Well, #$&@ me! If it has the power, I'm all in.

What do you guys think?!

jdodson   Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 02:21pm

I pretty much with you. This looks like all the rumors were true. My only question at this point is if the system will take some kind of game cart or is it digital only.

But yeah, this looks really neat. I think... did I see Skyrim in the trailer?

scrypt   Supporter   Post Author wrote on 10/20/2016 at 02:25pm

At about the 54 second mark, you see the player loading what looks like a DS sized cartridge into the device. I assume that's a game cart. And, yeah, that looks like Skyrim! That's a really good sign, showcasing GPU power on the go.

scrypt   Supporter   Post Author wrote on 10/20/2016 at 02:34pm

One thing I'm initially worried about is scratching that screen from frequent loading/unloading from the base.

I'll admit, I wasn't sold on the premise of a hybrid system, but seeing it in action is impressive.

jdodson   Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 02:41pm

Yep. Hopefully the screen has some kind of orotect Be coating.

Will_Ball   Game Mod   Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 02:58pm

Shut up and take my money!

It looks like this system will make me popular!!!

And I am not sure about the name.

jdodson   Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 03:27pm
Azurephile   Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 03:29pm

Looks cool! Wow Skyrim! Since I saw Mario Kart and Splatoon, I wonder if it will some how be backwards compatible with the Wii U or if it's getting its own version of the games. I'll have to check later for more details.

Will_Ball   Game Mod   Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 03:32pm

I watched it a second time. The detachable controllers seem a little small to me. They also show a controller where you can attach the detachable controllers and another controller. That final controller seems to be the way to go.

From a game standpoint, I saw what I believe is a new mario, and then some Wii U games (Mario Kart and Splatoon). If these are true Wii U re-releases, I hope there is some upgrade pricing for people that already own the Wii U games. I doubt there will be though, but one can dream.

Will_Ball   Game Mod   Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 03:44pm
scrypt   Supporter   Post Author wrote on 10/20/2016 at 04:20pm

You're right, Will_Ball, the detachable controllers do look small. Like Wii remote usability, but so tiny. I do like that they each have analog sticks. The Voltron controller, which I'm assuming is the core option, looks...odd. Maybe even uncomfortable to hold? I hope it comes with the "pro" controller, though that's not likely.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 10/20/2016 at 04:28pm

Wow! I can't wait to demo one. I don't know if I *need* one right now, but it looks pretty rad.

Will_Ball   Game Mod   Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 04:59pm

You need one right now Adam!

Will_Ball   Game Mod   Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 05:27pm
scrypt   Supporter   Post Author wrote on 10/20/2016 at 07:26pm

PS4 and Xbox One use AMD GPUs. I wonder if there will be hurdles in developing cross-platform with Switch's custom Nvidia GPU. Or is that a benefit? I imagine 1st party and exclusives will be impressive. Nintendo has historically struggled with 3rd party, though. Will it be different this time?

Will_Ball   Game Mod   Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 09:15pm
jdodson   Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 09:15pm

Bethesda is in on the Switch. Either Nintendo paid them a lot or it's a system they can work on easily. Hopefully it's the latter.

Also, NVidia is huge on PC and most companies don't have issues working with those cards. So I think it should be OK.

jdodson   Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 09:16pm

505 Games? Terraria on the Switch confirmed!

hardeyez wrote on 10/20/2016 at 09:51pm

Interesting concept, i.e. Nintendo tablet with a dock... I'm not sure if I'll get it though. My Wii U ended up just being a Pikmin 3 and Mario Kart machine... which is pricey for really only two games...

Travis   Admin wrote on 10/20/2016 at 10:09pm

I really want one. It's nice being excited about a Nintendo console. The titles will make or break it, but if it's getting some of the biggies like Bethesda, who knows?

The multiple controller configurations are great. This is Nintendo's forte and they're really shining here.

Want. Very want.

Azurephile   Super Member wrote on 10/20/2016 at 10:26pm

Nvidia for the win! Terraria confirmed! More win! The new Zelda looks awesome. Skyrim on the Switch, for the win! It all looks win, win to me. I might get one, we'll see.

As for the small controllers, I think it makes sense. Technology seems to shrink over time as parts get smaller. They may be a bit small, but it does fit the system and seems to make it easier to carry around allowing multiple players.

The Switch seems to be the next step from the Wii U. One thing I thought was cool about the Wii U was that you could play it without the TV on.

