jdodson | Cheerful Ghost

Breath of the Wild Compared To Previous Zelda's And Skyrim

When Ocarina of Time came out in 1998 it was one of the biggest game worlds i'd ever experienced. As games like Fallout and Skyrim came out Ocarina now seems quaint but Nintendo seems ready to take on the the challenge of building a much larger Zelda game this time around. As you can see in the image above, Breath of the Wild dwarfs previous Zelda games as well as Skyrim. I'm not sure creating a larger game world makes a game better on it's own but having more space to play in will make the game much more immersive.

Massive Steam Update Brings Generic Controller Configuration Support & More

One cool thing about owning a Steam Controller is the ability to customize it for each game in your Steam library. Say you don't like the standard controller mapping for Terraria? You can change them it your liking or use a popular community control scheme to suit your needs. The native Steam Controller configurator has been a really cool part of Steam and in a recent Steam update Valve finally opened it up to other controllers.

"Added XBox 360, Xbox One, and Generic X-Input controller configurator support. This allows all recognized controller types to use the advanced mapping features of the Steam Controller Configurator. Note that because X-Input currently lacks per-controller means of unique identification, all controllers of that type will share personalization and configuration settings. As they share the same inputs, Xbox 360/One/Generic controllers will all see each-others configurations when browsing. Automatic conversion will be attempted when loading configurations from other controller types."

Besides a ton of Steam Controller updates the Linux client recently got some love making a few really nice enhancements to systems using Open Source graphics drivers.

"Improved interactions between the Steam runtime and host distribution libraries, which should let Steam work out of the box with open-source graphics drivers on modern distributions. If using an older distribution or running into problems, use STEAM_RUNTIME_PREFER_HOST_LIBRARIES=0 to revert to previous behavior."

It's nice Valve added this as sometimes the ability to add a proprietary graphics driver isn't obvious to users or not possible using older hardware. This might also be important if Valve is working with partners bringing embedded Steam OS to devices like Televisions or the like where the only available 3D drivers are using an open driver(entirely speculative but a possibility).

http://store.steampowered.com/news/26953/

Punch Club Brawls It's Way To The 3DS

Punch Club dropped on 3DS recently and publisher Tiny Build was nice enough to gift me a copy so I could try it out. If you haven't played Punch Club or are unfamiliar with the game it's a fighting tycoon game where you train your character and manage his stats such that you improve over time to rise in the ranks of the local boxing and underground fighting scene. Like all tycoon games that focus on core stats you have to science the right numbers to progress through the ranks to level up your abilities to fight increasingly tougher and tougher foes. The story included in the game wraps the whole game up well and gives you a nice incentive to progress. Ultimately if you like tycoon games focusing on a difficult grind and are a big fan of the Fight Club or Rocky films, Punch Club is something you need to look into.

I've played Punch Club on Steam and now 3DS and the game shines on both platforms. Punch Club is very comfortable on PC with mouse controls and has been adapted to near perfection on the 3DS. Instead of click to move your character you can use the analog stick to control his movements and also where to focus attention. Since the in game fighting, working your job for in game money and training are all passive the 3DS works well there too. I found that you need to use the 3DS stylus to select things on the touch screen as tap to touch doesn't work as well as other games like Ocarina of Time 3D. Using the stylus might be a requirement for optimal control but having the it around never felt awkward to me. Bottom line, Punch Club translates incredibly well to the 3DS and if you are looking for a richer PC game experience on your handheld you should should check it out.

Punch Club is out now on 3DS, PC, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android.

Super Mario Run Coming To Android In March

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C2fUhy8UcAAwEYR.jpg

If you are waiting for Super Mario Run to drop on Android soon you might be a bit disappointed to hear it's coming in March. You can pre-register for it on the Google Play store now to get notified when the game finally ships if you are eager to be notified the moment it is available. The Android launch is somewhat odd timing as March is also the month the Switch launches. I'm curious if Nintendo's mobile apps will come to Switch at some point like Pokemon Go, Super Mario Run and Miitomo? Since the Switch has a touch screen it seem technically possible so it's just a matter of porting.

https://twitter.com/Nintendo/status/821859181435027461

Awesome Games Done Quick Raised $2,213,397 For Cancer Research!

