Support NeoGAF

[HotHamBoy]

That really depends on how big the discrepancy in performance is. They didn't try to port too many games from PS3/360 to Wii despite the Wii's popularity.

Nintendo Switch is now at the bottom end with Scorpio at the top. That's a massive gulf.

Yeah, look at that console from 10 years ago that was a complete generation behind and lacked a lot of buttons necessary for parity as well as inviting necessary incorporation of motion controls! That's sure an indication of how things will go on this new console.

It is, actually.

 

[Steve Youngblood]

Well fair enough, maybe it just looks much bigger in the press shots than it actually is, or maybe I underestimate modern uber-children. It's a far cry from the Gameboy I grew up with.

In any case, my point remains that two separate mobile platforms doesn't make much sense to me unless they become homes for different markets, or unless they release a new DS that somehow can play scaled-down versions of Switch games.

I'm not sure why we assume that they're intending to release another DS device? I mean, maybe they will release something at some point with a smaller form factor, but the whole point going forward I gathered was to basically only have one platform to support. So who knows. Maybe they'll release a smaller tablet/phone-sized device. Maybe they'll release a console box that only connects to a TV. But my understanding is that this would all be down the road and wouldn't deviate wildly from the architecture they're using in the Switch here.

 

[Memorabilia]

I'm shocked. I actually like the looks of this thing. Not sold on the mini-controllers, but as long as every game is Pro controller compatible I'd seriously consider an early life-cycle purchase whereas I waited until fire sales on Wii and still don't have a Wii U (tho I plan to pick one up if I can find one on the cheap when stores clear shelf space for Switch). As for people complaining its the "worst of both worlds", I can understand if you're really into portable gaming. But I'm not. So, this actually looks pretty cool to my tastes. Sleek/cool design that doesn't look like a Fisher-Price toy, for a change. Bring on a reasonable price and 3rd party support and I'm onboard.

Edit:

The fucking scenarios are hilarious. Like any group of friends that are getting together to play couch co-op are almost certainly using a TV. Maybe I could see the road trip thing happening , but no. I don't know anyone who are getting together with their friends to pass out tiny gimped remotes (Remember playing Mario Cart on Wii and how much the Wii-mote sucked ass) and play on a 6.2" screen out on a park bench or something.

Not saying the option is bad, but they seemed to really focus on it, when that's really not something that will be used extensively or is as anywhere near important as the titles and system details.

Lol You're not wrong. That said, it's easily explained by "... because marketing." I mean, even if Ninty's people know internally that Switch is likely going to be used primarily just like every other console - on couch, in front of big ass TV - they have to differentiate their product in some way (beyond 1st party games). Sony and MS ate their lunch this gen. The gimmick won't sell this thing alone. For that they need the right price and 3rd party game mix. But the gimmicks can help. Concentrating on the gimmick is SOP, even if most people just want to play Mario and...er...Skyrim (?) on this thing.

 

[pixelation]

The fucking scenarios are hilarious. Like any group of friends that are getting together to play couch co-op are almost certainly using a TV. Maybe I could see the road trip thing happening , but no. I don't know anyone who are getting together with their friends to pass out tiny gimped remotes (Remember playing Mario Cart on Wii and how much the Wii-mote sucked ass) and play on a 6.2" screen out on a park bench or something.

Wishful thinking by Nintendo perhaps.

 

[Interfectum]

And, also, yeah, Switch is more capable than the Wii U. Don't worry.

How does it compare to XB1?

 

[Azriell]

The more I look at that dpad, the more mad I get. You cannot throw fireballs consistently on this pad. Sliding your finger would cause bleeding.

I suspect that the Joycons are more of a convenience than anything, and that most of the core gaming audience will spend most home time with the pro controller. Pro is most likley more comfortable and ergonomic in all ways, not just the dpad.

 

[chaosblade]

Nintendo Switch is now at the bottom end with Scorpio at the top. That's a massive gulf.

Switch at least has modern hardware, unlike the Wii at the time. That likely matters more than the difference in specs.

 

[sunshine and gasoline]

I'm kinda torn by this.

The form factor would actually make this my ideal console for third party titles, since I spend a lot of time on the road. It would be my first Nintendo console since n64.

But if this thing takes off, wouldn't the hardware limitations mean that it'll hold back the ambitions multiplatform titles on xb1 and ps4?

