Malding over apparent no OLED, but overall, pretty decent incremental upgrade from the Switch 1. Appreciate that Nintendo finally sensibly named something.
Malding over apparent no OLED, but overall, pretty decent incremental upgrade from the Switch 1. Appreciate that Nintendo finally sensibly named something.
The video is just a render, so any info on the screen will have to come later I think. No OLED would be a pretty huge step back, but maybe they release 2 price points?
The video is just a render, so any info on the screen will have to come later I think. No OLED would be a pretty huge step back, but maybe they release 2 price points?
I'm desperately hoping for that. The Steam Deck OLED's much better colors and peak brightness were a game changer for me jumping from the original Switch.
I'm desperately hoping for that. The Steam Deck OLED's much better colors and peak brightness were a game changer for me jumping from the original Switch.
Personally, I don't like the naming scheme of "X1, X2, etc.", I always appreciated Nintendo's creativity with naming their consoles. It gives them more character than "Playstation 5". Having said...
Personally, I don't like the naming scheme of "X1, X2, etc.", I always appreciated Nintendo's creativity with naming their consoles. It gives them more character than "Playstation 5".
Having said that, I think it makes sense in this case since this seems more iterative than previous generation shifts.
Their unique naming system has cost them entire generations of sales. Just ask anyone what the Wii-U was. This is clear: an iterative design on the first model. Boring perhaps, but it leaves no...
Their unique naming system has cost them entire generations of sales. Just ask anyone what the Wii-U was.
This is clear: an iterative design on the first model. Boring perhaps, but it leaves no wiggle room.
Wii-U's problem was not the name. It was how they introduced it. If you go back and look at their introduction videos... they focused on the controller solely and only once mentioned at all it was...
Wii-U's problem was not the name. It was how they introduced it. If you go back and look at their introduction videos... they focused on the controller solely and only once mentioned at all it was a console (at the very beginning). I mean I watched the video and I had to remind myself this was a console they were selling, not a new accessory. And it wasn't the name that was confusing, it was the whole marketing push.
And first impressions matter, especially when it comes to consoles. By the time they might have realized their mistake, the more casual people already lost interest and moved on.
Nintendo going for unique names does make sense when the console is unique. The biggest issue with the WiiU is that it didn't distance itself enough from the Wii. But the Switch 2 is a purely...
Nintendo going for unique names does make sense when the console is unique. The biggest issue with the WiiU is that it didn't distance itself enough from the Wii. But the Switch 2 is a purely iterative change. Going with number sequencing for it is the right call.
Honestly, I think the biggest issue with the WIi U wasn't name, it was marketing. After seeing their announcement of it, I completely understand why people thought it was just an accessory (Wii U...
Honestly, I think the biggest issue with the WIi U wasn't name, it was marketing. After seeing their announcement of it, I completely understand why people thought it was just an accessory (Wii U doesn't necessarily say it's just an accessory to me so I have always thought it is a stretch to blame the name like many people do). The whole announcement they maybe only said the word console once, and kept focusing on the controller and what the controller did. They completely forgot to emphasize anything else about the console or even that it was a console, they jsut kept talking about this wonderful new controller. I almost thought they were advertising a controller too and I already knew it was a console (I had to remind myself the announcement was about the Wii U console).
And I'm going to bet a lot of their ads at the start did similar to same thing there. And with consoles how it starts really does a strong job of setting up how the rest of the generation will go.
But honestly, if you are selling a product, you do want to keep it simple so you can make it simple why people want to buy the product (people get confused easily if you get too complicated). If you already have a good strong name, telling people that this is the next of that name is a great way to keep it simple and why they should buy it. It's part of why I think Playstation has kept doing well, that name does a lot of work (It saved the PS3 when Sony botched the intro and the PS2 was helped a lot by the original Playstation building up the rep and being able to build on that rep by being the second playstation). I think Sony when it comes to names on their console may use the msot boring tact, but marketing wise I think it is the best tact. Hell, they should ahve called the Vita the PSP 2 though tbf I'm not sure that would have saved it. Vita had a lot of issues (price when it is just a handheld and Sony abandoning it right away being two big ones).