Charity Speedrunning tournament Awesome Games Done quick finally wrapped raising an incredible $2,213,397 for the Prevent Cancer Foundtation. As usual, the streams were great and I am going to focus on some of the best.

Link to the Past Race Featured above this race is one of the best of this year because not only was it of quite possibly the best game of all time, it's really fun to watch. It's really unfortunate how a few frame mistake and put someone so far behind the pack and this run highlights that.

Super Metroid One of the final speedruns is always Super Metroid which is a big part of Games Done Quick. Every year during the week people can donate to save or kill the animals in Super Metroid and this year people voted to save them. It adds a few seconds to the Speedrun but it's a nice thing people can donate extra to that really make the whole event more fun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEBbCQ0D1cA

Wind Waker HD Clocking it at 3:49 you should buckle up for a long ride through this cell shaded Zelda paradise. I don't think i've seen the HD version ran before and I really enjoyed it while learning the differences between the original Gamecube title and the Wii U HD version. Wind Waker is a Zelda game I picked up used on Gamecube and haven't played much of but looks great whenever I watch someone play it.

https://youtu.be/dT-0Va0lWqE?t=16m40s

Dark Souls III Bubblesdelfuego is a legendary runner and this Dark Souls III run is superb. Until the game crashes and he has to restart it as a completely different save. Seriously game bugs are the worst but ... he was clipped way out of bounds and I bet that wasn't run through a ton of gameplay testing. Still having the game crash in a run does happen from time to time and bubbles does recover to finish out a pretty incredible run.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ07UO0dubg

Super Mario 3D Land After getting a 3DS this year I spent a bit more time trying to watch streams of actual 3DS games and Super Mario 3D Land was one of them. Has Nintendo honestly ever made a bad Mario game? Even the Mario Teaches Typing had some fun moments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj0pL91H1bI

Castlevania Now that the NES Classic is bringing some older games back into the hands of players watching runs of games like Castlevania game me some ideas on how to play the game better. This race is fun to watch and most of the tricks they pull off to get through the game faster look like something you could do with practice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir8oorMJt1E

Batman Forever Batman Forever isn't a good game but that doesn't mean this isn't an entertaining run. I didn't know that Batman Forever was made with the Mortal Kombat engine but after you learn that the gameplay makes way more sense. Again, this isn't a very good game but it's an interesting one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJDMRdy56ek

The Lost Levels I had The Lost Levels on Super Mario All Stars and never played it because the difficulty is brutal. I mean, it's a difficult game unless you are these runners and then it looks incredibly easy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOunTCq1sVY

Battle Clash I enjoyed the ol' Super Nintendo Super Scope 6 and thought Battle Clash was a really great game. Or at least my young mind thought so and after watching this run the game still looks great. This run is pretty memorable because runner scxcr plays the game backward while looking through a mirror to aim. An impressive run at 13.58.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM_kixNMooc

Mario Paint Mario Paint included a fairly obscure game called Gnat Attack that until last week I had no idea was something people ran. My Grandmother had Mario Paint at her place and every time I visited her I always played Gnat Attack WAY too much. The runners said the original plastic mousepad that came with the game was terrible and maybe it was but to my child mind it was perfect. If only I knew to replace the pad I might have done better because I always felt Gnat Attack was a really hard game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnXDPHAfeCM

There are a lot of runs I didn't get to watch live that i've queued up in YouTube. If any of those stand out to me i'll post individually about the run or in a follow up post later. If you watched any runs from this year what stood out to you?

The Great Ben Prunty Album Giveaway!

If you love spaceship simulation roguelikes then you’ve played FTL and a big part of what that makes that game amazing is it’s fantastic score by Indie game composer extraordinaire Ben Prunty. Ben has written many other great albums and if you haven’t heard them yet you’re in luck because you can enter Giveaways for 5 of his latest albums: Deep Space Deluxe, Fragments, StarCrawlers, Dead Secret and Cipher! Ben was nice enough to gift us 3 keys for each album so make sure to send him some love on Twitter and check out his Twitch channel where every Saturday at 2pm PST/10pm UTC he makes electronic music live and answers your questions!

https://twitter.com/benprunty/
https://www.twitch.tv/benprunty

You can enter each album giveaway by hitting the link below.

http://cheerfulghost.com/giveaways

The Nintendo Switch & Zelda Breath of the Wild Launch March 3rd!

