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[(mat)]

I think it could be neat, but it's also obviously not the best way to go about doing this. Epecially if actual matchmaking has to be done through the app. My son is 8 and plays Mario Kart online with other players. He doesn't own a smartphone.

 

[Confused Cheeseburger]

The problem is we shouldn't we waiting. It should've been told to us at the presentation. Nintendo is so oblivious on which info the consumers need to know.

I agree 100%

I'm saying we're all incredulous and wasting our energy at this point. We have exhausted the point of initial stupidity with Reggie's words, now we have to wait for the whole picture.

 

[Aressa]

I think Nintendo could have done a better job explaining this feature. Like help us understand why this radically different approach to the online experience is better suited for the Switch. A simple announcement trailer would have been good. Like how they have conveyed to the consumers clearly that Nintendo Switch is home console that you can take it to go. Maybe I spoke too soon and it's actually coming.

I think Nintendo could have done a better job explaining many things about this product the're about to launch.

 

[MysticLeviathan]

Nintendo could have just made a powerful console to match PS4, skipped the HD rumble and portability, kept discs, copied virtually everything the others have. I know a lot of people really wished they'd done this.

I'm really glad they didn't do that, personally. I have my PS4 and Xbox One for big AAA games, online multiplayer titles like Battlefield 1 and so on. To me the Switch is refreshingly different, and offers what hasn't been done before for those that want something else.

The only thing refreshingly different about Nintendo is their IPs. Motion controls suck; there's a reason the Kinect and Move both failed, HD rumble can be kept and put on the pro controller.

You don't think a PS4/X1 that can play Mario and Zelda and Star Fox and Pokemon and Metroid etc. etc. etc. would be appealing as fuck? There's no reason Nintendo can't put those franchises on a powerhouse of a home console. And there's no reason that powerhouse of a home console can't have games like Mario Kart and Mario Party and Kirby.

I'm not saying you're saying this, you're more talking about the extra features, but I've seen countless people say they'd rather have those franchises than have a powerful system. Why not both? Having a powerful system and having Nintendo's franchises, including the more casual ones, are mutually exclusive. There's no reason Nintendo can't put those franchises on a super beefy system. And if Nintendo really cares about portable gaming, they have the 3DS. But they also have smartphones. They could make so much fucking money by putting a ton of casual games on Android and iOS.

Nintnedo's different because of their IPs.

 

[Sesuadra]

The online will be there at launch, but it's free until autumn.

I think this was more a "if this app manages matchmaking and lobbies, how am I supposed to play bomberman with friends online?" because the app is supposed to be released later and not on launch if i understand correct.

 

[cireza]

Glad that I only play offline so I don't have to deal with this elegant solution.

 

[Ninja Dom]

Okay guys, so the reason for this is that when you're outside with the Switch and want to play online you hotspot from your smartphone. This app then manages the entire online session.

Let's see how this works out.

 

[TheSpoiler]

It's clear that information isn't ready to be shown, or I'm sure they would've showed it. The Switch seems, in some respects, rushed out the door, and it seems one thing that suffered is the readiness of online services at launch. It just so happens online services aren't very important for the vast majority of Nintendo games, but I'm sure they're ironing out the last bit of details they need to get straight before showing it off pre-launch. I just think people could hold off on jumping to massive conclusions until then. I also don't understand why a journalist thus far hasn't just asked "Will voice audio come through the console or will you need two headsets?", and they might've just been pre-briefed not to ask because they're not yet ready to share.
.

See, I'm the consumer. It's not my business to be nice, because at the end of the day, I'm buying a product from these people. They aren't my friends. They aren't my buddies. They don't suddenly get the benefit of the doubt on some assumed shit, especially when the product is rushed out the door. If games get grilled for that shit, why not Nintendo?

If they aren't ready to hash out the details for a system coming in a handful of weeks, that's not a good look, and if they can't give me simple details before launch, I and every other consumer has a right to be wary. For what simple reason should I hold off when their PR person, briefed on all subjects, can't even give a straight answer? I take what they say at face value. I'm not obliged to wait for a correct response.

And what you said is even worse. If they are truly rushing this system out the door, they definitely don't get a pass.

 

[HotHamBoy]

yeah paying for online is a no-go for me. What a joke. Offline-only hopefully wont be too bad.

also browsing through the thread and learned the Pro controller doesn't have a headphone jack/mic in >_> y

Yeah. It's pretty annoying, I like using the headphones just to hear the game, especially when I need to be quite in the house. I guess portable mode is the only way.

 

[LQX]

Nintendo just said fuck the kids. Our new system is for teens to adults with smartphones.

