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Nintendo Switch | Hardware Review Thread

S

Solidsnake32292

Neo Member
//ARCANUM said:
So in The Verge's review, they say they have yet to find a portable battery charger that charges the switch faster than it drains.... Is there really no battery that can charge this thing while playing? I just bought a 20,000mah battery just for the Switch. Did I waste my money?
Click to expand...



Needs to have USB - C to charge the Switch while playing a game on it. There is an Anker 20,000mah battery charger on Amazon for $60 or so that should work perfectly as it has the USB - C port on it.

Can't use USB A - C cable. Won't be enough juice.
 
T

TheExecutive

Member
IdreamofHIME said:
Reviewing hardware in 2017 when the online isn't switched in yet, it says a lot about the industry and how unprofessional it is. Click driven tripe mostly. IGN actually scoring it? Yikes.
Got a long ways to go.
Click to expand...
From the quote in the OP they said if they had to review it right now... Also I find it concerning that with days to go they don't have a way for reviewers to access online- especially given Nintendos history with online functionality.

The good news is folks seem to like or are at least interested in the hardware.
 
Okami Haundo

Okami Haundo

Member
//ARCANUM said:
Also, can someone explain to me (it was either in IGN or The Verge's review) why when playing the Switch docked with battery at 100%, it will drain the battery down to as low as 88%? When the battery is already as weak as it is, losing 12% when you wanna take your game with you is a large amount of your short battery life. Why does it do this? When it's docked and fully charged, why is it using the battery for anything?
Click to expand...

Seems like it could be a software glitch honestly, especially if only one or two reviewers experienced the issue. That occasionally pops up on my iPhone and I've found that doing a hard restart will fix it.
 
G

Glix

Member
Dear Nintendo. Everyone will shut up if you make these. PLEASE.

Disclaimer: THIS IS A MOCK UP

b33.png
 
B

boltz

Member
NinjaCoachZ said:
All of this sounds pretty fair and more-or-less exactly what I was expecting. For what it is, the Switch works fantastically and Zelda is killer. But if you need more than that to buy a system then it's best to wait for a price drop or more games.

As has been said before, it's going to be E3 and the holidays that will really make or break things.
Click to expand...

Yup - I like to think of this launch as a launch for the die hard fans who are willing to deal with the availability and software issues. I think the system is pretty cool, but I have no desire to own one before the end of this year after the bugs are worked out and more games are available.
 
L

Lgndryhr

Member
//ARCANUM said:
So in The Verge's review, they say they have yet to find a portable battery charger that charges the switch faster than it drains.... Is there really no battery that can charge this thing while playing? I just bought a 20,000mah battery just for the Switch. Did I waste my money?
Click to expand...

It needs to run USB C with a rating of 15v at 2.6a or higher. Good luck finding any powerback out there that does this. I hear razer has one coming out in March for about $150 USD.

Edit: Razer powerbank
https://www.razerzone.com/gaming-accessories/razer-power-bank
 
RowdyReverb

RowdyReverb

Member
Glix said:
Dear Nintendo. Everyone will shut up if you make these. PLEASE.

Disclaimer: THIS IS A MOCK UP

b33.png
Click to expand...
I don't think it's unreasonable to expect specialty controllers that attach to the sides. Maybe they'll show some retro styled alternative controllers when they're finally ready to discuss Virtual Console. Maybe it's why they haven't said anything yet
 
Shrike Alvaron

Shrike Alvaron

Member
Lgndryhr said:
It needs to run USB C with a rating of 15v at 2.6a or higher. Good luck finding any powerback out there that does this. I hear razer has one coming out in March for about $150 USD.
Click to expand...

This is all speculation based on people who don't fully understand batteries or power draw and a lack of information on the Switch's power usage. As I posted on the last page, this video by Rarez shows that a 5V/3A USB-C charger WILL charge it during usage.
 
Mantorok

Mantorok

Member
//ARCANUM said:
So in The Verge's review, they say they have yet to find a portable battery charger that charges the switch faster than it drains.... Is there really no battery that can charge this thing while playing? I just bought a 20,000mah battery just for the Switch. Did I waste my money?
Click to expand...

That really is a shame, is it really that difficult to have a charger that can supply power whilst charging the battery? I guess not...
 