I think that supports my point: I don't think the Wii-U is a really unique name from the previous generation considering how different the design philosophies were, and perhaps if they had gone...
I think that supports my point: I don't think the Wii-U is a really unique name from the previous generation considering how different the design philosophies were, and perhaps if they had gone with a more distinctive name that separated the Wii-U from its predecessor might've helped in sales. Regardless, I wouldn't put the name of the system as the sole reason why the Wii-U didn't sell as well.
That's the point. Wii-u sounded like a spinoff add on thing for the Wii. I owned a Wii when that came out and honestly thought it was just a fancy controller. If it was called the "Nintendo...
That's the point. Wii-u sounded like a spinoff add on thing for the Wii. I owned a Wii when that came out and honestly thought it was just a fancy controller.
If it was called the "Nintendo Ultima" or something with a unique name, it would have sounded more like it's own thing.
Honestly, I think it makes more sense that when you have a very popular product, you use that products name in the next one because you already have IP awareness. I think it was very smart of Sony...
Honestly, I think it makes more sense that when you have a very popular product, you use that products name in the next one because you already have IP awareness. I think it was very smart of Sony to label the next Playstation 2, 3,etc. They had a lot of name recognition for playstation since the first one. You don't want to waste that.
Sure, it seems more creative to come up with new names. But marketing wise if you have a big hit that has made waves... you don't want to scrap all that just to make a new name, the better name when it comes to selling is the one that already has name recognition.
And to be fair, Nintendo before got away with it cause Nintendo themselves is the big name recognition. Note how many Nintendo nerds will get upset if you call a certain nintendo console, "the nintendo", i.e. "casuals" just see the Nintendo name more than the individual console name. But.... Switch got recognition even beyond Nintendo circles (it attracted a lot of people who weren't normally Nintendo fans) so it makes sense this time Nintendo doesn't want to just use their name as the recognition part.. they want to use the name that got them all the attention this time.
I don't really disagree with any of your points and I totally understand why they are doing it, I'm just being an old codger lamenting at change. I'm hopeful that if there's a big shift in console...
I don't really disagree with any of your points and I totally understand why they are doing it, I'm just being an old codger lamenting at change. I'm hopeful that if there's a big shift in console design for a future generation they'll come up with a new name.
Well I’ll say as a PlayStation fan I was very happy Sony kept the name cause it felt continuous to the console I liked and it kept living on (that and I didn’t like Sony when they released the...
Well I’ll say as a PlayStation fan I was very happy Sony kept the name cause it felt continuous to the console I liked and it kept living on (that and I didn’t like Sony when they released the PlayStation and I bought it in spite of the fact they made it. For a long time I’d clarify I was a PlayStation fan and not a Sony fan).
Just gave me flashbacks to trying to find a telescopic stylus for my New Nintendo 3DS. I gave up because they were all either for the New Nintendo 3DS XL and thus wouldn't fit, or they were new,...
Just gave me flashbacks to trying to find a telescopic stylus for my New Nintendo 3DS. I gave up because they were all either for the New Nintendo 3DS XL and thus wouldn't fit, or they were new, unopened ones made for the original 3DS and also wouldn't fit.
Personally I find it cosmically funny that the practice of naming the games in that series after the console it was released on (which at face value isn't that bad of an idea) eventually led to a...
Personally I find it cosmically funny that the practice of naming the games in that series after the console it was released on (which at face value isn't that bad of an idea) eventually led to a game named New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe... released on the Nintendo Switch.
Unsurprising that all the cross-referenced leaks have turned out to be true, very happy that they're just doing "more of the same" hardware-wise because Nintendo has always been more about games,...
Unsurprising that all the cross-referenced leaks have turned out to be true, very happy that they're just doing "more of the same" hardware-wise because Nintendo has always been more about games, and I love the switch form-factor. I don't like the new design compared to the old one, but I'm sure it will grow on me the more non-renders we get to see.
The announcement also doubles as a teaser for a new Mario Kart game, which sucks because I love Mario Kart, to the point where I've gone from "I might get it once there's a big library" to "shit, I'm gonna get it immediately, aren't I?" - still waiting on a price announcement to actually make a decision.
