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[Gamer79]

I am a huge switch fan and have a library of 30+ physical copy and dozens of digital games. When I first got my switch I would play both the handheld and tv and as time went on and on, I became more in love with the TV idea. Sure less complicated games like indies, or 2D games are great with a handheld console. Big games or AAA titles IMO not so much because there is so much detail and the small screen can get cluttered or become very small. An example I can give is a game like DIablo 3 that has icons all over the screen makes the already small screen become even more smaller. In my view point the larger more blockbluster games seem not to scale well with the smaller handheld screens.

Prime example: When the Switch Lite first came out, I played through Zelda BoTW for the first time. Years later I sold that lite and upgraded to the Oled. I started Played through Zelda BoTW again on the larger screen and holy shit it seemed like a different game. I missed so much detail and just stuff in the world due to the smaller screen size in handheld mode. If you travel a lot or just always on the go then the handheld is a great alternative but if you are home it should be on the big screen IMO. I equate it to watching a Movie in the Cinema and then going to watch that same movie on your small 32inch tv. It's the same movie but not the same experience.

Here is an Idea Nintendo could do if they choose too but do not know if they want to. The Switch 2 from all the reports seems to be a decently powered machine. A lot of the cost in the machine is making it a small sized portable machine. All reports are guessing the Switch 2 could be around $399 at launch.

Here is the power move: Build a Switch 2 model similar to the retro pie. Nintendo builds a simple box a little bigger than the docking station built only for TV use. They throw in an Hdmi cable, power cable, and controller. It could have the form factor of say half the size of the series-S. Because they eliminated the screen and the portability factor this would drop the cost dramatically. Price it at $199 and watch people losing their shit to get this thing.

It could be a 3rd SKU: $199

 

[Polygonal_Sprite]

All the internal data they gathered throughout the Switch life cycle told them one thing. That people liked it most because it was a HYBRID console. The light was actually a relative flop and was one of the data points they used to come to the above conclusion.

 

[Azelover]

It's a good idea. But you have to keep in mind they're very handheld oriented. I don't see it happening. It's so close now, we'll see.

 

[diffusionx]

Nintendo once said that people used their system 50-50 in terms of docked vs. handheld. It's a key part of the system. The Switch Lite was designed to be a lower cost option so kids could play Pokemon or whatever, and then the major upgrade of the Switch this gen was also hand-held oriented, the OLED screen.

So, what does this say, Nintendo values the portability of it and sees it as a major reason for its success and I doubt they would go the opposite way.

 

[PauloRoberto]

I wont say this is a bad idea per se, i like SFF Pcs and Macminis and such... but Nintendo won't throw away the biggest Switch differential.

 

[Sgt.Asher]

I've seen this suggested so many times. They aren't doing it and no, it won't sell gangbusters.

 

[ReyBrujo]

I literally use it only in handheld mode. I'm all for more options but I wouldn't buy a handheld without a screen.

 

[LectureMaster]

My man, ask about my fate:

 

[touchfuzzy]

So after finding huge success carving out their own niche with a hybrid console, go toe to toe with a dominant Sony in the dedicated console space again. What could go wrong?

 

[Soapbox Killer]

My man, ask about my fate:

I just bought one of these recently cause it had a brand new Dual Shock 3 in it.




This system had the right idea but the tech was too early. and it was cumbersome. A vita you could dock seamlessly would be an interesting device a few years before switch.

 

[Magister]

My man, ask about my fate:

I forgot to buy one of those when it was in the bargain bin.

 

[Soapbox Killer]

So after finding huge success carving out their own niche with a hybrid console, go toe to toe with a dominant Sony in the dedicated console space again. What could go wrong?

It's not a terrible idea in theory. Nintendo and Sony, (unlike Xbox) don't occupy 90% of the same footprint so a Series S like "Switch Top" for lack of a better name could do alright for people who just wanna play a few Nintendo games on the side and don't wanna invest into the entire ecosystem. Retro Console access alone might be worth it for someone not invested in Switch 1/2

 

[Gamer79]

So after finding huge success carving out their own niche with a hybrid console, go toe to toe with a dominant Sony in the dedicated console space again. What could go wrong?

I am not saying Only go for this. I am saying offer this as another SKU.

 

[kevboard]

I would like such a TV Switch 2, but Nintendo probably doesn't want to overcomplicate ANYTHING with this generational shift here.
the Wii U taught them that the messaging needs to be AS SIMPLE AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE.

you might think that having a cheaper TV only Switch 2 wouldn't be a hard thing to communicate to consumers, but there I'd say you underestimate the stupidity of the average consumer, or human in general.
your sales pitch needs to be as idiot proof as possible, and having multiple SKUs might make it not idiot proof anymore.

maybe down the line they could launch such a box. maybe after 2 years, during a Nintendo direct, they can have a small segment where they say "we heard some of our customers mainly play with the Switch 2 docked on their TVs, and we heard that many are looking for a more cost conscious option to play our library of amazing games"
and then show the Switch 2 TV, launch it with a Mario Kart 9 + 2 controller bundle for $250, and a standalone version with no game and 1 controller for $200

 

[IDKFA]

he light was actually a relative flop and was one of the data points they used to come to the above conclusion.

