The problem with a 1080P screen is the fact that most, if not all games will be running below native resolution (making them blurry), or would have to be a very barebones looking game to achieve that. That's not taking into account that you would have to pair it with a pretty strong soc to sustain gaming at such high resolutions, and how bad of an effect it will have on battery life. Not only that, but the cost will be huge. We're talking a $250 handheld, likely being sold at a loss. Dont see Nintendo going down that path.
Should Nintendo's Next Handheld Include or Abandon Dual Screen
- Thread starter JayWood2010
- Start date
What developers are you talking about, indie games?
I think the priority should be to make Nintendo's flagship titles as enjoyable as possible because the system's success depends entirely on them. I will be pissed off if Splatoon and Mario Kart regress from their current form, the two games that I have spent most time on this gen.
Candescence
Member
The difference in terms of including a low-res second screen in terms of costs, development ease, power and battery is virtually negligible when the second screen is actually used efficiently. Nobody really complained about any of those when the original DS came out, and what problems the 3DS did have had nothing to do with the second screen. Hell, Unity support for the New 3DS includes an incredibly straightforward way to implement second screen functionality, and even is able to stop re-rendering the second screen when nothing new is happening on it - functionality and ease of development that easily be carried over to the NX. Which is a huge deal, considering it's one of the two big mainstream game engines alongside UE4.
Sure, nobody's done anything amazing on it recently, but it works wonders for convenience, far better than the Wii U implementation due to the screens being literally next to each other, so you barely need to divert your attention because the second screen is always in view. I'd rather have a couple of relatively low-res screens over one high-res one. As great as the Vita is, I still think it's an inferior device compared to the 3DS.
Sure, nobody's done anything amazing on it recently, but it works wonders for convenience, far better than the Wii U implementation due to the screens being literally next to each other, so you barely need to divert your attention because the second screen is always in view. I'd rather have a couple of relatively low-res screens over one high-res one. As great as the Vita is, I still think it's an inferior device compared to the 3DS.
...then I don't see myself going down the path of buying a fuzzy screened handheld.
TheCongressman1
Member
Because it ends up taking away from games that don't need all that space dedicated to menus.
A unified screen, no matter what aspect ratio is more flexible for most developers.
Exactly. They need forward compatibility, not backwards compatibility.
No. Mobile gaming is not vastly different anymore. It was different back in 2004, but in 2015, the presence of buttons does not change everything. In fact, if you've researched any iOS or Android usage report, you would know that for millions of people, iOS and Android devices have become their handheld gaming device. These are mobile devices that are being used for gaming (and so much more) and they don't have buttons.
Let me put that differently. The days of making a mobile device that only does one thing are gone. With the NX, Nintendo should not share design and market principles with Garmin and Polaroid. If Nintendo are paying attention, they will not create a handheld gaming device with archaic technology. Dual screens, resistive touchscreens, analog 'nubs' -- these are things that will anchor the NX to the past. It's time to evolve.
There's nothing wrong with wanting a device that's a throwback to the good ol' days, but we need to be realistic and look at whether or not such a device can succeed in the present and future marketplace. With Nintendo's next handheld, they need to be aware of what works and what doesn't work in mobile. Archaic technology just doesn't work anymore.
BLACK AMERICAN PSYCHO
Junior Member
Abandon, pleaaaaasseee. No gimmick on the screen. Give me a nice 5.2 inch 720p-1080p screen and I'll be good.
D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
I imagine they're going to abandon it. A single touch screen makes it a lot easier to get games from other platforms, and it also doesn't really reduce much in terms of functionality. It will also go a long way in differentiating the platform from both the 3DS and the Wii U.
With that logic, using buttons on a mobile device is "archaic" and shouldn't be done. Afterall, millions of people are using buttonless devices.
Come on. Just because mobile is doing it doesn't mean Nintendo has to jump in with a "me too!" policy. Hell, when have they ever done that?
