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Digitimes: NX mass production delayed to early 2017, VR integration, hybrid(?)

Makes business sense, Nintendo has 60 million mobile / handheld consumers and 10 million console, so their core market is mobile / hand held.

If the hand held has a separate controller and maybe an SCD (disk drive and HD / network storage / HDMI out ?) then they could have a 1 + TF that does everything.

Maybe it has an android boot mode which allows mobile games and mobile VR ?

It would certainly have its own market...
 
Cartho said:
*Looks at PS4 / Xbox One combined sales*

Hmm.
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CdS8NQAXEAE1iTm.jpg:large
 
Interesting. Feels unlikely but then we still don't know just how far along the process they truly are. Everything so far, to the best of my knowledge, is still mostly just rumours.

I just can't see them adding VR in on a whim like this but who knows. Maybe they're just thinking ahead and making sure it has the capability of running a VR solution that they can work on later. Maybe the original NX spec wasn't up to snuff for VR and they've redesigned it?

I still think Nintendo could do great things with VR. Fun interesting games that really take advantage of the tech. Imagine a Mario platformer taking place all around you like an inverse Mario Galaxy level.
 
Doesn't this just tie in with the March release? Mass production of the console beginning 2017 still says Q1 launch to me. I mean consoles don't usually sit in warehouses for more than a couple months after manufacture do they?

I think if we had got this news before the March 2017 release announcement, then it wouldn't have been as confusing.
 
Hybrid+VR sounds like a fan wishlist.

VR is especially off, considering they have so little 3rd party support I really doubt Nintendo would bother with VR unless they were interested in developing major 1st party VR titles.
 
Apparently they don't want to release another console with weak hardware. It seems that NEO and Scorpio rumours came just in time for Nintendo, so they could increase the power.
 
Feels like BS to me. Nintendo isn't the type to be so forward thinking to have VR integration at all. Especially when Reggie dismissed VR a while ago.
 
VR? That's got to be false, at least in the current form of VR we're used to. I could see them maybe have some AR gimmicks or maybe a twist on VR where you could see a world rendered on the screen that reacts like a VR headset when rotated.

Nintendo has zero experience creating VR experiences and it would be a huge risk to start from scratch or change up current titles. Not to mention the horsepower issue and Nintendo's insane quality control, they wouldn't ever get VR games to market in time.

I think that part is bullshit, I will eat crow if they have a legit VR solution for the NX.
 
If VR is part of Ninty's plan for NX, it could be a pretty unique opportunity for them to scoop early 'mainstream' VR from the others by offering their first party software dedication to an all-in-one VR device that could possibly be untethered and have modern and matured motion controls to match at a price that can appeal widely. Would be neat to see.
 
How can you "add VR functions"?? What just include a head set as a after thought? I think this rules this article out as nonsense.
 
Bjoern the Smexy said:
I would actually welcome a hybrid console.
It's also exactly what I hoped it'd be.
But as for now I'm not gonna get involved in rumours and lies.
Click to expand...

Yeah I would be pleased if it was a hybrid but I would want it to be a home console with a handheld component, not the other way around.

Apparently they don't want to release another console with weak hardware. It seems that NEO and Scorpio rumours came just in time for Nintendo, so they could increase the power.
Click to expand...
I really hope this is the case and they will not make the same mistake as the Wii brand an underpowered console behind Sony and Microsoft in less than a year... I don't think they have a Wiimote like system seller this time... I hope I'm wrong
 
Majukun said:
nintendo burned bridge with every demographic possible really,from the hardcore gamer to the casual to the non gamers,there's no one Nintendo can target,for one reason or another

also,making an hybriud mobile/console catering to the tablet and smartphone demographic was what the wii u was all about,and look how it ended
Click to expand...

There are no burned bridges with casual- and non-gamer audiences. Where would that come from? However, the male 18-34 demographic will be hard to get because of market perception over the last 15-20 years where Nintendo has not targeted them well enough or at all. But the only people truly "burned" would be the very hardcore of the hardcore who's played games for a long time and felt burned by the Wii and Wii U not catering to them like they used to. Those are the people playing on PC and PS4/XBO, and yes, that audience on that market would be near impossible to get a chunk of. Apart from that group who might be wary of Nintendo products people will buy NX if NX is an appealing machine. Will it be difficult for Nintendo to make NX an appealing machine? Yes. Is it impossible or anywhere close to it? Of course not, and I reckon most people saying so is part of that small group where there actually have been burned bridges.

My perspective of course is from a reality where the rumour in this thread is a load of BS. What Digitimes wrote sounds convoluted, needlessly expensive and directionless. But you bet they'll be going for the tablet- and smartphone demographic, it's so obvious with every little new thing they do, whether it's mobile initiatives, Nintendo Account or overall marketing which is not shifting towards trying to be "cool" or cutting-edge.

PdotMichael said:
Nintendo is looking for that untapped market already for over a decade with the result that Nintendo is in the worst position ever as console company.

Nintendo's position is pretty bad and possible delays and changes like adding VR aren't helping.
Click to expand...

