE for this to happen.

 

[Oregano]

I'm guessing a lot of the Wii U's issues stopped them from trying. I'm not saying it will happen, just that I could devs possibly trying that with some franchises.

What issues though? Vita games could have easily been released on Wii U and as I said even at launch, before it was apparent just how bad it would do, it didn't get multiplats.

 

[James Scott]

Are we really expecting ALL games to be playable on both console and handheld?

I was more expecting this to be about making ports easy when they make sense. So, Smash 5 would be both, Mario Galaxy 3 would be both, Pokemon would be handheld only, new mainline Zelda would be console only.

Among other things, scaling games just doesn't work 100% of the time. Unless the handheld is ridiculously powerful and/or the console is quite weak, the handheld is going to be holding console games back.

Yeah, I imagine there will be some console only games. Doesn't make too much sense for any game to be portable only