I'm with you on the Mario Kart. It's one of the few games my wife enjoys playing multiplayer, and so we've gotten a lot of mileage (pun intended) out of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which is a nearly...
I'm with you on the Mario Kart. It's one of the few games my wife enjoys playing multiplayer, and so we've gotten a lot of mileage (pun intended) out of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which is a nearly perfect game of the genre. So if they keep that formula I will probably be getting this console shortly after release.
Unironically, if it's just a Switch with better capacity I'd be very happy. It doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to be fun to play with. I hope that the Switch 2 goes against the trend of...
Unironically, if it's just a Switch with better capacity I'd be very happy. It doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to be fun to play with. I hope that the Switch 2 goes against the trend of everything fancy regardless of functionality. (no but really, our new oven has a touchscreen which is unintuitive for even a physicist working in IT, the oven itself is great but sometimes simple is best)
I'm probably gonna grab it eventually either way, because that's just my role in my friend groups lol. But my immediate thought is that I really hope that new joystick design isn't going to hamper...
I'm probably gonna grab it eventually either way, because that's just my role in my friend groups lol. But my immediate thought is that I really hope that new joystick design isn't going to hamper actually fixing the famously abysmal joycon joysticks.
Looks good though! Wondering how much of my switch I can get rid of too, I'm guessing the old joycona and pro controllers will probably still work, and it definitely gets around the "I hope smash Bros has another iteration but licensing will be a nightmare" issue. Just gotta see the launch games now
Yeah, I'm cool with this, nice to just see an incremental upgrade for once considering how much I love what the Switch offers. The backwards compatibility with Switch games is nice as well....
Yeah, I'm cool with this, nice to just see an incremental upgrade for once considering how much I love what the Switch offers.
The backwards compatibility with Switch games is nice as well. Haven't played my Switch in about a year since my daughter got sentient and grabby enough to find it interesting so I'll grab the Switch 2 and finish Tears of the Kingdom on it I reckon.
I'm honestly a little... disappointed? I like my Switch and I think it was a bold, interesting innovation (obviously not without compromise or negatives.) But like, this seems like a "more of the...
I'm honestly a little... disappointed? I like my Switch and I think it was a bold, interesting innovation (obviously not without compromise or negatives.) But like, this seems like a "more of the same" iteration.
Hence the 2 in the name. I guess there's no reason to upgrade from a graphics perspective if all the developers are still happy and most ports do well enough. I just know that Nintendo usually...
Hence the 2 in the name. I guess there's no reason to upgrade from a graphics perspective if all the developers are still happy and most ports do well enough. I just know that Nintendo usually play safe OR do the complete opposite of that and surprise everyone.
The Switch is not really capable of good ports of 3D titles anymore. Fortnite on Switch looks straight out of 2007, and that's being generous. That said, they can pretty much coast on their first...
The Switch is not really capable of good ports of 3D titles anymore.
Fortnite on Switch looks straight out of 2007, and that's being generous.
That said, they can pretty much coast on their first party and existing library for quite awhile.
I recently began a playthrough of Witcher 3 on the switch. It's impressive as hell that it works on the Switch, but it also looks like its out of 2007. Especially once you apply the recommended...
I recently began a playthrough of Witcher 3 on the switch. It's impressive as hell that it works on the Switch, but it also looks like its out of 2007. Especially once you apply the recommended (by fans, that is) graphics settings to smooth the choppiness out.
Not to mention how badly games like Pokemon Violet/Scarlet perform at times.
But also this is kind of a moot point because I don't think the announcement said anything about graphical capabilities? And it's hard to tell from a few shots from Mario Kart. Maybe it's from leaks, but I don't keep up with that stuff because we've been getting "leaks" about Switch revisions for so long now that I stopped paying attention.
It always baffles me that some console games have graphic settings now. I thought part of the joy of having a console was the plug and play nature of the games?
It always baffles me that some console games have graphic settings now. I thought part of the joy of having a console was the plug and play nature of the games?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but those were system level settings on the PS2, all related to resolution, correct? The settings I'm referring to are game specific. This Reddit post shows some of the...
