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[runnin_blue]

I can already see myself watching Netflix on a warm summer night out in the backyard with this thing in kickstand mode.

 

[I'm new be nice]

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.

But in this case you're only talking about the worst of one world. You may not care about portables, but you're saying you do care about consoles. So you're paying more money for a screen you won't use, and a smaller form factor that will produce worse results than had you gotten a console designed first and foremost for gaming.

If Nintendo ever wanted to make a stronger case for their redundancy as a platform holder, it's the Switch.

 

[Radical Edward]

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.

How can it only be one? What about when it is in mini controller mode?

 

[ArchedThunder]

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

I'm pretty sure modern mobile CPUs are better than the current gen systems'.

 

[rekameohs]

How can it only be one? What about when it is in mini controller mode?

Why should every game need to support that style of play? Simple multiplayer games like Mario Kart will, but Skyrim wouldn't have any need for that.

 

[chaosblade]

How can it only be one? What about when it is in mini controller mode?

It's unlikely Nintendo is going to mandate support for every controller mode/option. They haven't previously. If a game doesn't fit with that scheme, it just won't be supported.

 

[UncleSporky]

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

Oh yeah, clearly. There are so many types of games that couldn't ever work on SNES button configurations.

But they'll be supported in many Nintendo games, because they often don't demand as many buttons, have years of experience developing for sideways remotes, and always like to emphasize local multiplayer. Smash, Kart, 2D Mario, 3D Mario, Mario Party, Wario games, all good with few buttons.

 

[Bronetta]

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.

You bet Virtual Console will support half-controllers for multiplayer. Thats an awesome prospect for multiplayer on the go.

 

[callhitman]

so Switch is your home system, portable system, tablet, roku (when docked). I like the multiple uses already. if I can cast from my cell to this whIle docked I'm sold.

 

[Neoleo2143]

How can it only be one? What about when it is in mini controller mode?

For local play, developers can take that into account, if they wish, but it's not a necessity. There are two mini controllers and together they have all the buttons needed for almost any console game down to even analog triggers potentially (not confirmed, but they look closer to other analog triggers)

 

[Red Devil]

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

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

- Mario Maker

Could Mario Maker exist without a touchscreen interface? Specially since the Joy-Cons could potentitally be used for pointing and selecting? That's assuming there won't be a new Mario Maker eventually instead they'll just dump the old one into Switch.

so Switch is your home system, portable system, tablet, roku (when docked). I like the multiple uses already. if I can cast from my cell to this whIle docked I'm sold.

If I recall correctly that can be on Wii U with YouTube videos, so maybe?

 

[Futaba]

Just for fun, and to lay the debate to rest about whether or not portions of the trailer were running directly on the console or just video editing:

Red lines represent vertical reference points for the hardware (real) and the overlay
Yellow lines represent horizontal reference points for the hardware (real) and the overlay
Teal line shows the approximate angle deviation between the two outer hardware references for horizontal and vertical, the angle deviation travels across the hardware with all visible angles matching up, the displays angles however do not, what the video editor has done is deform the overlay video to match the outer frame of the hardware then scaled down the overlay to give it the boarder, without adjusting the deformation to match the new angles.

The result is it's off what it would be in reality by a notable degree, well beyond the margin for error in angle detection.

Heck just looking at the three red lines on the right makes it obvious what they did on it's own.

 

[UncleSporky]

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

I believe most rumors/leaks at this point place it as a weaker GPU but better CPU, positioning it as a sort of side grade to XB1.

 

[Radical Edward]

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.

I guess we go to cabins and lakes for different reasons. I try not to have my phone on, if possible

 

[Tavernacle12]

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 early on (Dead Rising, Farcry...) the problem was that they basically had to remake the games with lower specs and those games did poorly critically and commercially. Companies in general had a difficult time coming up with original concepts that sold well so they just sort of abandoned it. The Wii just couldn't get straight ports. Some managed to crack it a little (Skylanders, Guitar Hero, and Just Dance all did well) but they really couldn't port down as far as I could tell.

