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Nintendo Switch Presentation - January 12th
- Thread starter robotrock
- Start date
EatChildren
Currently polling second in Australia's federal election (first in the Gold Coast), this feral may one day be your Bogan King.
Nintendo blundered the Wii U software pipeline to the point of bewildering embarrassment. Their admittance of failure neatly segues into the sensibility of up-porting hardware defining titles to supplement the Switch's launch window. Though we've seen little, the reveal trailer made it clear Nintendo sees the Switch as a multifaceted device that welcomes pick-up-and-play multiplayer and whatnot regardless of location. People playing Mario Kart in the back of the car is a perfect example of this, and why simple, iconic games like Mario Kart are suitable for selling the idea. I can imagine the software pipeline cockup during the Wii U era simply made a full sequel aimed at the Switch launch window unreasonable, so a port with additional content is the next best bet.
I just hope Nintendo doesn't lean too heavily on to-be Wii U titles.
I just hope Nintendo doesn't lean too heavily on to-be Wii U titles.
Yeah, limited effort to produce games that will be, for the non-Wii U Switch audience, the size of extraordinary efforts. That's a great way to pad and supplement the launch year. If Nintendo has a decent sleight of new titles being prepared for launch year on top of this, anchored by BotW and 3D Mario sometime in the year, then this could provide for quite the software heavy launch year.
Of course, these ports could miss launch year and show up slowly and Nintendo could be having software output troubles such that the long drought is not indicative of rain on the other side of Switch, but what we're hearing could indicate something special and for our sake as well as Nintendo's, I hope this indication is accurate.
I do want Zelda at launch though, it has been a long time coming and I'm anxious to see how it pans out. Mario in summer instead of holiday release would be awesome. I'd get it at launch too, but that seems a little too front heavy to me. Should be Zelda, some concept game, perhaps a smaller title like a Pikmin at launch and then spread out the remasters through to September with Mario in June-Sept and then something at holiday. Perhaps Retro, perhaps Pokemon, perhaps both. IDK. I was sort of relying on Mario as the holiday game in my predictions until this rumor surfaced, with Retro being summer/early fall 2017 or early 2018.
Ultimately, they could use a show of support though too. I mostly want to see 3DS successor software on the system and the earlier the better. We don't really have much sign that this is coming, though. Not from the teaser or what companies have said (some like, say, Level 5 having indeed ruled it out). Show me Dragon Quest XI on the system, Monster Hunter on the system, Atlus games on the system, etc. and I'll be more confident this thing could have some legs in Japan and encourage PS4/Switch cross release there where possible. Any signs of PS4/Switch cross release happening in Japan would also be very welcome. There's a general market for Japanese games on handhelds, so that's the safest route to good third party support imo. I really am dubious that things like Skyrim are going to find much of a home on Switch.
Re Ports. You are misunderstanding the cost factor.
The Nintendo Switch (NS) will likely launch at 299USD. Thats how much a base unit will cost.
At launch every NS will likely be bundled with one Wii U port and Still cost 299USD. Including enhanced ports for free makes sense for nintendo for 3 reasons.
1. It costs them very little since all of these games have already been profitible and will likely remain profitiable when they are sold for full price post launch.
2. It builds goodwill with nintendos most loyal customers (WiiU Owners) since you arent asking them to buy the same game twice.
3. All games listed as potential port candidates fit the games as a service model. SMASH, and Mario Kart especially will be very helpful for selling new Amibo/DLC
In adition having these games at launch along with Zelda gives Nintendo their best chance at getting their most loyal customers to quickly buy in. Sure there will be more games later. But buy now because you can already play Smash/Kart/Splatoon now.
Ultimately it is Nintendo's Goal to get the 10M Wii U owners to Buy the NS as quickly as possible to build momentum and an install base large enough to warant continued 3rd party support
I agree. Especially 3. Splatoon as game as a service fits the bill too.
The online community will move there very vast. Everyone will want to play the new maps/courses. Plus the engines/artstyle/netcode are already robust/perfect for Switch. No need to start a new entry from scratch.
Switch being so close to WiiU in power is a godsend first-party wise.
