Support NeoGAF

[Okami Haundo]

No VC confirmed... fuck.. we're going to have a trickling of VC releases, maybe even only when the online service launches and for a limited time.. or even worse, a fucking netflix-like subscription service for VC.

Ugh. Switch hype deflated by 40%. So much potential.

I'd say to wait for details on that one. No VC at launch does not directly point to what you're suggesting. Myself and other members have pointed out that late spring/early summer are currently empty as far as game releases go. That could be the window Nintendo is waiting for to unveil their plans for VC on Switch.

There's also the idea of VC including Wii and the rumor of Gamecube support. We'd need different accessories for that which means they might want to make a bigger deal out of the release.

 

[XandBosch]

Does the lack of an activity log prevent you from playing games?

No?

Then why does it matter?

Would you rather the Switch come out April 3 with an Activity Log or can you deal with not having it for a few weeks?

Shouldn't be a deal breaker.

I guess a lot of people here prefer playing their activity log to actual games.

"Hey, don't you want to play Zelda more?"

"No! I want to see how long I've played it already!"

:/

 

[Kindekuma]

The only thing I know that comes close to an Activity Log is in the Parental Controls where you can monitor playtime length and stats.

 

[ElectricBlanketFire]

No one gives a damn about how barebones an OS is. You aren't buying an operating system. This isn't a computer. People need to stop acting as if that's a major factor in people's purchase decisions. It's not and has never been.

I personally know people who aren't buying the Switch because it can't do Netflix or YouTube at launch.

 

[jacobeid]

Does the lack of an activity log prevent you from playing games?

No?

Then why does it matter?

Would you rather the Switch come out April 3 with an Activity Log or can you deal with not having it for a few weeks?

Shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Have they confirmed that it will be added? If not then it's definitely valid criticism.

 

[Prithee Be Careful]

Defense force be like:

 

[Vampirolol]

It seems like this time they focused on avoiding hard locks at the cost of... actually having anything else besides games and options?
I think the DSi had more things than this at launch...

 

[TS-08]

Does the lack of an activity log prevent you from playing games?

No?

Then why does it matter?

Would you rather the Switch come out April 3 with an Activity Log or can you deal with not having it for a few weeks?

Shouldn't be a deal breaker.

I could have missed it, but has anyone called its absence a deal breaker, or said they aren't buying one until it was added?

 

[SmokedMeat]

Activity log and Virtual console are features no one should expect/care about day one. Just because it doesn't have that stuff yet doesn't make it a half baked console.

Fuck off with this no one should expect VC or a simple activity log at launch. I'm sick of this attitude among the front line defenders that all a system should do is play games at launch and nothing more.

 

[Maintenance]

People right now talking about the Activity Log reminds me of this:

 

[phanphare]

face button comparison between the NS Pro controller and the Joy Con courtesy of IGN's NS Pro unboxing video

 

[The_Darkest_Red]

Does the lack of an activity log prevent you from playing games?

No?

Then why does it matter?

Would you rather the Switch come out April 3 with an Activity Log or can you deal with not having it for a few weeks?

Shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Are we getting it in a few weeks?

 

[Tal Shiar Agent]

It's a launch that enables me to play the new open-world Zelda portable.

The best kind of launch and the only kind that got me to get the console.

Right, and that is perfectly fine. But you have to recognize it is a beta and you are the only type of consumer they are targeting the first few months.

 

[Distresssss]

I personally know people who aren't buying the Switch because it can't do Netflix or YouTube at launch.

Have they heard of smartphones? They are very much in the minority.

Right, and that is perfectly fine. But you have to recognize it is a beta and you are the only type of consumer they are targeting the first few months.

As much a beta as any other console launch. This one has a game I actually want to play though.

 

[VistraNorrez]

I want to play Zelda as much as anyone, but they should have launched in the fall.

Launched in the fall with Zelda, Mario, virtual console, browser, streaming apps, achievements, and whatever other things that would make this extremely basic device much more compelling in 2017.

The world has changed and how we interact with our portable devices has changed. Saying that what is essentially a tablet and being sold as a portable device should do nothing but play games is insanity.

I really hope Nintendo reacts quickly, but my expectations thus far aren't high considering they can't launch with a simple virtual console.

I don't understand the mindset from any perspective. The system is effectively sold out. They now have many months to build a software library they can push during the Holidays. They also don't have to compete with the launch of any other systems. Nintendo is doing what they need to do from a business perspective.

People waiting until the fall or Winter to by a Switch is a good thing. Once again it's sold out. They don't need to convince anymore people to buy it right now. But Nintendo needs to sustain sales. They have software p announced from now to the end of the year. This strategy has a much better potential of maintaining momentum than jamming everything into the last quarter.

 

[ElectricBlanketFire]

I guess a lot of people here prefer playing their activity log to actual games.

"Hey, don't you want to play Zelda more?"

"No! I want to see how long I've played it already!"

:/

No one is saying this.

 

[10k]

So on Twitter in a discussion and based on rough anecdotal data from previews the syncing issue seems to be more common for neon ones.

Anybody reporting syncing problems with Grey ones?