V

Vitacat

Member
pixelation said:
- 3 hrs (approx) battery time/same amount to recharge (EuroGamer)
- Sync issues are indeed real
- Screen may or may not get scratched or damaged by base over time (lacking padding)
- No real d-pad (buying additional more expensive controller is the "solution" to this)
- Expensive at launch
- No real exclusive "must have" title at launch (BotW will also be coming to the Wii U)

All of this means that i will wait for them to solve their problems, get more worthwhile exclusive games out for it and bring the price down before i consider purchasing one.
Click to expand...

Perfectly reasonable.

Honestly, from all I've read and seen, I think the Switch is going to be fantastic by the Fall. But right now it's not worth it unless you're a Zelda fan (w/o a WiiU), or enjoy being an early adopter. I'm in for the unpaid beta testing, but I totally get why many people would not be.
 
Okami Haundo

Okami Haundo

Member
RowdyReverb said:
I don't think it's unreasonable to expect specialty controllers that attach to the sides. Maybe they'll show some retro styled alternative controllers when they're finally ready to discuss Virtual Console. Maybe it's why they haven't said anything yet
Click to expand...

That's my theory right now in relation to Virtual Console. I'm imagining a scenario where they launch VC alongside a bunch of extra accessories for NES to Gamecube games and possibly even Wii. Absolutely no evidence to back up that suspicion, but I just think it would make sense given that VC is nowhere in sight.
 
finalflame

finalflame

Banned
You know, I was really, really excited about the Switch, I had it and over $300 in accessories pre-ordered. But then I realized that as the current owner of a WiiU and N3DS, there's nearly no reason to buy the Switch now. I can play BoTW with marginally worse performance and IQ just fine on my WiiU, and I still have a vast library of 3DS games I've yet to dive into that I can use to entertain myself during my commute.

Then these reviews came out and they are .. a tad lackluster. I dunno. I am definitely getting a Switch, but it's just going to happen close to the holidays and/or when more enticing titles are announced. I will 100% get it for Mario, because I can't play that on my WiiU.
 
RowdyReverb

RowdyReverb

Member
Mantorok said:
That really is a shame, is it really that difficult to have a charger that can supply power whilst charging the battery? I guess not...
Click to expand...
I'm sure there will be 3rd party Switch-specific battery packs and exhaustive tests by some enthusiast out there within a couple months of launch
 
L

Lgndryhr

Member
Shrike Alvaron said:
This is all speculation based on people who don't fully understand batteries or power draw and a lack of information on the Switch's power usage. As I posted on the last page, this video by Rarez shows that a 5V/3A USB-C charger WILL charge it during usage.
Click to expand...

Listened to that video just now. They also state that the one they used doesn't charge very fast. This is due to the battery bank only running 5v vs 15v at 3a. You really need one that runs at 15v instead of 5v. It will make a huge difference.

Also we know the Switch requires 15v at 2.6a minimum to properly charge. And if you did fully understand batteries and power draw you'd know that a 5v vs a 15v at 3a is a big difference.

Best bet is this: https://www.razerzone.com/gaming-accessories/razer-power-bank
 
Shrike Alvaron

Shrike Alvaron

Member
Lgndryhr said:
Listened to that video just now. They also state that the one they used doesn't charge very fast. This is due to the battery bank only running 5v vs 15v at 3a. You really need one that runs at 15v instead of 5v. It will make a huge difference.
Click to expand...

It doesn't charge very fast because they're playing Zelda, but even then it DOES charge. When they're not playing Zelda it charges just fine. The 15V is a requirement for docked mode when it runs at higher frequencies and thus consumes more power.
 
Jubenhimer

Jubenhimer

Member
Burdmayn said:
In relation to your first paragraph, where do you get that mindset from? This isn't me trying to attack you or anything, I've just seen the sentiment that Switch is "rushed" echoed around sites like Gaf a lot lately.
Click to expand...

Considering issues like lack of media apps at launch, lackluster launch lineup, lack of Virtual Console at launch, lack of video recording functionality at launch, and the issue with the Joy-Con signals. I think most of us have every reason to believe this system is rushed.

Personally, I think Nintendo is very intentionally releasing the Switch in its current state. I look at their plans for this year and I see a very deliberate schedule of releases for both software and services. Whether or not that schedule will work in their favor is it's own story, and we won't know the answer until fall. But yeah... I just don't buy the narrative that they're throwing Switch out the door this month because they're feeling pressure.
Click to expand...

