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[OCD Guy]

Anyone know when we're meant to find out the price of this thing? Any rumours?

What about specs, games etc? Did I imagine it or are we meant to hear something this coming week?

We need (or want) more info at this point, ideally the full functionality, the price and to see games being played in real time.

 

[toadsworth]

I wonder when the games direct will be? Gonna be hype as fuck!!

 

[MomoQca]

I wonder when the games direct will be? Gonna be hype as fuck!!

My bet is second or third week of January.

 

[Malus]

Even though I've never played a Persona game before, I'd be highly interested in getting one if it comes out on the NS.



YAS. This would be perfect. I really doubt it though. Lately, the wait time between reveal and release for most of Nintendo's games has been less than a year. Hell, we don't even know HALF of the Switch's launch lineup and that's coming out in 5 months!

Yeah, XCX's reveal alongside all those other games in the january 2013 direct was a special case. Probably won't hear of it for a while but here's hoping.

Anyone know when we're meant to find out the price of this thing? Any rumours?

What about specs, games etc? Did I imagine it or are we meant to hear something this coming week?

We need (or want) more info at this point, ideally the full functionality, the price and to see games being played in real time.

Next year, unless we get something via leak.

 

[Speely]

Anyone know when we're meant to find out the price of this thing? Any rumours?

What about specs, games etc? Did I imagine it or are we meant to hear something this coming week?

We need (or want) more info at this point, ideally the full functionality, the price and to see games being played in real time.

Price is generally speculated to be between $199 and $349, with safe bets being $249 and $299. That is my take on it from discussion, nothing more. Rumors have stated that it's going to be "less than most might think," though what most might think is a very vague metric, so make of that what you will. I take it as $299.

Specs are all over. The going speculation based on rumors and nvidia partnership put it at either 512 or 750 GFLOPS iirc, though this is further affected by FP16 vs FP32 use and possible downclocking when undocked and unlocked speed when docked.

Edit: G, not T lol. 512 TFLOPS would be quite a system indeed.

 

[runnin_blue]

Even though I've never played a Persona game before, I'd be highly interested in getting one if it comes out on the NS.



YAS. This would be perfect. I really doubt it though. Lately, the wait time between reveal and release for most of Nintendo's games has been less than a year. Hell, we don't even know HALF of the Switch's launch lineup and that's coming out in 5 months!

I don't think we know any of Switch's launch lineup, let alone half. Officially.

 

[tali'zorah84]

Anyone else see them moving away from the Direct brand as well? I think they'll change up the name to avoid the connection with the Wii U's primary digital game event. An NS Digital Event maybe?

 

[UnemployedVillain]

Anyone else see them moving away from the Direct brand as well? I think they'll change up the name to avoid the connection with the Wii U's primary digital game event. An NS Digital Event maybe?

There's nothing about the direct that ties it to the Wii line, so I don't think so. Not to mention, they'll probably still keep mii's and Miiverse as it ties into their Nintendo Network which is suppose to carry over. They're only getting rid of the Wii name and branding, not everything that happened to be around during the tenure of the Wii line of consoles

 

[Red Devil]

Anyone else see them moving away from the Direct brand as well? I think they'll change up the name to avoid the connection with the Wii U's primary digital game event. An NS Digital Event maybe?

Not really since Directs weren't a thing exclusively for Wii U, let alone one of the issues with Wii U.

 

[TLZ]

Here's an interesting thought (maybe already mentioned):

Since carts can come in sizes in excess of 100gb, what if the NS succeeds solely/mainly on the fact that devs can add much more content on a cart than they can on a CD (well BD but I still call them CDs ), just like devs preferred CDs back in the 90s for the bigger size compared to the much smaller cartridge sizes? Also not having to install massive sizes and therefore eliminating any waiting, pure quick plug and play experience, unlike the very slow PS4 and Xbone in comparison. Would be pretty ironic but awesome.

Imo, they should emphasize this to oblivion. This alone would sell me on it.

EDIT: I've watched numerous youtube videos and I don't know why no one's mentioned this at all.