Marketing!!! "Make the Switch with Nintendo!" :)

Travis   Admin wrote on 10/21/2016 at 02:42am

Yeah Terraria for the Switch is a great move just because it runs on literally everything at this point it seems, but I'll still stick to PC. But Terraria needs to be experienced by everyone who can experience it.

Azurephile   Super Member wrote on 10/21/2016 at 03:26am

> Yeah Terraria for the Switch is a great move just because it runs on literally everything at this point it seems, but I'll still stick to PC. But Terraria needs to be experienced by everyone who can experience it.

I completely agree! I have a very strong preference for the PC version of Terraria. I just feel like it's more of a mouse and keyboard kind of game. I wish it could get the console-specific items and especially the extra holiday events. I did play a bit of it on the Kindle and very little on the PS3. Although I bought the Wii U and DS versions for Vinny, I haven't really given them much of a try.

Switching back (see what I did there?), it looks like some of the Wii U Mario games were included in the video. I'm assuming that was Mario Kart 8 we saw and one of the other regular Mario platform games (I can't recall the title at the moment). So, I'm wondering if the Switch will somehow be backwards compatible. I didn't notice a disc drive, so my only guess is that if you want to play older games on it, you'll have to purchase the game via the Nintendo Store and download them. I guess we'll see specifics with more information.

As for Skyrim, I'm going to guess that it's the Special Edition, at least that's my assumption. It might be a safe assumption that it has the hardware for it. I'm not sure that it would make sense having the current edition of it, since the other newer consoles will have the Special Edition. Again, we'll see in time with more info.

Azurephile   Super Member wrote on 10/21/2016 at 11:11am

This article is titled "Everything You Need to Know" yet doesn't include everything I want to know, however there are some additional details, for instance that Skyrim may not be on it even though it appears in the video.

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-everything-you-need-to-know/1100-6444673/

jdodson   Admin wrote on 10/21/2016 at 02:53pm
Azurephile   Super Member wrote on 10/21/2016 at 04:04pm

LOL Even if some people have negative opinions about Nintendo's last few consoles, I think they deserve some credit for being the most innovative. The other consoles have hardly changed, they've pretty much only received hardware upgrades (more memory, disc space, faster CPUs, etc.). Playstation only added motion controls after the Wii came out.

scrypt   Supporter   Post Author wrote on 10/21/2016 at 06:36pm

The best thing about the innovation that the Switch offers, is that this seems to be something that a lot of people have wanted for a long time: seamless integration between mobile and console gaming. Motion controls with the Wii were neat, but it wasn't on the top of anyone's "want" list (and, actually, Sony played with motion controls on the PS2 with the EyeToy). It almost seems obvious that the Wii U was a prototype for the Switch, but the Switch seems much more thought-out and functional from a practical standpoint. I wouldn't be surprised if they made the entire Wii U catalog available for the Switch. There doesn't appear to be any disc drive, so they'll likely be re-released, or made available through a digital storefront.

Azurephile   Super Member wrote on 10/21/2016 at 09:16pm

I don't know what people have been wanting. I agree about the Wii's motion controls, but I thought it was a cool addition. I must have forgotten about the EyeToy on the PS2, I never messed with it. I was thinking of it out for the PS3. I agree, and that's pretty much what I was saying, regarding the Wii U being a bit of a prototype for the Switch. It's like the Switch is really an upgrade and seems to do it well (or so I hope). I wouldn't be surprised either to see Wii and Wii U games available for download for the Switch, but I don't really want to have to re-buy games. So, if I get the Switch, I'll keep my Wii U. I didn't get rid of my Wii either.

Will_Ball   Game Mod   Super Member wrote on 10/21/2016 at 10:44pm

I learned a long time ago to not get rid of consoles.

jdodson   Admin wrote on 10/22/2016 at 04:17am

I still have my Wii hooked up to the TV. Sad when my PS3 died, but I don't really talk about that anymore.

Travis   Admin wrote on 10/22/2016 at 05:32am

I don't understand trading/selling consoles but that might just be me. Just because a new generation comes out doesn't mean I won't want to play a last gen game.

It's unlikely that you'll be able to get every Wii U game on the Switch, but even if that isn't a factor (like the PS2 having total backwards compatibility with the PSX) I still keep them for sentimental reasons I guess.