 

[Siege.exe]

Nintendo displays blatant incompetency, has the president of their American branch telling people information, has information on their website that also has that information, but it's unreasonable to call them out on it? It's more reasonable to stand behind their stupid solution to a problem that did not exist? "Wait for more info!".... Then we get more fucking info and all it does is reaffirm that they are indeed making the stupid ass decisions we're calling them out on, that's unreasonable? Nintendo is the only bastion of originality in the entire industry somehow, and choosing to do something this stupid with their online communication features is part of that "uniqueness"? Are you guys actually serious with this shit?

Alright, I honestly go y'all are being paid, because it's a damn shame if you aren't. I have an 8 AM class and Chik-fil-A opens on campus tomorrow, so have fun with your bullshit for the rest of the night I guess.

 

[mrklaw]

I mean, I don't get it. I just don't.

Maybe they have something really innovative in the pipeline here that's going to blow everyone away, but my limited perspective can't see it right now. It's just adding another device for seemingly no reason.

I can sort of imagine it might be nice to have your friends, messages, matchmaking etc by your side and immediately accessible while you're playing on the TV at home. But you could also just have a notification pop up on the switch and handle it like that.

Maybe the switch isn't great at multitasking? That could be a positive if it means less CPU and Ram reserved for an OS? Yes I'm reaching

Even when you're away from home it doesn't make sense - oh you don't have wifi but your phone has a signal so out all the chat on there, cool. Er - how are you playing multiplayer in the first place if you don't have a signal? And if you do have wifi you're back to square one with the switch handling it all

How you going to mix game and chat audio? Wonder if they'll do some weird mixing and send the game audio over Bluetooth to the phone (or the chat to the switch)?

 

[Back-In-Black]

They've been doing it for years now. Their behavior includes pretending that titles like Knack, The Order, Destiny, The Division, The Crew, and Ryse are good games.

 

[Mass Appeal]

Nintendo could have just made a powerful console to match PS4, skipped the HD rumble and portability, kept discs, copied virtually everything the others have. I know a lot of people really wished they'd done this.

I'm really glad they didn't do that, personally. I have my PS4 and Xbox One for big AAA games, online multiplayer titles like Battlefield 1 and so on. To me the Switch is refreshingly different, and offers what hasn't been done before for those that want something else.

My head hurts now. I am sorry but you're completely coming off as a fan boy and I can't take your posts seriously anymore.

Idk why I am responding but wtf are you even talking about? I never said they had to go away from their games or features and even mentioned the exclusives that would be better with a party chat option. I was all for the portable option as we're all my friends but to ommit a basic features is not being "refreshingly different", it's being completely stupid.

They've been doing it for years now. Their behavior includes pretending that titles like Knack, The Order, Destiny, The Division, The Crew, and Ryse are good games.

Atleast you're not hiding your fanboys bs anymore.


Btw I have over 900 hours in Destiny alone and imo it's one of the best games I have ever played and it's mainly because I enjoy the game with my friends online.

 

[disap.ed]

Good luck Blackberry / Windows Phone users :/

Spoiler

WP company phone here

 

[KooopaKid]

This is brilliant. Kids with no phones -> No voice chat. Good riddance.

I like this, I hate voice chat. I want my Nintendo console to be pure and free of that.

Thank you Nintendo.

 

[Xaero Gravity]

I still hold GAF accountable for Knack 2 existing. You monsters.

ROFL when Shu was mentioning a game for the whole family I was positive he was talking about a Demon's Souls remaster. When he showed a video of Knack, I was in denial and thinking this was all just a "haha gotcha, here's Demon's Souls Remastered". Couldn't help but shake my head and wonder why at the end and promptly searched online on ways of putting a curse on GAF for resulting in another Knack.

 

[Back-In-Black]

I still hold GAF accountable for Knack 2 existing. You monsters.

Its Bosman's fault.

 

[Dash_Riprock]

Honestly I've seen more Juniors shit up Nintendo threads with bad drive by posts and hostility than I have defending them.

You're not looking hard enough then.

 

[SeanTSC]

Nintendo keeps making it easier and easier for me to not buy a Switch at launch. I hope they get their shit together by the time that I inevitably buy one in the next couple years, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[HotHamBoy]

Okay guys, so the reason for this is that when you're outside with the Switch and want to play online you hotspot from your smartphone. This app then manages the entire online session.

Let's see how this works out.

I don't pay for hotspot service so this doesn't do shit for me.

 

[TheSpoiler]

This is brilliant. Kids with no phones -> No voice chat. Good riddance.

I like this, I hate voice chat. I want my Nintendo console to be pure and free of that.

Thank you Nintendo.

