Nintendo Switch Previews are coming in

you can swim in your own ink?

for starters..

I mean, what makes Splatoon need to use digital triggers any more than any other shooter that uses analog triggers with zero problem? I have literally never felt like analog triggers hampered my experience in any game ever, whether what the input was doing was digital OR analog. It has only ever ENHANCED my experience, when in racing games. Man I wish they had analog triggers and MK could use them. What a heavenly thing that would be.
 
I mean, what makes Splatoon need to use digital triggers any more than any other shooter that uses analog triggers with zero problem? I have literally never felt like analog triggers hampered my experience in any game ever, whether what the input was doing was digital OR analog. It has only ever ENHANCED my experience, when in racing games. Man I wish they had analog triggers and MK could use them. What a heavenly thing that would be.

it's a personal preference based on the types of games I play

and I have no idea how a game like mario kart could benefit. in fact, that's another where I'd greatly prefer digital triggers as drifting is integral to that game.

basically any game that uses the triggers as a binary input (literally every single kind of game that I play as I don't play sim racing games) I'd prefer digital triggers. it's why (well, one of the reasons) I use a Wii U Pro for Steam instead of an x360 controller.

and yeah Splatoon especially as squid form is a such a huge part of that game. it's immensely more satisfying and comfortable to have a digital trigger for that mechanic as you'll be morphing in and out of it quite often and you'll also be holding the trigger down for extended periods of time to swim.

the quick click, short travel, and little to no resistance are what I prefer. if you own a Wii U the triggers on the gamepad are ideal for me personally. nice and clicky and can be pressed in rapid succession with ease. I guess a lot of it comes down to tactile feedback in conjunction with a game's controls.
 
it's a personal preference based on the types of games I play

and I have no idea how a game like mario kart could benefit. in fact, that's another where I'd greatly prefer digital triggers as drifting is integral to that game.

basically any game that uses the triggers as a binary input (literally every single kind of game that I play as I don't play sim racing games) I'd prefer digital triggers. it's why (well, one of the reasons) I use a Wii U Pro for Steam instead of an x360 controller.

and yeah Splatoon especially as squid form is a such a huge part of that game. it's immensely more satisfying and comfortable to have a digital trigger for that mechanic as you'll be morphing in and out of it quite often and you'll also be holding the trigger down for extended periods of time to swim.

the quick click, short travel, and little to no resistance are what I prefer. if you own a Wii U the triggers on the gamepad are ideal for me personally. nice and clicky and can be pressed in rapid succession with ease. I guess a lot of it comes down to tactile feedback in conjunction with a game's controls.

Maybe it just has to do with what you're more used to. I think analog always feels better personally. But I know there were some people awhile back who were all about the DS2 with its digital shoulder buttons and hated that Sony moved to analog. I guess not everybody wants analog. I adore it. I don't think digital is a dealbreaker, but I have a strong preference.
 
Ok, I'm officially happy with launch day now:

Zelda
Bomberman
Fast RMX
Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment (releasing on Switch before anywhere else)
Snipperclips

Works for me. Heck, I might even grab 1-2 Switch as well.

Think I'm gonna end up getting the same games.

It's a shame Binding of Isaac didn't make launch. This would've been my favorite launch lineup in a long time.
 
I don't like previews that have inaccurate information. Even though its early and there is still a lot we don't know, but a lot is known and fact and its unprofessional when someone gets facts wrong in a preview.

I just saw a preview where someone said there are no launch games that showcase hd rumble and that ir sensor tech, when clearly 1,2 Switch is designed for exactly that.
 
I think you're exaggerating in your head just how long it takes to press an analog trigger. You even mentioned dodging on analog triggers in Bayonetta as not being ideal, but as someone who played the 360 version for over a hundred hours, I can tell you that it works just fine.

Man, you've totally lost me here. How is Splatoon any different from the hundreds of shooters on PS4 and XB1 that use triggers?