Correct me if I'm wrong, but those were system level settings on the PS2, all related to resolution, correct?
No, there's very little a regular user can do when interacting with PS2's barebone OS interface. I'm talking about in-game settings. One basic setting a lot of PS2 games have is a wide-screen mode...
No, there's very little a regular user can do when interacting with PS2's barebone OS interface. I'm talking about in-game settings. One basic setting a lot of PS2 games have is a wide-screen mode which renders the game so it doesn't distort anything on a widescreen TV. They may even increase the FOV for widescreen. And some games have more advanced settings. That is of course not to the level we see today but in-game graphic settings have existed on consoles for a very long time.
Yeah it's weird, but I do love to tinker with settings. In the case of Witcher 3 I was experiencing a lot of texture pop-in that was very distracting during conversations and being able to tone...
Yeah it's weird, but I do love to tinker with settings. In the case of Witcher 3 I was experiencing a lot of texture pop-in that was very distracting during conversations and being able to tone the settings down a bit reduced it substantially.
And i'm very happy it is more of the same but more powerful, cause that's all I wanted. Now if they added new functionality but kept the same form factor, I would be excited about that. But if...
And i'm very happy it is more of the same but more powerful, cause that's all I wanted. Now if they added new functionality but kept the same form factor, I would be excited about that. But if they changed what it was for some new gimmick... I'd have lost interest entirely (I like the switch not cause it's a nintendo but because it's a handheld/console cross. I more use it like a handheld/easily portable console so I'm a little dismayed it's bigger meaning it will be harder to pack in things <- like my switch even with case fits in my purse, I don't think I'll be able to do the same with this one).
Yeah, I get it. To be clear, I think the Switch 2 will do well and probably be an interesting console in a year or two. I just love when Nintendo goes off the rails and creates something really...
Yeah, I get it. To be clear, I think the Switch 2 will do well and probably be an interesting console in a year or two. I just love when Nintendo goes off the rails and creates something really innovative... like the Switch (or the WiiU, despite no one else liking it.)
I guess I was also hoping, in some weird way, that all the leaks were wrong and Nintendo was going to come out swinging with something wild. I guess the big change here will be your purse size!
I don't exactly remember people hating it, but I do remember it being the butt of a lot of penis jokes. Also, everyone absolutely knew about it at the time as a result.
I don't exactly remember people hating it, but I do remember it being the butt of a lot of penis jokes. Also, everyone absolutely knew about it at the time as a result.
I can't believe they really went with the name "Switch 2". And that logo? The Switch logo with a 2 next to it? This looks like a shitpost, I'm sorry. Can't believe this is official
I can't believe they really went with the name "Switch 2". And that logo? The Switch logo with a 2 next to it? This looks like a shitpost, I'm sorry. Can't believe this is official
Cannot disagree more. After the Wii U fiasco I am so, so happy to see they've finally accepted that customers associate a new number with a next generation product.
Cannot disagree more. After the Wii U fiasco I am so, so happy to see they've finally accepted that customers associate a new number with a next generation product.
So you want it to be clear that it's the Switch 2 but you would prefer they call it the Switch U, using the naming convention famous for people not understanding that it was the Wii's successor?...
So you want it to be clear that it's the Switch 2 but you would prefer they call it the Switch U, using the naming convention famous for people not understanding that it was the Wii's successor? Or possibly something even more confusing like Switches? And you really want to say "yes, I have a Switches?"
It also sets us up for at least the possibility of normal naming and consoles from here on out! Nintendo can of course always change their mind and do something gimmicky, but the possibility now...
It also sets us up for at least the possibility of normal naming and consoles from here on out! Nintendo can of course always change their mind and do something gimmicky, but the possibility now of a Switch 3, 4, 5, etc. is hopeful. I liked some Wii games, and gimmicks can be fun as accessories, but I like normal games. I hated swinging the controller around when my fingers could do the same thing easily.
