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[KAL2006]

I'm already thinking of ideas of how Nintendo can can save this abomination.

The huge size is a compromise to portable gamers and it being portable is and compromise for console gamers. It's weird middle ground with a awful gimmick of detachable controllers.

So here is my idea

NX Tablet Hybrid with 6.2 inch screen
$250

Then a year down the line we can have revisions

NX Portable with 4.5 Inc screen with controls not detachable
$200

NX Console (No Screen) with Pro Controller
$200

All systems will play the same games and have the same hardware inside.

 

[Oregano]

I shouldn't have put emphasis on power, although tablets have been coming out that are more powerful than the x1 chip since 2015 and this x1 chip is going to be underclocked. My main problem is the size of the unit. I'm not going to carry around something the size of a wiiu controller. I don't even like playing on the wiiu controller because I think it's too big, even for a console accessory.

1)It's meant to be using a new chip
2)The size of the unit probably indicates it's not underclocked.
3)What tablets have SoCs that outperform Tegra XI and aren't also throttled?

 

[mdtauk]

The dimensions don't make sense when sketched on paper. Also we should consider whether these are the dimensions of a Dev Kit unit, which may differ from any retail unit. Also no word on if there are microphones and cameras in the unit. Placement of speakers etc.

Either way, with those dimensions, it sounds like an ugly device.

 

[Dr. Buni]

There you go.

That is wide, but not nearly as tall as the Gamepad, so I guess it is fine to me. It is not like I take my handhelds with me when I leave anyways.

 

[Alebrije]

A portable system over/nearby Wii U power level is outstanding nowadays, so... how can an over Xbone power of level being set as a milestone?

A portable but not home

Just hope the Hybrid theory is true and also that you can buy the basic NX and if you want to improve performance a separate Dock. So maybe Nintedo can have a environment like Sony with PS4 and Neo.

 

[Skittzo0413]

If rumors are true, it's using a tegra x1 (underclocked). Even the A9X chip shipped with 2015 Ipads is more powerful compared to a non underclocked tegra x1.

The rumors actually suggest that the TX1 could be overclocked, and we have other rumors stating that it is a placeholder for a Pascal tegra chip (similar to Parker, without the car crap).

 

[Schnozberry]

They've never made a handheld succeed a console either but that's what's going on now and I doubt they can do that with 0 compromises made.

Mobile hardware outclasses the Wii U these days. No reason to expect a downgrade. A compromise would be an inability to make it as powerful as the Xbox One or the PS4, which we already know is the case.

 

[Luigiv]

I understand you were trying to show the outer dimensions, but everybody is freaking out because of the huge spaces next to the screen, which would be... well, less huge, if the screen were bigger. But fair enough. It's still just a devkit after all. We all know how DS devkits looked like and how the DS ended up looking.

Marginally. Not enough to make up for the issue that there'd still be 30+mm gap between controller pieces and the screen (good luck trying to use the touch screen). But yeah, devkit.

 

[TunaLover]

but the screen is 720p, right?

so it's going to output at 720p.

I didn't say it would be weaker than the Wii U, I just said it would "look" worse as in 1080p on the Wii U -> 720p on the NX.

The screen will be 720p, but the image output can be higher than that, for TV.
At least Nintendo lock the system to only support resolutions up to 720p, so who knows.

 

[jackal27]

Dev-kits, people. Dev-kits

Here's a Wii U devkit:

 

[Graphics Horse]

There you go.

Maybe there was a mix up somewhere and should be 218mm instead of 281mm.

 

[Peltz]

There you go.

Yikes. Looks bad.

I'm in for the Nintendo games no matter what, but what the fuck are they thinking with this form factor?

Detachable controllers sound dumb unfortunately.

 

[Dr. Buni]

Yeah, this design actually reminds me of an old pic of a Wii U development model:


And here's a Wii U devkit:

Geez. The Wii U was a VHS player with a tablet.

 

[Anth0ny]

Uhh...:



There is no reason why a TX1 wouldn't be able to render Smash 4 at 1080p, but if the screen is 720p then the developer would choose to render at 720p to improve performance or visuals in other areas. Resolution =/= power.

that's what Malo was saying. I was nodding and patting on the head

you're exactly right. it'll have more "power", but it's going to output at 720p max.

and god help nintendo trying to convince power whores that it's not a "step back" from the wii u game since the resolution is lower.

I can see the theads now as soon as the thing is revealed... MAX OUTPUT RESOLUTION FOR NX 720P, NOT REAL NEXT GEN LELELEL

 

[Luigiv]

Maybe there was a mix up somewhere and should be 218mm instead of 281mm.

Yeah that would make a tonne more sense.

