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Report: NX Handheld Dimensions, Layout Info, Lack of Region Lock

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It's like people don't understand. Nintendo is the red head of the video game industry. If the media hears 720p it won't matter what it can upscale too; it's going to spread all over the Internet and gaming websites how the NX is an underpowered next gen console that can't even beat out the previous gens Xbox One.

I already know how this game will work and Nintendo will get some hit back in the western media, even though it's great for a handheld because all people want Nintendo to do is give them a powerful console like Sony and MS.

I still don't get what's so special about this. It's nothing that hasn't been done before. So we just have a nextgen PSP with detachable controllers and connects to the net.

Ok...?

I thought we're getting something different and new.

I'm kind of with you. There's nothing really new here. If the innovation is the two detachable controllers to play with someone else on the go or at home, well that's useless to me. I have nobody else to play with. It's just a powerful handheld that I can connect to my tv. There's no scrollable wheels or any of those cool things we saw in the patents being used.

I'm going to love it because it will get a ton of games and that's what matters the most to me.
 

Plinko

Wildcard berths that can't beat teams without a winning record should have homefield advantage
It's the difference between downscaling a 720p stream to a small 480p screen and upscaling a 720p stream to a gigantic 1080p screen.

I don't think most people would enjoy playing games with the image fidelity of a youtube video.

That's not...just...what? I can't even comprehend this. Why wouldn't the dock just output at 720p on the TV screen?
 
God, if true that's fucking huge. I was hoping for something way more portable.

I don't think portability or "pocketability" is a huge concern anymore because 99.9% of people will have their primary device (mobile phone) in their pocket already and if they carry a secondary device they'll put it in a bag or just hold on to it.
 
I think the 720p screen is cause for concern though. BOTW on Wii U may run at that resolution, but there are a fair amount of 1080p games on the system as well. If the Smash Bros. rumors are true, I'd think it'd be hard to accept a 720p version of the game as the "ultimate edition." I'm sure Nintendo will make it so some games can still be played in 1080p on the TV. They'd just be down-scaled when running on the tablet.
The system should be capable of running at a higher resolution, yes. Depending on the game, especially one with Wii U origins it should be able to output it better than Wii U could so it would be strange for it to be limited to 720p especially when TV connectivity is a feature straight out the box. I also imagine it'll have media apps like Netflix and they're not going to limit it to 720p on the TV either. Smash maybe 1080p always and only down scaled to the handheld which is also known as super sampling. Would make for a great high quality image on the TV and the handheld.
Or maybe there will be two graphical modes enabled when plugged in?
 

KingBroly

Banned
The height/depth isn't the issue here. It's the width. It just seems too wide. I can't imagine them shipping a device that big.
 
A dock, plus detachable controllers, plus small cartridges? This is going to be a nightmare for parents.
The dock is not complex at all. Cartridges weren't an issue on 3DS or DS. Detachable controllers? Maybe, but I'm sure kids were able to handle Wii motes just fine as well
 
It's like people don't understand. Nintendo is the red head of the video game industry. If the media hears 720p it won't matter what it can upscale too; it's going to spread all over the Internet and gaming websites how the NX is an underpowered next gen console that can't even beat out the previous gens Xbox One.

I already know how this game will work and Nintendo will get some hit back in the western media, even though it's great for a handheld because all people want Nintendo to do is give them a powerful console like Sony and MS.

Rabid fanboys? Yeah. But the media? If anything I think Nintendo is much more likely to get a pass on tech specs if they can present an appealing product. Most reasonable people are realistic about the fact that Nintendo is not going to get into an arms race with MS/Sony/PC. If Nintendo presents the NX as a fun, appealing product the 720p thing will be a non-issue.
 

georly

Member
That's not...just...what? I can't even comprehend this. Why wouldn't the dock just output at 720p on the TV screen?

It could, but if this is more powerful than a wii u, it's certainly capable of 1080p for a lot of games, especially ports of wii u games, like smash bros. It'd be a shame if they were permanently locked at 720p even when they system is powerful enough to do better.

But will casuals that are used to sleek phones and tablets even want to carry this mess around?

The target audience for this is the 50 million 3DS owners, I'd assume. Depending on what else it can do it may appeal to more than them.
 

eifer

Member
Wait for the official reveal/marketing before coming to that conclusion.