That's definitely my biggest "gripe." I think the giant 2 next to the Joy-Cons looks lame. Was hoping for the Nintendo Super Switch, but I suppose 2 communicates things most clearly. Oh well.
That's definitely my biggest "gripe." I think the giant 2 next to the Joy-Cons looks lame. Was hoping for the Nintendo Super Switch, but I suppose 2 communicates things most clearly. Oh well.
"Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. Details will be shared on the Nintendo website at a later date." Anyone have any guesses on which...
"Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. Details will be shared on the Nintendo website at a later date."
Anyone have any guesses on which games that might refer to?
Off the top of my head, Ring Fit Adventure won't work with the new Joycons, if they don't have IR blasters either, 1-2 Switch has a lot of minigames that won't work either.
Off the top of my head, Ring Fit Adventure won't work with the new Joycons, if they don't have IR blasters either, 1-2 Switch has a lot of minigames that won't work either.
That sounds like the most likely explanation to me. Apparently there are rumors that it will have IR sensors in both joycons, but they don't seem to be visible like they are on the right joycon so...
That sounds like the most likely explanation to me. Apparently there are rumors that it will have IR sensors in both joycons, but they don't seem to be visible like they are on the right joycon so they might be internal? Not many games use it and I don't think any of my games do, so not sure how having it internal might impact it versus external.
That said, so few games use it that I wouldn't be surprised if they cut it. Destructoid has a list and most of them are shovelware-type titles, minigames, or for optional features. Most prolific ones to me are Ring Fit and Resident Evil Revelations, since that one uses it to reload which I'd say is pretty vital to gameplay.
I won't doubt that Nintendo Switch 2 will achieve high sales numbers for simply evolving the tried-and-true handheld-hybrid concept of the predecessor with improved usability and specs upgrade....
I won't doubt that Nintendo Switch 2 will achieve high sales numbers for simply evolving the tried-and-true handheld-hybrid concept of the predecessor with improved usability and specs upgrade. After all, Sony managed to consistently achieve high sales numbers by sticking with a similar one-size-fits-all controller design philosophy dating all the way back to PlayStation 1. That traditional controller layout allowed for a wider variety of games to be played than most consoles prior to the 00s, Wii and Playdate offered, and the average gamer won't take long to become acclimated with the controls from one platform to another.
On the other hand, I can definitely see why not coming up with significant innovation can undermine Nintendo's unique position in the gaming market. In the 2017, the handheld-hybrid concept was a novel concept that effectively bridged the ever-present home and handheld console gap, all by offering meaty-enough tech specs to provide a solid home console experience while adopting the handheld form-factor. As in, no more vastly different games of the same name between two consoles.
As time marches on, however, other hardware manufacturers took note of that very concept and applied it to their consoles to a varying extent. Among them, the somewhat beginner-unfriendly Steam Deck is the closest competitor of the bunch, with no shortage of games of all genres on offer. Although there currently exists little to no other handheld-hybrid options, it'll be only a matter of time when they'll catch up with Nintendo, and the Japanese giant lacks an alternative platform that can host a vastly unique gaming experience anymore.
That being said, the trailer also implies there will be a mouse-like functionality embedded, as seen by the Joy-Cons sliding on the ground. So, I guess Switch 2 will now attempt to incorporate PC first-person shooting experience alongside home and handheld? I'll be definitely on the lookout for the upcoming April 2nd Nintendo Direct.
I'm doubtful any of the handheld PCs will be anything more than a niche market. I have a GPDWin 4, and it's good for when I need it, but it's not a Switch experience. Apart from the unifying...
I'm doubtful any of the handheld PCs will be anything more than a niche market. I have a GPDWin 4, and it's good for when I need it, but it's not a Switch experience. Apart from the unifying factor that they're all absurdly large, noisy, and and hot for a handheld, the fundamental problem is that games are not made for them.
Games are made for the Switch, to run well on the Switch. Any game always requires the "does it even run" question on the handhelds PCs, or "is there no UI scaling so I can't read anything without squinting". It's not even obvious - Metaphor runs like ass on the handhelds, even though it's not exactly the most graphically demanding game.
