It's been quite a day. The Nintendo Switch was revealed, and most of the internet has had its say on social media. There's been a lot of positivity, and naturally some people aren't fans; in any case we now know the core concept that will drive the next generation of Nintendo gaming.
We've covered a lot of angles and put together a guide of everything we now know about the Nintendo Switch, but we thought we'd also give some personal reactions. To do this we have editorial director Damien McFerran, editor Thomas Whitehead, operations director Darren Calvert, Managing Director Anthony Dickens, and our YouTube producer Alex Olney.
So, here's what we think, so far, about the Nintendo Switch.
Damien
Nintendo has done a fantastic job on keeping the NX - I mean Switch - under wraps until now. The concept is in line with reports we'd published, but even so, the execution has delivered some neat surprises. The car bracket is something I can see getting a lot of use on family road trips, and the detachable "Joy-Cons" mean that parents only have to buy a single console if they have more than one child (although I would expect most kids will want their "own" system). I also like the way the system is shown working wirelessly with another console to allow multiplayer action. Connecting face-to-face with other players will always beat online play in my eyes, but then I'm quite old-school at heart.
My only question relates to the screen, which everyone assumed would be touch-based but this function wasn't shown off in the video. If Switch doesn't have a touch panel, then it will limit the appeal of the system to those who are looking for a gaming device that removes the need for a tablet; if you're going to take Switch out of the house with you, it would be nice to know that it can double as a web-browsing or social media platform as well as an entertainment device.
All in all, the Switch reveal went as well as it possibly could have done, although a few more games would have been nice. I guess we'll see those over the coming weeks and months as Nintendo builds up to the March 2017 release.
Thomas
Every time Nintendo has a reveal as big as this one I feel anxious in the build-up, never sure whether it's going to be a positive moment or a baffling head-scratcher. My instant reaction after seeing the Switch trailer was delight and relief, though. The design looks slick and a little more 'cool' than normal Nintendo tech, for one thing - after all, as much as I love the Wii U I agree that the GamePad looks like a Fisher Price tablet toy.
What's key for me, though, is that I've seen a lot of excitement from a broad audience, and have heard positive things in brief impressions from developers. On a personal note, I was particularly intrigued to see how my family would react; encouragingly, they were blown away. My brother last bought a Nintendo system for himself in the N64 days, yet he was as excited as me and plans to be there day one. My mother is a keen 3DS gamer, meanwhile, and likes very different games to my brother; she was also thrilled by it. My father, an engineer, was undoubtedly impressed by the technology.
The key with the Switch is that it's a return to form on a conceptual level for Nintendo. It won't be a graphical powerhouse, but Nintendo is not in that PlayStation / Xbox arm wrestle. The big N is in its own bubble, targeting gamers from all walks of life and preferences through the power of its concept and unique content. Unlike the muddled Wii U and the iterative 3DS, the Switch is simple but innovative, both playful and flexible. It has a core goal of fusing home and portable gaming, and the collection of its parts achieves that. I know a concept works when it can communicate so much in three minutes, and when its potential can be so easily grasped and appreciated.
Switch won't be perfect, but no console is. All systems have cost efficiencies and limitations - in this case that may be in the lack of a touchscreen (though it's still not confirmed fully either way), or in the fact that Nvidia's custom Tegra chip probably won't be able to live with the most demanding of current-gen cross-platform games. It's a portable, after all.
Yet, based on what I've seen to date, the positives easily outweigh the negatives. As far as I'm concerned Nintendo's back in the game.
Darren
I was beginning to get a bit nervous waiting for the NX reveal, which we now know will be called the Nintendo Switch. Thankfully any fears I had were swept aside with what looks to be a very solid offering from the big N. One of my favourite features with the Wii U is the ability to play on either the TV or simply on the Wii U GamePad. This has proved really useful when my daughter wants to continue playing Minecraft when the rest of the household wants to watch something else. Being able to take that home gaming experience to another room, or even outside the house, feels like a real game changer.
The detachable Joy-Con controllers look wonderful too, I love that there are so many options to play with friends. I am also glad to see a traditional Pro Controller option for solo gaming sessions on the big screen too. In terms of the games, it was reassuring to see favourites such as Mario Kart and Splatoon on show, but third party offerings such as Skyrim and the Basketball game seem really well suited to it also.
The Nintendo Switch feels like the best of the 3DS' portability combined with the new era of Nintendo HD gaming we have enjoyed on the Wii U for the past few years. I'm really glad Nintendo has taken this approach rather than try to take on PlayStation and Xbox directly; I can imagine it will appeal to a really broad range of gamers. I for one can't wait to make the switch (ed: groans) next year.
Ant
Phew, much like you I'm glad the wait is finally over. It's been an increasingly frustrating period to be a Nintendo fan, but the cat is finally out of the bag and it's Nintendo Switch. I'm totally sold on the concept, multi-player portable gaming is bound to be a success. Congratulations Nintendo.
I'm also confident it will perform well as a portable unit, but we're yet to learn if the Switch Dock adds any extra horsepower to the system; driving a 50"+ TV screen on the portable device alone might prove extremely difficult to hit the desired 1080p60 - here's hoping some extra grunt is given when docked.
Unlike Damien I really don't mind if Switch doesn't have a touch screen, that would just be a distraction from its primary focus of being a video games machine. We've all got perfectly good web browsers on our phone - I'm sure it'll still support media services like Netflix which work just as well with traditional controls.
Overall I'm extremely positive for the future of Switch, the concept is good and the potential software lineup is promising. Yeah, the detachable controllers look a little fiddly, but I'll probably be playing most of the time with a Pro Controller. I can't wait to try the system out for the first time.
Alex
So those are our thoughts. Where do you stand on the Nintendo Switch right now?