 

[Omega Kirby]

I'm still super pumped for this. I loved the WiiU, but the switch has me waaay more excited than I ever felt for the WiiU

 

[UnemployedVillain]

Here's an interesting thought (maybe already mentioned):

Since carts can come in sizes in excess of 100gb, what if the NS succeeds solely/mainly on the fact that devs can add much more content on a cart than they can on a CD (well BD but I still call them CDs ), just like devs preferred CDs back in the 90s for the bigger size compared to the much smaller cartridge sizes? Also not having to install massive sizes and therefore eliminating any waiting, pure quick plug and play experience, unlike the very slow PS4 and Xbone in comparison. Would be pretty ironic but awesome.

Imo, they should emphasize this to oblivion. This alone would sell me on it.

I don't think we're quite at the point where 100GB cards are cheap enough, or close enough in costs to optical discs. Plus, there are a number of reasons why keeping patches, DLC and extra data on the separate SD card/HDD are better ideas that storing them just in the game card

 

[fluffydelusions]

Trump.

Lol

 

[Speely]

I'm still super pumped for this. I loved the WiiU, but the switch has me waaay more excited than I ever felt for the WiiU

Same. I am incredi-pumped. Everything about it seems perfect for me. Haven't been this excited for a console release since the Dreamcast.

 

[TLZ]

I don't think we're quite at the point where 100GB cards are cheap enough, or close enough in costs to optical discs. Plus, there are a number of reasons why keeping patches, DLC and extra data on the separate SD card/HDD are better ideas that storing them just in the game card

But they have that option, unlike BDs.

Add to that the no installation quick plug and play feat. Add to that quick loading times.

I think they should emphasize that part because there's a huge number of people who started gaming in the PS3/360 generation and now on the PS4/Xbone who haven't experienced that on a console level. It would come as a massive improvement to them.

Person: "Right... just bought skyrim enhanced NS and can't wait to play this. Here goes. *click*. Should be ready in 15-30mins after it's done insta.... wait WHAT? It started already?! OMG I just inserted the thing! What is this sorcery! Bye bye PS4! *throws PS4 out the window*"

Rofl.

 

[Speely]

But they have that option, unlike BDs.

Add to that the no installation quick plug and play feat. Add to that quick loading times.

I think they should emphasize that part because there's a huge number of people who started gaming in the PS3/360 generation and now on the PS4/Xbone who haven't experienced that on a console level. It would come as a massive improvement to them.

Person: "Right... just bought skyrim enhanced NS and can't wait to play this. Here goes. *click*. Should be ready in 15-30mins after it's done insta.... wait WHAT? It started already?! OMG I just inserted the thing! What is this sorcery! Bye bye PS4! *throws PS4 out the window*"

Rofl.

That is actually a really good point.

 

[OCD Guy]

Next year, unless we get something via leak.

Damn, well hopefully the floodgates will open lol.

Specs are all over. The going speculation based on rumors and nvidia partnership put it at either 512 or 750 GFLOPS iirc, though this is further affected by FP16 vs FP32 use and possible downclocking when undocked and unlocked speed when docked.

Edit: G, not T lol. 512 TFLOPS would be quite a system indeed.

It's not really the specs I'd like to find out, more the full functionality of the device.

According to rumours (or perhaps it was officially announced I can't remember now) NIntendo have some "surprises" they've not mentioned regarding the Switch.

I'm assuming it's in relation to what else the device does. At this stage all we know from Nintendo is a hybrid console with detachable controllers, judging by the reveal trailer. There was no motion control, touchscreen or anything else shown.

 

[rtcn63]

I don't see the "portable" aspect being a massive draw after the initial launch. It's arguably too big- even the 3DS XL fits in my jean pocket, plus the benefits of a clamshell design as opposed to an exposed screen- and in the end I think it'll be relegated strictly to home use. Moving between rooms or when the TV is being claimed by someone else, for example. (Kinda like the Wii U gamepad)

I am glad they're going back to traditional controls, that alone might entice people who gave up after the Wii and its forced waggle. And I do consider the design to be pretty cool from an aesthetic standpoint. I just have a hard time believing the Switch will be any different than the Wii U after a few years- a joy for longstanding hardcore Nintendo fans, but more a gimmick and disappointment for most anyone else.