I'm not. I was actually holding onto my dualshock 4 while I was typing that comment. I'm well used to analog triggers as I buy every pretty much every console (I only skipped the NES, N64 and the XB1. My original point was that the "lack of analog triggers on the switch is not a strict negative." There are pros and cons. With respect to those games I mentioned, all of those games are better with digital triggers because those moves are binary inputs. They are either on or off, and they have very little transitional animation, and you cannot opt out of those movements during the transitional animation. So, those are objectively better with digital triggers. Sure, you can make them work with analog triggers. You can make dodging in Bayonetta work with analog triggers, particularly because dodging is not that spammable in that game, When you compare that to an action that you can spam every 4 or so frames like grounding in DKCTF or using the inkbrush in Splatoon, the longer actuation of analog triggers actually becomes an issue. It does become an issue in Splatoon moreso than the other console shooters I've played. I'm not necessarily going to go through all the reasons but:

  1. There are weapons in which you spam tap the trigger, extremely quickly, moreso than pistols in pretty much every console shooter I've played. Seriously, play the inkbrush.
  2. The sniper class shoots by charging and then releasing the trigger. From experience, this is often a frame perfect maneuver, for which an analog trigger would sacrifice responsiveness, (yes even with the higher amount of restorative force on the xbox controller).
  3. The left trigger is reserved for swimming. Swimming is something you activate and deactivate extremely often, and since it has a really quick animation, you want it to feel as responsive as possible. It is used more often than barrel aiming in other shooters, It is held down like a run button at nearly all times outside of combat. The responsiveness of an analog trigger for a digital input is correlated with the amount of restorative force or tension you feel when you press the trigger down. Personally, I want the trigger to feel extremely snappy, but I don't want to feel tension when I'm holding the button down for 20 seconds at a time in between fights. Splatoon is built around digital triggers and it shows in the design.
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwuCfINUJH0
    The advertisement of the XBOX Elite controller on the trigger switches
    "..to lock the Trigger to a shorter pull distance. This is great for games like shooters..."
    Lets not pretend that dual sticks and analog triggers are the ideal for this genre. The vastly more competitive PC scene uses the extremely short actuation distance of the mouse and position to position mapping of the mouse which is much closer to digital triggers and gyro. Analog triggers are for versatility, and based on the backlash I've seen about the Switch's concept, versatility comes with pros and cons. Thus, I will say it again.
    "The lack of analog triggers on the Switch is not a strict negative/"
 
im very concerned about this joycon transmission/desync failure as reported by gamexplain.

having watched that video im not certain a firmware will do jack shit to solve the problem.
it seems the joycons just have a really weak signal that can be occluded easily.

im not even sure if my setup work with it as a result. my consoles are all lined up against a wall and my 4k tv infront.
nothing has ever interfered with all the other consoles like wii u, xbox one, ps4 etc.
but this switch.....
 
im very concerned about this joycon transmission/desync failure as reported by gamexplain.

having watched that video im not certain a firmware will do jack shit to solve the problem.
it seems the joycons just have a really weak signal that can be occluded easily.

im not even sure if my setup work with it as a result. my consoles are all lined up against a wall and my 4k tv infront.
nothing has ever interfered with all the other consoles like wii u, xbox one, ps4 etc.
but this switch.....

There is a chance that the signal is weak due to being locked into a low-power draw setting and can be set to a higher power draw (and thus signal strength) via an update.
 
im very concerned about this joycon transmission/desync failure as reported by gamexplain.

having watched that video im not certain a firmware will do jack shit to solve the problem.
it seems the joycons just have a really weak signal that can be occluded easily.

im not even sure if my setup work with it as a result. my consoles are all lined up against a wall and my 4k tv infront.
nothing has ever interfered with all the other consoles like wii u, xbox one, ps4 etc.
but this switch.....

Supposedly they're (NOA) are working on it, so it could be on a firmware level. We'll have to see on the Day 1 update next week...lol.
 
There is a chance that the signal is weak due to being locked into a low-power draw setting and can be set to a higher power draw (and thus signal strength) via an update.

and if it isnt im potentially screwed out of being able to use the machine effectively.

really i should cancel the preorder and wait... but theyre not going to be easy to get once i find out a couple days after release.

so im kinda forced to get one and 'hope'
 
The preview is basically a tool for Nintendo to iron out what needs to be fixed/addressed on consumer level before launch. While the joycon de-sync issue is a bit worrisome, it's good that it's been detected by media outlets this early so an update or a fix could be done before day 1. Some issues just really bypass even the strictest testing and validation because of a lot of factors when in the hands of a consumer.
 
The preview is basically a tool for Nintendo to iron out what needs to be fixed/addressed on consumer level before launch. While the joycon de-sync issue is a bit worrisome, it's good that it's been detected by media outlets this early so an update or a fix could be done before day 1. Some issues just really bypass even the strictest testing and validation because of a lot of factors when in the hands of a consumer.

Come on. This isn't a beta test, these were sent out to build hype for the system and to have reviews ready.
 