Comments 131
I need to know much more because once the initial hype settles down it looks like it's a portable Wii U and I don't believe that will cut it or be successful. Price wii be crucial, how powerful is it? What's the battery life like? Why is the screen completely off limits when docked? Are we facing a 3rd generation in a row where Nintendo have ignored the arms race? Aside from power, perhaps more importantly, have Nintendo changed their attitudes towards things like voice chat and have they got a proper account system this time around?
Hype hype
Needs to have VC support right outta the gate. And games you already bought on the service should carry over.
Nice touch on the last section.
Here is what I thought the Switch reveal was going to be like:
"We at Nintendo are all about innovation. This is why we have partnered with Apple, a leader of Chinese innovation, to bring you one of the newest and greatest pieces of technology to ever hit the market. Introducing the Nintendo NX - a smartphone that is capable of playing all of our newest games in 4K resolution. Say goodbye to physical buttons, because those are a thing of the past! With the Nintendo NX, the touchscreen is your controller.
Besides having a stellar library of games pre-installed, such as Super Mario Run, Miitomo, Pokémon Go, and the never before seen New Nintendo Badge Arcade, the NX will also be NFC compatible, which means you can expect amiibo to be used in creative new ways. We are excited to announce that the first wave of Nintendo NX devices will also be bundled with an Arcade Bunny amiibo. Just tap this amiibo on your screen and every microtransaction will automatically be reduced by 5%! Please stay tuned for further information to follow in the upcoming months."
Boy am I glad that I was wrong!
I'm so happy and relieved with what they showed. Nintendo absolutely nailed this one and I think it offers something wholly unique in the market. I certainly will be waiting on Skyrim Remastered now and will be buying any multi plats on the system for the very clear benefits of also getting it on the go.
The games play on the TV...which doesn't have a touch screen, so maybe the thing doesn't need one?
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Try thinking of it as a mega powered 3DS instead then
"I really don't mind if Switch doesn't have a touch screen, that would just be a distraction from its primary focus of being a video games machine."
...Right. Because nobody ever plays games with a touch screen.
Well the real test, my kids came home from school and watched the reveal and they both liked it, so Nintendo wins that market.
I'm still hung up on why I'm paying for a screen that will spend all of it's life behind a wall. I was really looking forward to a Sony Dash always on screen telling me which of my friends were online, any gaming news, as well as a clock and temperature, maybe storm warnings. If I can't use the screen docked, just make a $50 cheaper NS without it.
But we'll see. If it's a touchscreen with full Google Play support, then maybe I'm in.
@gcunit As a handheld it's a major step up. As a Wii U owner though, I haven't been blown away.
To those of you wondering does it have touchscreen, the answer is yes. Reportedly capacitance, 10 point multi-touch.
I'm impressed. Definitely excited. Now I need to see games, and of course the price.
It was everything what I was expecting. Will still need price point, specs and launch date titles but so far so good.
I hope it has a touch screen, but really only so that it can play games that really rely on a touch interface such as Super Mario Maker.
So it's going to be another step up for Nintendo in the HD graphic area, but this time continually merging with the 3DS/handheld area of games (roughly 60-70% of all Nintendo releases), AND a new charge of 3rd parties, AND with full portability, AND with cloud storage, AND with cartridge based media.
Just confirm touch and motion controls, and find a good solution for Dual Screen gaming and I can sleep again.
Very impressed overall
The big thing here is not the dock, although that could be cool, but the portable multiplayer with only one system. I have a ton of 3DS games that friends would probably play with me, except they don't have a 3DS, and aren't going to make the investment to get one for one game that I want them to play.
If people can let other people play the system with them, more people will experience it and buy their own, creating a viral sort of effect.
My prediction is that this ends up being a mild success on the order of the 3DS, which is fine by me. I want Nintendo to be successful, but mostly I want them to keep making awesome games for me to play.
Also, this thing is absolutely perfect for Monster Hunter.
The fact that it has Splatoon makes me think it has to have a touch screen. How can you play that game without it?
Not a day one purchase yet but I'm intrigued. I'd like to see the full specs first. Will the processor on the tablet handle everything? Or is there an additional processor within the dock that multiplies the computing power for higher fidelity graphics on an hd or 4k screen? 720p on the tablet is fine but on a big TV? Not anymore I'm afraid. Not unless they keep the price super cheap which this thing won't be.
What, the mods don't get a reaction article? >:c
I really hope the Switch will have Nvidia's Game Stream and GeForce Now technology in it. This would tap a new market for Nintendo and allow PC games to be played on the handheld and on the TV. Ever since the rumors of Nvidia being the SoC for the NX I have been hoping this would be come to fruition
@Zyrac He's got a point though, I mean, how many games truly utilize the touch screen in a useful manner?. Sure, there's Mario Maker, but really, the rest just use the touch screen as a mean to provide "fancy buttons", even more so when you have both touch buttons AND physical buttons.
I don't think I'll miss it if it's gone. Maybe it'll also mean more focus on building games than on trying to use the unique system features.
@Grez Now that would be cool!
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Where did you hear the report about the touchscreen capabilities?
@nab1 Okay, I don't get why people are citing Mario Maker like it's the only touch screen game worth mentioning. There have been three Nintendo systems with touch screens, and countless games on those systems that wouldn't have worked (or at least wouldn't work as well) with button controls. You've also got to account for the possibilty of mobile ports, which would be plentiful with a touch screen and scarce without, not to mention things like Miiverse and Art Academy, which may not be games but are a big part of the Nintendo experience for many people.
it looking amazing !! a day one for me !! but lets talk more about spec please nintendo ? i mean they are nintendo !! i think it will 265GB max maybe less ! remember wii deluxe edition 32GB lol ? .. ITS A HANDHELD SO MAYBE 720P MAX ? maybe 1080 when you connect it with tv ? account system ? cloud save ? will you able to play skyirm without crashed and lag ? no way it will be 60fps ... maybe 30 max or less ? reveal the spec already nintendo ! please the price i assume 450-499$ ?