Eh, it's pretty convenient for most games IMHO. Even for stuff like fighting games, it was super useful having that dynamic move list in DOA. At worst just put life bars and stuff on the bottom screen. It adds a lot for Nintendo games like Mario Kart, Fire Emblem and Pokémon in my experience.
Nintendo isn't going to succeed by providing a "me-too" device to compete directly with Android/Apple. They'll be blown out of the water with that approach.
And evolving doesn't mean catering to the lowest common denominator. It means knowing your market. Core gaming is facilitated by the most accurate, fastest control schemes. That means buttons, pads, sticks/nubs, and not capacitive touch screen (less accurate than resistive).
Further, there are possibilities for tech that haven't been explored yet in major devices, as with dual screens that have minimal separation between the two screens or touchscreens more accurate than capacitive and more attractive than 3DS's resistive.
Just because it's not what Apple is doing doesn't mean it's archaic. Case in point, Apple gets rid of the stylus and suddenly styli are archaic. Then Apple brings back the stylus and it's a high tech progressive (and super expensive) tool again.
Speaking of resistive screens... they'll likely go capacitive now, right? 
Imagine playing Kirby Mass Attack (or anything that requires precision) with a capacitive screen, ew. I guess they could always make a stylus for it (one like the ones Samsung does, not the fat, rubbery ones).
Imagine playing Kirby Mass Attack (or anything that requires precision) with a capacitive screen, ew. I guess they could always make a stylus for it (one like the ones Samsung does, not the fat, rubbery ones).
BLACK AMERICAN PSYCHO
Junior Member
I can't play animal crossing on my vita.
No circle pads! Give me sticks.
MikeE21286
Member
I think it would feel more modern to get rid of it.
But from a functionality standpoint the dual screens is nice from time to time.
However the having the second screen comes with increased manufacturing costs per unit. So I'd probably give up the second screen to have a single screen that is better and/or larger.
But from a functionality standpoint the dual screens is nice from time to time.
However the having the second screen comes with increased manufacturing costs per unit. So I'd probably give up the second screen to have a single screen that is better and/or larger.
Animal Crossing with a single screen though? Urgh. It's one of those games that got improved so much by the inclusion of a second screen
Perhaps 2DS with its single vertical screen could be a preview of what Nintendo has planned. It's more ergonomic and flexible. They could do away with the plastic divider and just add a black bar to simulate two screens. Real analog sticks would be possible and the whole thing could be 3D w/touch and provide NX GamePad functionality if they want. Pro: vertical shooters, puzzle games, and mobile ports. Con: it may not be pocket friendly.
Bright-Light
Member
And there lies the answer.
They should make a vita clone, remove the back touchpad, and put Nintendo games on it.
VendettaRed07
Member
In order to simplify the synergy between NX console and handheld, the dual screen and gamepad with a screen needs to go.
It sucks because there have been many good uses for it, but to create a more unified platform that Nintendo can pool its resources together for they need to be as similar as possible.
It's possible to keep the second screen on the handheld if the NX console kept the gamepad, but I'm going to think for cost reasons they almost have to ditch that. But I guess we'll see.
It sucks because there have been many good uses for it, but to create a more unified platform that Nintendo can pool its resources together for they need to be as similar as possible.
It's possible to keep the second screen on the handheld if the NX console kept the gamepad, but I'm going to think for cost reasons they almost have to ditch that. But I guess we'll see.
Candescence
Member
Pretty much this. There are some hilariously idiotic design trends that have been deemed 'fashionable' because of mobile devices (the fact that styli are suddenly 'fashionable' again when they should've been standard for ages, thanks to the whims of Apple, is depressing as all hell), and anyone thinking that Nintendo of all companies will suddenly start copying others just because are deluding themselves. Nintendo will do their own thing, for better or for worse, but at least they try to do something interesting each time with their systems (whereas Sony and MS's systems are basically stagnant in terms of system and controller design, aside from the PS4's touchpad). The notion that they'd copy mobile phones, the most inflexible type of 'gaming' device out there, is completely idiotic.