They did tap into that untapped market, the results were spectacular the first part of that decade, and now the situation is a lot worse. That should be proof enough that the industry doesn't move along a linear path where the bad gets worse and the good gets better. Things change, and companies' positions on the market changes as new products are unveiled and new technologies are being developed. We'll find out if you doomsayers' statements holds up soon.

Again, I'm assuming this is all a garbage rumour and that NX's supposed "brand-new concept" actually is a brand-new concept and not 3-4 concepts, not all new, thrown into one (probably) overly expensive and directionless machine.
 
Nintendo has already done the research and development for almost everything they need to make a VR setup.

They've been running games with stereoscopic 3d for a while now on 3DS which is essentially what VR headsets do.

They've already developed ultra low latency video steaming tech for the gamepad.

The gamepad also has gyro sensors just like a headset would.

They've already made Wii motion plus controllers that could be used to control VR games...


They just need to put it all together.
 
TheJoRu said:
actually is a brand-new concept and not 3-4 concepts, not all new, thrown into one (probably) overly expensive and directionless machine.
Click to expand...

How would it be directionless ?

1. Nintendo have 60 million hand held consumers
2. Nintendo are making smart phone games

So a hybrid with a controller meets their main market, and the Nintendo core 10 million will also buy it anyway. From a sales potential standpoint it makes sense.

If the hybrid is made to also play mobile games (maybe an android special OS), then the device could also accept all the GEAR VR software - does not have to be VR focussed, just a nice to have. Sounds cool, and if it can get > 1 TF it can also play most 3rd party games.

Possumowner said:
OK I'm not technical.But I'm guessing it's fairly easy to add VR support...I'm just thinking at how Samsung does it with Gear VR,and of course Google's new Daydream VR.
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If they do have a mobile screen and a controller, then to add a gear VR they would need a way to attach the goggles which would maybe need a change to the mould / casing design....which is mentioned in the article...makes sense to me...
 
OK I'm not technical.But I'm guessing it's fairly easy to add VR support...I'm just thinking at how Samsung does it with Gear VR,and of course Google's new Daydream VR.

Of course if this "leak" is indeed true
 
Yeah... I'm not really believing this one. There's a whole list of reasons for why I'm skeptical, but it's too early in the morning for me to make such a list. This is all kinds of ridiculous though.
 
Possumowner said:
OK I'm not technical.But I'm guessing it's fairly easy to add VR support...I'm just thinking at how Samsung does it with Gear VR,and of course Google's new Daydream VR.

Of course if this "leak" is indeed true
Click to expand...

Gear VR requires a very expensive Samsung phone to work. The only way they could do something similar is by including a cheap accessory that fits to a screen controller to transform it into a VR headset. But that could only be a good idea if the whole system was designed for that purpose to begin with, as really they'd need to make the screen in the controller detatchable (otherwise the VR headset would be pretty unusable due to bulk and weight). If this article claimed VR was in from the start I could believe it was possible. But adding VR?, no not a chance. Nintendo wouldn't do something that half baked.
 
The NX is sounding more and more like a Nintendo fan focus tested product than a cohesive, thoughtful console.

"How powerful do you want it to be?"
More powerful than the PS4 and Xbox One.

"Do you want a home console or handheld?"
Why not both.

"What kind of controller do you want?"
Well, I like when Nintendo innovates so try something crazy.

"Is there anything else you want out of the hardware?"
Yeah, VR support!

If Nintendo actually knew what they wanted to do with the NX and were confident enough to at least discuss it at E3, I'd be pretty interested. But more rumors come out, more silence comes from Nintendo, then more rumors (and sometimes official statements) come out about NX delays. This is turning into a vicious cycle of reactionism.

If true
 
Donnie said:
Gear VR requires a very expensive Samsung phone to work. The only way they could do something similar is by including a cheap accessory that fits to a screen controller to transform it into a VR headset. But that could only be a good idea if the whole system was designed for that purpose to begin with, as really they'd need to make the screen in the controller detatchable (otherwise the VR headset would be pretty unusable due to bulk and weight). If this article claimed VR was in from the start I could believe it was possible. But adding VR?, no not a chance. Nintendo wouldn't do something that half baked.
Click to expand...


Thank you,i wasn't sure how it worked/needed to be added.

This pretty much debunks the article,of which I was suspicious anyway 👍
 
Nintendo will still not embrace VR with NX IMHO.

More probable is that they will have some sort of optional Gear VR like device to sell along their with next handheld.
 
Honestly? The only thing I want from the NX is to have the next Xenoblade be a launch title.

That said, since it's unlikely to happen at least a teaser for it or for more RPG output from Nintendo for the NX. I'd be happy with that.

Though... Playing the next Xenoblade or Zelda in VR would be pretty sweet. ;)
 
Yeah no... I don't buy that rumor.
I could see a delay to ramp up the power in light of the new Sony/MS consoles, but I'm betting my ass that VR is not what Ninty is after.
 
Nostremitus said:
Nintendo has already done the research and development for almost everything they need to make a VR setup.