TheMoon
Member
That is the only that is confirmed about its release. Both at the same time.
edit: holy shit so many pages overnight, did y'all really hit the panic button again over this?
Bidermaier
Member
I think handling Wii U to Switch ports is where Nintendo could mess things up.
I hope Wii U owners are treated like the ambassadors we were.
I hope Wii U owners are treated like the ambassadors we were.
... I need to play MK8 again sometime.Pardon?
The UI/HUD looks exactly the same as MK8, only difference is that it shows you can hold two items now.
But I still think adding two items is too drastic of a change. But yeah the UI doesn't look different at all aside from that.
OrbitalBeard
Member
Wii U remasters are fine and should be spread throughout the console's first year. If Nintendo floods launch day with them, that's not fine and is going to hurt the system's initial perception.
Bundling the system with a Wii U remaster makes absolutely no sense to me, but holy cow, I'm apparently in the minority on GAF when it comes to that opinion. Ah well.
Otakumegane
Member
If they want the wiiu users they better damn well give us a reason to come in early given how we got burned by our early purchases.
TheMoon
Member
It's called "Nintendo Day" for a reason.
100%. It's already dead after all.
No. All content was new in previous games. You're trying to downplay remakes of retro tracks which are new content. The only game this applies to is Super Circuit which had SNES SMK unlockable inside of it.
Bundling Switch with a remaster is a asking for trouble. Creates a perception issue. You're better bundling no game at all than a Wii U remaster.
No, it needs a new game as a bundled game.
DS, Wii U. For 3ds it was the holiday in the launch year.
No, it needs a new game as a bundled game.
DS, Wii U. For 3ds it was the holiday in the launch year.
OrbitalBeard
Member
Finally, an ally!
Jon Carter
Member
I don't think you are. More people will be commenting on the subject in January when we actually know the SKUs, potential pack-in and price, and I think you'll see most Gaffers will share your opinion. Consoles aren't bundled with old games at launch for a reason, and it's not for a lack of successful games to remaster.
Double Dash did it just fine 13 years ago.
It doesn't work that way in the real world. Bundling a game is a way to provide a discount without providing it. Or an added value. If a game is bundled, people will see the system as cheaper or getting a discount of the same value as the game. Getting a remaster in the bundle means getting a $20 discount. Not even considering that Wii U owners don't see any value. A new game, even if it's not one of the big hits, it still gives the perception of getting at least a $40 discount.
Glass Rebel
Member
I'm super curious how Nintendo will position these ports. Obviously plans can change depending on how the software and the Switch itself does but I wouldn't be surprised if they get Smash Bros., Mario Kart and Splatoon out relatively quickly and then treat them as platforms over the course of the Switch lifespan. In hindsight, all three felt like testbeds for various approaches to post-launch support. And Animal Crossing: New Leaf is another thing.
As I said before, it makes no sense to abandon the groundwork they laid for these particular games. Capcom used Street Fighter IV base for 7 years, Smash 4 has been out for 2. Mario Kart 8 is arguably the best MK ever and is easily expandable in the most obvious ways. Splatoon isn't even gonna be 2 years old at launch. Building the Switch online community around these three makes a lot of sense.
If I had to make guesses about the first party launch line-up, I'd say they're gonna have 3 games at launch. Zelda: Breath of the Wild is gonna be there at launch for sure and I trust Serkan Toto enough to believe that Smash is gonna be the second one, leaving something "new" that is probably gonna utilize that "hidden" feature. Mario Kart in the Summer and then new 3D Mario as the big holiday title. Splatoon I can see be an early 2018 title given that it would benefit the most from bigger changes.
As I said before, it makes no sense to abandon the groundwork they laid for these particular games. Capcom used Street Fighter IV base for 7 years, Smash 4 has been out for 2. Mario Kart 8 is arguably the best MK ever and is easily expandable in the most obvious ways. Splatoon isn't even gonna be 2 years old at launch. Building the Switch online community around these three makes a lot of sense.
If I had to make guesses about the first party launch line-up, I'd say they're gonna have 3 games at launch. Zelda: Breath of the Wild is gonna be there at launch for sure and I trust Serkan Toto enough to believe that Smash is gonna be the second one, leaving something "new" that is probably gonna utilize that "hidden" feature. Mario Kart in the Summer and then new 3D Mario as the big holiday title. Splatoon I can see be an early 2018 title given that it would benefit the most from bigger changes.