But I have no desire to see it fail. My first console was a Super Nintendo, and I'd be happy to have a reason to return to the fold.

 

[UnemployedVillain]

I don't see the "portable" aspect being a massive draw after the initial launch. It's arguably too big- even the 3DS XL fits in my jean pocket, plus the benefits of a clamshell design as opposed to an exposed screen- and in the end I think it'll be relegated to home use. Moving between rooms or when the TV is being claimed by someone else, for example. (Kinda like the Wii U gamepad)

I don't think most people really cares about portable systems fitting in their pockets, and I doubt many people have pockets that can fit anything but a phone in one, and a wallet in the other

 

[Neiteio]

I've been busy the past few days, but the Switch hype suddenly hit me

Like man, I want this RIGHT NOW

I need this.

This is a really neat idea. Like if the Switch itself doesn't have gyro built into it, they could release a special Joycon with gyro for Splatoon.

 

[Sword Of Doom]

This is being communicated much better than Wii U, doesn't carry the confusion a lot of people had as to whether or not U was just a controller for vanilla Wii, and the Wii U launch lineup was fucking dreadful with another "New" Super Mario game and third party titles that were available on other consoles that were already well out. Nobody cared about buying Black Ops on Wii U.

I was watching one of the launch videos for the Wii U and watching it years later, it really looked like they were introducing a peripheral tablet for the Wii. Add the name on top of that and it's no surprise people were confused. Even my sister who eventually bought a Wii U for my nephew thought it was just a peripheral before she eventually bought it.

Im very excited for the NS. I think it looks slick. It's not perfect, but I think it's pretty neat. I bought a Wii U because It was the only way to play Nintendo games but the NS Im actually excited about. I don't know if that makes any sense

The Switch looks like a 7" tablet with controllers. People who own bags and backpacks capable of carrying a tablet already likely own one, and it's harder to justify lugging around a dedicated gaming console over (or in addition to) a device that will probably do internet, apps, and productivity better.

Not to say I don't see the appeal for the portable Switch- college-aged me would've loved having one to play between classes, especially since back then integrated laptop graphics was pretty shite. Or anyone with long commutes or travel a lot (and is a big Nintendo fan). But that might end up being a fairly niche market. Or not.

If it unifies all of Nintendo's first party then that is pretty exciting for me. still don't own a 3DS because I think it's to expensive. I wish I could play all those DS and 3DS on the Wii U tablet.
It's not just a portable device. There is a reason to own it even if you don't plan on using it on the go

 

[rtcn63]

I don't think most people really cares about portable systems fitting in their pockets, and I doubt many people have pockets that can fit anything but a phone in one, and a wallet in the other

The Switch looks like a 7" tablet with controllers. People who own bags and backpacks capable of carrying a tablet already likely own one, and it's harder to justify lugging around a dedicated gaming console over (or in addition to) a device that will probably do internet, apps, and productivity better.

Not to say I don't see the appeal for the portable Switch- college-aged me would've loved having one to play between classes, especially since back then integrated laptop graphics was pretty shite. Or anyone with a long commute or who travels a lot (and is a big Nintendo fan) but doesn't believe that their ubiquitous tablet/smartphone/laptop is doing enough. But for many people, I'd fathom a guess that those things are. At least, enough not to want to invest in yet another device specifically to carry around.

 

[NOLA_Gaffer]

Did we ever find out what that little button is on the left side of the controller underneath the "D-Pad"?

 

[Speely]

Did we ever find out what that little button is on the left side of the controller underneath the "D-Pad"?

No, but many people assume it's a share/record button.

 

[Nanashrew]

Did we ever find out what that little button is on the left side of the controller underneath the "D-Pad"?

The square button? According to Laura in an older leak/rumor, that's a share button.