I'm dying for achievement system !! i spent so much time on my 3ds and wii u ( not that much ) i would have earned a lot of achievement by now
I will riot if there is no touchscreen.
How will Etrian odyssey work without a touch screen? Not to mention Mario Maker...
Some of the things I'd sure like is a definitely touch screen to go with it so can use for other things then gaming. A trophy/achievement system for sure. VC library would be nice.
Does the sleek, mature, elegant design remind anyone else of the Super Famicom?
@Zyrac I can't speak for the others mentioned Mario Maker, but personally because I can't remember any other game where it was crucial to have.
You do bring up a good point about Miiverse though, it would definitely be a problem not having a touch screen, both for drawing and for text input. For that alone, I now think it must have a touch screen or it'll be lacking.
I like everything except for the name Joy-Con. A friend of mine said it sounds like a Christian women's convention and I agree. However, I don't mind that much. Nintendo has blown me away.
I believe it will have a touchscreen, but they're saving the 'tablet' features of the console for another reveal/trailer.
At least I hope so. It's a missed opportunity if this doesn't have the functionality of a tablet for web browsing and even mobile games (not my cup of tea but it will help it sell).
The reveal is definitely exciting and gives us some concrete evidence of the NX concept, but there are still many more questions than answers. I was hoping that Nintendo would prioritize the "online social" capabilities of the NX/Switch and while it is still early days I fear that may not be the case based upon the evidence of the portability of the gaming screen/unit. I doubt a pick up-and-go play console like Switch will have Twitch or game-streaming integration, as if it did a large portion of that would be useless when moving out of the range of home wi-fi. Perhaps they will surprise us, but also somewhat alarming was the fact that ALL of the gaming occurring in the teaser was either single player or local multiplayer - not online. I appreciate Nintendo's efforts and instincts toward local multiplayer, but that is simply not the primary focus of the modern console/PC gamer.
It's kind of what I was hoping for and am feeling really positive about it (from someone who was not particularly fond of the last two consoles). It puts Nintendo in a unique position, not directly competing in the home console PlayStation/Xbox arms race, but it's not different by being wacky and alienating like the Wii U.
It would be great if the console can play both Wii U and 3DS games. Also the controllers feels a bit small mostly for people with big hands, the Mini-Controller for Co-Op just scream hand cramps tho, I hope there will be a better controller that is more ergonomic too.
If it doesn't, then surely it cannot replace a tablet, and who could carry both around with them? And that is what they are basically proposing, at least it seems so to me. I don't think we have heard half of what this device will do yet.
FYI for Australian gamers, EB games is taking preorders...or so my sister tells me!
@andregurov Surely the fact they showed Splatoon (though I grant you they showed local multiplayer) is proof of online capabilities? That game could hardly function without it.
I was blown away, actually, when the whole hybrid rumors started I was very weary and didn't like the idea at all. But the trailer totally changed my mind.
Also, on the whole touchscreen debate, I think it does have touchscreen, it sounds like a missed opportunity maybe not for gaming, but at least some functionality. (Also during the trailer you can sometimes see the screen full of disgusting finger marks, it could be just that the actors had to do several takes, or people were touching the screen with their greasy little and not cleaning it afterwards!).
Perhaps Super Mario Run will be released on Android "just in time" for NX launch day? Coincidence?
Save Nintendo, @AlexOlney?
Still a ton of details needed, but I have the impression the Switch is winning people over. Love the WiiU, but it can't be called a commercial success... Is all forgiven now, though? Well, the rabbit from Badge Arcade asked me and...
The thing i love about this no more installing games on the hdd like the xbox1 since games are running from sd cards like the 3ds.
@PuzzleMaster7 Read your prediction with Japanese accent and it will be 10X better.
I think it's telling who Nintendo see it's rivals as. NX was kept a secret for so long because it didn't want Apple and Google seeing it, not Sony and Microsoft.
Portable consoles fight with phones, of which there are 2bn out there. PS4/X1 numbers are a drop in the ocean compared to that
@jamesRainbowBoy Oh, I don't doubt the online capabilities of the Switch - Nintendo may be unique but they aren't fools! - merely that I do not suppose that the Switch will carry the same online social gaming focus that other consoles do (such as Twitch/game streaming and social interactions). The teaser seemed to instead focus exclusively on local multiplayer. That isn't a bad thing, merely not what I (and many other gamers) use a console for mostly.
I hope the internet browser from the wii u makes it into the NS, i spent hours just using that on the gamepad.
I am soooo happy you can play this in the car. This will make road trips much more bearable.
My biggest concern is that there is no real d-pad on the console itself, unless you're using a classic controller or pro controller or whatever they let us use...
Also, playing one handed Mario Kart will be awesome.
From the leaks of Rogers and Buzz, its supposed to have a touchscreen. It isn't a deal breaker for me though.
I'm more interested in the dock. Will the rumours be true and add more power when it is streaming to the TV? I'll most likely use it as a home console, so extra power in the dock would be very welcome.
I've seen far better responses to Switch than to Wii U, though. If Nintendo handles the price topic well, I'd wager that they would make a comeback from the sales disaster that was poor Wii U.
I'm glad Nintendo Life still produces written impressions that can be read in a few minutes. Too many other sites only want to post 15 minute videos of themselves yapping expecting us to sit through it. No thanks.
