Nintendo Switch is out in less than two weeks. Where's all the info?

spekkeh

Banned
After the confused launch of the Wii U it seems Nintendo is dead set to launch this thing with as simple a message as possible.

Console games on the go. Great looking handheld. Detachable controllers for motion gaming or a small bout of multiplayer wherever you are. And Zelda Breath of the Goat. That's it. Everything else they think would just detract from it.

If you're cynically inclined, because everything else is not that good. But can't blame a company from glossing over the negatives.

They're right about keeping it simple and it's working
 

Zedark

Member
https://www.wired.com/2017/01/reggie-fils-aime-nintendo-interview/
Reggie Fils-Aime said:
Fils-Aime: What I would say first is, we recognize that some of our most passionate fans have spent quite a bit, whether it’s with Virtual Console on Wii or Wii U, and we recognize that consumers are rightly concerned about moving to Nintendo Switch without backward compatibility. My comment is: Stay tuned, we understand the concern, more information to come.

There’s 40-some odd days between now and launch. There are more details to come. And at that point we’ll be able to define all of those various details of that online experience.
 

jariw

Member
Super Bomberman R has online play. Just Dance 2017 also has access to its online library streaming service from day 1 (allegedly), though that's not the same thing.

Fast Racing RMX also has online play, and that's supposed to be a March release.
 

spekkeh

Banned
People hating on OP asking questions think it's a joke until Friday morning when we wake up and still don't know shit. Hopefully this thread catches someone's eye and we can get some answers. If Nintendo really doesn't step up I'll be severely disappointed.
Nintendo won't step up.
 

daxgame

Member
yeah at this point I guess we'll get info by the press, which is disappointing.

Ah, whateva' I guess. I want to play Zelda.
 

muteki

Member
If there is some large sw component you can't wait to hear about that they haven't mentioned yet, it is safe to assume it won't be there, at least at launch.
 
The VC situation is one thing we've been explicitly told we should hear about, and it's not something the press will give us when the embargo is lifted.

I'm fine with a library that comes well after launch, even slowly, if we hear favourable things about the transition plan for my VC purchases on Wii U. But I'd like to know what's going on.

We know there will be online play of some form at launch because Bomberman supports it. What we don't know is whether that, too, will eventually get wrapped up in the paid-subscription network before the end of the year. It seems a bit rough to the people who buy online-capable games at launch not to give them a clear message about whether they should expect to hit a paywall.
 

Sephzilla

Member
I feel like if Sony or Microsoft tried this they'd get raked over the coals for it. The lack of information available regarding the Switch seems really unacceptable.
 

Chindogg

Member
I probably missed this info but...

After the Switch presentation in January, we were granted with how the console works and what extra features it has from the initial reveal. There were showcases of some games coming at launch and some time later in the future.

But where's the other info? How is the online going to work? Is there online at launch? What will it cost? What's the final launch lineup? How's the account system for online going to work? What about launch dates for games coming out in the near future after the Switch is out? What about virtual console Streetpass? Does 1-2 Switch have a single player mode of some kind? Would eShop cards work with the Switch market?

I'm forgetting a ton of other questions as well (and I'm sure a lot of it are answerable)

We didn't even get a showcase of the Switch UI or even how games would interact with the Switch OS. At least not in video form on their YouTube channel.

The information I'm getting is mostly from their YouTube channel and now their website.

Some of the games on Nintendo's website doesn't even have a price like I Am Setsuna and that's supposedly coming out at launch.

What's going on here?

So far this is what we know:

How is the online going to work?

No idea.

What will it cost?

$20/year

What's the final launch lineup?

B+-gamesNintendo-Switch-release-shedule.jpg

How's the account system for online going to work?

Games are attached to an account. That can be downloaded to any device with that account, but there's no game sharing across multiple accounts.

What about launch dates for games coming out in the near future after the Switch is out?

See the pic above. Best we've got so far.

What about virtual console Streetpass?