 

[AirConditioner]

Don't think I saw this posted here. An actor from the trailer is a Twitch streamer, and has given some details about what being in the ad was like.
https://www.twitch.tv/dickhiskhan/v/96441430

He shares some tidbits about the auditioning process, getting to actually use and handle the system (not actually play any games of course), and some easter eggs from the trailer.
Also interesting: He says he knows more details about the system than was shown in the trailer, but cannot discuss that due to NDA.

 

[Neiteio]

The square button? According to Laura in an older leak/rumor, that's a share button.

To all the Nintendo-only gamers out there, get hyped if this is a Share button. The Share button is the most cherished feature on my PS4. I love the hell out of that thing. Allows me to share my Merc runs. Or how about tough battles in Bloodborne. Or even horrifying glitches in Arkham Knight. Seriously the greatest new addition this gen.

 

[UnemployedVillain]

The Switch looks like a 7" tablet with controllers. People who own bags and backpacks capable of carrying a tablet already likely own one, and it's harder to justify lugging around a dedicated gaming console over (or in addition to) a device that will probably do internet, apps, and productivity better.

Not to say I don't see the appeal for the portable Switch- college-aged me would've loved having one to play between classes, especially since back then integrated laptop graphics was pretty shite. Or anyone with long commutes or travel a lot (and is a big Nintendo fan). But that might end up being a fairly niche market. Or not.

Why do you guys keep using "lugging" like this is going to be some significant additional weight? Not to mention people had no problem bringing a phone + handheld device before. If they have a backpack, then it's not a big deal. This is a small tablet sized device. It probably weights very little

For reference, a Macbook Air, which is touted as a lightweight laptop weights 2.96lbs. The 12.9" iPad pro weights 1.59lbs. This will be lighter than that

 

[Nanashrew]

To all the Nintendo-only gamers out there, get hyped if this is a Share button. The Share button is the most cherished feature on my PS4. I love the hell out of that thing. Allows me to share my Merc runs. Or how about tough battles in Bloodborne. Seriously the greatest new addition this gen.

I soo hope it's a share button. I've thought about doing this stuff but I have no capture card and this would seriously help me a lot.

 

[Glass Joe]

Did we ever find out what that little button is on the left side of the controller underneath the "D-Pad"?

Common speculation is a share button. My guess is it's going to be a Miiverse shortcut.

 

[Trojita]

I need this.

Imagine the attachments for Vita games.

 

[AzaK]

Anyone else planning to dock this thing as soon as you get your hands on it, and never taking it back out? I have no desire whatsoever to take it out of the house. Maybe I'll take it with me on bathroom breaks but that's about it.

Maybe not definitely but I imagine it will spend 99.99% of it's time there. I think it'd be awesome if they offered a version where it was just a home console, clocked up, without screen for those that wanted it.

 

[Neiteio]

I soo hope it's a share button. I've thought about doing this stuff but I have no capture card and this would seriously help me a lot.

On PS4, you just hit the Share button, and then hit Triangle to take a .png screenshot, or Square to instantly capture the last 15 minutes of footage. You can then edit the footage in the Capture gallery, trimming the video by creating a start point and end point. You can scroll through the footage on a 1 sec, 5 sec or 10 sec basis. It's so great. Only downside is it records only in 720p and 30 fps (I think), but it's a fair concession to save space on your HDD.

 

[rtcn63]

Why do you guys keep using "lugging" like this is going to be some significant additional weight? Not to mention people had no problem bringing a phone + handheld device before. If they have a backpack, then it's not a big deal. This is a small tablet sized device. It probably weights very little

For reference, a Macbook Air, which is touted as a lightweight laptop weights 2.96lbs. The 12.9" iPad pro weights 1.59lbs. This will be lighter than that

It does take up space. I own a 7" inch tablet, a 12" laptop, and a smartphone. I've put all of those things in a messenger bag alongside a PS3 controller. Someone in college would likely be carrying textbooks, someone at work extra clothing, files, etc. as well.

A Switch + controller + a case (let's be honest most people won't be throwing it in a backpack/bag unprotected, particularly with other, heavier objects). Okay maybe a glass screen protector at the very minimum.