I agree that Nintendo is intentional doing a gradual release strategy with the Switch rather than a conventional console launch, however I think they're only doing so because they adapted accordingly. Look, I'm sure Nintendo probably wanted to release the Switch this holiday. But because people were clamoring for Breath of the Wild, which was just finishing up development at the time, and the fact that Nintendo couldn't survive another year bleeding money with the Wii U, they had to plan for an unconventional to ensure that the Switch has momentum, and that Nintendo makes a profit this fiscal year, which they promised to investors.

This would explain why Breath of the Wild was the only Nintendo game playable at E3 last year, as the rest could've been filled up by Switch tech demos and potential games.
 
L

Lgndryhr

Member
Shrike Alvaron said:
It doesn't charge very fast because they're playing Zelda, but even then it DOES charge. When they're not playing Zelda it charges just fine. The 15V is a requirement for docked mode when it runs at higher frequencies and thus consumes more power.
Click to expand...

Even when not docked it needs 15v. I would rather have something that does charge decently for when on the go instead of having to wait an hour or two of down time. Only charged 8% while playing after 1 hour doesn't cut it for me.
 
R

Rezbit

Member
Vitacat said:
Perfectly reasonable.

Honestly, from all I've read and seen, I think the Switch is going to be fantastic by the Fall. But right now it's not worth it unless you're a Zelda fan (w/o a WiiU), or enjoy being an early adopter. I'm in for the unpaid beta testing, but I totally get why many people would not be.
Click to expand...

Pretty much my vibes. Definitely issues with this launch but I am happy to go along for the ride. I'm sure it will have ups and downs haha.
 
Okami Haundo

Okami Haundo

Member
Shrike Alvaron said:
It doesn't charge very fast because they're playing Zelda, but even then it DOES charge. When they're not playing Zelda it charges just fine. The 15V is a requirement for docked mode when it runs at higher frequencies and thus consumes more power.
Click to expand...

It's also worth noting that official AC adapter is meant to be plugged into the Swtich dock. The dock outputs via HDMI and has 3 USB ports that could potentially be used at the same time. Switch should theoretically only need 15V @ 2.6a when docked and operating at max power with all three USB ports active
 
L

lt519

Member
I got a 20000mAh bank with USB-C capabilities. $45 on Amazon. I like it a lot for other purposes, hopefully it'll serve me well with the Switch. According to DF should add about 8 hours of playtime.
 
S

starmud

Member
it's a bit amusing after years of jokes about Nintendo making a tablet and what a disaster it would be...

Nintendo made a tablet with a TV dock and controller schemes. As far an entry, I'm pretty impressed... the system can only improve from here and has room for growth...
 
D

Diablohead

Member
Solidsnake32292 said:
Needs to have USB - C to charge the Switch while playing a game on it. There is an Anker 20,000mah battery charger on Amazon for $60 or so that should work perfectly as it has the USB - C port on it.

Can't use USB A - C cable. Won't be enough juice.
Click to expand...

If I had to guess a regular power pack would help support the battery and make it drain slower, but not enough to refill it while in use.
 
Okami Haundo

Okami Haundo

Member
TheMisterManGuy said:
Considering issues like lack of media apps at launch, lackluster launch lineup, lack of Virtual Console at launch, lack of video recording functionality at launch, and the issue with the Joy-Con signals. I think most of us have every reason to believe this system is rushed.
Click to expand...

Fair enough! Though I'm not sure I would consider the JoyCon issue to be indicative of a rushed release. Either way it's good to have different opinions. Thanks for clarifying.
 
NOLA_Gaffer

NOLA_Gaffer

Banned
Glix said:
Dear Nintendo. Everyone will shut up if you make these. PLEASE.

Disclaimer: THIS IS A MOCK UP

b33.png
Click to expand...

It's kinda fascinating how somehow over the past 16 years the Gamecube controller has gone from mocked to somehow "the most revered controller of all time."
 
M

Memory

Member
Battery tests on one game are really unhelpful. No other switch game we know about is even close to Zelda, it would have been nice to get some tests on mid sized (Bomberman/MK8) and smaller indie eshop type titles for comparison.
 