I've seen kids as young as 4 with smartphones.

You aren't safe, fam!

 

[WhiteRabbitEXE]

This is actually an interesting solution to gate keeping young players from voice/info-sharing in online games. If I need to log in once and then it does a decent job of updating status then it could work ok...maybe.

Interestingly you can gate off those features on Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, and the Wii U. Parental controls are a thing.

And funnily enough, Nintendo already has a "Parental Controls" mobile app coming out for Switch, where such a feature could be added.

Spoiler

Speaking of which, what do parents without smart phones, or hell, with older/unsupported smart phones do? Never enable parental controls? lol

 

[Dark Cloud]

I agree 100%

I'm saying we're all incredulous and wasting our energy at this point. We have exhausted the point of initial stupidity with Reggie's words, now we have to wait for the whole picture.

Yeah, we're just all going back and forth for the fun of it or the sake to argue at this point lol.

Sadly, Nintendo doesn't care about how we feel on this matter ☹️

To clarify I just want to reason with people. That's all. I like to discuss where Nintendo might be going with what we know.

 

[Chindogg]

Nintendo just said fuck the kids. Our new system is for teens to adults with smartphones.

To be fair, I've seen kids as young as 4 with smartphones now.

 

[Bear Force One]

They've been doing it for years now. Their behavior includes pretending that titles like Knack, The Order, Destiny, The Division, The Crew, and Ryse are good games.

What is wrong with you?

 

[Movalpolos]

Standard matchmaking will still be there, It has got to be. If not, that cripples the system beyond redemption.
App features will be for parties, still not a good solution considering that is not a problem on any other dedicated gaming system.

 

[Kneefoil]

I think this was more a "if this app manages matchmaking and lobbies, how am I supposed to play bomberman with friends online?" because the app is supposed to be released later and not on launch if i understand correct.

The website says that free trial period starts in March. I would assume that a trial period would include the paid service. Otherwise it wouldn't really be a trial period since you can use the non-paid version indefinitely.

 

[dark10x]

Ya know, it has just occurred to me that this could present an issue for me.

The corner of my house where my consoles sit is a wifi dead-zone. I always switch my phone over to mobile data in this area and use consoles in wired mode exclusively. I hope that Switch allows USB to ethernet adapters but, also, the phone thing could be an issue in that I'll have to use my data (which isn't unlimited) instead of wi-fi.

Not fond of adding a repeater or additional router just for the Switch.

 

[Speely]

What's interesting to me about this whole fiasco (it IS one) is this:

The Switch has gotten us all talking about shit we would not have talked about in this abundance otherwise. Not just system-specific things, but portable vs power, amenities vs batteries, handheld game styles vs home.

I only bring this up because this issue about online functionality seems very central to all of it. It will be very telling to see how Nintendo handles this, because it could make or break this fucking console.

 

[joecanada]

So where the fuck do I plug in the headset? Into the phone? What about game sounds?

My 300$€£ audiotechnica headset and mixamp plug into ??

Do I need a Bluetooth headset to chat? Because it's only going to be voice chat???

Ah man, I wanted a wiiu badly, but the fucking price was a joke. I want a switch because I still yearn those Nintendo games, yet I am not liking what I am reading.

Huehuehue you poor man with your bulky gaming headset , liberation is here .

 

[Xaero Gravity]

What is wrong with you?

Should have used the Reggie gif.

 

[mrklaw]

Okay guys, so the reason for this is that when you're outside with the Switch and want to play online you hotspot from your smartphone. This app then manages the entire online session.

Let's see how this works out.

But then the switch would have a connection so it could handle the online stuff itself

 

[HotHamBoy]

Good luck Blackberry / Windows Phone users :/

Spoiler

WP company phone here

Oof. Didn't even think about that.

 

[notaskwid]

You can't use the bluetooth set you already have for your phone? You have to buy a dedicated gaming headset and use that to make this work?

The thing is, why can't you just use the damn headphones on the switch like you can on every other damn device.

 

[WhiteRabbitEXE]

Ya know, it has just occurred to me that this could present an issue for me.

The corner of my house where my consoles sit is a wifi dead-zone. I always switch my phone over to mobile data in this area and use consoles in wired mode exclusively. I hope that Switch allows USB to ethernet adapters but, also, the phone thing could be an issue in that I'll have to use my data (which isn't unlimited) instead of wi-fi.

Not fond of adding a repeater or additional router just for the Switch.

The dock does in fact support USB to Ethernet.

 

[IlGialloMondadori]

Loud noises!

People losing their minds and calling for the complete failure of the Switch...Just settle down.

It doesn't sound great, but I'm willing to get more info on it and see it before I judge.