Not necessarily. Devs can always severly downgrade Switch ports of Xbox One/PS4 games instead of holding back Xb1/PS4 games.

 

[UncleSporky]

It is, actually.

If Switch fails, it won't be because it was too similar to the Wii of all things.

 

[callhitman]

The more I look at that dpad, the more mad I get. You cannot throw fireballs consistently on this pad. Sliding your finger would cause bleeding.

And if they sell a controller side with a big pad and no analog instead u just made them more money. this is going to be like the woil U when it comes to add ons.

 

[Nerrel]

This was me responding to a dude making assumptions about power based on what was seen in the video. It was using his own argument against him, in case that wasn't apparent. Of course the video shouldn't be used for any substantial assessment as everyone else was telling the same dude.

Again, I haven't denied that this is plausibly the case, but after the Wii U I can't really give Nintendo the benefit of a doubt when it comes to hardware.

Best case scenario is that they just didn't have good direct footage of actual Switch gameplay ready and just used whatever they quickly could to get the point across. But you'd assume that with a reveal of a new system that some of that footage may actually be from the system, even if it was doctored in.

 

[brainpann]

The more I look at that dpad, the more mad I get. You cannot throw fireballs consistently on this pad. Sliding your finger would cause bleeding.

Im hoping a better d-pad equipped left joy con gets released.

 

[HotHamBoy]

Switch at least has modern hardware, unlike the Wii at the time. That likely matters more than the difference in specs.

But it is still using a very small amount of on-board storage, too. I believe the rumor is 32gb? Without an HDD it can't be much more than that.

Are these 50gb carts?

Not necessarily. Devs can always severly downgrade Switch ports of Xbox One/PS4 games instead of holding back Xb1/PS4 games.

But it will be at major caveats. The XB1 struggles to perform as well as the PS4.

 

[Matt]

I have no doubt that the hardware itself is more capable, but whether developers will be able to push it without disrupting the portable experience is another thing. Again, the video isn't anywhere near empirical proof, but if this was all post processing you'd assume they could have gotten footage in there that wasn't so choppy. None of the TV stuff that was apparently edited in had that problem. At the very least, I think it's reasonable to wonder how smooth the portable experience is going to be compared to docked play.

Dude I don't know how else to say that none of the footage being shown in that video was being played live on the Switch. Will Zelda have frame rate problems? No idea, but that video means nothing one way or the other.

 

[Trup1aya]

Look at the Wii.

That really depends on how big the discrepancy in performance is. They didn't try to port too many games from PS3/360 to Wii despite the Wii's popularity.

They did try to port to the Wii initially, but the wii's 'non-gamer' audience wasn't interested in traditional experiences, so devs focused on unique experiences.

It seems like Nintendo is targeting a more traditional audience this time around.

You have nothing to worry about.

They've surprised us before.

If the Switch provides a viable platform for games with more modest presentations and budgets but that are imaginative and innovative in other departments, I think it would be hugely beneficial to the industry. I don't think this console is meant to directly compete with XB1 and PS4, nor should it. Had Nintendo done a better job curating content on the Wii and making sure people continue to buy games for it, I feel like the industry would potentially be much more interesting today. Hopefully they can pull it off this time around.

That's a different way of looking at it.. Good point.

 

[norm9]

And if they sell a controller side with a big pad and no analog instead u just made them more money. this is going to be like the woil U when it comes to add ons.

That's if they bother making the add-on.

 

[Hikami]

Yey, more physical dlc to get excited about.

The takeaway from that is customization. Not as crazy as those examples but surely Hori, Mad Catz, or whatever other third parties will make joy-cons suited to your tastes.

Be it one with a better D-pad, symmetrical sticks, fighting game pad layout, etc.

 

[OrbitalBeard]

But it is still using a very small amount of on-board storage, too. I believe the rumor is 32gb? Without an HDD it can't be much more than that.

Are these 50gb carts?

According to rumors, 32 gigs.

 

[?oe?oe]

It's already the second most viewed video on Nintendo's Youtube. Coming for Zelda next.

 

[pixelation]

You're getting an incredibly powerful handheld device, feel happy.

Sucks for me because i am almost solely a console gamer, so i am left staring at the ugly side of the coin. A rather lackluster (power wise speaking) home console.

 

[Matt]

This is disappointing. I love MK8 but I'd rather have a new game with more new content.