@Luna_110 Well the only way is up from the Wii U, they could hardly do worse LOL
Ninty is always first to point the finger at copycats, however this time it's them. The Switch is essentially the Morpheus X300 from Aikun! Also to note there are a few similar pad, control set-ups on the market. Granted the Switch is what the Wii U should have been, but this is now 3 years too late. The Tegra tech alone is not going to power 1080/60 on a 50" without signif frame drops. The hope would be that the dock has some impressive trickery. Also are we really going to be huddled around tiny screens with fiddly remotes? Car, plane, office? Meh mobiles do this with bluetooth controls. Nintendo need to grow up and move with the tech or once again it gets left behind. It really is dependant on the cost. Here on face value we have a glorified tablet and what appears to be flimsy peripherals. What happens when our friend treads on one? Gamepad all over?
Sorry but N has dropped out on this. Watch the flood of mobile games dilute the true nintendo classics. Sorry to say but from whats been shown. Nintendone! They even showed more Zelda for their old console, literally giving any existing wii u owners zero reason to buy. They really have to fix their marketing.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE. Nintendo have stated that the main console unit is the portable and the dock serves as the output for the tv as well as providing power, so it looks there will be no dual screen gameplay
@jamesRainbowBoy It's been posted all around the place. Not confirmed but these are the rumoured specs of the Switch.
CPU:
Four ARM Cortex-A57 cores, maximum 2 GHz
L2 cache, 2 MB
64-bit ARMv8
Crypto extension enabled
GPU:
NVIDIA second-generation Maxwell architecture
256 CUDA cores, maximum 1 GHz
1024 FLOPS/cycle
Texture: 16 pixels/cycle
Fill: 14.4 pixels/cycle
Main memory:
Capacity of 4 GB
Bandwidth: 25.6 GB/s
VRAM: shared
System Memory:
Capacity: 32 GB, Maximum transfer rate: 400 MB/s
USB
USB 2.0 and 3.0
Video Output
60 fps, at a maximum of 1920×1080 pixels
Or 30 fps at 3840×2160 pixels
The screen:
6.2" IPS LCD, 1280×720 pixels
Capacitance method, 10-point multi-touch
@MADGAZ Well given that they managed nigh-flawless 720p at 60 FPS on hardware 4 years ago that was around 4 years older than that, I would say the games'll play fine, no problem 😀.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Thanks!
@jamesRainbowBoy
Never say never. Sega was supposed to recover with the Dreamcast, and well.... We all know how THAT ended.
It better have a touch screen. It's a huge convenience for a lot of things (namely typing).
I think the dock will have its own Tegra chip which will enhance whatever the main chip is doing to bring the games to the console side of gaming.
Right now I'm sold on the concept but I remain cautious about how will this work at all because it will have to do some serious magic to allow for a mostly seamless console-handheld experience.
The only thing about it that intrigues me is that now Nintendo can put all their effort towards making games for just one console, which should help end droughts.
As for the portable component? Don't care. The flimsy and small detatchable controls look like a nightmare.
I will definitely take a wait and see approach with this thing. Maybe buy one a year or so after release, then again, I may grab one day one. Who knows.
@DireDireDocks To be honest how many of us doodle on the gameplay AND look at the TV at the same time? I find I continually just look down when for example creating a SMM level. You just detach, create, then reattach to play levels on the telly as and when you want. Menus would be more of a problem.
Never mind the looks, or spec, - JUST LOOK AT THE CONNECTIVITY ECOSYSTEM!
LAN parties with SWITCH but without the Cables!
The hardware does look well made - remember they have to test these things hard - and slide in controllers will have to be very durable - I expect they are designed to take a lot of punishment!
IT'S ALL GOOD!
Yeah it's the mobile bit that worries me. Don't get me wrong Tegra is strong but I'd be fairly confident saying that couldn't power a 50" or 4k at a decent frame rate. Leads me to think dock must have something up its sleeve. But this then means a price not less than £349 or somewhere very close. Maybe if dock is just that then £280 or there abouts. Thats only going on bare bones and assuming no other extras like super wifi etc.
@MailOrderNinja
Agreed
Being a 3DS owner I'm glad I won't be torn over the good games that made their way only to the WiiU (I don't consider myself a "portable gamer", I really love the consoles, I just didn't get this gen's one)
Also the possibility of playing my portable games on the big screen! Think Monster Hunter, Fire Emblem, Phoenix Wright and even Pokémon for the fans, with better graphics to boot.
I got the impression that any sort of mobile or touch functionality that we're used to wasn't shown in this reveal in order to keep the gaming message clean and precise.
I'd be willing to bet that it can be used as a tablet of sorts. Otherwise hugely wasted opportunity. But, the message would have suffered had they focused on those aspects, even just a little.
I think making the unit. dock and controllers a singular focus a breath of fresh.. wind lol for their marketing.
@MADGAZ
With all due respect neither can anything under a decent fully fledged standalone GPU.
I would be very surprised if the Scorpion turns out anything at 4k native worth talking about.
With the next console revisions its really all just about upscaling to 4k.
If the Switch can handle 1080p native of late generation titles at any kind of decent framerate then it's doing ok for the package and for the majority of existing HD tv sets.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
Simples reason the screen is off limits when docked: because it is OFF. Wii U had to constantly split processing power between the game and the gamepad. Switch seems to be saying if you're on the big screen, save the processing power to run more powerful games rather than running the little screen you're not using. just my take but I think that's a good sign for maxing out whatever power is in there. It takes more to run 60fps 1080p to a big screen than when you "switch" to small it will have extended battery life by only powering the smaller screen.
Short version:
Docked - use all the power for graphical prowess
Portable - conserve power running a small screen at lower res for longer battery life
Rawr so excite.
@speedracer216 makes sense. maybe the game cards only carry the portable version's assets and teh dock also has internal storage for 1080p assets.