Orniletter
Banned
I'm so glad you lot are not in charge of nintendo.
Releasing Zelda BotW and Mario Switch on day one but then bundling switch with an upgraded port of Mario Kart 8.
Zelda will be the launch title and the bundled game if they choose to bundle any title at all.
Releasing Zelda BotW and Mario Switch on day one but then bundling switch with an upgraded port of Mario Kart 8.
Zelda will be the launch title and the bundled game if they choose to bundle any title at all.
OrbitalBeard
Member
My money's still on a new IP if there's any sort of bundle.
Nah. With Ninty you always take a gamble and you'll buy the console for the exclusives. We took the same risk with Wii u.
ShadowFox08
Member
It could be another mode, just like 200cc.
Exactly. Its a launch discount which makes people feel better about being an early adopter and rebuying games they already win.
It also works for nintendo because they can use smash, MK, Splatoon ect as a platform to sell Amibo/DLC which has a superior profit margain then a game
I think the perception is only there if nintendo shows no other games worth getting. A new Monster Hunter, a New Pokemon within the first few months, a new Fire Emblum, a FFXV port. Skyrim Remastered. Dragon Quest, Lego Games, Skylanders, a new Ubi IP. Plus a good 2-3 more new nintendo games. The Launch Window will be drowning in new games. People definitely wont think the NX is just a fancy WiiU
BronzeWolf
Banned
Bundled 3D mario...
Weltall Zero
Member
I've been saying that much for years, especially regarding fighting games and ones like Mario Kart (or, hell, pretty much any competitive game). For all the criticism the successive versions of Street Fighter IV got, it's hard to deny it made Ultimate SFIV an incredible fighting game with a roster that's hard to top (and why I see little reason to jump in to the comparatively meager SFV). Smash already mostly takes that healthy attitude regarding characters, but I really wish it did so regarding all stages as well (I still miss quite a few from Melee and even Brawl). Having the next Smash preserve the incredible range of characters and stages and simply adding on top of it would be amazing. Bring and update slightly the Melee, Brawl and Smash 3DS stages, Wolf and Climbers, add a few newcomers and new stages, and we're golden.
Same with Mario Kart, give me MK8 plus some of the retro stages that went into the 3DS version (especially Mushroom Gorge, Daisy Cruiser and Maple Treeway). And I know this probably isn't realistic, but add a "Double Dash"-like co-op mode!
It did well because it was a brand new game with new mechanics.
Hmm... that could be. But I doubt it, it doesn't make sense to me that they would make this change only to have it as another mode.
Then again the games do look almost identical and Nintendo is gonna Nintendo. But I don't know.
It's gonna be a Mario Superstar Sports pack-in, y'all. There is no other way this game makes sense. A big budget, late lifespan game for the 3DS? Nah. A pack-in that also sees release on the 3DS?
Sounds plausible.
I know I have been going in on this idea a bit much recently, but I really can't see how MSS makes sense otherwise. A big 3DS late cycle push? Nah. It's gonna be a Switch pack-in. Mario Sports Superstars is their freebie.
Sounds plausible.
I know I have been going in on this idea a bit much recently, but I really can't see how MSS makes sense otherwise. A big 3DS late cycle push? Nah. It's gonna be a Switch pack-in. Mario Sports Superstars is their freebie.
This thread took an... interesting turn.
Yeah, that chart can hopefully die a quick and merciful death in 2017.
I want you to think about this... if (and this is an if) Nintendo sees an enhanced MK8 port as being a near-zero in terms of development costs, they're essentially saying "we already made our money from this and don't want to charge you for a port, so here it is with the system and it won't increase the MSP". And if it was the only option available at launch, I don't think anyone would bat an eyelash, they'd just go "cool, free game".
I think you have 2 fundamental misconceptions.
The first is that you rest Wii U game sales performance on the games themselves, but that's a misguided notion.
The games were great, and most people who are aware they exist would say as much... but they weren't great enough to overcome the terrible burden of the hardware you had to buy to play it on.