Was it a flop? I ask this as a serious question because AFAIK, Nintendo have combined the sales figures of all Switch models for some time. When the Switch lite first came out, Nintendo came out and said it sold 2 million units in 11 days, and that was back in 2019. I think the lite was a bigger success than some people think.

 

[diffusionx]

I am not saying Only go for this. I am saying offer this as another SKU.

I really doubt that a handheld version would be $400 and a console one would be $200. That would just murder the handheld version, which they don't want to do. It's probably not feasible anyway to get that low.

Basically you're saying there is some large amount of people who would want a Switch but dont want to pay full price for the handheld version and I don't see that. Because the handheld one is also the console one. Even if you're paying a bit more (like $50 probably, not $200), it's a bonus. Whereas the Switch Lite exists as a second system for kids, kids who don't have full access to the TV, kids who want to play games portable, take it to school and trade Pokemon, etc. - this SKU makes much more sense.

 

[Polygonal_Sprite]

Was it a flop? I ask this as a serious question because AFAIK, Nintendo have combined the sales figures of all Switch models for some time. When the Switch lite first came out, Nintendo came out and said it sold 2 million units in 11 days, and that was back in 2019. I think the lite was a bigger success than some people think.

Maybe flop is too strong a word but it was expected to outsell the main version in Japan and even the Japanese preferred the hybrid version despite the console being much larger than a typical handheld.

I would have loved a home only version of Switch with the clock speeds set to max on the Tegra but I don’t think it would have sold well looking back at the gen. People absolutely love the hybrid approach. It’s what makes it unique amongst the main console manufacturers and why they’re doing a Switch 2 instead of something completely new.

 

[ReBurn]

If they made such a device they probably wouldn't sell it for $199. They've already invested the R&D into making it small and tooling their supply chain for it, so making it less small now wouldn't necessarily save them money there. I could see savings from not having to include the screen and the battery,

 

[CS Lurker]

There's no way to cut 50% of the price by replacing the joy-cons with a pro controller, and getting rid of the dock/screen/battery.

 

[Zacfoldor]

Whatever you think Nintendo will do, they will probably do something completely different, unpredictable, and weird.

That's them.

For decades I dreamed of Nintendo domination only to see them weird out on me at every turn.

Nintendo is a creature for loving not for leading. It follows its own path.

 

[Cyberpunkd]

Here is an Idea Nintendo could do if they choose too but do not know if they want to. The Switch 2 from all the reports seems to be a decently powered machine. A lot of the cost in the machine is making it a small sized portable machine. All reports are guessing the Switch 2 could be around $399 at launch.

Here is the power move: Build a Switch 2 model similar to the retro pie. Nintendo builds a simple box a little bigger than the docking station built only for TV use. They throw in an Hdmi cable, power cable, and controller. It could have the form factor of say half the size of the series-S. Because they eliminated the screen and the portability factor this would drop the cost dramatically. Price it at $199 and watch people losing their shit to get this thing.

It could be a 3rd SKU: $199

Want a better power move? Make a machine that can be sold for $199 at a minimal loss but price it at $399 to make FUCKTON of money. That's the Nintendo way.

 

[hououinkyouma00]

I am a huge switch fan and have a library of 30+ physical copy and dozens of digital games. When I first got my switch I would play both the handheld and tv and as time went on and on, I became more in love with the TV idea. Sure less complicated games like indies, or 2D games are great with a handheld console. Big games or AAA titles IMO not so much because there is so much detail and the small screen can get cluttered or become very small. An example I can give is a game like DIablo 3 that has icons all over the screen makes the already small screen become even more smaller. In my view point the larger more blockbluster games seem not to scale well with the smaller handheld screens.

Prime example: When the Switch Lite first came out, I played through Zelda BoTW for the first time. Years later I sold that lite and upgraded to the Oled. I started Played through Zelda BoTW again on the larger screen and holy shit it seemed like a different game. I missed so much detail and just stuff in the world due to the smaller screen size in handheld mode. If you travel a lot or just always on the go then the handheld is a great alternative but if you are home it should be on the big screen IMO. I equate it to watching a Movie in the Cinema and then going to watch that same movie on your small 32inch tv. It's the same movie but not the same experience.

Here is an Idea Nintendo could do if they choose too but do not know if they want to. The Switch 2 from all the reports seems to be a decently powered machine. A lot of the cost in the machine is making it a small sized portable machine. All reports are guessing the Switch 2 could be around $399 at launch.