The Nintendo Switch launch presentation just ended and they dropped some pretty important news about the new console. Namely that it will launch March 3rd side by side with Zelda Breath of the Wild. The base system with a Joy-con, docking station, HDMI & included charging cable (yay) will retail in the US for $300 and you will be able to buy it will grey joy-con or blue and red joy-con controllers. The Switch will also launch with region free games, which is pretty unique for Nintendo systems up to this point. They mentioned that online functionality would be free until the fall and then become some kind of paid service afterward. It's not entirely clear what the online service will be yet but hopefully that monthly and yearly fee will go to make it something special.

Nintendo switch will also require a bit of charging as with certain games the battery will last 2 1/2 to 6 hours. That's not too bad I suppose but I imagine Breath of the Wild might run at the 2 1/2 hour battery end. Nintendo mentioned the system can play and charge at the same time so if you are on a flight with a socket, you should be fine.

I'm pretty excited they mentioned that local multiplayer would support up to 8 systems connected together. I bet that would create for an interesting Mario Kart party with people bringing in multiple Switch systems. Something I didn't expect to hear was that the Joy-con also acts as a sort of Wii-mote. This looks to bring the Wii functionality forward to the Switch which looks to create some interesting game experiences. Not sure i'd play many of them all told, but something could come of it that I might enjoy.

Some of the games demo'd were:

Mario Odyssey which looks like an open world Mario game featuring many different planet like areas. Mario’s hat is a character that has some role in the game that seems to interacts with the Switch controller. Mario Odyssey looks like it will come out in the holiday season of 2017. A couple other titles they demoed were Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Fire Emblem Warriors, Dragon Quest 10, 11 (in Japan), Dragon Quest Heroes 1 & 2, Project Octopath traveler, Skyrim and Splatoon 2.

The presentation wasn't quite what I expected and I wanted more technical details of the system but from what they did show the Switch looks pretty cool and I bet it will sell out come March 3rd. What did you think of the presentation? Are you going to pick up the system or are you scratching your head a bit with the new direction Nintendo is headed?

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:22am

I wonder if Breath of the Wild will launch on the Switch and Wii U at the same time March 3rd?

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:35am

Zelda on the Wii U is coming out March 31st according to Amazon.

I wanted to see more day 1 games. Zelda and 1 2 switch were the only confirmed launch games.

Battery life was a disappointment but not a surprise.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:36am

Controllers are expensive. $79.99 for a pair of joy cons.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:36am

I agree with you on the games. It reminds me of the Wii launch list which wasn't a lot of games. That said, Zelda should give people a lot of game to play. At least it would take me months to beat it with a kid but most gamers have much more time than I do.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:38am

Right Breath of the Wild on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Zelda-Breath-Wild/dp/B00KWF803C

Where did you see the price for the joy cons?

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:41am

Ign post show announced it.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:43am

http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/official-nintendo-switch-controller-accessory-prices-revealed

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:45am

I guess the more expensive joy con makes sense as it's two controllers in one but it does seem a bit steep. Actually all those controllers seem a bit pricey as the PS4 dual shock and XBox One controller max out at $50 to $60.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:45am

Wow, 1 2 Switch is going to be the new Wii Sports! I am really excited to see how they continue to develop for the JoyCons. And Arms looked adorable, but I think it could be another Splatoon. Speaking of which, the Splatoon 2 announcement wassuper awkward. The translator totally ruined that one.

I am pretty sure I'll be buying the Switch at some point. Probably not Day 1 though.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:49am

Mario Odyssey looks cool, however if they require using motion controls to throw the hat, forget it.

I'm looking forward to Shin Megami Tensei and Xenoblade 2. Xenoblade was one of the games that looked really interesting, but I missed for not owning a Wii U. Zelda (of course Zelda) looked to have a lot more polish on it since the earlier demonstrations. Can't wait to see what it looks and plays like come March.