Ceadeus
Member
I would like it to be like the psp go, slick design with thin screen frame. The second screen would be at the bottom with the buttons, hidden behind the front screen just like the psp go!
Premium materials.
But my wish is the NX to be a premium new gamepad for the WiiU. HD screen, slick design thin screen frame and premium materials
Premium materials.
But my wish is the NX to be a premium new gamepad for the WiiU. HD screen, slick design thin screen frame and premium materials
I like the folding clam shell design for portables.
I like the wide spacing for the controls on the bottom half of the clam shell. I thought the GBA SP was just a little too cramped.
Those 2 things make it a superior portable design, to hold, to carry, and to play IMO. So I hope those things stay.
With those above mentioned design features, a touchscreen in-between the buttons is probably the best use of that middle space anyways. So yeah it probably should stay.
I like the wide spacing for the controls on the bottom half of the clam shell. I thought the GBA SP was just a little too cramped.
Those 2 things make it a superior portable design, to hold, to carry, and to play IMO. So I hope those things stay.
With those above mentioned design features, a touchscreen in-between the buttons is probably the best use of that middle space anyways. So yeah it probably should stay.
MoogleWizard
Member
Include. I love the dual screen clamshell design. Perfect for a handheld. Even if it's just used for menus and maps in games, it makes a big difference. Very convenient, especially in RPGs.
shinobi602
Member
I don't mind either way, but I do think utilizing a second screen for displaying things like a mini-map for RPGs or menus, etc is very helpful and I love that.
I'd probably prefer keeping two screens.
I'd probably prefer keeping two screens.
Shellshock929
Member
Dual Screens should stay, just keep the 3D for 3DS games, but not for newer ones.
I own both Wii-U and 3DS and Nintendo should clearly abandon it. It is a useless power and space consuming extra only used in casual games. It provides no benefit and is forced on the player in an arbitrary way. The second screen makes games worse since you always have to switch between different control concepts.
Liquid-Swords
Member
Hologram
stan423321
Member
Include, and here's why. I don't really care for it being present, but if there's going one, it's probably still going to be a touch screen. If we get two screens, it's probably going to stay the way it is. That is, the primary screen will not be a touch screen, so it won't attract fingers, be used in stupid ways by developers with translucent hands, etc. Thus this eliminates many problems of having a touch screen while also having practically all elements of having one.
A pretty good alternative is doing away with touch screens (and optionally introducing some stylus-like device that would carry on with the benefits of having one), but I simply can't see Nintendo doing that.
A pretty good alternative is doing away with touch screens (and optionally introducing some stylus-like device that would carry on with the benefits of having one), but I simply can't see Nintendo doing that.
Familienoberhauptvogel
Banned
I prefer clamshell but I hate dual screen so I'm conflicted since I don't think Nintendo will do one w/o the other.
That pokemon thing is cumbersome and awful.
That pokemon thing is cumbersome and awful.
I'd stick with 3D in Nintendo's position..or at least have it in a more expensive deluxe version of their handheld.
If the NX has both handheld and home console forms then it would make sense to keep one foot in the 3D world... as there's potential to have a bunch of content that could easily be adapted for VR (if it takes off), on the home console side of things.
Muffin Awesome
Member
I really do quite enjoy the 3D as well as the dual screen, I would say keep the same resolution bottom screen and bun up the top screen to something close to the vita's resolution and call it a day. Let it have some connectability to the NX or the next console and I am sold. Hell I am ready to buy another current gen model because I love this system/Eco system.
Basileus777
Member
I'll take one decent display over two shoddy screens, especially as the 2nd screen is rarely all the important for games.
protip bro: you can turn it off.
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I honestly am so used to the dual screens right now and feel like they're way more of a benefit than a hindrance. I'm all for keeping it standard. handheld screens are small enough as it is we don't need shitloads of UI taking up valuable screenspace.
outunderthestars
Banned
Not really. Just hit a single button and BAM, there is your menu.
How about something like EO then? Where the entire game is structured around having a real time updating map that you can actively draw on as you walk around and take in the environment without going into a separate menu.
Transparent overlay?