I think the better question is: is there a market for a weird, "underpowered" video game platform that primarily plays Nintendo games and will likely not have any of the big third party games that people buy.
I think there's a market for a $250 traditional Nintendo console that will primarily play first party Nintendo games. One with plenty of local multiplayer party style games. That's what made n64, GameCube and Wii so fun. By having a one user accessible screen like Wii U and this NX concept, the water gets muddied. I really believe Nintendo should stick to the fundamentals and make a normal home console that no one can say no to. One that's great for small children and for current owners of ps4/X1 that want a break from shooters. Not some stupid Frankenstein catch all device that will confuse consumers even more.
 

Speely

Banned
It’s slightly thicker than the Nintendo 3DS XL when folded,

This part made me scratch my head until I realized it's prolly just awkward phrasing, and they mean that the NX is thicker than the 3DS XL is when the 3DS is folded.
 
I don't think portability or "pocketability" is a huge concern anymore because 99.9% of people will have their primary device (mobile phone) in their pocket already and if they carry a secondary device they'll put it in a bag or just hold on to it.
Oh I know that. There's no doubt they'd go more for the tablet size than the pocket size in this day and age with a concept like that, I just had my fingers crossed for something more pocket sized. I don't even put my vita or 3ds in my pocket because they are too big, but I like their size because it's more practical to hold. Something bigger is too big for comfort.
 

M3d10n

Member
I'm on #teamdock.

From my experience with Tegra/Shield devices, they can truly shine when given access to a high wattage uninterruptible power supply... and need to be greatly downclocked if you want your battery to last over 2 hours. It's very likely the NX will be able to run Wii U spec games at 1080p when plugged, regardless of the actual device screen resolution. Eventual PS4 and X1 ports, not so much.

I also believe the dock will support plugging external HDDs, or have extra internal storage on it so you can "stash" games on it.
 

Hermii

Member
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.
We got 11 pages if discussion yet people still go on and on about these proportions like they're final.
 

Davey Cakes

Member
This part made me scratch my head until I realized it's prolly just awkward phrasing, and they mean that the NX is thicker than the 3DS XL is when the 3DS is folded.
They should've just used the word "closed." Like a closed 3DS XL. Who says folded?

As for the dock, I'm picturing the kind of dock the 3DS uses. Basically just a charging cradle, but with USB ports for additional storage and controller support.

To be 100% honest with myself and others, SCD functionality or any sort of power boost seems like a REALLY good idea, but also wishful thinking for the first version of NX. Maybe down the line something like that will come to be.
 

ozfunghi

Member
It just doesn't add up.

The sketch from the leak, does not match the measurements.

In fact, if we assume she misread the 281mm and it should be 218mm, in that case, it all makes much more sense, since she says the detachable controllers are 38mm wide.

A 6.2" screen (such as the WiiU) is +/- 138mm wide.
2 detachable controllers are 76mm wide.
That would leave 2mm bezel on each side of the screen.
38 + 2 + 138 + 2 + 38 mm = 218 mm

This would fit the sketch much better. But, on the other hand, she says the unit (without controllers) is already 205mm, so this would not add up, unless she just calculated started from the incorrect 281mm minus both controllers to get to 205.

In this case, it would look something like this, which resembles the sketch much more closely!

nxpfx62.jpg
 

Genio88

Member
Has anyone posted a comparative real life size image of rumord NX with other known devices like iPad Mini, PS Vita or something?
 

MuchoMalo

Banned
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.

But why not? It would be the same as when you play Smash 4 U on a 720p TV, and it wouldn't require any extra development effort or anything.

If it's 218 mm, that would give you 40mm (4cm) on each side of the screen, since the screen is 138mm wide. The Gamepad is about 255mm wide, so it's definitely possible.

You're forgetting about the controllers. That leaves only 2-3mm on each side, which may be pushing it.

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.

Rumors are pointing to a Pascal Tegra now, and what you just said about the A9X isn't even necessarily true. It only seems to be true in Geekbench, in fact.
 

ozfunghi

Member
Again, I'm getting pulled into a convo about power, when my main problem was size. I honestly wouldn't care if the system was weaker than wiiu as long as it's size was good for a portable. This is a personal preference because I'll be using it as a handheld, not a home console.

In regard to k1, it was my understanding that it was to be a more efficient, less power draw, overall better chip which even underclocked is supposed to outperform x1 chip. If I'm wrong, I don't think it matters because I think it's a long shot this would be the chip used.

wtf, the K1 is BIGGER in size, generates MORE heat and delivers less power. If SIZE is your concern, you would NOT go with the K1 at all.
 
These rumors really worry me. They may sound great to a gaffer, but will the average consumer really adopt this platform? It seems like an over complicated mess that shouldn't be marketed to children.