To be crystal clear, I don't work for Nintendo, I don't know for sure. They both could be brand new...I just have heard otherwise.

I'm sure they both will have a bunch of new stuff though.

 

[callhitman]

That's if they bother making the add-on.

If they don't some one will. But Nintendo always seems to make all kinds of stuff for there systems since the 64.

 

[hockeypuck]

Like someone already said near the beginning of the thread, the Joycon buttons are too vertical while in controller mode. Nintendo should change the angle at which the L and R mini-controllers slide in, more like a 'V' shape. That way the button positions are more like those on the Pro controller's.

 

[Trup1aya]

Not necessarily. Devs can always severly downgrade Switch ports of Xbox One/PS4 games instead of holding back Xb1/PS4 games.

But making a port is more than just downgrading performance and visuals, some systems are simply going to require power file hardware.

For example, trying to port an open world game with dense NPC populations (like assassins creed) to a console with a much weaker CPU would take more than a visual downgrade.

So if you wanted to make a game from the ground up to support all 3 consoles. You'd have to make sure that the scale of the simulation was feasible on the lowest common denominator.

 

[Mihael Mello Keehl]

The more I look at that dpad, the more mad I get. You cannot throw fireballs consistently on this pad. Sliding your finger would cause bleeding.

The lack if ergonomics is the primary reason for me to be taking these leaks so cautiously. It just seem silly and still do. I mean i guess some people will like it. I will primarily use it as a home console with the pro controller and a handheld.

Im not gonna be doing that multi player tiny controller thing I would he uncomfortable.

 

[Off-Kilter]

The fucking scenarios are hilarious. Like any group of friends that are getting together to play couch co-op are almost certainly using a TV. Maybe I could see the road trip thing happening , but no. I don't know anyone who are getting together with their friends to pass out tiny gimped remotes (Remember playing Mario Cart on Wii and how much the Wii-mote sucked ass) and play on a 6.2" screen out on a park bench or something.

My favorite part was when they showed the dudes at the basketball court, and they stopped playing ball irl to play 2K on a tablet... while still at the court.

Just lmao

 

[ryanfadholi]

Welp, how many control schemes would Developers need to consider for Switch Games?

 

[ArchedThunder]

But making a port is more than just downgrading performance and visuals, some systems are simply going to require power file hardware.

For example, trying to port an open world game with dense NPC populations (like assassins creed) to a console with a much weaker CPU would take more than a visual downgrade.

Switch probably has a stronger CPU than the PS4 and Xbox One.

 

[Big Green Anus]

Is it true that the screen is not a touchscreen?

 

[Neoleo2143]

Welp, how many control schemes would Developers need to consider for Switch Games?

Just one. They could design games for different control schemes if they wished but in general, the release NS has all the buttons needed for any console game.

 

[HotHamBoy]

If they don't some one will. But Nintendo always seems to make all kinds of stuff for there systems since the 64.

Cant wait for the hideous Spongebob and Patrick third party JoyCons!

 

[rekameohs]

Welp, how many control schemes would Developers need to consider for Switch Games?

One

More if they feel like it

 

[eyeball_kid]

I'm not sure why we assume that they're intending to release another DS device? I mean, maybe they will release something at some point with a smaller form factor, but the whole point going forward I gathered was to basically only have one platform to support. So who knows. Maybe they'll release a smaller tablet/phone-sized device. Maybe they'll release a console box that only connects to a TV. But my understanding is that this would all be down the road and wouldn't deviate wildly from the architecture they're using in the Switch here.

I suppose I just assumed the DS would continue in some form in order to hit a lower price point if nothing else. The clamshell design also makes it sturdier, which has always been a good selling point. But maybe it really is the end for the DS.

 

[Trup1aya]

Switch probably has a stronger CPU than the PS4 and Xbox One.

Really? That's interesting! I wouldn't think this the case since its a mobile device. I wonder how battery life will hold up.

 

[Kinsei]

Is it true that the screen is not a touchscreen?

Nintendo has not said whether it is or not. A reliable insider has said that it is.

 

[ArchedThunder]

Really, that's interesting. I wouldn't think this the case since its a mobile device. I wonder how battery life will hold up.

The PS4 and Xbox One's CPUs were bad at the time they released, they're pretty much ancient now.

 

[norm9]

My favorite part was when they showed the dudes at the basketball court, and they stopped playing ball irl to play 2K on a tablet... while still at the court.