If the Switch is at least as powerful as a standard Xbox One it should be able to get ports, I would think, unless I'm unaware of Microsoft making Scorpio exclusive games. Maybe?

 

[James Scott]

MK and Splatoon are ports I believe, and I can't comment on what upgrades Nintendo is making for them. Same for Zelda. But you simply can't comment on the Switch's performance based on this video, especially about perceived differences when it's portable.

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

Sounds good enough. As long as Switch get the best versions of the Wii U ports I'll be perfectly fine in terms of specs.
Good to hear that Zelda wasn't indicative as well.

 

[NinjaCoachZ]

Could Mario Maker exist without a touchscreen interface? Specially since the Joy-Cons could potentitally be used for pointing and selecting? That's assuming there won't be a new Mario Maker eventually instead they'll just dump the old one into Switch.

Would it be possible to use the detachable controls as a mouse?

 

[Trup1aya]

I believe most rumors/leaks at this point place it as a weaker GPU but better CPU, positioning it as a sort of side grade to XB1.

Wow, that's pretty amazing if true. So visually downgraded ports aren't outside of the relm of possibility.

Seriously, is really interesting me. I'm beginning to care less about graphics, I want portability, but I prefer the console experience over what you get on a handheld these days.
The Switch, on paper, is right up my alley.

 

[Tavernacle12]

Could Mario Maker exist without a touchscreen interface? Specially since the Joy-Cons could potentitally be used for pointing and selecting?



If I recall correctly that can be on Wii U with YouTube videos, so maybe?

I mean, you could do it with a control stick but it'd be a pain. It'd be like using MS Paint with a keypad instead of a mouse (though not quite as awful).

 

[KingBroly]

Could Mario Maker exist without a touchscreen interface? Specially since the Joy-Cons could potentitally be used for pointing and selecting? That's assuming there won't be a new Mario Maker eventually instead they'll just dump the old one into Switch.

You could do Mario Maker without a touchscreen. It just wouldn't be nearly as good to make levels.

 

[rekameohs]

Could Mario Maker exist without a touchscreen interface? Specially since the Joy-Cons could potentitally be used for pointing and selecting? That's assuming there won't be a new Mario Maker eventually instead they'll just dump the old one into Switch.



If I recall correctly that can be on Wii U with YouTube videos, so maybe?

I would love if the Joy-Cons had pointers, since I love Mote+Chuck for shooters, but it doesn't seem like they do.

 

[Pantz]

#1 console to use on the toilet for sure

 

[tmac456]

Can't see myself buying this but will definitely monitor it to see how it looks/reviews

 

[Nerrel]

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.

I wasn't arguing that the actors were literally playing in real time, I was arguing that it's plausible that the footage was still from the Switch even if it was added in post. The different versions of MK8 and Splatoon we saw suggest that- they obviously didn't just pull Wii U footage for that, and if Nintendo used the Switch versions of those games it follows that they likely used the Switch version of Zelda as well.

It doesn't really matter until we get the first real look at the system, sure, but I wouldn't say that guarantees that nothing in the video was at all indicative of the system. Again, I wouldn't be so skeptical if Nintendo didn't have such major problems with underpowered hardware the past few gens. If Switch is substantially better than Wii U, even in portable mode, I'll be really happy.

 

[Radical Edward]

Why should every game need to support that style of play? Simple multiplayer games like Mario Kart will, but Skyrim wouldn't have any need for that.

It's unlikely Nintendo is going to mandate support for every controller mode/option. They haven't previously. If a game doesn't fit with that scheme, it just won't be supported.

For local play, developers can take that into account, if they wish, but it's not a necessity. There are two mini controllers and together they have all the buttons needed for almost any console game down to even analog triggers potentially (not confirmed, but they look closer to other analog triggers)

Thanks for the clarification. I thought it was funny they were showing a game like 2k16 with mini controllers.

 

[vareon]

I hope there are versions of Nintendo's mobile games playable on this.