 

[Peltz]

Yeah, this design actually reminds me of an old pic of a Wii U development model:


And here's a Wii U devkit:

That's not far off from what we got though (regarding the controller, not the console).

 

[Taker666]

I got up because I couldn't sleep. Will just answer this and head back to sleep.



I can see from some responses that an HDMI cable from the NX to the TV would be unwieldy.

Assuming the TV out on the NX is a dev-kit only feature, I speculate this:

- The dock connects to the TV via HDMI cable.
- The NX has streaming tech to stream to the dock to then put the image/audio on the TV.
- There is no docked performance mode. We still lack information about it.
- If there's an SCD, it's been mentioned in the patent that wifi can be used for its processing capabilities other than connecting a cable to the NX.

We lack information, there could be a docked performance mode, the problem is that this is a dev-kit, so I can't state that there is no connector for the NX to the dock so how would it work? The connector to the dock could just appear in the final retail unit.

Why would they add that extra cost? Way cheaper to just have a tv out on the device that then connects to the dock that then has an HDMI out. A couple connectors are way cheaper to produce that the tech need to send/receive a streaming 720p 60fps image...not forgetting the battery drain.

 

[Augemitbutter]

region free is a must. don't disappoint.

 

[Mega]

I just realized NX could be awesome for vertical shooters (assuming weight/size won't be an issue when holding it in portrait orientation).

 

[MuchoMalo]

If going from 1080p resolution to 720p resolution makes it half as powerful, then yes, NX will be half as powerful.

I don't know tech talk. All I know is this thing, despite all the marketing Nintendo is going to throw at us, is a 3DS successor above all. It also connects to your TV via HDMI. 720p is a huge jump forward from the 3DS.

It's also a step back from the Wii U, yes. I don't think Nintendo really gives a fuck considering how the Wii U fared on the market.

720p is a bit under 40% as many pixels as 1080p. If Nintendo had to cut the resolution by 60% and then still needed to reduce the graphics after that, it would mean a system less than half of Wii U. I think you're still being completely ridiculous, espcially since you're picking and choosing rumors to believe. For example, there's no reason to use a Tegra if they're aiming for something that week, since there are much cheaper options at that point. Also, doesn't the rumor about 3DS being supported for two more years throw a wrench in your theory?

 

[jackal27]

Image was screwing up before, but here is a Wii U prototype that is oddly reminiscent of these NX designs:

That's not far off from what we got though (regarding the controller, not the console).

Not insanely far off, but notice that it's a perfect square that doesn't look too comfortable, that it has 3DS circle pads, etc. Any design element you're reading about here is subject to change.

 

[Skittzo0413]

that's what Malo was saying. I was nodding and patting on the head

you're exactly right. it'll have more "power", but it's going to output at 720p max.

and god help nintendo trying to convince power whores that it's not a "step back" from the wii u game since the resolution is lower.

I can see the theads now as soon as the thing is revealed... MAX OUTPUT RESOLUTION FOR NX 720P, NOT REAL NEXT GEN LELELEL

I see. But I would actually be quite surprised if the NX doesn't render Smash 4 at 1080p when outputting to a TV, which supports the whole "dock allows the GPU to upclock" hypothesis. But then again, you may be right- Nintendo may not really care all that much about resolution as far as marketing is concerned. I guess we'll see.

That's not far off from what we got though (regarding the controller, not the console).

But that controller was just a controller, the NX devkit represents a whole console with a SoC inside, which is why it will likely be fairly different when it's using the finalized chips.

 

[_Ryo_]

I don't really understand why people think that the presence of a TV out connection invalidates a physical hardware dock that grants extra power to the device. It's entirely possible that the tv out just displays an upscaled image of what's on screen to a tv/monitor so that you can use it at a friends house or hotel or something and that the dock is for home use, and actually rerenders the game and enhances frame rate, effects and resolutions.

 

[ozfunghi]

This is the dev kit with the X1, right? Presumably (hopefully), they needed the extra room to cool it and the final w/ the smaller chip will have a sleeker main unit.

I'd like to know if this is the devkit from earlier this month, or the old devkit. It would be unfortunate if the info of the (old) devkit leaked after the new devkit shipped.

 

[Alcotholic]

I'm having a hard time imagining how the controllers feel in hand when you play with them without the screen. Do you connect them together? If you did your hands would be cramped. Do you play with them like the wiimote and nunchuck? Well, what about those ports jutting on the side...

 

[Schnozberry]

Here's a Wii U devkit:

That's one of the older CAT-DEV units. The CAT-R units look pretty much exactly like the retail console aside from being green and having additional connectors on the back for specific debug fuctions.