It's rather like someone offering you $100 to do nothing. Everyone likes $100 labor-free. But the stipulation is that the person giving you the money gets to rip out all of your fingernails. That $100 still sounds great, but the stipulation you have to endure to obtain it does not, and in the end, the stipulation makes you decide against it.
Wii U was hardware so horrible that not even great Nintendo games, some of the best in their franchise, could overcome the stipulation of being saddled with a Wii U to enjoy them.
The second misconception is that an enhanced MK8 port (or any port, for that matter) being bundled detracts from new games, when there is no evidence of that. When new content is on display, ports will naturally fade to the background, even bundled ones. I doubt Nintendo will sink a lot of advertising into these ports in any fashion, since they're largely ports of games that Nintendo already made their development costs back on, so the limelight will still go to new games, like Breath of the Wild, the new 3D Mario game, or anything else, which will naturally be sold separately, as is the case for every hardware launch of the 21st century. So a pack-in of an old game has legitimately no negative impact.
And all of this is without factoring in the people who didn't even know the game existed because it was on hardware so far outside the public spotlight as to be an irrelevance and aren't likely to see a negative connotation to their inclusion if, as others have said, they are marketed differently.
Yeah, that chart can hopefully die a quick and merciful death in 2017.
I want you to think about this... if (and this is an if) Nintendo sees an enhanced MK8 port as being a near-zero in terms of development costs, they're essentially saying "we already made our money from this and don't want to charge you for a port, so here it is with the system and it won't increase the MSP". And if it was the only option available at launch, I don't think anyone would bat an eyelash, they'd just go "cool, free game".
I think you have 2 fundamental misconceptions.
The first is that you rest Wii U game sales performance on the games themselves, but that's a misguided notion.
The games were great, and most people who are aware they exist would say as much... but they weren't great enough to overcome the terrible burden of the hardware you had to buy to play it on.
It's rather like someone offering you $100 to do nothing. Everyone likes $100 labor-free. But the stipulation is that the person giving you the money gets to rip out all of your fingernails. That $100 still sounds great, but the stipulation you have to endure to obtain it does not, and in the end, the stipulation makes you decide against it.
Wii U was hardware so horrible that not even great Nintendo games, some of the best in their franchise, could overcome the stipulation of being saddled with a Wii U to enjoy them.
The second misconception is that an enhanced MK8 port (or any port, for that matter) being bundled detracts from new games, when there is no evidence of that. When new content is on display, ports will naturally fade to the background, even bundled ones. I doubt Nintendo will sink a lot of advertising into these ports in any fashion, since they're largely ports of games that Nintendo already made their development costs back on, so the limelight will still go to new games, like Breath of the Wild, the new 3D Mario game, or anything else, which will naturally be sold separately, as is the case for every hardware launch of the 21st century. So a pack-in of an old game has legitimately no negative impact.
And all of this is without factoring in the people who didn't even know the game existed because it was on hardware so far outside the public spotlight as to be an irrelevance and aren't likely to see a negative connotation to their inclusion if, as others have said, they are marketed differently.
Dark Cloud
Member
Son, it's time to put the keyboard away. 😅
Glass Rebel
Member
I don't see what 3D Wario could offer tbh. I'd rather have a Spelunky style 2D game starring him.
I don't think you understood my point. There isn't much feeling better about a Nintendo Select game bundled. Not for most of the Wii U owners (who will be a good chunk of the early adopters). Not for the people who will perceive it as a cheap move.
And I don't understand you guys who want to see Switch associated in any way with Wii U in the public perception.
Dark Cloud
Member
This is my biggest want. I want a new campaign. To me this will make Splatoon fans buy this game just to have a bigger brand new campaign (I'm guessing new levels and weapons are a given). Honestly, it would almost make it feel like a sequel.
They definitely should add local multiplayer modes.
Yeah, that would be nice.
TheMoon
Member
Pardon?
The UI/HUD looks exactly the same as MK8, only difference is that it shows you can hold two items now.
I'll do you one better.
Exact same spot. Same vehicles.
We got burned? I wasn't burned. I had a bunch of high quality games to play at all times.