"THE SWITCH WILL SAVE NINTENDO"
Whoa there, guys, hold your Yoshis. The Switch might save Nintendo, but it's far too early to tell. Most signs point in the right direction, true, however at the moment we will have to settle with cautious optimism. Full-blown optimism will wait until after the thing launches and, you know, sells.
Nintendo said the Nintendo switch is a console first so this is for Thomas one of are commenter hosts.I'm pretty sure nintendo would be fully aware of it working smooth on larger tvs but I do agree about it may need more power in the future. Supplemental computing device patient they did may be implemented on docking station or in future ones.
Some people are noticeable by their absence in the comments sections today. 🤔 😁
It has got to have a touch screen. That is just a duh.DS, 3DS, and WiiU all had it. It should have browsers and everything like that, it is just a given. If it doesn't and that is a huge if. It won't sell as much because in the end it is a handheld w/a dock and app games are the competition.
@AlexSora89
yeah but it's nice to be positive
@Agent721 Actually they've been taking them since the NX was first announced last year.
@Clownshoes If you like spending piles of cash on a hard to move console with essential power than a laptop with slows spinning discs, that's your choice.
I'm intrigued, but also a little worried, by the Switch. I've owned every home console Nintendo's ever made and exactly zero of their portables. I'm just not much of a portable gamer because if I was, I'd never get anything done. Although, I have been known to plug my Wii U into an armrest on the airplane. I'm all for adding the portable capability as long as my home experience doesn't suffer greatly because of it.
I need to know about internal storage for downloaded games, (hopefully at least 500 gb), touchscreen, (would love to see Hearthstone on NS), OS and background apps like instant messaging, (plus, I need to be able to run my deck tracker for Hearthstone), and local multiplayer. That last one is a big concern of mine. Do we really need 2 consoles to play local 4-player games? Will I be able to play 8-player Smash in my living room with just one console? Does it support any of the controllers that I already have?
I will undoubtedly get a Switch. I just hope it meets my expectations for a home gaming experience. The 3rd party support was probably what excited me most from the trailer. Hopefully the 3rd parties stick around this time.
Nintendo should take a cue from the WiiU pad dock so that the Switch screen can be seen.
The only reason that I can think that the switch dock is the way it is, is so that the Switch doesn't get knoced out of it's dock, which could cause disruptions between while it's being played on the TV.
@arrmixer
Cautiously positive. I'm hoping for the best, just not waiting for this to be the best. They're two slightly different things.
Genius idea. All the portability of a 3DS, with the HD gaming power of a home console. Best of Both worlds! Since I really like playing games in the comfort of my bed, outside, in the car, etc... I have used the crap out of my DS/3DS over the years, and have barely touched the Wii U aside from the occasional game of Mario Kart with my siblings.
I am extremely happy that it looks as promising as it does. Enter the new age of Nintendo!
@dizzy_boy
I personally hated when the gamepad screen was exposed. It was really distracting at times, especially when watching Netflix or playing a game that does not utilize the gamepad so you just see a second version of the game playing in the corner of your eye... No, I really like how the Switch dock is set up.
@DoctorWily
can't you just play hearthstone, and instant message on you're phone?
It's an amazing idea. I'm glad Nintendo went the smart route and made one device they can focus all of their energy on. It might not be huge, but with Pokemon and other popular handheld franchises, I highly doubt it'll be a flop. And with only one platform to support, I doubt we'll get very many first party software droughts like we did with the Wii U and 3DS.
I'm not sold day one, if only because I already own a gaming PC, PS4, Wii U, 3DS, Vita, and older consoles, but if it gets a decent software library and Nintendo irons out the inevitable hardware issues, I'll definitely be getting one within a few years.
@AlexSora89
Yeah same here but a good start so far. 😜
@Clownshoes
"If your family is "blown away" by a 3 minute trailer of a wiiu v2....you might have a family of nintendo sheep"
1 you sound agitated that people really like this console, and it betrays your secret disdain for Nintendo
2 you could call anything Wii U v2, even if it has absolutely no resemblance to the system whatsoever. Dual screen gaming? No. Disc based media? No. Limited range for off TV play? No. Lacking 3rd party support? No. Region Locked? No. Low res screen? No. Handheld and console in one? Yes. New detachable controllers? Yes. Crossbuy solved forever? Yes.
Sorry, but your statement has little to no merit. This is about is different as you could possibly get.
3 Wii U was a good console with poor execution, so even if it was a version two, it could be an incredible console all the same.
3 minutes is more than enough to be blown away. 10 to 15 seconds is more than enough to be blown away. All they have to do is show the console and what it does. That's it. The small details don't blow people away- it's the general idea that makes the impact.
@dizzy_boy
I think it's because powering 2 screens simultaneously is exactly what led to all the complaints of games like Star Fox Zero looking so horribly dated.
I don't think people are going to be anxious to see that exact same issue repeated. I think docking it will allow the screen to dim or turn off, which will allow more resources to power the game on the television and bring it in line with the highest graphical fidelity possible. You're already dealing with slightly less powerful hardware from running on a mobile unit so there is absolutely no spare change for powering a second screen.
BREAKING: nintendo stocks FALL after announcement of the switch, even with all the positivity surrounding it. investor perception is that it's jsut another mobile device like a smartfone or tablet.
my personal take: in japan, the 3ds is king. it has 3d and dual screens. the switch has shown neither. ergo, i predict that the dual screen peripheral will be announced sooner rather than later. it might jsut be a cradle for a smartfone.
what will likely happen: nintendo will soldier on the path they set out. stock price matters, considering the timing of the reveal in relation to their next investor meeting, but it might matter less than cost.