Not discounting you, but aren't there a lot of Switch games that both run and look like ass, struggling to maintain even 30fps? Correct me if I'm wrong, never owned a Switch.
Not discounting you, but aren't there a lot of Switch games that both run and look like ass, struggling to maintain even 30fps?
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom both target 30 fps (and nevertheless occasionally dip to ~20 fps). The performance is perfectly serviceable (and probably pushing the theoretical limits...
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom both target 30 fps (and nevertheless occasionally dip to ~20 fps). The performance is perfectly serviceable (and probably pushing the theoretical limits of the hardware), but one could still hope for more.
We're all going to have differing opinions on what is acceptable and not. I personally find the frame drops really immersion breaking. While 30 fps does have a cinematic feel, I much prefer 60 for...
We're all going to have differing opinions on what is acceptable and not. I personally find the frame drops really immersion breaking. While 30 fps does have a cinematic feel, I much prefer 60 for gaming. The frame drops in Echos of Wisdom are even more bothersome, especially considering it's a much less advanced game graphically. At least they are aware that Mario needs 60 fps to be enjoyable.
VRR would go a very long way in making frame drops less jarring. HDR would be massively helpful for brightness on many modern televisions. But I guess we will see where Nintendo's priorities are when we get more info later this year.
Is that what that was implying? I took that as a fun way to transition to the Mario Kart reveal rather than any kind of feature. I would be very surprised if they had some mouse-like support like...
Is that what that was implying? I took that as a fun way to transition to the Mario Kart reveal rather than any kind of feature.
I would be very surprised if they had some mouse-like support like that.
I have seen quite a few announcements recently for various Switch/Steam Deck like devices, so no competition in the space is not exactly true. I feel these devices are catching on and pretty soon we will have ones that are just as big of not bigger than can do more things.
Mouse-like functionality was part of the leaks, and a lot of the other leaks turned out to be accurate, design-wise. I bet we will see a new Mario Paint, the original Nintendo mouse game, and...
Mouse-like functionality was part of the leaks, and a lot of the other leaks turned out to be accurate, design-wise. I bet we will see a new Mario Paint, the original Nintendo mouse game, and Mario Maker 3, as well as an option to use mouse controls in most shooters. Heck, I’ll bet Splatoon 4 supports it. There’s always been a gap between players that use motion controls and players that use sticks. Mouse functionality offers a third option that could close the gap between people who use motion controls and those that prefer not to. It’s also an accessibility option for people that get motion sickness from motion controls that doesn’t also handicap them in-game the way that stick controls do. It could also lead to a resurgence of point and click adventure games, and allow a wider range of ports.
I've owned every Playstation but 5, and never had an Xbox or Switch and find myself looking for a new system to buy. I was planning to go with a PS5, but should I consider a Switch 2 instead? I...
I've owned every Playstation but 5, and never had an Xbox or Switch and find myself looking for a new system to buy.
I was planning to go with a PS5, but should I consider a Switch 2 instead? I haven't played any Nintendo games since the original NES as a kid, and generally like RPG-type of games (be they ARPGs, CRPGs or just about any other kind) so I figured PS5 is the way to go but hoping someone here has a bit of advice on the Switch 2.
Nintendo consoles are usually prime for RPGs and platformers, though the power (and thus graphics/FPS) comparisons between the switch 2 and ps5 will likely be night and day in favour of the ps5....
Nintendo consoles are usually prime for RPGs and platformers, though the power (and thus graphics/FPS) comparisons between the switch 2 and ps5 will likely be night and day in favour of the ps5. The big thing at the moment is we don't know what games will be on the switch 2, but the ps5 has 5 years of library for you to use to inform your decision.
For me, it's always come down to the first party games. I'm a sucker for Mario, Zelda, Smash Bros, Animal Crossing, and really just about anything Nintendo puts out. If those don't appeal as much...
For me, it's always come down to the first party games. I'm a sucker for Mario, Zelda, Smash Bros, Animal Crossing, and really just about anything Nintendo puts out. If those don't appeal as much to you, sticking with a more powerful system could be better. Alternatively, a lot of the indie stuff (and a lot of the AAA stuff) on Switch is also on Steamdeck, so you could consider that if a handheld is appealing. For my money, though, I never grew out of bright and colorful cartoon characters.
