Gaming Smack My Switch Up: The Nintendo Switch Discussion Thread

It's interesting how the trailer is geared towards young adults. Like, there are no kids in it at all.

 

Youtube is usually better for these kinds of things. So, I like the simple clack sound, most of the game systems like to have a somewhat unique power-on sound. The name is easy to remember at least (though I still miss Revolution).

Was that Skyrim? Forget if a Nintendo port had already been announced. Saw quite a few old Nintendo franchises represented of course (Mario, Kart, Splatoon), wonder if those were the Wii U versions or if they'll have new games ready by March. Funny, that part where the guy slid that game card into the portable version reminded me of a Vita for a moment (compared to the DS/3DS iconic clamshell design).

Sun/Moon is already almost here, but by the next games/generation if we could finally get a full console-quality Pokemon game that was both portable and could be played on the big screen... that would be wonderful.

Still not quite entirely sold on this (not after the underperforming Wii U, which I honestly still liked well enough), but here's hoping. It'll probably also depend on how many big games they can get, like if they can have Zelda ready by the launch date (poor Wii U missed out on having its own Zelda game at all). Wonder how long until they have an announcement with more details (not sure they'll keep doing Directs with Iwata gone).

 

Yeah I'll believe all those third parties when I see the games, frankly. This would seem to jive with rumors that also suggested it's much less powerful than the PS4 and Xbone, which makes sense given that it needs to be able to switch to portable, but also means you're basically restricted to ports of old games and titles developed specifically for Switch.

Still, if the track record for Nintendo's portable devices holds here, I think they could have a real winner. I'm certainly a fan of devices that let you play portable games with a proper controller on a nice television set. *Looks at PSTV, single tear rolls down cheek*

 

Funny to see Atlus there. Wonder what they'll contribute- the hardware should be enough for Persona 5 (considering there's still a PS3 version), or maybe we'll get another FE x Shin Megami game. Though the last one bombed (the quality wasn't half bad though).

Looked like that guy was sliding in a gamecard at one point, like a 3DS, so guess we'll eventually find out if the Switch replaces both the Wii U and 3DS. I hope Nintendo finally updates their online network to be more modern, like what you'd expect from Apple, Sony or Microsoft. Again, I'm reminded of how there are some PS3/4 and Vita games, and whether each game box will include a disc and a gamecard for instance. Or how much memory the portable part will have (preferably with a SD card slot for expandability). Please don't be like the Vita with ridiculously expensive proprietary card. Not to mention the poor failed PSTV (which I also still use occasionally).

 

Atlus put out a ton of games for the DS and 3DS, that is maybe the least surprising third party developer/publisher on that image short of the actual Nintendo partners.

 

True, between stuff like Persona Q and Etrian Odyssey, but that was handheld stuff. My memory isn't that great, but off-hand only that crossover was console level. Maybe? Not that the Wii U had that many games, relatively speaking. Which is why I'm curious how Atlus will contribute now. Well, that and P5 is still on my brain (already have that reserved for my PS4 though). Heh, imagine the reaction if they announced another Persona 4 game/port instead.

It probably won't be as simple as taking handheld games and giving them a graphical upgrade. Or if that is their strategy, I hope it sells well. Though there was already a bit of that with them porting Wii U stuff to New 3DS. All of which is kind of a continuation of the Wii U's built-in TV screen.

 

I've been out of the Nintendo loop for a while, so forgive my ignorance, but is the Switch the rumored Nintendo NX console?

Also, regarding the Switch, it's basically a portable Wii U, eh? Now don't get me wrong, the Wii U's ability to switch from TV to Game Pad is definitely neat (though my Game Pad doesn't seem to work so well after a year--something not entirely unexpected given how cheap the Wii U's accessories feel).

I'm not entirely certain what Nintendo's goal or strategy is anymore. I used to be like some of you--a diehard Nintendo fan. But they've lost my affection over the past decade because of what I've seen as stupid decisions that don't allow them to effectively compete head on with the industry leaders. They seem to have settled in to making themselves comfortable in a little niche in the market instead of the forefront.