The motion controls (*sigh)... I don't know. They could be on the periphery enough that I would never have to mess with it if I didn't want to. I just really wish that wasn't a feature. I'm sure it will be fine, but I worry that some game will require it (Like Mario Odyssey), for the sole purpose of shoehorning the gimmick rather than benefiting the gameplay. You could say "Well, it worked for the Wii..." But this is not the Wii. So the real question is, can it be both? That's the question that I wish I didn't have to ask. Unless it works really, really well! Which it might!!

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:53am

I bet you anything the games like Zelda BotW, Xenoblade 2, Mario Odyssey are going to start at $70.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:55am

Don't forget that it comes with a power adapter! Now you are playing with power!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:56am

The Nintendo site is getting hammered now but here are some details on the online service.

https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/hdtpzzlg4ceecaebaqxj.jpg

* Free SNES / NES game per month
* New app to set online play appointments
* Exclusive discounts on games (?)

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:57am

I love the "games you look at each other rather than the screen" concept. It might end up being a gimmick, but it could change gaming.

Also, I would bet money they're working on a VR headset. The HD Feedback (or whatever they called it with the ice rumbling in the controller) and Joy-Con remotes seem almost built for it.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 06:00am

http://www.nintendo.com/switch/features/

* Internal memory 32GB of internal memory, a portion of which is reserved for use by the system. Users can easily expand storage space using microSDXC cards.
* Screen 6.2-inch, multi-touch capacitive touch screen; can display a resolution of 1280 x 720.

I bet that means the output is 720p which wouldn't be too bad if games could lock at 60FPS.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 06:02am

Looks like Switch will get Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in April. Not sure the details but a second month Mario Kart(even if it's already out) is a pretty good idea for people that don't own the Wii U.

http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 06:03am

There is a website for it but so far it's down.

http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/mario-kart-8-deluxe-switch

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 06:13am

More games listed. Just Dance 2017, Has Been Heroes, Super Bomberman R, NBA 2K18, Snipperclips and the rest from the reveal.

http://www.nintendo.com/games/switch/

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Trailer looks cool. Looks like it's the same game with the DLC included. Not sure about any new features yet beyond that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKlRN2YpxRE

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 06:18am

So the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe page is up with some interesting details.

http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/mario-kart-8-deluxe-switch

* Race as every character on every track from the Wii U version, including DLC characters and tracks.
* Pop some balloons in the revamped Battle mode, complete with Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast.
* Battle on new courses, like Urchin Underpass and Battle Stadium, or returning ones, such as GCN Luigi's Mansion and SNES Battle Course 1.
* Inkling Girl & Inkling Boy from Splatoon, King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr. join the roster!
* Three new vehicles have been added, two are even inspired by Splatoon
* Returning items include Boo, the item stealing ghost, and the Feather, which gives you a high jump in battle mode.
* Play your friends in local wireless multiplayer with up to 8 players.
* Drive through in 1080p HD quality in TV mode

Looks like the TV mode output is dependent on what the game can do, which is nice.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 06:18am

Breath of the Wild Switch Special Edition looks really cool.

http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-special-edition-switch

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/13/2017 at 06:29am

Breath of the Wild Switch Special Edition looks really cool.

Okay! Definitely pre-ordering that! So, $400 for March?

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/13/2017 at 06:33am

The official page shows an Amiibo logo at the bottom. Hmm...

http://www.zelda.com/breath-of-the-wild/

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/13/2017 at 06:34am

Ahhh... http://www.zelda.com/breath-of-the-wild/news/classic-amiibo-support-revealed

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 06:34am

Yep, it's talked about here.

http://nintendo.tumblr.com/post/153959693594/the-legend-of-zelda-30th-anniversary-amiibo-are

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 01/13/2017 at 07:22am

Wow the price of a Joy-Con does seem a bit expensive, but that little gadget apparently has a lot of technology in it, it can do quite a few things. It's not as simple as it looks.

@scrypt, why do you think those games will cost $70? Breath of the Wild, the Wii U version, is on Amazon for $60.

@Jon thanks for the details about the online service. That might be one I wouldn't mind paying for, I guess it just depends on what's offered.