Streetpass is not on Switch at all.

Does 1-2 Switch have a single player mode of some kind?

No

Would eShop cards work with the Switch market?

Yes


So far that's the best we've got. If I'm missing anything let me know and I'll update this.
 

Coffinhal

Member
Most of these questions had answers by Nintendo or in interviews/reports by the press, Neogaf isn't Google. At least be informed before you open a thread about the holes of the information about the Switch.

People are too kind to answer all these questions, you are lucky.
 

Dremorak

Banned

It certainly sounds like they intended to say something about VC before launch, maybe things just didn't pan out.

In regards to the questions about "How will the online work?" What information exactly do people want lol?

You connect your switch to the internet and if the game has online multiplayer....you can play online. Its free until september, after which it will be between 20-30 usd a year.
 
How is the online going to work? Is there online at launch? What will it cost? What's the final launch lineup? How's the account system for online going to work? What about launch dates for games coming out in the near future after the Switch is out? What about virtual console Streetpass? Does 1-2 Switch have a single player mode of some kind? Would eShop cards work with the Switch market?

1. paid online seporvice isnt until the fall no point in going into detail for now plus nintendo confirmed they would talk about it after launch.

2. Bomberman has online multiplayer at launch

3. see 1

4. Zelda, 1 2 switch, skylanders, i am setsuna, bomberman, just dance 2017, world of goo, little inferno, Human Resource Machine are all march 3rd

5. not sure

6. mario kart 8 deluxe april 28th i expect a direct in april or late march to go over games releasing before e3.

7. at this point it seems no vc at launch

8. streetpass was confirmed a no its gone

9. no i dont believe so

10. yes eshop cards will work
 

Doorman

Member
At this point I feel like most of the information people claim to really need to know has either been answered already in part, or can be really easily inferred by applying a bit of common sense. When in doubt, apply a little bit of balanced skepticism.

Let's just hit the questions from the OP in order here...

> How is the online going to work?
That's a rather general question. You connect your Switch to the internet to access the eShop, receive game news updates, and play games online with other people.

> Is there online at launch?
Yes, Super Bomberman R releases on March 3rd and features online play. Plus you'll need to connect online to access the eShop and other features.

> What will it cost?
I don't recall the exact yen-range that was given during the investor's briefing but IIRC it translates to somewhere around $25-30 USD. This is irrelevant right now since the paid service isn't launching until some time this fall at the earliest, anyway.

> What's the final launch lineup?
Easily found via another thread here on GAF. Zelda, 1-2-Switch, Super Bomberman R, I am Setsuna, the three 2D Boy games, Skylanders, Just Dance, probably a couple of other things I'm not remembering off the top of my head.

> How's the account system for online going to work?
Set up a "Nintendo Account" at accounts.nintendo.com and link it to your Switch console once you have one (or, assumedly, you can probably set up a new account from the Switch itself once you have one but you can claim your account ID beforehand if you like). The account will keep track of your play and purchase history. You can unlink your account from that particular console and relink it to another one but there's no word yet on how often you'll be able to do this.

> What about launch dates for games coming out in the near future after the Switch is out?
I'm assuming that the launch dates of third party games have more to do with those third parties than Nintendo, so it's only reasonable to expect them to announce dates for the games that they themselves are publishing...Snipperclips is the only game they've announced that's releasing between now and May that doesn't have a specific date attached to it, aside from knowing it comes out some time in March.

> What about virtual console?
If they've said nothing about it to this point, it's pretty safe to assume it's not going to be there at launch. Expect word of it to surface, if ever, around E3.

> Streetpass?
Not a function of the system, this isn't a 3DS.

> Does 1-2 Switch have a single player mode of some kind?
The "baby" minigame seems to be the only thing playable by a single person.

Would eShop cards work with the Switch market?
I imagine so, since it's still being referred to as the eShop.