But it's not even the size or space, not really. The Switch being primarily a home console means that your brain starts to question whether it's worth taking out into the wild, where it's more likely to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Do I absolutely need to bring this with me to school or work when I can just wait, and play it in the safety of my living room on a big screen TV? (People with long commutes excluded)

Look at how many folks play their 3DS/Vita's at home. I'm not saying that most everyone will be like that, but I don't see most everyone going the predominately portable route either.

 

[eyeball_kid]

Why do you guys keep using "lugging" like this is going to be some significant additional weight? Not to mention people had no problem bringing a phone + handheld device before. If they have a backpack, then it's not a big deal. This is a small tablet sized device. It probably weights very little

For reference, a Macbook Air, which is touted as a lightweight laptop weights 2.96lbs. The 12.9" iPad pro weights 1.59lbs. This will be lighter than that

I don't carry my iPad around by itself, it's either in a briefcase or a bag. And I don't carry around either of those unless I have a need. So I think the previous poster's point was that unless you're already really dedicated to portable gaming – which is not a large percentage of western gamers – the portable aspect of the NS will only be used for room shifting by the vast majority of owners.

 

[Glass Joe]

Look at how many folks play their 3DS/Vita's at home. I'm not saying that everyone will be like that, but I dunno.

Some people who play their portables at home will be like that and think, "hey, I can play my 3ds/vita style games on the big screen! that's awesome!"

Others, like me (who liked the Wii U off-tv play), will think, "hey I can play my console while freeing up my TV for a Blu-ray, Netflix, Spotify, etc. that's also awesome!

 

[rtcn63]

Some people who play their portables at home will be like that and think, "hey, I can play my 3ds/vita style games on the big screen! that's awesome!"

Others, like me (who liked the Wii U off-tv play), will think, "hey I can play my console while freeing up my TV for a Blu-ray, Netflix, Spotify, etc. that's also awesome!

That's basically what I'd use the Switch for- to play while lying in bed. Sitting up for much of the day, it makes a noticeable difference.

 

[UnemployedVillain]

It does take up space. I own a 7" inch tablet, a 12" laptop, and a smartphone. I've put all of those things in a messenger bag alongside a PS3 controller. Someone in college would likely be carrying textbooks, someone at work extra clothing, files, etc. as well.

A Switch + controller + a case (let's be honest most people won't be throwing it in a backpack/bag unprotected, particularly with other, heavier objects). Okay maybe a glass screen protector at the very minimum.

But it's not even the size or space, not really. The Switch being primarily a home console means that your brain starts to question whether it's worth taking out into the wild, where it's more likely to get lost, stolen, damaged. Do I need to bring this with me to school or work when I can just wait, and play it in the safety of my living room on a big screen TV?

Look at how many folks play their 3DS/Vita's at home. I'm not saying that most everyone will be like that, but I don't see most everyone going the predominately portable route either.

I think you're making a lot of assumptions, like people carrying around an additonal co troller for some reason, using a carrying case other than a screen protector, or worrying about it being lost/stolen when they regularly carry around MUCH more expensive phones, laptops and tablets.

You act like people are consciously calculating the value of their belongings when they go out and the Switch pushes it over some arbitrary threshold into being too much

 

[rtcn63]

I think you're making a lot of assumptions, like people carrying around an additonal co troller for some reason, using a carrying case other than a screen protector, or worrying about it being lost/stolen when they regularly carry around MUCH more expensive phones, laptops and tablets.

You act like people are consciously calculating the value of their belongings when they go out and the Switch pushes it over some arbitrary threshold into being too much

Well yeah, all we can do right now is speculate. But I'm only speaking from personal experience, and I've owned the original Gameboy, GBC, GBA, DS lite, 3DS XL, PSP, an Neo Geo Pocket, and then some. I don't have a bias against portable consoles. (And a Switch with the attachable controller is pretty much a 7" tablet with a separate controller, if a relatively small one.)