@Jamotello
"Likely happen: Nintendo will soldier on the path they set out"
Well I surely hope so. If they abandoned billions of invested dollars from 3 to 4 years of planning and manufacturing and games in progress, and went back to the drawing board for another couple years just because of stock fluctuations, I think they'd be out of business by the end of the decade.
Stocks have no bearing on whether people will like and buy the console. And they rise and fall constantly so I wouldn't put too much stock into stocks.Their stock just jumped 1 billion yesterday and as you know what goes up must come down, and always does after speculation meets confirmed reality.
What matters is whether people like it, not investor speculation. And so far so good.
I'm not really that big on it.
The sideways controllers for 2 player look really uncomfortable because the analog control looks very close to the buttons and has fewer buttons than a snes controller.
Retro is big to me, and no d pad makes portable vc games basically a no go without a pro controller. Carrying a controller like that and having to find a way to prop the screen seems like it makes portable vc a no go.
Hardware just isn't a reason to get excited to me. Games are and a long list of supporters with only skyrim and nba 2k17 softly announced is pretty dissapointing to me.
Game memory and price look to be two items that could be issues as well as moving forward tour wii u digital library.
It looks like most people are pretty dissapointed with the reveal on non nintendo websites. For what it's worth pachter says this could be a big success at $200, which seems an impossible price point to me.
@Jamotello Perhaps there is functionality built into the switch that allows it to use the WiiU controller as a second screen? That will allow them to continue to sell that particular WiiU peripheral and recoup some of their lost income potential.
Far fetched I know. They've revealed alot but it always leaves a bunch of questions which we'll have answered soon enough.
@JaxonH i don't think that going back to the drawing board is necessarily bad. they won't be designing a new console, just a new peripheral to entice 3ds users to migrate.
every other gaming console whether handheld, home, or smart device, offers a single screen gaming experience. while dual screens often fail for tv play, they work brilliantly for mobile gaming, and gives them something genuinely different, and unique. there has to be a way to maintain that uniqueness.
I think it is a given that it has a touchscreen. Nintendo probably want the discussion at the moment to focus on the portability of a home console and not deviate to the mandatory comparisons with a tablet. After the first concept sink in then maybe they'll talk about other features.
@OGGamer could be. i'd like to think that they'll have use for the wii u, like as an external optical drive or whatever else. but i don't think that they would use it as something integral to the success of the switch.
I just don't understand what kind of target audience Nintendo is seeking, here. Do they really think that that a transformer/video game without any other unique feature that their previous systems built themselves upon will differentiate them enough from the other guys, who are doing the exact same things but with better technology and a larger market presence except without Mario and Zelda? Their constant compromises over the past year and a half makes them seem so much more and more marginalised with each pandering decision they make.
@Billsama i don't think they have a choice in the matter. outside of us nintendo fans, they really do need to convince people that it isn't jsut another tablet.
@Gauchorino
How are the 'other guys doing the exact same things but with better technology'? There's no portable XBO or PS4. The tech for the XBO/PS4 is hardly cutting edge either, being outdated within the first year.
To me Nintendo is at a better position in terms of tech. A small mobile system with power near the gigantic stationary XBO is impressive. I think that Sony/Microsoft actually screwed up in terms of tech by making the PS3/360 both 7th/8th gen systems (it actually makes the Wii U the most powerful 8th gen system) as they ended up rushing out underpowered 9th gen systems, which is clearly evident if a portable is even close to them.
@CaPPa Internal focus groups may have already proven me wrong, but because Nintendo has most likely thrown away their previous hallmarks of their hardware (such as touch control and two-screen gameplay) in favor of improving power and portability, what caused their software to stand out amongst more than just game fans will now be gone, too. The portability factor, while very cool and attractive-looking, will hardly convince most to dish out a lot of cash for something they can already play on their phone, tablet, or laptop. The tech is extremely negligible, and of course, underpowered (as if that makes a significant difference in sales, anymore). As Genyo Takeda stated concerning why he made the Wii technologically inferior to its competition, console wars can no longer be won through (minor) improvements in graphics capabilities.
There's still a lot that hasn't been said or seen about the Switch, yet, but it does seem like Nintendo is trying desperately to again compete with the dying (but more powerful and more widely-adopted) non-Nintendo console market while also remaining accessible to the mobile crowd. I just don't think it's possible for them to seriously reenter either of those markets through basic enhancements alone. Discrediting what's made them unique and largely successful over the past decade will be a big mistake, I think.
@Jamotello
Dual screen concept only ever succeeded when it was for pocket sized cheap handhelds. It failed miserably with Wii U- only a fool would expect success by repeating the exact same failures of yesterday.
@Gauchorino
???
Uh, how about anyone who likes fun video games? The real question is who is this not for? I can't think of anyone that this wouldn't appeal to. Nintendo gamers, absolutely. PS4 and X1 gamers, absolutely. If it was just a clone of the other two systems then they wouldn't want it. Nobody's going to cough up $400 for system that does the exact same thing and plays the exact same games in the exact same manner they already have access to. But by offering something different? The full suite of Nintendo classics, and 3rd party games, and both console and handheld (and console quality for the handheld). Don't have to buy a separate handheld version of the game, don't even have to buy a separate handheld, don't have to hope the developer incorporate cross save...
And of course casuals who may be haven't owned a console since the Wii. Could definitely see this appealing to them as well.
So ya. The target audience is anyone who plays video games.
@JaxonH But they're not (seemingly) doing anything different than what XB1, PS4, PC, and phone developers are doing, except for making games featuring Nintendo characters. I highly doubt that will recover the pre-Wii and pre-N64 audiences that they lost, as we've seen with their "failed" previous attempts at reconciliation with them with the Wii U and Gamecube, respectively. But it's still very early, so I'm not sounding doomsday for it nor ruling it out for myself, yet.