 

[Anth0ny]

I see. But I would actually be quite surprised if the NX doesn't render Smash 4 at 1080p when outputting to a TV, which supports the whole "dock allows the GPU to upclock" hypothesis. But then again, you may be right- Nintendo may not really care all that much about resolution as far as marketing is concerned. I guess we'll see.

Yeah, I'm firmly on team "The dock does nothing but output NX to the TV". We'll have to see. Obviously I hope I'm wrong, I just think Nintendo really doesn't give a fuck about how many ps their shit outputs at. 720p across everything (handheld and docked) sounds easier for everyone.

 

[UnemployedVillain]

That's one of the older CAT-DEV units. The CAT-R units look pretty much exactly like the retail console aside from being green and having additional connectors on the back for specific debug fuctions.

I've seen one of the newer dev kits (with the white and green all over) and it's still bigger than a retail unit, although not that big. Besides, if this is going to have most of the guts in the controller, then it WOULD be bigger than a retail unit

 

[TunaLover]

Could be the case that devkits sent by Nintendo actually make use of just one prototype controller for 2 different form factors? Since the softaware is shared it would make sense (?)

 

[maxcriden]

Yeah, I'm firmly on team "The dock does nothing but output NX to the TV". We'll have to see. Obviously I hope I'm wrong, I just think Nintendo really doesn't give a fuck about how many ps their shit outputs at. 720p across everything (handheld and docked) sounds easier for everyone.

At the least it would have USB and controller ports/sync ability as well, I think.

 

[sibarraz]

the detachable controllers scare me, I hope that the connectors are of good quality, otherwhise, it will sucks if I can't use the handleheld if somehow the connectors break

 

[th4tguy]

1)It's meant to be using a new chip
2)The size of the unit probably indicates it's not underclocked.
3)What tablets have SoCs that outperform Tegra XI and aren't also throttled?

1) I hope you are right, this isn't confirmed and not even the rumor people are split on this
2) I have no faith in Nintendo to not underclock whatever chip they put in it so they can cheap out on the battery that goes with it and extend the battery life.
3) Ipad pro 2015 came with A9X chip which outperforms the x1.

 

[Skittzo0413]

We should stop comparing this rumored devkit to Wii U devkits because the Wii U gamepad was never meant to house a console level SoC. It would be more useful to compare it to DS/3DS devkits since those are portable devices which needed to house processors and RAM, and additionally connect to a device which allows for ports to and from monitors and PCs.

Here's a thought: that DS devkit from pages back shows a DS-like device connected to a huge casing with a lot of different ports. Did that casing contain the processors, or was it just there to allow the DS devkit to connect to a PC/monitor?

Based on the current leaks we have, one would think that the NX handheld itself actually contains the TX1, so it might not be connected to a giant box like the DS devkit was. In that case the NX devkit would need to have all of the necessary ports for connecting the devkit to a PC/monitor/whatever other devices are needed for game development.

Just keep that in mind when we're discussing where ports are and the dimensions of this thing.

 

[th4tguy]

The rumors actually suggest that the TX1 could be overclocked, and we have other rumors stating that it is a placeholder for a Pascal tegra chip (similar to Parker, without the car crap).

I hope they just go with the K1 chip instead.

 

[ozfunghi]

Why would they add that extra cost? Way cheaper to just have a tv out on the device that then connects to the dock that then has an HDMI out. A couple connectors are way cheaper to produce that the tech need to send/receive a streaming 720p 60fps image...not forgetting the battery drain.

touchscreen controls for anything that is not a demanding game... Netflix, browser, puzzle games, tv remote, drawing, miiverse...

I hope they just go with the K1 chip instead.

Sure, more heat, lower performance, more battery drain. Perfect!

 

[Oregano]

1) I hope you are right, this isn't confirmed and not even the rumor people are split on this
2) I have no faith in Nintendo to not underclock whatever chip they put in it so they can cheap out on the battery that goes with it and extend the battery life.
3) Ipad pro 2015 came with A9X chip which outperforms the x1.

That would still only be one model of tablet that's superior which still wouldn't make it underpowered...

 

[Graphics Horse]

the detachable controllers scare me, I hope that the connectors are of good quality, otherwhise, it will sucks if I can't use the handleheld if somehow the connectors break

Yeah it sounds odd, strange to imagine them being used like Wiimotes if they have a big plug poking out of the side.

 

[jackal27]

That's one of the older CAT-DEV units. The CAT-R units look pretty much exactly like the retail console aside from being green and having additional connectors on the back for specific debug fuctions.

Yes, absolutely, but I'd say it's more comparable to the state we're in with the NX than the CAT-R units. I remember when those Wii U devkit leaks were happening here, the reactions were very similar. Many people were concerned about the 3DS circle pads in particular, myself included. Lo and behold, they aren't part of the final design.