 

[WordsintheWater]

I've owned a 3DS since March 2011. Have never used the activity log once. Same on the Wii U.

Who

Cares

Just because you don't care doesn't mean others feel the same way

People like video apps and other things on their consoles, think outside yourself for a minute and stop letting your excitement get the best of you.

 

[XandBosch]

I personally know people who aren't buying the Switch because it can't do Netflix or YouTube at launch.

Moms?

Actually, nah - even they'd think that's stupid as fuck.

 

[Deleted member 752119]

I don't see anything to worry about here. A bit bare in features,hopefully the syncing glitch is fixed in the day one patch etc. But definitely reinforces that I made the right decision in not getting day one.

The games aren't there for me yet (I'll probably play Zelda on Wii U after I finish Horizon and Mass Effect) and there's too many things I want to see how they pan out (VC etc.) before I buy into the system.

To be fair, I canceled my PS4 preorder a couple weeks out form launch as well, so it's mostly just the case that I'm not into games enough to ever early adopt at launch again vs. waiting and making more informed purchases and buying in when there's a decent selection of games that are personal must plays for me.

 

[YuriLowell]

I could have missed it, but has anyone called its absence a deal breaker, or said they aren't buying one until it was added?

No. I haven't seen anyone that has said that yet.

 

[lenovox1]

I want to play Zelda as much as anyone, but they should have launched in the fall.

Launched in the fall with Zelda, Mario, virtual console, browser, streaming apps, achievements, and whatever other things that would make this extremely basic device much more compelling in 2017.

The world has changed and how we interact with our portable devices has changed. Saying that what is essentially a tablet and being sold as a portable device should do nothing but play games is insanity.

I really hope Nintendo reacts quickly, but my expectations thus far aren't high considering they can't launch with a simple virtual console.

So what's honestly the difference between launching now and having some of that stuff ready by the fall and what you propose?

 

[SomedayTheFire]

I could have missed it, but has anyone called its absence a deal breaker, or said they aren't buying one until it was added?

no he's just being super defensive.

 

[Hubble]

Literally everyone in this thread has a dozen different ways to access the internet and to watch netflix/amazon. Yes, these things should make their way to the Switch sooner than later, but come on.

I think the point is like Emily said, the Switch launch feels weird. If you have the system, she is implying the system software feels bare bones and lacking the basics of features. And to be frank, these reports are making me and many people to wait until the system is able to offer more basic functionality.

 

[SURGEdude]

This is actually looking better than I expected. Though I still think the whole idea of a soft launch is a big mistake. Keeping up the hype for so long isn't gonna be easy.

 

[weekev]

You're right. It's like I'm being used or something.

I'll have to think on it while I play lots and lots of Zelda.

God damn, we're getting used like fiddles. Definitely worth considering whilst I play the GOAT.

 

[Mikey Jr.]

face button comparison between the NS Pro controller and the Joy Con courtesy of IGN's NS Pro unboxing video

Wow those are tiny. Haha. Or the pro is big. Dunno.

 

[The_Darkest_Red]

I guess a lot of people here prefer playing their activity log to actual games.

"Hey, don't you want to play Zelda more?"

"No! I want to see how long I've played it already!"

:/

Get ready for another mind-blowing concept... you can play games and enjoy using the Activity Log!

I love Nintendo and I'm excited about the Switch but this thread is absurd with some of these defenses.

 

[ElectricBlanketFire]

Moms?

Actually, nah - even they'd think that's stupid as fuck.

Okay.

 

[Owari]

I could have missed it, but has anyone called its absence a deal breaker, or said they aren't buying one until it was added?

People (journalists?) are sure acting like it's a deal breaker.

Have they confirmed that it will be added? If not then it's definitely valid criticism.

This, like the mini web browser, a web browser, Netflix, VC etc would be insane to not eventually include. It'll all be there eventually.

 

[Zedark]

I don't understand why people bring this up, like they think the Switch isn't launching with an activity log but this is a dream console otherwise.

Schreier brought this up because it's illustrative of the problem, not because it's a deal-breaker in and of itself.

That would work if he had a written article to further explain the problem. Now we are just looking at a journalist saying the Switch is undercooked because it is missing two features. He should do a write up to tell us the extend of his issues with the system, not just a tweet.

 

[Blackleg-sanji1]

Moms?

Actually, nah - even they'd think that's stupid as fuck.

Actually yes they would be a big part but continue to prove how closed off from reality an online gaming community is

 

[Fireblend]

Does the lack of an activity log prevent you from playing games?

No?

Then why does it matter?

Would you rather the Switch come out April 3 with an Activity Log or can you deal with not having it for a few weeks?

Shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Your attitude is incredibly naive, like a kid that hasn't realized yet that humankind isn't a hivemind and people actually have different reasons for doing what they do and derive fun from all sorts of activities and have different tastes and stuff.

I use the log regularly, at the end of the year for example I like seeing how much I played and what games I played each month. I also like to check it whenever I finish a game because it shows me how long it took me to beat it in comparison with other games I've played. I actually love how stats-heavy it is, shows a ton of interesting info. There's a sense of accomplishment in seeing the numbers go up and the games I've played pile up. Not having the log isn't a deal breaker for me, far from it, but I have no issue accepting it can be for some people.