NX looks like casual targeted. Oh dear.

I love that these posts are right next to each other. Never change.

In regard to k1, it was my understanding that it was to be a more efficient, less power draw, overall better chip which even underclocked is supposed to outperform x1 chip. If I'm wrong, I don't think it matters because I think it's a long shot this would be the chip used.

The Tegra K1 was the previous iteration before the X1, from what I know. It is on a larger process, meaning it is less power efficient, less powerful overall and likely more expensive to manufacture in large numbers (as larger processes are being phased out).
 

20cent

Banned
If it's capacitive you won't need a stylus, just your finger.
And even then, there are styluses for capacitive touchscreens.

Well I've mentioned Picross, and nothing else.

I know what is a capacitive screen (or resistive for that matter). Picross-like games are unplayable even on ipad.
For pressing UI buttons,scrolling and touching items, yeah I've had few smartphones before :)

"Sausage"-type styluses (with the rubber tip) are awful, something like Samsung S-pen or iPad Pro stylus would be great but I don't think so, it requires a specific display.

Anyway we don't know.
 

killroy87

Member
Man, Nintendo just needs to reveal this thing already. I can't imagine Nintendo of all companies releasing a platform where controllers have half-inch connectors jutting out of the bottom. That must just be for prototype.

Come on Nintendo, these half-assed leaks are getting exhausting!
 

TLZ

Banned
I'm kind of with you. There's nothing really new here. If the innovation is the two detachable controllers to play with someone else on the go or at home, well that's useless to me. I have nobody else to play with. It's just a powerful handheld that I can connect to my tv. There's no scrollable wheels or any of those cool things we saw in the patents being used.

I'm going to love it because it will get a ton of games and that's what matters the most to me.

Same here I'll get it regardless as I love Nintendo's games, but I'm honestly still waiting for that new ' special thing'. This is just so normal.
 
Rabid fanboys? Yeah. But the media? If anything I think Nintendo is much more likely to get a pass on tech specs if they can present an appealing product. Most reasonable people are realistic about the fact that Nintendo is not going to get into an arms race with MS/Sony/PC. If Nintendo presents the NX as a fun, appealing product the 720p thing will be a non-issue.

Nah I'm not seeing it. Gaming media specifically will say Nintendo stopped making games for Wii U, so many will expect a next generation system that's more powerful than Xbox One and even PS4.

Same here I'll get it regardless as I love Nintendo's games, but I'm honestly still waiting for that new ' special thing'. This is just so normal.

I think there's more that maybe these devs may not know? Not sure if Nintendo has to tell devs everything as far as features go. Idk I guess we'll have to see how it looks and what they present it as.
 

Davey Cakes

Member
Man, Nintendo just needs to reveal this thing already. I can't imagine Nintendo of all companies releasing a platform where controllers have half-inch connectors jutting out of the bottom. That must just be for prototype.

Come on Nintendo, these half-assed leaks are getting exhausting!
They have a 3DS Direct coming tomorrow and explicitly said nothing about NX will be mentioned.

Can you really blame Nintendo for not wanting to say anything about NX just yet? They're still invested in the 3DS, not just for this coming holiday but apparently through 2018 if the rumors are true. The Wii U will stick around for a bit as well. NX is sounding like it may be third pillar, so Nintendo can't just steal thunder away from their other devices.

We'll get NX news soon enough, but they have to avoid distracting people away from the current Nintendo hardware and software.
 
This is a more precise comparison of the Wii U gamepad and the NX leak.

SqzUicf.png
The sides seem a bit long. I wonder if the detachable controllers can clamp over that to make it a bit less wide
Would make it thicker, but less wide and likely easier access to the touchscreen
 
For anyone who's #teamfake still, bear in mind that we've been told that this doesn't replace the Wii U or the 3DS.

That's because it's a successor to both design-wise. The true promise of gaming away from the TV realised on an enhanced gamepad, on a platform that serves as a 3DS successor.
 

th4tguy

Member
wtf, the K1 is BIGGER in size, generates MORE heat and delivers less power. If SIZE is your concern, you would NOT go with the K1 at all.
I love that these posts are right next to each other. Never change.



The Tegra K1 was the previous iteration before the X1, from what I know. It is on a larger process, meaning it is less power efficient, less powerful overall and likely more expensive to manufacture in large numbers (as larger processes are being phased out).


I'm just now realizing I've gotten them backwards. K1 is the older chip and x1 is the newer one.