Also, never forget the fact that Nintendo's first handheld models are always rough and get a revision after a year or two. That's cold comfort, but I'm a bit used to it at this point haha.

 

[Morts]

I hope it's powerful enough to do slopes in Mario Maker.

 

[KidGalactus]

It's going to be pretty interest sounds here once this thing is finally shown off.

 

[MuchoMalo]

Yeah that would make a tonne more sense.

No, that would be too small. I think that would require zero or even less than zero bezel.

I'm already thinking of ideas of how Nintendo can can save this abomination.

The huge size is a compromise to portable gamers and it being portable is and compromise for console gamers. It's weird middle ground with a awful gimmick of detachable controllers.

So here is my idea

NX Tablet Hybrid with 6.2 inch screen
$250

Then a year down the line we can have revisions

NX Portable with 4.5 Inc screen with controls not detachable
$200

NX Console (No Screen) with Pro Controller
$200

All systems will play the same games and have the same hardware inside.

4.5 inches would end up being too small for the chip used to run at full speed. If they have that planned, they'll have to dial the power back to sub-Wii U levels. You can't have it all. That might be why they aren't killing off 3DS right away.

 

[oti]

I just realized NX could be awesome for vertical shooters (assuming weight/size won't be an issue when holding it in portrait orientation).

All three of them.

Wait.

...

WAIT!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 

[ozfunghi]

No, that would be too small. I think that would require zero or even less than zero bezel.

On the other hand, none of the sketches they made, have this huge space next to the screen.

 

[jackal27]

No, that would be too small. I think that would require zero or even less than zero bezel.



4.5 inches would end up being too small for the chip used to run at full speed. If they have that planned, they'll have to dial the power back to sub-Wii U levels. You can't have it all. That might be why they aren't killing off 3DS right away.

This is logical, but I really don't like it I like my portables to be portable.

 

[RobFox64tm]

I wouldn't put any stock into those dimensions; development kits are rarely indicative of the the retail product's final design. I would expect it to be bigger than a traditional handheld though, just because of what Nintendo seems to be trying to do with this. I would also expect the final version not to have connections like that on the controllers if they are actually supposed to act as a replacement for Wii remotes.

We haven't heard much about the trigger and bumper buttons on this thing yet, but I'm guessing they will look more to the Wii U gamepad for the design on those, rather than the 3DS's fairly cramped layout.

 

[Alebrije]

I don't really understand why people think that the presence of a TV out connection invalidates a physical hardware dock that grants extra power to the device. It's entirely possible that the tv out just displays an upscaled image of what's on screen to a tv/monitor so that you can use it at a friends house or hotel or something and that the dock is for home use, and actually rerenders the game and enhances frame rate, effects and resolutions.

Agree, also it's not about being "power whore" but as a home console power rumors about NX are lame.

Hope the dock exist to improve performance and not just to charge batteries and connect to tv. Hope it solds separately

Basic portable NX : 200 us

Dock for improved graphics : 150 us

 

[MuchoMalo]

Yeah, I'm firmly on team "The dock does nothing but output NX to the TV". We'll have to see. Obviously I hope I'm wrong, I just think Nintendo really doesn't give a fuck about how many ps their shit outputs at. 720p across everything (handheld and docked) sounds easier for everyone.

Have you considered that some games will be made for native 1080p on TV and either run at or downscale to 720p in handheld mode?

On the other hand, none of the sketches they made, have this huge space next to the screen.

Recalculating it could maybe happen, but I can't see it. That' what, 7mm on each side? (I actually miscalculated initially.) We'll see.

This is logical, but I really don't like it I like my portables to be portable.

THat's how it is. Maybe hope for a 5-inch NX mini in 2018 or 2019 when they can do a die shrink to 7nmFF?

 

[optimiss]

There you go.

The screen in your drawing looks like it is smaller than the screen on the Wii U gamepad and they are both 6.2". Is it to scale?

 

[Azoo]

I made this mockup a few days ago based on a combination of other mockups I've seen floating around, and while it's probably obsolete at this point, the connectors for the controller pieces shown in the OP have me thinking that I may have been going somewhere with this.

Also still having my doubts on the pieces working like Wiimotes or being turned sideways for multiplayer. I just don't see from the rumors given how you could do that, fit both the bumper and trigger on the back, and make it ergonomic in all three modes of usage.

That said, I'm sure Nintendo could find a way if they end up doing that, but I'm just not able to envision it well.

 

[Anth0ny]

Have you considered that some games will be made for native 1080p on TV and either run at or downscale to 720p in handheld mode?

I've considered it. But I don't think it'll happen. I think NX games will run at 720p on TV and in handheld mode.



Also, region free is nice but as the years have gone on I find myself caring about import only games less and less. Cool for people who are into that stuff, though.