Nintendo Switch: Thread 10

[dataDave]

I’m not personally interested in backwards compatibility unless there’s going to be REALLY good upscaling and stuff. We’re looking at getting another Switch, so it’s not like we’re ditching the hardware any time soon (or indeed ever). From a business perspective it’d totally make sense not to lose momentum when it comes to their Switch library sales. 1.1 billion games sold and still climbing.

Still, they have more experience than anyone when it comes to transitioning across to a new generation. They might have learned something over the decades.

[Neon Ignition]

You'd think it would be a slam dunk transition but then... the U.

In terms of that generational transition, the name of the game is definitely on replicating the PS model. Backwards compatibility won't shift the needle too heavily in terms of selling Switch 2 to the same level that Switch 1 has but it helps a lot in maintaining momentum across the generations and early days lack of software that usually occurs. But if they can tie the Switch decline to the Switch 2 rise then they should be golden for another decade.

Software wise I don't think we'll see much change. EA chase money, they'll never embrace the Switch just like Call of Duty won't do great numbers on Switch 2 either. Both have weak histories on Nintendo platforms because the audiences don't care in enough numbers. Neither company will have ignored the Switch out of hardware concerns. The arguments about power won't change either, there's been enough insight into its likely tech to already mark it out as a primarily 1080p focused system that will be powerful for a hybrid but a step behind from Day 1. By the time significant numbers own one and dedicated Switch 2 software is regular in Years 2 and 3 we'll be on the crest of the horizon of seeing PS6 and XB5 consoles coming along so it's all going to just be a repeat of this gen. Not all a concern for Nintendo though who don't need those sales at all if they can maintain their current level of appeal.

[cutmymilk]

Backwards compatibility with cartridges is a must imo. Some people have huge Switch libraries as they have somehow made it a really collectable console, with little cases and decent resale value. Not making it backwards compatible will sour this. The cases should even match for the most part, maybe with whatever the 2 ends up being located on the spine.

[wakka]

I think BC and cross-gen software for at least two years are probably a given, frankly.

The days of wiping the slate clean for a new console launch are long gone now - there's no need for it, and it would seem shockingly archaic to modern consumers weaned on the cross-device consistency granted by cloud services.

The bigger question, for me, is what the selling point of the new Switch is.

Increased hardware capabilities are obviously a given. But they are likely to be relatively modest - and how much of a draw to consumers will they really be? Nintendo's own software hardly seems held back by the Switch 1, and graphically complex third party AAAs have never been system sellers for Nintendo hardware.

I question the idea that it will be sufficient to put a more powerful chip in a slightly zhuzh'd enclosure to receive the same success as Switch 1. I think that approach will end up being much slower going and more comparable to the sales for the 3DS (75m) compared to the DS (155m).

IMO the hardware needs some kind of edge, an X factor to excite people, to really stand a realistic chance of restoring Nintendo hardware sales momentum to where it was earlier in the Switch's life, and to trouble triple figures in sales.

[Nu-Eclipse]

IMO the hardware needs some kind of edge, an X factor to excite people, to really stand a realistic chance of restoring Nintendo hardware sales momentum to where it was earlier in the Switch's life, and to trouble triple figures in sales.

Given Nintendo's track record, we all know "X Factor" will likely result in "gimmick that translates badly and results in a flop".

More powerful hardware for Switch 2 will suffice. That is clearly what consumers and devs want this time out. No need to fix something that isn't broken IMO.

[cutmymilk]

Thicker joycons too, hopefully. Having to use third party grips is a bit tiresome..

[fuse]

Anyone know if they also recast Wario's voice actor when they brought in the new guy for Mario / Luigi? I just got served a YouTube ad for the latest WarioWare game and I, hand on heart, think I could've done a better job than whoever was in it. I'm hoping they are not in the actual game and this is just an ad thing.

[fishbowlhead]

More powerful hardware and a 2 on the box, that’s it. The hand held screen doesn’t even need a res bump.

[Neon Ignition]

Yep, I feel like Nintendo will feel it needs a USP when for the Switch, to most consumers, it still already has one

[fishbowlhead]

And full BC, but I feel that’s a likely given to be honest.

[dataDave]

Some people have huge Switch libraries as they have somehow made it a really collectable console, with little cases and decent resale value. Not making it backwards compatible will sour this.

How so, though? If a Switch 2 comes out and for some typically Nintendo reason isn't backwards compatible it won't render the Switch 1 hardware obsolete in any way. In fact, it should make it even more of a collectable like the 3DS currently is.

On further thought, with regards to their development pipelines it'd be utterly insane not to make the new console play the old games. I can't imagine them being able to produce software for two consoles concurrently. It'll be interesting to see how they actually carry out the difficult procedure of no longer supporting the Switch with new games, especially after seemingly batting stuff out on a monthly basis as of late.

[cutmymilk]

I thought about that and I think its just purely from a convenience perspective. One console playing both consoles is just more convenient. Also there is no need to stop producing switch 1 cartridges for indie games, for example, maximising sales across two consoles.

[Asura]

Given Nintendo's track record, we all know "X Factor" will likely result in "gimmick that translates badly and results in a flop".

More powerful hardware for Switch 2 will suffice. That is clearly what consumers and devs want this time out. No need to fix something that isn't broken IMO.

Yeah, honestly, I'd just want backwards compatibility, a power bump, and a compatible rework to the form factor - so better joycons with Hall Effect sticks, maybe a bit thicker and a bit more robust so it doesn't creak as much in handheld mode, etc.

I honestly think Nintendo kinda nailed it. Just make a follow-up.

[Neon Ignition]

Clearly, Switch 2 must come out ASAP

[Neon Ignition]

Embedded Tweet