 

[Speely]

I think some devs are still going to make handheld-style games for the NS that are meant to be played on the go. Just because it's a hybrid designed to consolidate 1st-party development certainly does not mean that every dev will be forced to create big 3D games you happen to also be able to play away from home. Some studios will still target the faster turnaround and lower price point of games that don't require abundant assets and long dev periods/big teams to put out.

At least I hope. It would be great to see a steady stream of both big home console-style games and games that are more suited for a smaller portable experience.

I suppose if indies get involved in any real capacity this is an inevitability whatever the case

 

[Off-Kilter]

Just for fun, and to lay the debate to rest about whether or not portions of the trailer were running directly on the console or just video editing:

Red lines represent vertical reference points for the hardware (real) and the overlay
Yellow lines represent horizontal reference points for the hardware (real) and the overlay
Teal line shows the approximate angle deviation between the two outer hardware references for horizontal and vertical, the angle deviation travels across the hardware with all visible angles matching up, the displays angles however do not, what the video editor has done is deform the overlay video to match the outer frame of the hardware then scaled down the overlay to give it the boarder, without adjusting the deformation to match the new angles.

The result is it's off what it would be in reality by a notable degree, well beyond the margin for error in angle detection.

Heck just looking at the three red lines on the right makes it obvious what they did on it's own.

Nice catch

 

[ryanfadholi]

Oh yeah, clearly. There are so many types of games that couldn't ever work on SNES button configurations.

But they'll be supported in many Nintendo games, because they often don't demand as many buttons, have years of experience developing for sideways remotes, and always like to emphasize local multiplayer. Smash, Kart, 2D Mario, 3D Mario, Mario Party, Wario games, all good with few buttons.

Fair point.

I do love the idea of detachable left-right controller, the Wii Nunchuk + Remote was very natural for me (albeit the cable tangling)

Will Amiibos be supported by this? How do they do that? Creating an optional snapping control for scanning Amiibos?

 

[Lionel Richie]

You have nothing to worry about.

You should apply for a job at Nintendo, it seems you have information they lack.

 

[dangeraaron10]

You got me back, Ninty.

Can't wait to see what's in store for the NS. I really hope Smash finds its way on there soon.

 

[Tavernacle12]

I wasn't arguing that the actors were literally playing in real time, I was arguing that it's plausible that the footage was still from the Switch even if it was added in post. The different versions of MK8 and Splatoon we saw suggest that- they obviously didn't just pull Wii U footage for that, and if Nintendo used the Switch versions of those games it follows that they likely used the Switch version of Zelda as well.

It doesn't really matter until we get the first real look at the system, sure, but I wouldn't say that guarantees that nothing in the video was at all indicative of the system. Again, I wouldn't be so skeptical if Nintendo didn't have such major problems with underpowered hardware the past few gens. If Switch is substantially better than Wii U, even in portable mode, I'll be really happy.

Does Nintendo have a history of (sorry if I'm using this term incorrectly) bullshots? I know a lot changes between prerelease and release builds of their games, but I can't recall them actively showing something unrealistic. If the system is out in March they presumably have most of these games close to presentable (I would hope, at least if they're launch titles like Zelda) so I'd hope they were recorded via the Switch and just added into the video afterwards.

 

[Azriell]

I guess we go to cabins and lakes for different reasons. I try not to have my phone on, if possible

No, we likely go for the same reason. But in the evenings, after the kids go to bed, we often play Mario Party or board games.

 

[Silvawuff]

Interesting move by Nintendo. Lots of questions that could make this a hit or a big miss. Howzabout that battery life?

 

[Neoleo2143]

Does Nintendo have a history of (sorry if I'm using this term incorrectly) bullshots? I know a lot changes between prerelease and release builds of their games, but I can't recall them actively showing something unrealistic. If the system is out in March they presumably have most of these games close to presentable (I would hope, at least if they're launch titles like Zelda) so I'd hope they were recorded via the Switch and just added into the video afterwards.

They sometimes do, they sometimes don't, they're inconsistent.

 

[Branduil]

Would it be possible to use the detachable controls as a mouse?

Assuming they work like Wii motion plus, yes.

 

[Niks]

I think this will not do well in the long term, but as ever with Nintendo, I applaud them for trying to do something different though. That said, the exclusives are probably going to be amazing.