Hatty

Hatty

Member
Memory said:
Battery tests on one game are really unhelpful. No other switch game we know about is even close to Zelda, it would have been nice to get some tests on mid sized (Bomberman/MK8) and smaller indie eshop type titles for comparison.
Click to expand...
But that would cause them to have to wait to review it instead of getting it out as soon as humanly possible
 
F

Frankfurter

Member
Lgndryhr said:
Listened to that video just now. They also state that the one they used doesn't charge very fast. This is due to the battery bank only running 5v vs 15v at 3a. You really need one that runs at 15v instead of 5v. It will make a huge difference.

Also we know the Switch requires 15v at 2.6a minimum to properly charge. And if you did fully understand batteries and power draw you'd know that a 5v vs a 15v at 3a is a big difference.

Best bet is this: https://www.razerzone.com/gaming-accessories/razer-power-bank
Click to expand...


Isn't 15V at 2.6A (= 39W) what the original charger is using? If that's the case, I don't see why weaker charger wouldn't be able to do the trick. Switch uses around 5W while undocked, so anything with 5V at 2+A should be fine (in theory). The problem is probably that those chargers don't probably detect what kind of A they need to apply and then go in some kind of legacy mode and only charge at 0.5 or 1A.
 
Fbh

Fbh

Gold Member
Sounds pretty good.
Though so far it really seems to be little more than a Zelda device.

I will get one sooner or later, but I think that for now I'll wait a bit to see how it evolves. Hopefully in a few months the games catalog is more robust and Nintendo has added some aditional features (A web browser and stuff like Netflix would be awesome)
 
N

NinjaCoachZ

Member
sugarhigh4242 said:
How have the last several E3's gone?

If Nintendo is going to have a great moment for big announcements, it'll probably be some random youtube stream in May or later.
Click to expand...

Nintendo had nothing to show in 2015 and not much beyond Zelda and Pokemon in 2016. E3 2013 and 2014 were pretty packed with strong announcements and trailers. If they have nothing to show in 2017 then that'd be worrying but at least going in the circumstances aren't the same as 2015 and 2016.
 
RowdyReverb

RowdyReverb

Member
NOLA_Gaffer said:
It's kinda fascinating how somehow over the past 16 years the Gamecube controller has gone from mocked to somehow "the most revered controller of all time."
Click to expand...
Nostalgia goggles. The controller was terrible then and remains terrible now. The only redeeming features were the wireless capability and the analog triggers
Maybe it was nicer for small child hands though, idk
 
S

Servbot24

Banned
RowdyReverb said:
Nostalgia goggles. The controller was terrible then and remains terrible now. The only redeeming features were the wireless capability and the analog triggers
Maybe it was nicer for small child hands though, idk
Click to expand...

It was fantastic then and fantastic now, despite the weirdly obvious flaws of the d-pad and c-stick.
 
PSFan

PSFan

Member
RowdyReverb said:
Nostalgia goggles. The controller was terrible then and remains terrible now. The only redeeming features were the wireless capability and the analog triggers
Maybe it was nicer for small child hands though, idk
Click to expand...

The standard GC controller was not wireless. The wireless was in an entirely separate controller product called the WaveBird.
 
G

Glix

Member
RowdyReverb said:
Nostalgia goggles. The controller was terrible then and remains terrible now. The only redeeming features were the wireless capability and the analog triggers
Maybe it was nicer for small child hands though, idk
Click to expand...

You forgot about the dope octo-gate.
 
B

BlastProcessing

Member
borghe said:
man... NES and Genesis.... ooof...you know what we had for Genesis? Altered Beast. And Thunderforce 2. Wikipedia says Golden Axe and Revenge of Shinobi, but I'm calling bullshit.... because I remember being at Suncoast Pictures at Christmas and basically seeing Last Battle and Super Hang-On as the only games I didn't have.. and I wouldn't have bought those if I fucking had Revenge of Shinobi and Golden Axe.



you didn't wait a couple of months for Bloodborne. Bloodborne was spring 2015. Infamous is correct though.
Click to expand...

You just made me nostalgic for my old Suncoast Pictures.
 
B

boiled goose

good with gravy
lenovox1 said:
It seems like they've mitigated or solved all those issues... And created new ones or just have the standard ones associated with a console launch. We've yet to see if they are killer issues.
Click to expand...

My point is that they are still behind the standard set by the competition. They can't afford to be playing catchup. WiiU sold <15 M units.

I'm ok with VC games being compatible or even needing dedicated controllers in some cases.
There is no technical reason why the Wiimote and WiiU gamepad can't connect to the Switch in order to play VC versions of those games.
 
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