I actually predicted this when the Wii U arrived.. it was clear they were trying to detach from the living room.. more and more of the market is on the go and I'm pretty sure there will be games that can be played on this without any controllers.. No more cross buy, no more having two systems and two ways to purchase the same game.. this is a nintendo fans wet dream and there is nothing wrong with that!!
we have multiple ways of using the built in controller plus a new "pro" style controller as well.. also it appears you can connect the pro controller even when un-docked which is great!!
my only real concern is how big is this with the controllers attached.. it looks pretty big.. i'm really going to miss the clam shell design on the 3ds..
@Gauchorino
"Except for making games featuring Nintendo characters"
and making those games playable on both a console and handheld while only needing to purchase one system. And completely eliminating the need for cross buy or cross save. _And offering 3rd party AAA games on the go.
None of which Xbox One, PS4, PC or phone developers have done or are doing. None of those systems offer bilateral play, and none of those systems have eliminated the need for crossbuy or crosssave (although we do see efforts of crossbuy and save with Xbox Play Anywhere and a few Vita indies, we're talking about completely eliminating the need for it). And none of those systems offer AAA games on a portable platform on the go. PS4, X1, PC, your phone... you won't be playing Skyrim in the car on the way to work on any of those devices.
The way I see it, there doing everything different. About as different as feasibly possible. Short of going full out virtual reality or AR, but even that is being done by others. This is one thing that's not being done by anyone.
@JaxonH Maybe I don't understand all the peripheral features of each of those system families, but I thought that at least PC and iOS/Android users were able to play AAA titles on the go with no hassle. I severely lament the now forsaken innovative features that made 2002-2016 Nintendo uniquely fun and engaging. I do think that Switch can easily revive local multiplayer if marketed well, however.
@Gauchorino
Well PC isn't mobile so that was never an option. I guess a laptop but, that's not exactly ideal, or cheap. Especially gaming laptops can run $1000 or more, and few people have a gaming laptop or even if they do, take it with them to game on the porch, in the car, at work, etc. So that's not really in the same ballpark or a good example.
Phones and tablets don't get AAA. They get mobile apps to go alongside AAA, but you won't find AAA games on mobile. There's a few DS JRPG'S and made for mobile Final Fantasy free to play, stuff like that, but ya AAA on the go has yet to be offered by the console or mobile industry in any shape or form.
I think most people said with a unified voice "no gimmicks" which is what Wii and Wii U were labeled as. So by not incorporating anything weird (Switch is different, but not gimmicky that's for sure) those attacks can't be leveled against it.
And as I was telling the other guy about Wii U, the dual screen console concept failed. Only 13 million people bought into a console based around that concept. I don't think they want to see that mistake repeated.
People all across the board said we want just straight up games with a straight up dual analog control setup. No mandatory motion or dual screen stuff. And that's what we're getting.
It's all about the games this time around. And the playability of said games anywhere with full scale console graphics.
I think the device's execution was a lot better than I thought.
If the Switch is cheap, like $250, then I could see this thing selling really, really well.
Someone should screencap this page and repost it when the $400+ bundle price point is formally announced and people realise that they're going to have to shell out Scorpio/Neo money for a 'console' that has tenuous third-party support and whose primary hardware, which is predicated on having portability as a feature, is subject to the same limited recharge cycle as any tablet and is equally impossible to service.
@JaxonH Fair enough. I guess we'll have to see whether or not the portability + AAA gaming features will convince those crowds to Switch.
But I'm afraid that "stick to the basics" philosophy will be their downfall. Nintendo has always been the leader in software innovation because of their hardware's unique development features, while the other guys tend to just uncreatively improve upon the foundations that Nintendo lays. If we look at Wii and DS software, most successful games implemented touch/motion control well without it feeling gimmicky, and the 3DS and Wii U improved upon those aspects (at least from a technical perspective) and added to them. I don't think the Wii U failed because of its unique features (which were often not mandatory and sometimes not even implemented) but because of its lack of focus and lack of consistent market presence. I'd rather Nintendo add features to their successive systems, not remove them. Price is clearly a key selling point of the Switch, but it seems strange that in the year 2016 these features which reinvented Nintendo are still costly to implement a decade later.
@MadAdam81
I'll take it that she wasn't aware of that...LOL...Thanks!
My only issue is that without through staggered button / stick placement it does not look comfortable. Since I will be playing primarily on the gamepad portion this concerns me.
@JaxonH good thing i said for mobile gaming then.
I dont get the hype tbh, its a mid spec tablet with a detacable bluetooth controller, hdmi out and a nintendo os. Not very innovative by any stretch of the imagination, least not based on what we've currently seen. Hopefully more info will be released soon.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE That is flatout wrong, since Maxwell architecture is previous regenation Tech.
They clearly say they use the latest Technology from NVidia that is used in today's top of the line desktop Cards, which is the 10xx series. These are based on the New Pascal architecture.
What you are showing is specs for the old Tegra X1, which is indeed a max. of 1 TFLOPS
What can however be the case, is that the handheld is holding the Tegra X1, which would be sufficient for the small handheld screen in terms of Power.
But that the docking station would house the Tegra X2, pushing the performance to 2,5 - 3 TFLOPS for TV.
But, I still hold hope that both handheld and docking station will house a custom Tegra SoC based on Pascal architecture.
The reason for this, simple. Both more Power, but most importantly, better battery life!
It all Depends how deep NVidia's partnership with Nintendo goes and if they are offering a killer deal on these SoC's to Nintendo to be able to showcase the full Power and scalability of Tegra.
NVidia has a lot riding on this partnership, since the Shield tablet and TV failed to sell.
I agree with a lot of the positive sentiments all round, but I can't say I'll bite until I know what the specs are, battery life details, how everything works and the list of confirmed games.