This is coming from a guy with three NES consoles just in case they die, I'll have backups, so take it with a grain of salt :D

Azurephile   Super Member wrote on 11/20/2016 at 04:22am

It looks like the Switch is going to cost $250 according to a source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K02RK01DACw

The new Zelda game has been delayed again and may not be available until this time next year. However, it's expected that a new Mario title will launch with the Switch. In this video, it looks like that will be Mario Galaxy 3 and Mario Sunshine HD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-g6ZcrwT6Q

Also, it looks like Pokemon Sun and Moon is coming to the Switch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOGaNZh42Cw

jdodson   Admin wrote on 11/20/2016 at 06:15am

$250? That's seems crazy cheap. I can understand a Zelda delay but this time next year? Wowee they must have really missed the target on that one. If it's great then that's fine but that's unfortunate if true.

Azurephile   Super Member wrote on 11/20/2016 at 06:39am

Considering a New 3DS XL is $200 and the PS4 Pro is double that, yeah! I think it's supposed to be powerful. A special edition of the Wii U was about $250. I got used to console prices of about $200 and Nintendo seems to be the only one keeping up with that.

Zelda got delayed because of localization (from an article I read) and that it'll go through about 6 months of testing once that's completed. I think the article I read and the video I included mentioned 4-6 months of testing, which would put it's release date to September, but the video says December.

Travis   Admin wrote on 11/21/2016 at 03:47am

When you consider that consoles in the 80s were $200 and inflation has lowered the value of the dollar, it's kinda nuts that anyone can still do that.

jdodson   Admin wrote on 11/21/2016 at 04:07am

I agree. That said, this isn't quite as powerful as a PS4 or XBone and that might mean they are pulling more profit in on it.

Azurephile   Super Member wrote on 11/21/2016 at 05:01am

Yeah, look at this chart titled "36 Years Of Console Prices, Adjusted For Inflation": http://kotaku.com/36-years-of-console-prices-adjusted-for-inflation-1485353267

The $200 console was still alive in 2001 with the GameCube, however it's inflation adjusted price puts it at about $260. I don't expect the Switch will be as powerful as the PS4 or XB1, but I do expect or hope it to be at least as powerful as the Wii U and more powerful than the 3DS. I read (or saw in a video) that the Wii U sold at a loss and Nintendo didn't want to do that with the Switch. I also saw somewhere that Nvidia called the Switch "ground-breaking."

Is anyone planning to get one at launch? I thought I might for the Zelda game, but since that's getting delayed, I probably won't get one until (at the earliest) when that game is released. I still may wait to find out how it performs on the Switch compared to the Wii U, because it'd be cheaper for me to just buy the Wii U version, although I think I'd prefer the one that performs better.

Still, a Pokemon Sun/Moon game (perhaps called Stars according to the video I shared) is definitely another Switch temptation.

jdodson   Admin wrote on 11/21/2016 at 05:36pm

Interesting article, thanks Greg.

> The $200 console was still alive in 2001 with the GameCube, however it's inflation adjusted price puts it at about $260.

Looks like Nintendo always wins on cost at least recently. Which makes sense, they aren't the most powerful but they do sell at a value which I think is a pretty good strategy.

> but I do expect or hope it to be at least as powerful as the Wii U and more powerful than the 3DS.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_3DS

The 3DS is fairly underpowered by modern specs which is why the games don't look terribly amazing. It has a ton of fun games though. If the NX has specs on par with the Wii U or better it should be great. The Wii U is like a PS3 and i'd say that graphical level is still quite good and moreso for a handheld system.

> Is anyone planning to get one at launch?

If the Zelda game is held back I might wait now. But we'll see maybe they will drop something at launch that makes it more appealing.

Will_Ball   Game Mod   Super Member wrote on 11/21/2016 at 06:16pm

I will get it on launch. I'm saving up Amazon gift cards for it!

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 11/21/2016 at 06:34pm

I am definitely adopting a wait and see approach. I'll buy Zelda on the Wii U whenever it comes out, but I don't know if I *need* the Switch.

Azurephile   Super Member wrote on 11/22/2016 at 10:29am

LOL I was just about to post that link Jon.

Azurephile   Super Member wrote on 11/23/2016 at 05:41am

The Switch gets more praise: http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-could-be-a-game-changer-that-expan/1100-6445671/

"GameStop Suggests Zelda: Breath of the Wild Could Come Out Before April," which defies recent rumors about a delay: http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamestop-suggests-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-could-c/1100-6445669/

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