I did notice Mario Kart in some of the videos they showed, but wasn't sure if it was the Wii U version or a new one, until I saw something different. I remember seeing 4 items above the player, as though you could store 4 and choose one among them.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/13/2017 at 08:24am

@GregoPeck, because of the cartridge format. I really think they will have to compensate for production costs by increasing retail prices of games. Otherwise it won't be as profitable for developers to sell games on the Switch. The fact that DS/3DS are on cartridges is irrelevant, because there is no competition for those systems, no market to drive down prices, so they can charge what they want. Selling a console game on a proprietary system, with a proprietary media format... Unless they have a way of producing cartridges at the same cost as a Blu-ray disc, then they will have to make up the cost somehow. Proprietary media doesn't ever stick around for very long, historically speaking. Without the market required to mass produce, cost can't compete with more widely adopted media (e.g. CD, DVD, and now Blu-ray).

I'm just speculating, of course, but I'm very interested to see how moving to a cartridge based system will compete against the existing console market.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/13/2017 at 08:30am

Of course, after I write that, checking Amazon and they have placeholder box art for Skyrim, Zelda, and Fifa, priced at $59.99. I'm really glad to see that. I don't know how they can do that, but I'm glad :).

Travis Admin wrote on 01/13/2017 at 01:05pm

I don't know how much more it actually costs to make a cartridge game but I can imagine them eating that cost to get their games on the new hot system. New games were $50 not long ago and people freaked out a bit when they went to $60 so they probably wanted to avoid that same kind of freak out.

Travis Admin wrote on 01/13/2017 at 01:07pm

Also I kinda figured there would be some motion control. Nintendo is big on re-releasing games from previous generations and this way you can play wii games that you download without having to buy a wii controller.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/13/2017 at 03:40pm

My plan to get it from Amazon was thwarted by it going up for preorder at midnight. I did manage to get a preorder in at GameStop. We shall see if I get it on the 3rd.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/13/2017 at 04:05pm

1080p output when docked 720p when in handheld mode

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 04:18pm

http://i.imgur.com/cI4dpW0.jpg

Travis Admin wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:21pm

awesome. 1080p docked is great news.

Travis Admin wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:21pm

I kinda guessed that it would but it's nice to have it confirmed

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/13/2017 at 05:31pm

Yeah, it is.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/13/2017 at 09:28pm

Ugh: http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/nintendo-switch-online-services-free-classic-games-are-only-available-for-limited-time

Travis Admin wrote on 01/13/2017 at 09:33pm

Oof... that's incredibly lame.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/13/2017 at 09:41pm

Some good size comparison shots here. They put the joy-con and the switch up against the wiimote, 3ds, wii u and wii u gamepad. http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/21-photos-comparing-the-nintendo-switch-to-the-wii-u-nintendo-3ds?abthid=58794710bad7baf135000038

Travis Admin wrote on 01/14/2017 at 04:10am

It's small but I don't think it's prohibitively small. As I've seen mentioned elsewhere I think switching between the right stick and the buttons will be the tricky thing, but it might also be fine *because* it's small. It'll take some testing.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/14/2017 at 06:05am

So now that the hype of the announcement night is over and we are flush with Switch details has anyone changed their mind about things? I think I am solidly not going to pre-order one but might pick one up around the holidays. I have a few Zelda games i've yet to finish and am also flush with a couple other games so I don't need anything new right now. That said, holidays 2017 look like a good time to possibly pick on up(if I can). I might get the Breath of the Wild Collectors edition on Switch though because I like those packages and want to pick that up before it gets hard to find.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 01/14/2017 at 06:43am

Last night I felt a bit ready to pre-order one. Now that I've had some more time to think about it, I'm not sure. I'm only interested in the Zelda game and that would mean about $360 just for one game. It doesn't make much sense to spend that much on just one game. However, my son would play the Switch, too. He still uses the Wii U, which I haven't used in quite a while. So, I'm not really sure. Maybe I'll just go the cheaper route and get that Zelda game for the Wii U. Right now we don't know if our digital games will transfer from the Wii U to the Switch, or at least I haven't seen nor heard of that being possible. Is it at all backwards compatible with the Wii U? I doubt it, at least for physical copies. One of the games I bought for Vinny's birthday was Terraria, but then that disc failed. I can't get the system to recognize it anymore and it doesn't look like it's in bad shape. So I bought the digital version. I think we also have the digital version of Minecraft. While I like both games, I've already paid for multiple versions of each of them, so I'm kind of thinking, "geez how many times do I have to buy these games?"