The third party stuff sounds promising, but pretty much every console ever has always had a bunch of people saying they'll make something, only to dash off or remove exclusivity rights at the last minute. Part of my worry may be caused my traumatic memories of the Capcom Five, natch.
@JohnGrey If both handheld and docking station contain a Tegra SoC based on Pascal architecture, then both SoC's scaled together will put the Power of this Switch console (to TV at least) somewhere in the middle of PS4 and PS4 Pro.
Since it's a 2-in-1 console, a $400 price tag will then be more than justified.
If they cheaped out and use the old Tegra X1 Tech based on Maxwell architecture, then Power will be behind PS4 / XBOne (highly dissapointing if this is the case and will again hurt 3rd party title support in future), then they cannot charge more than $250 - 300 max. Since that's where the current PS4 slim and XBone-S is priced at.
@GrailUK Um... the Wii U pad has a touch screen, but most games don't use it for much. And yet I like having a touch screen as an interface and as an option for gaming. The Wii U doesn't 'need' a touch screen, but it has one and I like it a lot. I just wish it had been designed with a capacitive screen.
@JaxonH Preach it, brother.
I keep seeing things to reply to and you have the reply I was thinking of.
It seems those that really want a hybrid are thrilled with this system. To me it's not a selling point. It'll be interesting to see if it can get mass market acceptance.
@cleveland124
I think it is even if some people don't realize it.
Some may say "well I don't game on handhelds" but maybe they would if they had the option to do so with actual console graphics and games. And even if not, surely people will appreciate lifting it off the dock to play in another room, or lounge on the patio and play, or use as off TV play like Wii U (only far better by being native to the device).
But, even if a personal is adamantly against handheld play, or if likewise adamantly against console play, the great thing is it accommodates both groups. Those who don't want portability can just leave it permanently docked, and those who don't want to game on a TV can just use it as as high tech handheld.
It's really an all-encompassing product. Handheld gamers, console gamers, or those who like to do both... the Switch seems to offer something for everyone. And that is the biggest selling point imo. It doesn't alienate console gamers because it plays console games on a TV. It doesn't alienate handheld gamers cause it's the most high tech gaming handheld the market has ever seen. And it appeals all the more to those who play both.
With those bases all covered, they can focus on what matters most- just making sure it has great games. As long as they deliver the goods in that respect, I think we're in for a return to form. I'm certainly excited just from a handheld perspective. This thing makes 3DS look like it came from the stone age lol.
@arrmixer
Given a disgustingly negative Switch article I've just read (quickly dismissed as clickbait by its top-rated comment no less), I'd be intrigued to see what banned user @Pachterkid would have to say on the matter.
As for me, I'm just cautious, that's all.
@JaxonH
I am both a handheld gamer and console gamer. Just to me you make concessions to be an everything device and don't end up with as good of a console or as good of a handheld and you pay for both anyway.
I mean the real benefit is to take that console game on the road. Which isn't terrible but I don't think it's worth the obvious design flaws to me. You can buy a great handheld and a great consile for $400 if thats where the bundle falls.
I'll probably still get it but not in 17. I want to see if the market accepts it first or if Nintendo is going to drop it like the Wii U.
@AlexSora89
lol 😂 he might actually like the idea being that the distinguishing itself from the PS4/Xbox one crowd... "portable that can by used in the big screen" idea might win him over 👍🏼
but honestly it's anyone's guess
@arrmixer
One thing's for sure: the idea of a Game Boy Advance Virtual Console for a home console now actually makes sense.
@AlexSora89
I saw what you did there! A lot of things Nintendo has done during the Wii U were not ideal.
I hope this next iteration Nintendo learns from it's mistakes
@Tsusasi Ow don't get me wrong, I'm a massive fan of touch screen dual screens. Deus Ex on Wii U was definitive in my book. However, they said they are starting from square one. So my hunch is no touch screen, and if this format is successful (and judging from the buzz already I think it will be massive) I think future iterations and models will incorporate these ideas back in to the fold to keep the format fresh and moving.
@arrmixer
The GBA Virtual Console being on Wii U instead of the 3DS, key word being instead, wasn't just "not ideal", it was outright stupid.
@GrailUK This is all my opinion and speculation of course, but I can't imagine a step back like that. The Wii U and their handhelds both have touch. I think starting fresh is a more apt description.
What I think we are seeing here is what Reggie eluded to and that is clear, concise messaging. One of the biggest mistakes made early on with the Wii U was flooding the consumer with pretty much everything that the Wii U could do instead of focusing on it's core value proposition and fun. That coupled with the confusing Wii U moniker made it a hard sell when you had to figure out which of it's features and functions worked for you and where the fun would be found. This trailer does everything right that Nintendo got wrong the first time. So I think we'll be seeing more about touch interface later after the public has played the trailer over and over and absorbed the core messaging. Once everyone is sold on the fun and the core functionality, then you can add the secret sauces.
One other elephant in the room is motion control. And I'm bullish that it will be a thing. Just ask UBISOFT:
'Just Dance 2017 will be available on all motion-control gaming platforms, including Nintendo's Wii™, Wii U™ and NX systems'
So I think it will be a slow burn, but other features and functionality will eventually be revealed.
@Tsusasi You might be right I hope you are right I will assume no touch screen though (because I am still totally sold on what I have seen lol) and if it is announced later then it just gets better.
On the fence. Switch isn't enough to stop me getting a PS4 next and the graphics don't seem incredibly different to my Wii U (yet) where I can still play Mario Kart etc. And I love the 3D of the 3DS so I might still upgrade to a New 3DS. Think I can easily wait a year or so and see how Switch does on the software and account system fronts first.
Splatoon on in the background?
it looks fun to play and that is what i want in a game to have fun
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