Actually very little of this is even real speculation, unless people are just shocked that Nintendo's not releasing a list of functions their new console -doesn't- support. They're trying to focus on the positive and the games.
edit: beaten due to typing very slowly, oof.
 

foltzie1

Member
So far this is what we know:

This post needs to be in the OP.

The only real gap I see is whats up with the Switch VC. Since they aren't promoting it, probably nothing, but why answer, "we have nothing to announce at this time", when they could have said, "it won't be present at launch".
 

Zedark

Member
So far this is what we know:



No idea.



$20/year





Games are attached to an account. That can be downloaded to any device with that account, but there's no game sharing across multiple accounts.



See the pic above. Best we've got so far.



Streetpass is not on Switch at all.



No



Yes


So far that's the best we've got. If I'm missing anything let me know and I'll update this.
We don't know that. Kimishima said they were thinking of 2000-3000 yen, but there is no confirmation of this (not that I think that is necessary right now seeing as paid online is half a year out).
 
But where's the other info? How is the online going to work?

Until the launch of the paid online service later in the year, it will function the same as it does on Wii U and 3DS as a 'free trial'.

Is there online at launch?
Yep. Super Bomberman R has online play.

What will it cost?
'Less than $30US a year' when it launches.

What's the final launch lineup?
Launch Day:
1-2-Switch
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Skylanders Imaginators
Just Dance 2017
Super Bomberman R
I Am Setsuna
World of Goo
Little Inferno
Human Resource Machine

Launch Window:
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ (March 2017)
Has Been Heroes (March 2017)
Snipperclips: Cut it Out, Together! (March 2017)
Fast RMX (March 2017)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (April 28, 2017)
Arms (spring 2017)
Disgaea 5 Complete (spring 2017)
Lego City Undercover (spring 2017)
Puyo Puyo Tetris (spring 2017)
Rime (spring 2017)
Snake Pass (early 2017)
Sonic Mania (spring 2017)
Splatoon 2 (summer 2017)


How's the account system for online going to work?
You login with your Nintendo Account to play online and (presumably) access past compatible purchases at some point.

What about launch dates for games coming out in the near future after the Switch is out?
Polygon has a list from Nintendo.

What about virtual console
No announcement yet, but we can safely assume there will be one, just not at launch. The main question is about past purchases.

Streetpass?
No Streetpass and Miiverse.

Does 1-2 Switch have a single player mode of some kind?
The creepy baby mini-game is the only 'single player' thing in 1-2 Switch.

Would eShop cards work with the Switch market?
They do.

What's going on here?

I am definitely not trying to be all contrarian, but there is a lot of info out there direct from Nintendo about the questions you've asked.
That being said, you're right that the messaging hasn't been typical. As much as we'd like to see the OS, I feel like it isn't really exciting enough to be worth showcasing. For me, as long as it works and is fast I don't really care. My sister, who isn't really into games is getting one for Zelda and for those kinds of people those details don't matter at all.
There will endless videos by launch, going into more detail than Nintendo ever would anyway.
 

Fireblend

Banned
no we are not i wish people would stop saying this... If anything we will get one after launch to announce release dates for stuff like arms everything we need to know has pretty much been answered.

Eh, I disagree. I'd love to know more about VC, mobile app and online service. They could totally bundle that with a couple game announcements.

Whatever though, I already have my preorder ready.
 

Zedark

Member
It certainly sounds like they intended to say something about VC before launch, maybe things just didn't pan out.

In regards to the questions about "How will the online work?" What information exactly do people want lol?

You connect your switch to the internet and if the game has online multiplayer....you can play online. Its free until september, after which it will be between 20-30 usd a year.
Well, there is still the issue of the phone app for example. Will we get that as part of the trial period or will we basically have old fashioned online play until the paid features get added in the fall (at which point you would wonder why it is called a trial if you don't get to test the new features)?
 

boiled goose

good with gravy
I can't buy a system if I don't know what I'm buying.

I don't know what happens to digital content. (hidden costs)
I don't know what paid online will cost (added costs)

No info, no buy. System is sold out for launch, so seems not enough people care though (for now).
 