Since I'm too lazy to use Google for this, I'll just ask a few things here:
- Is there a significant graphics upgrade in the Switch that at least brings it up to par against the XB1 and PS4? The gameplay visuals in that trailer didn't look so different from the Wii U's visuals.

- Will the tablet boast a significant visual upgrade against the Wii U's Game Pad? Personally, this was one of my gripes concerning the Wii U Game Pad. Sure, neat idea, but the degradation in visuals when switching from TV to Game Pad was glaring imo.

-How will the Switch appeal to third-party developers? Or has Nintendo simply given up on their support? It's my understanding that the absence of support from third parties is a large part of why the Wii U appears to have been a failure.

EDIT:

I suppose this last question was kind of addressed by the graphic posted above.

 

The Switch looks great, Skyrim is definitely a pleasant surprise. This generation has definitely turned into a two horse race for me between the PS4 and Switch, especially now that we have finally seen the Switch.

 

I've never been into mobile gaming, so this really doesn't do anything for me.

Even worse is how badly the aesthetics are off....the console itself looks like a battery charger, and the aforementioned controller looks like a Quasimodo puppy born from a Sega Dreamcast.

 

Look interesting but dying to read about the actual hardware specs. The footage of Skyrim looked quite decent. I seriously question the fidelity of those graphics on a tablet that size.

 

The fidelity should be higher the smaller the size is, no? The larger the screen is, the higher resolution you need to maintain fidelity, which is more taxing on the hardware. Whereas a smaller screen can get away with lower resolution and still appear sharp. Plus, the savings in processing power can be used for other ends.

 

Don't necessarily believe the footage, it was superimposed onto green screens and may not be representative.

But yes, I'm also curious about the specs. The rumors that were in line with the design and functionality suggest it's weaker than the PS4 and Bone, which would certainly position this thing as a second system/handheld market device.

 

I made a comment way back in May and it's on the last page because I saw a developer kit half a year ago (I've kept quiet about it but wasn't under any NDA's or contracts) and at the time didn't recognise the console but after was told their were consoles in their that hadn't been shown and were under wraps. When I got home figured it was this (NX) and hence why I asked if there were images. There wasn't and I couldn't find anything about it so decided to just keep quiet and not get into any trouble. I didn't get a picture or any time with it-just a brief glimpse of it in a Development lab with nearly every type of Console release and Development Kit.

That kit was white so I've wondered if the console itself is white. I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere so I guess not- It will probably be a Second year release like the other wacky colours Nintendo likes to do.

 

Yes, but even for a Nintendo product the visuals were impressive. Plus, it's Skyrim.

 

From my understanding, the early SDKs usually doesn't look exactly like the final product. I remember reading about the making of SOTE and the early kit had a modified SNES controller to emulate the end one. Actually, that was a great read so I'll link it here.

I will hold off getting Skyrim on the PS4 now and get the Switch version after seeing the video I am really keen on finding out about the launch titles and what other features the system is capable of that they are still keeping under wraps. Still a lot of details we need to know but they did a good job of giving an impression of the system and what we might expect.

 

I think the battery life is really what will be the clincher for a lot of prospective buyers. Switch is an excellent idea (in theory - like many Nintendo innovations) but if the rumoured battery life of three to four hours is to be believed...how travel friendly is the Switch? I'd say that's one of the biggest questions about this new addition to the Nintendo family.

 

Good news, Nintendo will reveal price and specs...in January

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/10/nintendo-is-having-a-presentation-about-the-switch-in-january/

 

To be fair it's not coming out until March, so...

 

It's ironic how Nintendo is the one actor that found success with the 3D "gimmick"*.

*Whether or not it actually is a gimmick is a matter of opinion, I suppose. I think it has legitimate value, but I can also understand the viewpoint of those who do see it as such.