Here is the power move: Build a Switch 2 model similar to the retro pie. Nintendo builds a simple box a little bigger than the docking station built only for TV use. They throw in an Hdmi cable, power cable, and controller. It could have the form factor of say half the size of the series-S. Because they eliminated the screen and the portability factor this would drop the cost dramatically. Price it at $199 and watch people losing their shit to get this thing.

It could be a 3rd SKU: $199

$199 is fucking dreaming but this is what I’ve always wanted them to do ever since they did the Lite.

My perfect Switch experience was always a Lite for handheld play, and a dedicated TV device. It’s how I use it now. My girlfriend bought a Lite at the height of AC because she wanted two islands but it’s come in handy as I much prefer the Lite for handheld use and she doesn’t play it anymore.

In the beginning their cloud save system was so shit that it wasn’t usable to go back and forth but now it works great.

If Nintendo did this I would probably buy it because handheld accounts for probably 20% max of my playtime.

 

[LordOcidax]

So, you think that’s launching a weak console only for cheap that it’s going to be a nightmare to promote due the Switch name is a power move… Thanks good you don’t work at Nintendo . Launching Mario Karts 9 Switch 2 bundle first year is a power move.

 

[Hero_Select]

Too many SKUs confuse the masses.. and after the Wii U Nintendo will do their damn best to make sure the messaging is clear.

 

[Soapbox Killer]

So, you think that’s launching a weak console only for cheap that it’s going to be a nightmare to promote due the Switch name is a power move… Thanks good you don’t work at Nintendo . Launching Mario Karts 9 Switch 2 bundle first year is a power move.

It's been 8 Years and 150 million consoles, there wouldn't been any confusion about a TV Only Switch console( Og or 2). Let's not forget the Switch LITE doesn't "switch" at all and I'm sure it sold some 10+ Million units. Whether or not it makes economic sense is another story entirely however, the Wii U days of "what the hell is it" are long dead.

 

[LordOcidax]

It's been 8 Years and 150 million consoles, there wouldn't been any confusion about a TV Only Switch console( Og or 2). Let's not forget the Switch LITE doesn't "switch" at all and I'm sure it sold some 10+ Million units. Whether or not it makes economic sense is another story entirely however, the Wii U days of "what the hell is it" are long dead.

I think this could work, but for the Switch 1. An $89 tv only Switch 1, but hell no for Switch 2.

 

[IDKFA]

Maybe flop is too strong a word but it was expected to outsell the main version in Japan and even the Japanese preferred the hybrid version despite the console being much larger than a typical handheld.

I would have loved a home only version of Switch with the clock speeds set to max on the Tegra but I don’t think it would have sold well looking back at the gen. People absolutely love the hybrid approach. It’s what makes it unique amongst the main console manufacturers and why they’re doing a Switch 2 instead of something completely new.

Agreed. The total Swicth sales of all models is approaching 150m in sales. It's the second best selling hardware from Nintendo. They'd be foolish to take a risk and try something different.

 

[BlackTron]

the handheld is a great alternative but if you are home it should be on the big screen IMO. I equate it to watching a Movie in the Cinema and then going to watch that same movie on your small 32inch tv. It's the same movie but not the same experience.

Dude you just blew my mind holy shit. This must be how you have the best ideas for gaming companies

 

[Soapbox Killer]

I think this could work, but for the Switch 1. An $89 tv only Switch 1, but hell no for Switch 2.

I would ADORE a $99 Switch 1 TV only device. Switch is the easiest of "modern" consoles to make into arcade cabs. Maybe not the easiest but I built 1 and cost to build ratio is cheap(er) than PC's. so I would love it.

 

[Sintoid]

Hoping Nintendo will you make spare some money?
After all that mediocre porting full priced?

 

[Parazels]

If they made such a device they probably wouldn't sell it for $199. They've already invested the R&D into making it small and tooling their supply chain for it, so making it less small now wouldn't necessarily save them money there. I could see savings from not having to include the screen and the battery,

I don't even expect Switch 2 to cost $400 either.

Apparently, $450-500.

 

[cireza]

A "no bullshit, no screen" SKU with a real controller would certainly be welcome.

 

[LordOcidax]

A "no bullshit, no screen" SKU with a real controller would certainly be welcome.

Just buy a pro controller and play it in docked mode and done.

 

[cireza]

Just buy a pro controller and play it in docked mode and done.

This is already what I do but I'd rather have a proper home console than a clunky dock with a tablet moving inside it. All this useless stuff also drives the price higher.

 

[LordOcidax]

This is already what I do but I'd rather have a proper home console than a clunky dock with a tablet moving inside it. All this useless stuff also drives the price higher.

How your Switch is moving when is docked? … BTW the Hybrid formula is a proven winner, Nintendo is not going to risk anything this time, if you want to play as console only, you have the choice.