Aressa
You can't die before your death
And a wave of remasters.
TheMoon
Member
Ubisfot will save us.
Red Zombi 3: Party get hype! (what I'm imagining in my mind is awesome btw)
Nintendo's only 2 launch titles for the original DS in North America were a Mario 64 port and a limited demo of Metroid Prime Hunters. The Japanese launch and the after-launch period saw Polarium, Band Brothers (Japan only) and WarioWare in December, half a month later. No one thought less of the DS at the time, or at least sales in the beginning showed no indication of that.
People seem to think this molehill is a lot more grandiose than it actually is.
I'll do you one better.
Exact same spot. Same vehicles.
Such pretty screenshot.
What I'd give for a jaggies-free version of this game. Hopefully that's the Switch version.
Kissenkopf
Banned
Ports with a little bit more content? No way in hell a Wii U user would buy a switch then. Why should I buy the same games AGAIN for a new console?! I want new games which show me the power of the new device.
Enhanced ports are games to fill gaps between bigger releases and not for a launch.
Something tells me the launch will be a desaster and part of that is timing. Other consoles had ports too but they launched the same time with other platforms they were on. Even if we get big games like Battlefield 1 or the new CoD on the Switch then the consumer will just see games they had a chance to play 6 months earlier on more other gaming platforms.
It will be very hard for any game to sell well on the Switch at launch.
Enhanced ports are games to fill gaps between bigger releases and not for a launch.
Something tells me the launch will be a desaster and part of that is timing. Other consoles had ports too but they launched the same time with other platforms they were on. Even if we get big games like Battlefield 1 or the new CoD on the Switch then the consumer will just see games they had a chance to play 6 months earlier on more other gaming platforms.
It will be very hard for any game to sell well on the Switch at launch.
Dark Cloud
Member
I'm buying it if the content is good enough. Not sure how you're coming to "launch will be a disaster" just because you hear Emily or Laura talk about ports. It's not like they know all the big brand new Nintendo games coming. Emily said Nintendo has a new IP that's got that Splatoon craziness to it.
dampflokfreund
Banned
Damn right. I think I learned my lesson with the Wii U.
Linkstrikesback
Member
Increasing the price by having a pack in and forcing me to buy an upport of a wii u game I already own is more likely to do the opposite to me though?
If they want the existing wii u owners to buy it, the pack in, if there is one, should be a game they can't have already bought.
That is telling, actually, that we're discussing how or when or if Nintendo will conquer back their 15 millions WIiU users. Really ?
Any sort of link, parallel, comparison or the idea that it's a follow up of the WiiU will kill the Switch.
They're doing that by focusing on the console aspect.
I mean they have what, a 15 million market on a side, and a 60 million on the other side. They deliberately choose to talk only to that 15 million market for their new console and say NOTHING to the other side, nothing. They even tell them "Switch is not for you, it's not the follow up to the 3ds, keep your 3ds and wait".
I'm really still not sure what is their strategy. I think they think there is something else, a catch, a third market that will opens magically for the Switch. But in term of existing user base they're doing it wrong.
Any sort of link, parallel, comparison or the idea that it's a follow up of the WiiU will kill the Switch.
They're doing that by focusing on the console aspect.
I mean they have what, a 15 million market on a side, and a 60 million on the other side. They deliberately choose to talk only to that 15 million market for their new console and say NOTHING to the other side, nothing. They even tell them "Switch is not for you, it's not the follow up to the 3ds, keep your 3ds and wait".
I'm really still not sure what is their strategy. I think they think there is something else, a catch, a third market that will opens magically for the Switch. But in term of existing user base they're doing it wrong.
Glass Rebel
Member
You're massively misrepresenting the situation here.
We are talking about the Wii U audience because the Switch library is gonna consist of enhanced ports of Wii U titles which will be inherently less appealing to the Wii U userbase.
Nintendo is positioning the Switch as a portable home console right now because they have a 3DS and Pokémon Sun & Moon to sell. They'll sing a different tune next year.
Yeah yeah i nkow everyone is saying that, and i say good luck with sending a wrong message first and changing it after wise, good luck with that. It seems nobody never learns