The preview is basically a tool for Nintendo to iron out what needs to be fixed/addressed on consumer level before launch. While the joycon de-sync issue is a bit worrisome, it's good that it's been detected by media outlets this early so an update or a fix could be done before day 1. Some issues just really bypass even the strictest testing and validation because of a lot of factors when in the hands of a consumer.


Really just comes down to whether it's a hardware or software issue. Hoping the latter.
 
The preview is basically a tool for Nintendo to iron out what needs to be fixed/addressed on consumer level before launch. While the joycon de-sync issue is a bit worrisome, it's good that it's been detected by media outlets this early so an update or a fix could be done before day 1. Some issues just really bypass even the strictest testing and validation because of a lot of factors when in the hands of a consumer.

There's zero chance this issue hasn't come up during Nintendo's own quality control.
I'm not cancelling my preorder because of this, but it's still worrisome.
 
Come on. This isn't a beta test, these were sent out to build hype for the system and to have reviews ready.

Yeah, I agree. Something like a beta test would have probably been earlier and been accessible by more people. This is definitely just trying to build hype.
 
The preview is basically a tool for Nintendo to iron out what needs to be fixed/addressed on consumer level before launch. While the joycon de-sync issue is a bit worrisome, it's good that it's been detected by media outlets this early so an update or a fix could be done before day 1. Some issues just really bypass even the strictest testing and validation because of a lot of factors when in the hands of a consumer.
They do not send out a beta test to the press two weeks before launch. Critics will be rating the system based on the two weeks.
 
The preview is basically a tool for Nintendo to iron out what needs to be fixed/addressed on consumer level before launch. While the joycon de-sync issue is a bit worrisome, it's good that it's been detected by media outlets this early so an update or a fix could be done before day 1. Some issues just really bypass even the strictest testing and validation because of a lot of factors when in the hands of a consumer.

Hah! No. That would be insane. They either a) knew about the issue and didn't think that it was going to be a problem in the real world, b) didn't know about the issue, or c) introduced a bug recently.

It IS worrying, though.
 
Come on. This isn't a beta test, these were sent out to build hype for the system and to have reviews ready.

That's not how it works. This is why it's a preview. Media outlets get free units along with accessories to play with them and see how things go with their use. They didn't get one just to 100% promote the system to the masses, although that's part of it. You can go to any product reviews especially on gadgets and basically they are doing the same thing. Try the units in a not controlled environment, use it how like an ordinary consumer would, and give feedback if you found out something that will affect the overall experience.

Really just comes down to whether it's a hardware or software issue. Hoping the latter.

I don't think it's purely a hardware issue. Maybe I'm wrong. But really the point is to address stuff that has been detected by the previews, duplicate and analyze the issue, and provide necessary fixes, whether it's by firmware update or by giving launch buyers free gloves lol.
 
That's not how it works. This is why it's a preview. Media outlets get free units along with accessories to play with them and see how things go with their use. They didn't get one just to 100% promote the system to the masses, although that's part of it. You can go to any product reviews especially on gadgets and basically they are doing the same thing. Try the units in a not controlled environment, use it how like an ordinary consumer would, and give feedback if you found out something that will affect the overall experience.


Dude, no. This was intended to be a hype building exercise. Companies have their own extensive testing and qa facilities, they do not leave it up to the press to perform it.
Add to that the press will then report said issues to people deflating hype and creating doubt. The hardware is out next week. If an issue comes up, it's very, very late in the game to fix it.

The hardware they shipped is the hardware that consumers will get next week. If it's a hardware issue the only solution is a recall at this point.

No company in their right mind would do that.
 
That's not how it works. This is why it's a preview. Media outlets get free units along with accessories to play with them and see how things go with their use. They didn't get one just to 100% promote the system to the masses, although that's part of it. You can go to any product reviews especially on gadgets and basically they are doing the same thing. Try the units in a not controlled environment, use it how like an ordinary consumer would, and give feedback if you found out something that will affect the overall experience.

You are completely off your rocker if you think this was the intended result of shipping these units.
 
This might surprise some a bit, but I'm sure a lot of people think the launch year lineup is better than the combine output of the Wii U and 3DS's first year.

The real question is how is a casual who owned either the Wii or 3DS but didn't buy the Wii U view the console. In terms of the Wii U it's pretty much the most hardcore Nintendo console because only hardcore Nintendo fans bought it.

A person who didn't own the Wii U isn't going to care Zelda is available on the system or that MK8D is a port. You have pretty much two of the biggest games that could launch on a system releasing back to back months, a new IP in the summer(a few years ago people were complaining about lack of new IPs), the sequel to the best selling console game in Japan this gen Splatoon and a new Mario, Xeno 2 in the fall. If you are person who buys Nintendo consoles or Nintendo handhelds for the 1st party games but didn't buy the Wii U it's a very nice lineup.