Just lmao

To be fair, wii sports was a phenomenon so pretending to play a sport can get popular

 

[Cmagus]

I personally don't find the on the go stuff interesting and I kind of wish they could just do a cheaper sku that just has a TV console and a pro controller.

 

[rekameohs]

Really? That's interesting! I wouldn't think this the case since its a mobile device. I wonder how battery life will hold up.

Yeah, the X1 and PS4 CPU's are actually very dated.

 

[Totakeke]

Is it true that the screen is not a touchscreen?

I think the main question is, even if the screen has a touchscreen, you cannot play a game that require touchscreen controls when docked for the tv, hence it's far more unlikely to develop games that uses a touchscreen as a control scheme.

 

[Neoleo2143]

I think the main question is, even if the screen has a touchscreen, you cannot play a game that require touchscreen controls when docked for the tv, hence it's far more unlikely to develop games that uses a touchscreen as a control scheme.

I don't think that's completely true. The knowledge that everyone who owns an NS can use the touchscreen makes the development of such games viable unlike say the Kinect where only a subsect of the audience can be relied on to have it.

 

[UncleSporky]

I think the main question is, even if the screen has a touchscreen, you cannot play a game that require touchscreen controls when docked for the tv, hence it's far more unlikely to develop games that uses a touchscreen as a control scheme.

- VC use for DS/3DS/Wii U(?)

- Web browsing and other non-game functionality in tablet mode

- Mario Maker

 

[ryanfadholi]

One

More if they feel like it

Just one. They could design games for different control schemes if they wished but in general, the release NS has all the buttons needed for any console game.

The tablet won't be a touchscreen? I assumed so lol.

So the 1-controller-for-two control scheme is completely optional, depending on the game? Hmmm

 

[Somnid]

Welp, how many control schemes would Developers need to consider for Switch Games?

Just 1. 2 sticks, 4 face buttons, 4 shoulder buttons. You just have the options to attach the joy cons to the console unit, to the joy con controller or use them separately. Alternately there's the Switch controller pro. The half-controller stuff is just for multiplayer and no other support has been shown.

 

[Bjoern the Smexy]

Is it true that the screen is not a touchscreen?

The Screen is a 10-Point Multi Touchscreen according to that leaked spec sheet.

 

[rekameohs]

I think the main question is, even if the screen has a touchscreen, you cannot play a game that require touchscreen controls when docked for the tv, hence it's far more unlikely to develop games that uses a touchscreen as a control scheme.

I bet the screen is touch at the very least so OS features, internet browsing, etc. can be done through touch. That tech is extremely cheap these days. But yeah, I doubt devs will use it much at all. I mean, look at the PS4 trackpad and how little games use it despite it being on the only input method for the console.

 

[Neoleo2143]

The tablet won't be a touchscreen? I assumed so lol.

So the 1-controller-for-two control scheme is completely optional, depending on the game? Hmmm

Oh the tablet's probably a touchscreen and games that use it probably can't be set into TV mode, but that doesn't mean all games developers have to make touch controls for their games, just the ones that want to make touch controls the basis of their control methods. This makes more sense if you were to include more games from other mobile devices. There would be no need to design a control method for porting.

 

[Anth0ny]

I think the main question is, even if the screen has a touchscreen, you cannot play a game that require touchscreen controls when docked for the tv, hence it's far more unlikely to develop games that uses a touchscreen as a control scheme.

I think it would make sense if there were games that only worked when undocked, like Nintendo's mobile games. Those would use touch, of course.

 

[Azriell]

This thing is right up my alley. I love handheld gaming, I love console gaming. We spend a lot of time at the beaches and parks in the area, I can see this being fun at these locations. We spend a week each year at a cabin on the lake, and I think this will be a big hit up there. My kids are super stoked at the prospect of portable MP, and I think portable 4p MP sounds really cool (even if it's not ideal, I am willing to sacrifice a little for such a cool concept).

Everyone in my house has a 3DS (except for the newborn), so I think this thing is going to be a huge hit with us.

 

[Trup1aya]

The PS4 and Xbox One's CPUs were bad at the time they released, they're pretty much ancient now.

Well sure, but The Switch is using an arm chipset... It's all about low power consumption. So I'm a bit hesitant to except the fact that it could put perform even the disappointing CPUs of xb1 and ps4