I was thinking K1 was the x2 that at one point was rumored to be the final chip in nx.
 

Hermii

Member
I will reserve judgment on form factor until I see the actual device and I definitely won't base them on a devkit prototype.
 

hemo memo

You can't die before your death
Just announce the thing already. Next Nintendo direct just say "no we're trolling, this is not a 3DS Direct but actually NX"
 
The sides seem a bit long. I wonder if the detachable controllers can clamp over that to make it a bit less wide

I assume that's exactly what they do. Nintendo is all about portability and size when it comes to their handhelds. This oddly wide rectangle looks very unappealing. Highly doubtful it will be like this in the final product.
 

killroy87

Member
They have a 3DS Direct coming tomorrow and explicitly said nothing about NX will be mentioned.

Can you really blame Nintendo for not wanting to say anything about NX just yet? They're still invested in the 3DS, not just for this coming holiday but apparently through 2018 if the rumors are true. The Wii U will stick around for a bit as well. NX is sounding like it may be third pillar, so Nintendo can't just steal thunder away from their other devices.

We'll get NX news soon enough, but they have to avoid distracting people away from the current Nintendo hardware and software.

I was with you up until this. They've all but abandoned the Wii U. Sure there are a couple games releasing this fall (literally a couple), but it's a dead system.

And that's not a qualitative judgment. I love my Wii U. But it is absolutely not one of their pillars they actually expect to make money from anymore.
 

Speely

Banned
I hope that the dev kit controller connection method, if true, is not going to be the method used in the final device. Too awkward when detached, especially if they will be able to be used as motion controls and/or multiplayer mini controllers.
 
I'm just now realizing I've gotten them backwards. K1 is the older chip and x1 is the newer one.

I was thinking K1 was the x2 that at one point was rumored to be the final chip in nx.
I'm not sure the X2 was ever rumored to be in the NX, just speculated by Eurogamer. X2 is the Parker chip using the pascal architecture which is more energy efficient. A custom chip using Pascal would make more sense.
 

Hermii

Member
Same here I'll get it regardless as I love Nintendo's games, but I'm honestly still waiting for that new ' special thing'. This is just so normal.
I agree. I have a feeling there are still major unknown features. But even if it isn't having all of Nintendos output on a single device is what makes it appealing to me.
 

rekameohs

Banned
What I find weird about the "detached" D-Pad is that not even PlayStation D-Pads are truly detached, i.e. being able to press left and right at the same time. It seems that this would have to be if the left and right sides of the controller can be used identically, and that just doesn't sound comfortable - literal buttons for a D-Pad instead of the stick design all the current ones have.
 

Speely

Banned
I agree. I have a feeling there are still major unknown features. But even if it isn't having all of Nintendos output on a single device is what makes it appealing to me.

Agreed on all points. Nothing rumored so far is at all anything that suggests Nintendo would want to hide the info from competitors for fear of being copied. I think we are in for at least one legit surprise.
 

Dr. Buni

Member
I agree. I have a feeling there are still major unknown features. But even if it isn't having all of Nintendos output on a single device is what makes it appealing to me.
That is what appeals to me the most. I only buy Nintendo consoles because they get games I can't play on the handhelds and that might not be the case anymore with the NX. Imagine playing Splatoon 2 on a handheld? Yay!
 

MuchoMalo

Banned
I just realized that with this thickness they could fit in a small fan if they want to...

They have a 3DS Direct coming tomorrow and explicitly said nothing about NX will be mentioned.

Can you really blame Nintendo for not wanting to say anything about NX just yet? They're still invested in the 3DS, not just for this coming holiday but apparently through 2018 if the rumors are true. The Wii U will stick around for a bit as well. NX is sounding like it may be third pillar, so Nintendo can't just steal thunder away from their other devices.

We'll get NX news soon enough, but they have to avoid distracting people away from the current Nintendo hardware and software.

They also have to avoid having the whole thing leak before they reveal it. Waiting until January at the earliest is the only way to successfully do what you're suggesting, but by then everything will have been leaked and people will go in preconceived notions while it's way too late to respond to any sort of feedback.Sorry, but if NX is not revealed in September Nintendo doesn't know what they're doing.

ANd technically they could announce the NX reveal date in the direct without discussing NX. If they didn't say that they're not discussing NX, people would expect significant NX news so telling a partial fib would make the most sense.

wtf, the K1 is BIGGER in size, generates MORE heat and delivers less power. If SIZE is your concern, you would NOT go with the K1 at all.

I don't think that the K1 is bigger in size.
 
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