How would a person who for example bought a 2DS last Christmas due to Pokemon Go look at the device - having never owned a Nintendo console before. Does he look at the lineup and say - yes that's a good value for x4 the amount I paid for the 2DS or does he need Pokemon Stars and a few more games to be announced to seal the deal.


Switch's major issue to most people on GAF in terms of lineup is the fact that it isn't launching with a bunch of major games. To me it's natural from a marketing perspective, you need short term focus and although there are videos and marketing for the other titles - there is no doubt that Zelda is the major focus in the West for the launch. MK8D is not really being pushed right now but Nintendo will be marketing the hell out of it late March/April. Splatoon 2 is already front and center because it's the system seller in Japan and globaltestfires, WW tournaments, concerts and events are going to fuel marketing there culminating in it's release. Arms will get it's spot under the headlights ahead of it's release. The real question is what fills the gaps because I definitely think Nintendo would want to release a major game every month/month and half during the first year of the system.
Also major third party support will come from the West only if the Switch is successful, Japanese 3rd Party support is already beginning to ramp up but I don't expect anything major to be announced in that regard until early summer.
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This is me...
 
Hah! No. That would be insane. They either a) knew about the issue and didn't think that it was going to be a problem in the real world, b) didn't know about the issue, or c) introduced a bug recently.

It IS worrying, though.

Doesn't seem like a bug. More like a conservative use of antenna power to maximize battery life. I think they can fix this in software but it will shave a few hours of life from the Joycons and precious minutes from the switch. Perhaps they can just boost the signal output for Bluetooth antennas in docked/detached mode only, as that seems like the scenario where this would be problematic.
 
Doesn't seem like a bug. More like a conservative use of antenna power to maximize battery life. I think they can fix this in software but it will shave a few hours of life from the Joycons and precious minutes from the switch. Perhaps they can just boost the signal output for Bluetooth antennas in docked/detached mode only, as that seems like the scenario where this would be problematic.

I am hopeful that it will be fixed. I think this is likely, too.
 
That's not how it works. This is why it's a preview. Media outlets get free units along with accessories to play with them and see how things go with their use. They didn't get one just to 100% promote the system to the masses, although that's part of it. You can go to any product reviews especially on gadgets and basically they are doing the same thing. Try the units in a not controlled environment, use it how like an ordinary consumer would, and give feedback if you found out something that will affect the overall experience.

The scenario you specified wouldn't happen two weeks from launch. And if it were the case, why on earth would the press be allowed to post about all of the negative aspects of the system just before the release, especially if Nintendo planned to rectify them? It makes zero sense.

This is generating a massive amount of negative press and product uncertainty. Nintendo didn't plan this to be a test, it inadvertently became one.
 
That's not how it works. This is why it's a preview. Media outlets get free units along with accessories to play with them and see how things go with their use. They didn't get one just to 100% promote the system to the masses, although that's part of it. You can go to any product reviews especially on gadgets and basically they are doing the same thing. Try the units in a not controlled environment, use it how like an ordinary consumer would, and give feedback if you found out something that will affect the overall experience.



I don't think it's purely a hardware issue. Maybe I'm wrong. But really the point is to address stuff that has been detected by the previews, duplicate and analyze the issue, and provide necessary fixes, whether it's by firmware update or by giving launch buyers free gloves lol.

Media outlest previews are not product testing. That is not what they're about. The device should function as intended before preview units are sent out. Preview units are not "test our device and tell us how we can make it better" they're "please love this device and write positive previews about it."
 
That's not how it works. This is why it's a preview. Media outlets get free units along with accessories to play with them and see how things go with their use. They didn't get one just to 100% promote the system to the masses, although that's part of it. You can go to any product reviews especially on gadgets and basically they are doing the same thing. Try the units in a not controlled environment, use it how like an ordinary consumer would, and give feedback if you found out something that will affect the overall experience.
That is absolutely not true.
 
The preview is basically a tool for Nintendo to iron out what needs to be fixed/addressed on consumer level before launch. While the joycon de-sync issue is a bit worrisome, it's good that it's been detected by media outlets this early so an update or a fix could be done before day 1. Some issues just really bypass even the strictest testing and validation because of a lot of factors when in the hands of a consumer.

That is not how testing works.

Good try though.

I would be lying if I said I was not disappointed by the disconnect issues. But honestly at this point I just want the damn thing in my hands.
 
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