Bottom line, I'm only interested in the one game. I still haven't even started playing the games I bought for my PC during the Thanksgiving sales (Steam & Origin).

Travis Admin wrote on 01/14/2017 at 05:05pm

I still think it's as cool as I did before the announcement, and I still think I might get one this year, but I also might not. Since I'd be almost entirely buying it for first-party titles, waiting for a price drop may make more sense for me.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/15/2017 at 02:20am

I pre-ordered the special edition Zelda, but I'll wait on the system, for a bit at least. With Horizon Zero Dawn coming in February, and Mass Effect Andromeda coming in March, I'll be good for games for a while. I assume Switch systems will be hard to come by if you haven't pre-ordered already, anyway.

Travis Admin wrote on 01/15/2017 at 02:26am

http://nintendoeverything.com/reggie-talks-switch-online-service-info-teased-on-rebuying-classic-games-supply-concerns-3ds-here-to-stay/

So... voice chat is a smartphone app. This is an odd choice.

Travis Admin wrote on 01/15/2017 at 02:28am

What's the point of a paid online service that doesn't let you talk to people? If the smartphone app is part of the online service, why not use any number of other chat apps? If you're chatting on a headset that uses a smartphone app, how do you hear your game?

This is such a weird call.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/15/2017 at 02:50am

Reggie: "I think it would be helpful maybe to step back."

You'd have to also think backwards if you're trying to understand what Nintendo is trying to do. It's no real surprise. Nintendo has been hesitant to have anything to do with a modern online infrastructure (i.e. video, voice, multiplayer...) from the beginning (his line about "it continues to reinforce our commitment to online..." is hilarious). Exclusively using a mobile app for chat is completely ridiculous. You're exactly right, Travis. Why not use Discord, or any other free service which is already mobile friendly?

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/15/2017 at 02:59am

May be worth noting, too, that he's talking about playing online on-the-go. Is that alluding to using your phone as a hotspot? Will all the game audio come through the phone app?

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/15/2017 at 04:06am

> I pre-ordered the special edition Zelda

Where? It's not available on Amazon right now.

Good to hear they are actively working to get more NES Classic units. I wonder if they revved up to build more Switch units for launch and sort of flubbed the Classic a bit?

In a way using a Smartphone app for online voice basically means we can just keep using whatever we use now. Which is fine, when I used to play Mario Kart online with friends I just talked on my speakerphone or skype.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/15/2017 at 04:07am

Ah, looks like it sold out on Gamestop and Amazon and is available on Bestbuy. Hmmmmm.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 01/15/2017 at 04:29am

Where? It's not available on Amazon right now.

It was yesterday, briefly.

The reason you used Skype or your phone in the past is because Nintendo has pretty lame online services. Now, they will be charging for those services, and seemingly providing little else of value. 30 day rental for games? Using an extra piece of hardware (your phone) to chat online? Presumably, they won't allow you to enjoy network multiplayer games without participating in the service. No one else is charging for online networks without giving a lot more of value. It's just a huge step backwards.

The Switch launches in just over a month. Why are they trickling information? They aren't competing with anyone in March. Why not tell us what the service does and does not do, in detail? Probably because it's in some kind of beta phase, meaning they don't really know. Which is probably why it will be free until the fall.

Yes, I'm being skeptical.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/15/2017 at 04:39am

> No one else is charging for online networks without giving a lot more of value. It's just a huge step backwards.

I agree. I think they will hear the backlash and change here. At least, I really hope so SIMPLY having a tax on online isn't the solution.

> Probably because it's in some kind of beta phase, meaning they don't really know. Which is probably why it will be free until the fall.

Yeah absolutely OR to keep the hype train going with more marketing later.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/17/2017 at 04:42pm

I ended up getting 1 2 switch, despite the high price. I think it will get a lot of play in my household.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 01/17/2017 at 07:24pm

1 2 Switch isn't shipping with it? I assumed it would be the game bundled with the system. (Obviously I've not looked into buying it at all yet)

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 01/17/2017 at 08:09pm

@Adam, nope it's a separate game. There are no games shipping with the Switch. I read that it was because they wanted keep the cost of the system as close to $350 as they could. I also read that 1 2 Switch is more of a game than Wii Sports.