 

[Tavernacle12]

Will Amiibos be supported by this? How do they do that? Creating an optional snapping control for scanning Amiibos?

The New 3DS they just scan onto the screen I think, so presumably they'd scan onto the tablet. When it's docked maybe the dock has a sensor to read them? Or maybe the controllers do? I'd imagine what's needed to read them isn't impossible to fit in a pro controller.

 

[Radical Edward]

No, we likely go for the same reason. But in the evenings, after the kids go to bed, we often play Mario Party or board games.

Can't argue with late night mario party.

 

[jmizzal]

From the GameXplain video
I thought this comment was intresting, dont know if this thought has been discussed

"CrossfacePanda3 hours ago
IF the console has a touchscreen, the middle part of the JoyCon grip might actually be a touchpad that serves as a substitute for the touchscreen while the screen itself is in the cradle during TV play. Could even potentially use haptic feedback type technology the likes of which we've seen in Valve's Steam Controller. Just a thought "

Also Nintendo saying that they dont know if the grip will be included with the systems just yet and not talking about touch yet makes me think it might be the case, the grip might be more the just a holder for the joycons

 

[BoboBrazil]

Too big to be successful as a portable(can't put in pocket) and not powerful or unique enough to be successful as a home console. I see this appealing to the same core of Nintendo fans and noone else.

 

[AniHawk]

that video is really effective and evocative of the wii preview video from 2005, except with more emphasis on games that actually exist. the song choice is fucking on point too so good job on whoever got that in there.

Too big to be successful as a portable

people have lived with tablets for half a decade so i kind of doubt that.

 

[UncleSporky]

I think some devs are still going to make handheld-style games for the NS that are meant to be played on the go. Just because it's a hybrid designed to consolidate 1st-party development certainly does not mean that every dev will be forced to create big 3D games you happen to also be able to play away from home. Some studios will still target the faster turnaround and lower price point of games that don't require abundant assets and long dev periods/big teams to put out.

At least I hope. It would be great to see a steady stream of both big home console-style games and games that are more suited for a smaller portable experience.

I suppose if indies get involved in any real capacity this is an inevitability whatever the case

Yeah, and really, what's wrong with lesser visuals properly upscaled to HD on a big TV?

Makes me recall this thread. Of course portable-priced-development would look vastly better than the DS seen there, but it demonstrates the kind of difference you can get with just a resolution bump.

 

[DecoReturns]

Wow, the Views skyrocket on the trailer.

It at 1 Mil for a view and now its at 6 Mil

 

[KingBroly]

MK and Splatoon are ports I believe, and I can't comment on what upgrades Nintendo is making for them. Same for Zelda. But you simply can't comment on the Switch's performance based on this video, especially about perceived differences when it's portable.

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

Well, Mario Kart has different item mechanics, which makes me think 'new game, same engine' like Galaxy 2 was. Splatoon has a few new things there as well. But I'm a lot more confident in saying MK is new than Splatoon.

 

[99Luffy]

Im pretty disappointed. Looks like theyre releasing a Nintendo branded Nvidia Shield, minus the PC gamestreaming? oh look, a last gen game was the sole non nintendo game they showed. That isnt foreshadowing their future third party support at all...

 

[UncleSporky]

Too big to be successful as a portable(can't put in pocket)

And yet everyone is wandering around with giant tablets.

 

[NinjaCoachZ]

Assuming they work like Wii motion plus, yes.

Sweet. We could get some Mario Paint action going on.

 

[Lionel Richie]

I really hope the possibility of Nintendo releasing a SKU without the JoyCon grip doesn't actually happen, that would be the most moronic thing ever and would create all kinds of confusion.

 

[Cheesehead302]

Im pretty disappointed. Looks like theyre releasing a Nintendo branded Nvidia Shield, minus the PC gamestreaming? oh look, a last gen game was the sole non nintendo game they showed. That isnt foreshadowing their future third party support at all...

Except, it isn't a late port and will be the remastered version arriving at the same time as every other system's version.