Eh, I disagree. I'd love to know more about VC, mobile app and online service. They could totally bundle that with a couple game announcements.

Whatever though, I already have my preorder ready.

VC is obviously not at launch so they will talk about it closer to whenever they launch it, mobile app we arent even sure when it launches, as for the online service thats not until fall plenty of time for them to give information out on plus nintendo confirmed from the start that we would get information about it sometime after launch.
 

Fireblend

Banned
VC is obviously not at launch so they will talk about it closer to whenever they launch it, mobile app we arent even sure when it launches, as for the online service thats not until fall plenty of time for them to give information out on plus nintendo confirmed from the start that we would get information about it sometime after launch.

Sure, but by buying the Switch now I'm also buying into all that stuff we don't know about. It's information that a conscious consumer would want to know about before their purchase.
 
I feel like if Sony or Microsoft tried this they'd get raked over the coals for it. The lack of information available regarding the Switch seems really unacceptable.

They most certainly would. People are excusing this nonsense because they get to play Zelda.
 

Qwyjibo

Member
I really wish Nintendo gave me any decent reason to buy a Switch at launch. Everything about it comes off as so underwhelming with tons of uncertainty going forward. Part of it is that I'm ok with playing Zelda on Wii U, and that's pretty much the only reason to own a Switch for the next couple months.

Time to freeze myself Cartman-style and wait out for the nSwitch or Switch Lite or whatever the first revision of this thing ends up being.
 

Dremorak

Banned
Well, there is still the issue of the phone app for example. Will we get that as part of the trial period or will we basically have old fashioned online play until the paid features get added in the fall (at which point you would wonder why it is called a trial if you don't get to test the new features)?

Phone app will only be used for voice chat, the only game on the horizon that MIGHT use that is splatoon2..so I guess the phone app beta will be along around splatoon2 launch

I can't buy a system if I don't know what I'm buying.

I don't know what happens to digital content. (hidden costs)
I don't know what paid online will cost (added costs)

No info, no buy. System is sold out for launch, so seems not enough people care though (for now).

Hidden costs?? What does that mean??

Paid online will be between 2000-3000 yen, or, 20-30 usd. Is that not enough?
 
Phone app will only be used for voice chat, the only game on the horizon that MIGHT use that is splatoon2..so I guess the phone app beta will be along around splatoon2 launch



Hidden costs?? What does that mean??

Paid online will be between 2000-3000 yen, or, 20-30 usd. Is that not enough?

Transfer charges like for re-buying your Wii VC games on Wii U.

And the yen costs just gives you a likely ballpark estimate for the US but it's still not concrete information at all.
 
If Nintendo told us anything, their competitors would copy them. It's better to blindly buy their products without any information so that Sony and Microsoft can't improve their sizable leads on Nintendo.

/s
 

unbiasedgamer

Neo Member
I think it's good that your favorite video game news outlet or YouTuber will demonstrate the Os and hardware. They can praise what they like and be critical about what they don't. So I'm fine with that.

We do need them to talk about the VC and online situation tough.
 

a916

Member
People hating on OP asking questions think it's a joke until Friday morning when we wake up and still don't know shit. Hopefully this thread catches someone's eye and we can get some answers. If Nintendo really doesn't step up I'll be severely disappointed.

I imagine it'll all come out after launch... in a trickle effect... as people discover on their own... in embarrassing Nintendo fashion.

I mean all the focus should be on the game and the console... not basic questions like how this works or how that works....
 

tebunker

Banned
I feel like if Sony or Microsoft tried this they'd get raked over the coals for it. The lack of information available regarding the Switch seems really unacceptable.

Nah, we're all just mainly worn down and used to it. Doesn't mean we aren't upset or bothered by it.

It means that we've expended enough energy all ready and just can't be bothered to care anymore.

Almost sounds like Nintendo's diminishing fan base
 
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