Travis Admin wrote on 01/18/2017 at 03:41am

I also read that 1 2 Switch is more of a game than Wii Sports.

You know, I loved a few games on the Wii but I probably put the most time into Wii sports. It may not have been much more than some minigames to get you into the motion controls but it was so well done.

Looking at 1 2 Switch it again looks like more minigames with less even going on on-screen so I'm not sure how it would be more of a game, but if it's as polished as Wii Sports AND more of a game, it'll be amazing.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/18/2017 at 04:26am

> You know, I loved a few games on the Wii but I probably put the most time into Wii sports. It may not have been much more than some minigames to get you into the motion controls but it was so well done.

I want to echo this. Wii Sports was simple sure, but it did what it did well and it sold the Wii. Plus it was fun and when it was new it made a party.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 01/18/2017 at 05:11am

I also thought Wii Sports was a great game. I had a lot of fun with it! I thought it was a good "ice breaker" to the Wii's motion controls. It seems that 1 2 Switch will be similar to the joy-con. It is hard to imagine playing a game where you don't even look at the screen, but we'll see how it works out.

Forgive my laziness, I should have looked for this and shared it with my previous comment, but here you go (see full article in the link below):

As for 1 2 Switch the article says, "when asked specifically about 1, 2, Switch and how it seems like the ideal evolution of the Wii Sports-style bundled game, Fils-Aime acknowledged the similarities between the two. However, he disputed this to some degree, arguing 1, 2, Switch is a more comprehensive game."

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-switch-doesnt-include-any-bundled-games/1100-6446940/

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 01/18/2017 at 05:15am

I'd also like to share what I just found regarding Breath of the Wild on the Wii U vs. Switch. Just from reading the article, it doesn't seem as though the difference will really be all that apparently noticeable.
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/switch-vs-wii-u-all-the-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-d/1100-6447008/

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/19/2017 at 05:29am

I just added the Nintendo Switch as a platform as well as added the 13 main games coming at launch or slightly thereafter to our main games list. So if you pre-ordered anything, feel free to add it to your list!

http://cheerfulghost.com/platform/switch

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/19/2017 at 05:14pm

The binding of isaac: afterbirth+ is now a launch title:

http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/19/the-binding-of-isaac-afterbirth-is-a-nintendo-switch-launch-title

I preordered it since I have yet to play it.

Azurephile Super Member wrote on 01/20/2017 at 01:37am

I just pre-ordered Breath of the Wild for the Wii U and saved $12 with Amazon Prime! This satisfies my only desire for the Switch and saves me money. :)

Thanks for the game list additions, Jon!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/20/2017 at 02:57am

No problem Greg. I figure with all the interest here in the Switch getting it added was a good idea.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 01/20/2017 at 06:22am

"From a first-party standpoint, there's no new development coming after the launch of the legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” he said. “We really are at the end of life for Wii U."

Fils-Aime said that Wii U titles will continue to be sold at retail and on the Nintendo eShop, and the company had not begun any discussion for sunsetting online services for the console.

Whoa, the Wii U has only been around for 4 1/2 years and Nintendo is done with first party titles? Wow, that kind of makes sense but surprising. I guess Switch really is the hard Wii U replacement.

http://www.polygon.com/2017/1/19/14313914/legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-last-nintendo-game-for-wii-u

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 01/20/2017 at 02:40pm

Hey, at least the Wii U lasted longer than the Virtual Boy! ;)

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 01/20/2017 at 02:43pm

I just realized the Switch is going to make me reorganize my TV stand. Currently my Wii U is tucked next to the Blue-ray player, but might not need super accessible for docking and undocking. I don't really want a system on the top of the stand... not a huge deal, but will cause some rearranging.

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/20/2017 at 06:54pm

I too have to rearrange things on my TV stand.

AdamPFarnsworth wrote on 01/20/2017 at 07:18pm

#PoorUs #ItsAHardKnockLife

Will_Ball Game Mod Super Member wrote on 01/20/2017 at 08:03pm

I need more HDMI ports in my receiver.

Travis Admin wrote on 01/20/2017 at 11:26pm

I feel like I will always need more HDMI ports. I could have 10 and within days I would have 11 devices I need to connect.

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