Not using headphones on the switch when in multiplayer seems dumb though.

 

[mAcOdIn]

As stupid as I think this is I feel like I should've seen it coming. I mean, this is totally in line with DeNA's abilities, thinking on it more it was silly thinking a mobile developer would bring anything of value to firmware or core system apps.

 

[finalflame]

See, I'm the consumer. It's not my business to be nice, because at the end of the day, I'm buying a product from these people. They aren't my friends. They aren't my buddies. They don't suddenly get the benefit of the doubt on some assumed shit, especially when the product is rushed out the door. If games get grilled for that shit, why not Nintendo?

If they aren't ready to hash out the details for a system coming in a handful of weeks, that's not a good look, and if they can't give me simple details before launch, I and every other consumer has a right to be wary. For what simple reason should I hold off when their PR person, briefed on all subjects, can't even give a straight answer? I take what they say at face value. I'm not obliged to wait for a correct response.

And what you said is even worse. If they are truly rushing this system out the door, they definitely don't get a pass.

Then chill and don't buy it. You're right, if what they're showing doesn't appeal to you, and you really don't care to wait to hear more, then look the other way and forget the system exists. I buy Nintendo consoles and games because the way they do things appeals to me. If it doesn't appeal to you, then that's all good man.

My personal approach is far more passive. I keep my ears open. Once I've heard enough confirmed details about any product that interests me, and I decide I want it, I buy it, no matter how long before/after launch I make that decision. We all have different thresholds. If not knowing all the details for online services at this juncture is a deal breaker for you then there's no need to be emotional about it, just don't press the pre-order button and we're gravy.

 

[Shpeshal Nick]

The 360 introduced a lot of things, some good some bad. With the release of that console, gaming took a turn and some of us didn't like that direction. It released a pandora's box of micro transactions, focus on online gaming and shooters.

I don't see why Nintendo should carry the torch for a direction that Japan doesn't want to go.

What?

We're specifically talking about online functionality in this thread. Basic. Online. Functionality.

 

[Ninja Dom]

I don't pay for hotspot service so this doesn't do shit for me.

Then you'll have to play outside online at wifi hotspots instead.

 

[mrklaw]

To be fair, I've seen kids as young as 4 with smartphones now.

With big data plans?

 

[Chindogg]

Ya know, it has just occurred to me that this could present an issue for me.

The corner of my house where my consoles sit is a wifi dead-zone. I always switch my phone over to mobile data in this area and use consoles in wired mode exclusively. I hope that Switch allows USB to ethernet adapters but, also, the phone thing could be an issue in that I'll have to use my data (which isn't unlimited) instead of wi-fi.

Not fond of adding a repeater or additional router just for the Switch.

IIRC there's a USB to Ethernet adapter for the Switch.

With big data plans?

Shared data is increasingly becoming a thing in the US.

Cool. I know a 9 year old that doesn't have one.


The biggest. 128 GB phones as well.

I actually read all this in Salem's voice. Had a good chuckle.

I'm just saying that smartphones are actually quite common now. Not that this is the best option at all, but that it does exist.

 

[xxracerxx]

To be fair, I've seen kids as young as 4 with smartphones now.

Cool. I know a 9 year old that doesn't have one.

With big data plans?

The biggest. 128 GB phones as well.

 

[Panajev2001a]

Sounds weird but could be alright. Likely easier to search through stuff on your phone but they really should have more concrete details to show off before saying stuff like "paid online"

Easier than on a still modern fast device with a 6.2'' touchscreen that you are already holding in your hands? Everybody with mega phablets out there ?

 

[Schrödinger's cat]

They've been doing it for years now. Their behavior includes pretending that titles like Knack, The Order, Destiny, The Division, The Crew, and Ryse are good games.

Oh no! We've been rumbled. Quick, resort to Plan B!

 

[Lemrik]

I think this was more a "if this app manages matchmaking and lobbies, how am I supposed to play bomberman with friends online?" because the app is supposed to be released later and not on launch if i understand correct.

Yes, you´re right. That´s what i meant.

Thanks!

 

[plentyofmilhouse]

I'll wait for all the details to emerge before getting too riled up, but what we know so far isn't encouraging.

Nintendo would do well to get an Switch online services Direct announced as soon as possible.

 

[Son Of Sparda]

Hahaha, now this is just hilarious.

 

[Kneefoil]

The website says that free trial period starts in March. I would assume that a trial period would include the paid service. Otherwise it wouldn't really be a trial period since you can use the non-paid version indefinitely.

Oh wait, the chart on their site shows that "Online gameplay" will have a free trial until fall, but that's not stated for the other features. lol