And you're forgetting- phones, laptops, and tablets are practically necessities in the modern first-world. They're ubiquitous to the point where everyone owns at least one of the three and carries it with them daily. A dedicated portable gaming console really isn't, at least not in the mainstream sense, especially since games can also be played on those other devices.

The Switch is an added cost, an added device, and one that works just as well if not better sitting in a dock at home. I'm sure there will be people carrying it around. And I'm almost positive there'll be many more who end up never taking it out of the building for most of its life.

 

[random25]

I need this.

If this happens, I bet the GC controller mod would be a big seller just because of Smash. A portable Smash game that has the "official" Smash controls in it that would be at least more durable than the 3DS controls? That will really make sense.

I can't see the feasibility of other controller options though unless the games specific to work on those will include it as a bonus freebie.

 

[Glass Joe]

Well yeah, all we can do right now is speculate. But I'm only speaking from personal experience, and I've owned the original Gameboy, GBC, GBA, DS lite, 3DS XL, PSP, an Neo Geo Pocket, and then some.

And you're forgetting- phones, laptops, and tablets are practically necessities in the modern first-world. They're ubiquitous to the point where everyone owns at least one of the three and carries it with them daily. A dedicated portable gaming console really isn't, at least not in the mainstream sense, especially since games are also available on those other devices.

You're right in that all we can do is speculate, especially regarding the mainstream. Some of the main-est-mainstream people are thinking "I don't even need a PlayStation, I can play games on my phone." There's also gamers who want to GAME and won't settle for anything other than the best video fidelity their high-end PC graphics card can offer.

Where in the middle will Nintendo land with the Switch? Hard to say, but conceptually it's exciting. The offer of portability console gaming is much better than last gen when they were more saying "here's less graphics, but weird and not-useful tech. Enjoy!"

 

[MogCakes]

Has anyone noticed this yet? I was wondering where those shoulder buttons on the joy-cons were protruding from and then found it on the sideways image.

 

[Neiteio]

If this happens, I bet the GC controller mod would be a big seller just because of Smash. A portable Smash game that has the "official" Smash controls in it that would be at least more durable than the 3DS controls? That will really make sense.

I can't see the feasibility of other controller options though unless the games specific to work on those will include it as a bonus freebie.

Assuming the Switch doesn't have IR or gyro by default, I can imagine a special version of the Joycon where it has both IR and gyro (with a sensor bar as well, I suppose). This would be a great option for Splatoon.

A GCN Joycon would be great, too. Gimme dat octo-gate for easy tilts in Smash.

 

[coughlanio]

I don't think the big unveil will be in a Direct, I think they'll likely hold a press event in NYC in January that will be streamed online.

 

[jackal27]

Has anyone noticed this yet? I was wondering where those shoulder buttons on the joy-cons were protruding from and then found it on the sideways image.

AHHHH I'M SCREAMING

What a fantastic design. I couldn't figure this out either, but this makes so much sense.

 

[AmyS]

This game definitely needs an upgraded, expanded HD version or follow-up on Switch.

 

[Glass Joe]

Assuming the Switch doesn't have IR or gyro by default, I can imagine a special version of the Joycon where it has both IR and gyro (with a sensor bar as well, I suppose). This would be a great option for Splatoon.

A GCN Joycon would be great, too. Gimme dat octo-gate for easy tilts in Smash.

I'll bet the left and right joy-cons have the Wii gyros. There's probably an orange port on the back of the Switch dock too. No sensor bar included this time but there in case they want it.

 

[KingBroly]

Has anyone noticed this yet? I was wondering where those shoulder buttons on the joy-cons were protruding from and then found it on the sideways image.

I thought it was overlapping slightly. I see now that I'm wrong.

 

[Speely]

Has anyone noticed this yet? I was wondering where those shoulder buttons on the joy-cons were protruding from and then found it on the sideways image.

!!!

You did it. Nice catch!! This is seemingly a pretty ingeniously-engineered device.

 

[rekameohs]

I'll bet the left and right joy-cons have the Wii gyros. There's probably an orange port on the back of the Switch dock too. No sensor bar included this time but there in case they want it.

Is there a spot for an IR sensor on the JoyCons?