They've been running games with stereoscopic 3d for a while now on 3DS which is essentially what VR headsets do.

They've already developed ultra low latency video steaming tech for the gamepad.

The gamepad also has gyro sensors just like a headset would.

They've already made Wii motion plus controllers that could be used to control VR games...


They just need to put it all together.
Click to expand...

You're right in that it wouldn't take a bunch of work for them to put it all together

Digital Foundry said the Wii U Gamepad had 33 MS of lag

Carmack said a couple years ago that under 20 MS would be "acceptable for VR"

I think this report is BS this time though.
 
Justice_Bolt said:
They reduced their shipment by half?! Holy shit that's bad. Also no way it release in March if they start production early next year.
Click to expand...

Keep in mind that the only direct source for the 20 million rumor was... wait for it... Digitimes! And they originally said that 20 million would ship thus year. In two months, vs up to 6 based on this rumor.

That's more than enough to kill the credibility of this imo.
 
Donnie said:
Gear VR requires a very expensive Samsung phone to work. The only way they could do something similar is by including a cheap accessory that fits to a screen controller to transform it into a VR headset. But that could only be a good idea if the whole system was designed for that purpose to begin with, as really they'd need to make the screen in the controller detatchable (otherwise the VR headset would be pretty unusable due to bulk and weight). If this article claimed VR was in from the start I could believe it was possible. But adding VR?, no not a chance. Nintendo wouldn't do something that half baked.
Click to expand...

That very expensive Samsung phone costs $255 to make the IPhone equivalent is even less at $215 Since its samsung and apples primary earner they charge huge markups. But Nintendo ditching the camera and changing a few things could quite easily be competitive with a $299 launch and 350 for an XL version with a Wii U port like Smash, Splatoon or Mario Maker to be a value Add for customers.

I think that this rumour is strictly that, and I don't think it makes sense. But to suggest Nintendo couldn't hypothetically break even per unit on a Device capable of Gear VR level VR performance is untrue. The Marketing budget for the Machine could be Absorbed into the Budget of each individual games such as Zelda NX ect

all that's left to account for would be the R and D costs. Which while not insignificant could easily be absorbed by Nintendo. Especially if the rumour of 1 chip at different clocks is true (or That NVidia Rumour holds up)

Business wise. Nintendo would take a loss on R&D. Sell the consoles at break even prices and plan to profit on DLC sales of the included Wii U ports

TLDR this is probably Bullshit.but it's fun to try and create a narrative where most of the rumours fit togeather and are hypothetically plausible
 
Ehh... Cutting shipment forecasts before you've even announced your product to the public? That doesn't make sense.

Isn't the best way to gauge interest in your product announcing it to the public and seeing thw reaction from consumers and retailers? How else would Nintendo know if they have a potential hit on their hands or another GameCube or Wii U? Just doesn't seem quite right.

Particularly if NX replaces console and handheld, 10 mil the first year across your previous 3DS & Wii U line seems pretty anemic.

Now, if Nintendo is producing the 10 mil target only prior to the end of the fiscal year, and 10 mil is only the first few months of release, that would make more sense. But 10 mil across launch and firsr holiday in 2017 is nothing. Retailers won't even want to bother if that's all the volume Nintendo expects out of their only system.
 
I just really want to know what the NX is. I've never been this curious regarding a console reveal my whole life. Dammit Nintendo, spill the beans already!
 
I don't buy this for a second.
 
jdstorm said:
That very expensive Samsung phone costs $255 to make the IPhone equivalent is even less at $215 Since its samsung and apples primary earner they charge huge markups. But Nintendo ditching the camera and changing a few things could quite easily be competitive with a $299 launch and 350 for an XL version with a Wii U port like Smash, Splatoon or Mario Maker to be a value Add for customers.
Click to expand...

Right, which is incredibly prohibitively expensive for a controller/interface device that has to be included with a console. Even if they removed most of the parts that make it a phone (just kept sensors ect) they then have to add the cost of the GearVR like headset to mount it in (this is without considering a external camera which would be a big miss in a gaming VR system). Lets say they manage to pull off a entire headset worth including for $150, which would be a amazing accomplishment (impossible really). That leaves them next to nothing to spend on the console, controllers ect Yet they're doing all this as a after thought?. IF VR is part of NX then they aren't adding it, it would have to have been in from the start.
 
the wii UU double U W square aka NX doesn't seem to be directly competing. I can't imagine it throwing kitchen sink at us all at once to respond to demands.
 
thefro said:
You're right in that it wouldn't take a bunch of work for them to put it all together

Digital Foundry said the Wii U Gamepad had 33 MS of lag

Carmack said a couple years ago that under 20 MS would be "acceptable for VR"

I think this report is BS this time though.
Click to expand...

The gamepad has 33ms latency, but I doubt their engineers stopped working to improve it since then, especially if they were even remotely considering VR.

Also, how much of that 33ms was due to the Gamepad's screen VS streaming latency?

That said, I agree that this report is probably BS.
 
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