 

[RCX]

Unifying console and portable development was a massive benefit to them over the last gen. Can't see them going back.

 

[onQ123]

I am a huge switch fan and have a library of 30+ physical copy and dozens of digital games. When I first got my switch I would play both the handheld and tv and as time went on and on, I became more in love with the TV idea. Sure less complicated games like indies, or 2D games are great with a handheld console. Big games or AAA titles IMO not so much because there is so much detail and the small screen can get cluttered or become very small. An example I can give is a game like DIablo 3 that has icons all over the screen makes the already small screen become even more smaller. In my view point the larger more blockbluster games seem not to scale well with the smaller handheld screens.

Prime example: When the Switch Lite first came out, I played through Zelda BoTW for the first time. Years later I sold that lite and upgraded to the Oled. I started Played through Zelda BoTW again on the larger screen and holy shit it seemed like a different game. I missed so much detail and just stuff in the world due to the smaller screen size in handheld mode. If you travel a lot or just always on the go then the handheld is a great alternative but if you are home it should be on the big screen IMO. I equate it to watching a Movie in the Cinema and then going to watch that same movie on your small 32inch tv. It's the same movie but not the same experience.

Here is an Idea Nintendo could do if they choose too but do not know if they want to. The Switch 2 from all the reports seems to be a decently powered machine. A lot of the cost in the machine is making it a small sized portable machine. All reports are guessing the Switch 2 could be around $399 at launch.

Here is the power move: Build a Switch 2 model similar to the retro pie. Nintendo builds a simple box a little bigger than the docking station built only for TV use. They throw in an Hdmi cable, power cable, and controller. It could have the form factor of say half the size of the series-S. Because they eliminated the screen and the portability factor this would drop the cost dramatically. Price it at $199 and watch people losing their shit to get this thing.

It could be a 3rd SKU: $199

A non-switchable Switch

 

[cireza]

How your Switch is moving when is docked? … BTW the Hybrid formula is a proven winner, Nintendo is not going to risk anything this time, if you want to play as console only, you have the choice.

When you turn the console on off. When you put the joycons to charge. When you remove the joycons. When you change the game. Have you ever used a Switch ?

They can make a hybrid sku, this doesn't mean they can't have a home console sku as well.

 

[nordique]

All the internal data they gathered throughout the Switch life cycle told them one thing. That people liked it most because it was a HYBRID console. The light was actually a relative flop and was one of the data points they used to come to the above conclusion.

Exactly. The lite is the cheapest switch yet the worst selling

 

[gtabro]

I can’t wait toooooooooooooooooo buy the Switch Twooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo and help them with their power move

 

[Woopah]

I think the savings aren't going to be anywhere near $200.

Plus, this only people who would buy them device are those who:

1. Are budget conscious
2. Care about TV play but not handheld
3. Like Nintendo first party games

I think that's quite a small audience, and wouldn't generate enough sales to count as a "power move".

 

[Robb]

I’m personally all for more options. That said, I don’t see them doing this and I think a TV-only SKU would sell even less than the Lite SKU, which is already the least popular.

 

[neocycle]

Yea, I'd buy that.
I don't want the crappy joycons and small display. I only want to play with a big display and a proper controller. I'm not paying €480 for a medium power console with €70 Nintendo Games. My PS5 Slim with a proper controller was €390.

 

[WhiteWaterM00se]

I personally think this is a good idea. But not at launch. Maybe later in the generation. Probably not at $199 though. Maybe $249.

Could this be a Switch 2 alternative to Switch Lite? Possibly.

 

[Ceadeus]

They're already at the top and they'll keep their console hybrid because people like it. That's exactly what people like about the "switch". Also joycons are profitable and people like having multiple colors.

These kind of threads : Hello, I know what this incredibly popular and billionaire company should do to succeed.

Merry Christmas nonetheless

 

[Sorcerer]

Being a handheld, one forgives the lack of power for obvious reasons. If they make a console then it does not seem good enough anymore. Might as well play out both sides of the scenario with a single sku that can do both.

 

[drganon]

My man, ask about my fate:

Bought that thing brand new for $50 a while back.

 

[diffusionx]

This is already what I do but I'd rather have a proper home console than a clunky dock with a tablet moving inside it. All this useless stuff also drives the price higher.

Are you playing switch in the bed of a pickup truck driving down the highway or something?

 

[Three]

Unifying console and portable development was a massive benefit to them over the last gen. Can't see them going back.

They don't necessarily need to with what the OP is suggesting. They can just have a switch without the in built screen and controllers. Development wouldn't need to be different.

 

[Horseganador]

I wish they would do it, a small console with the Nvidia T239 and a pro controller in the box, the whole portability thing, the dock, the joycons, etc... I don't care at all because I don't like playing on a laptop, always on the TV.