 

[Tal Shiar Agent]

Have they heard of smartphones? They are very much in the minority.




As much a beta as any other console launch. This one has a game I actually want to play though.

Not really. PS4 and Xbone all launched with multiple mainstream AAA titles and essential video apps.



Why does it bother you if the Switch launch is an Early Access/Beta launch?

 

[Forkball]

Actually those aren't the stuff that most consumers will care. Wii sold mostly of Wii Sports and how well it was demonstrated and went viral through many videos and word of mouth. Switch imo mostly relies on the idea of hybrid console and the joycons (depending on how well games like 1 2 Switch will be demonstrated).

Anyway those latest developments make it look even more like a soft launch.

That was a decade ago. People expect more. My nosehair trimmer has Netflix on it. Launch is to sell to hardcore Nintendo fans while the slow roll out games and features for a big holiday push.

 

[Ridley327]

face button comparison between the NS Pro controller and the Joy Con courtesy of IGN's NS Pro unboxing video

Those Pro controller buttons are delicious.

 

[cackhyena]

You're missing the point.

Virtual Console at launch would be Nintendo itself taking attention away from third party published games.

You think a lot of people would buy Super Bomberman R if Super Bomberman 2 was a quarter of the price on VC the same week? How many people would get I Am Setsuna if Xenoblade Chronicles was available on VC at launch?

I mean, the easy answer is to do what they've always done. Trickle out games on VC at an irritating rate. Don't put those specific games out yet. Put some of the classic Marios and whatever else out to make it feel more well rounded. I'm not saying they can do this now, like you suggest, I'm saying they didn't have their ducks in a row to do this now. It's literally throwing away money top get it out in front of fall competition. It feels rushed.


That said, I'm getting it day one cuz Zelda looks phenominal.

 

[GregLombardi]

So on Twitter in a discussion and based on rough anecdotal data from previews the syncing issue seems to be more common for neon ones.

Anybody reporting syncing problems with Grey ones?

I was noticing this as well. Curious what the reasoning for that could possibly be.

 

[ffdgh]

In other news, the Mii maker now has options for a full spectrum of hair (and eye) colours:

Found on Reddit

This pleases me greatly. Finally legit Chrom/Lucina/Sonic Miis

 

[LordOcidax]

Great previews so far, i really like how the hardware looks also the OS doesn't looks like a thing for kids. Awesome device.

 

[broncobuster]

face button comparison between the NS Pro controller and the Joy Con courtesy of IGN's NS Pro unboxing video

Hoping Amazon ships my pro pad earlier than they say...

 

[TS-08]

People (journalists?) are sure acting like it's a deal breaker.



This, like the mini web browser, a web browser, Netflix, VC etc would be insane to not eventually include. It'll all be there eventually.

No they aren't. Not that I've seen.

 

[phanphare]

Wow those are tiny. Haha. Or the pro is big. Dunno.

I think it's both. the Joy Con face buttons are supposedly the size of 3DS face buttons.

but the NS Pro Controller's buttons are nice and big regardless

 

[rochellepaws]

I'm really disappointed about no Activity log, it was a widely praised feature on Wii U and especially 3DS so it seems mind boggling to not continue with it. I'm just hoping that all these missing features are because of a rushed launch and not a philosophy against non-gaming applications.

 

[Manmedaz]

Has anyone seen confirmation of My Nintendo point vouchers with the hardware/games? I've been betting that Switch would be the return of the point code for physical purchases and I hope I'm right. It'd be lame to drop all this money on Switch and only get points for digital stuff.

There is nothing in the game boxes except for the game card, but you can link your physical game to your My Nintendo account via the game's options (-/+ on the main screen when selecting the game > My Nintendo Rewards Program (or something like that, I'm translating from French)).

 

[Vitacat]

Took a hot second, but it does indeed!

Well, damn, that's pretty sweet.

I already own an Xbone Elite and 2 XBone BT controllers, so don't need anymore for PC. But still, very cool.

 

[YuriLowell]

face button comparison between the NS Pro controller and the Joy Con courtesy of IGN's NS Pro unboxing video

Anyone have a comparison to the 3ds buttons?

 

[casey_contra]

So on Twitter in a discussion and based on rough anecdotal data from previews the syncing issue seems to be more common for neon ones.

Anybody reporting syncing problems with Grey ones?

Wow, interesting. Take that, Neon fans!!!

Spoiler

I still wish I reserved Neon

 

[Joe Shlabotnik]

I would hope nobody is buying the Switch to replace their iPad. It hasn't been sold on the basis of having thousands of apps or being a general computing device. I don't know how anyone would get that impression besides making a blind purchase based on assumptions, which is bad for any product let alone $300 technology purchases.

It doesn't need thousands of apps. Tablets are like 95% internet / Netflix / YouTube devices for most people. That's what "outside the bubble" expects on a six inch internet capable touchscreen device.

 

[random25]

face button comparison between the NS Pro controller and the Joy Con courtesy of IGN's NS Pro unboxing video

The face buttons are huge.