When you say you like RPGs, what are some examples? the switch 2 will likely be backwards compatible with the majority of switch games (minus ones that require controller accessories that wont...
When you say you like RPGs, what are some examples? the switch 2 will likely be backwards compatible with the majority of switch games (minus ones that require controller accessories that wont work with the new controllers), so you could also come from the angle that you do already have 7 years of the switch's library to choose from.
Favorite games of the past few years (some played on laptop): BG3, Divinity:OS 1&2, Pathfinder Kingmaker & Wrath. That's true that there would be 7 years of games to play, I was only thinking of...
Favorite games of the past few years (some played on laptop): BG3, Divinity:OS 1&2, Pathfinder Kingmaker & Wrath. That's true that there would be 7 years of games to play, I was only thinking of games coming out over the next year or two.
There's a pretty good chance that BG3 comes out on switch 2, and maybe the next Larian game too. But CRPGs aren't actually that common I don't think. Disco Elysium and Baldurs Gate 1&2 come to...
There's a pretty good chance that BG3 comes out on switch 2, and maybe the next Larian game too. But CRPGs aren't actually that common I don't think. Disco Elysium and Baldurs Gate 1&2 come to mind as the only CRPGs I know are on the switch. If you like JRPGs there are plenty, though.
Malding over apparent no OLED, but overall, pretty decent incremental upgrade from the Switch 1. Appreciate that Nintendo finally sensibly named something.
The video is just a render, so any info on the screen will have to come later I think. No OLED would be a pretty huge step back, but maybe they release 2 price points?
I'm desperately hoping for that. The Steam Deck OLED's much better colors and peak brightness were a game changer for me jumping from the original Switch.
Personally, I don't like the naming scheme of "X1, X2, etc.", I always appreciated Nintendo's creativity with naming their consoles. It gives them more character than "Playstation 5".
Having said that, I think it makes sense in this case since this seems more iterative than previous generation shifts.
Their unique naming system has cost them entire generations of sales. Just ask anyone what the Wii-U was.
This is clear: an iterative design on the first model. Boring perhaps, but it leaves no wiggle room.
Wii-U's problem was not the name. It was how they introduced it. If you go back and look at their introduction videos... they focused on the controller solely and only once mentioned at all it was a console (at the very beginning). I mean I watched the video and I had to remind myself this was a console they were selling, not a new accessory. And it wasn't the name that was confusing, it was the whole marketing push.
And first impressions matter, especially when it comes to consoles. By the time they might have realized their mistake, the more casual people already lost interest and moved on.
I don't think that's right. This marketing actually also focused mainly on the controllers. It would've been clearer if it was Wii 2 back then too.
Nintendo going for unique names does make sense when the console is unique. The biggest issue with the WiiU is that it didn't distance itself enough from the Wii. But the Switch 2 is a purely iterative change. Going with number sequencing for it is the right call.
Honestly, I think the biggest issue with the WIi U wasn't name, it was marketing. After seeing their announcement of it, I completely understand why people thought it was just an accessory (Wii U doesn't necessarily say it's just an accessory to me so I have always thought it is a stretch to blame the name like many people do). The whole announcement they maybe only said the word console once, and kept focusing on the controller and what the controller did. They completely forgot to emphasize anything else about the console or even that it was a console, they jsut kept talking about this wonderful new controller. I almost thought they were advertising a controller too and I already knew it was a console (I had to remind myself the announcement was about the Wii U console).
And I'm going to bet a lot of their ads at the start did similar to same thing there. And with consoles how it starts really does a strong job of setting up how the rest of the generation will go.
But honestly, if you are selling a product, you do want to keep it simple so you can make it simple why people want to buy the product (people get confused easily if you get too complicated). If you already have a good strong name, telling people that this is the next of that name is a great way to keep it simple and why they should buy it. It's part of why I think Playstation has kept doing well, that name does a lot of work (It saved the PS3 when Sony botched the intro and the PS2 was helped a lot by the original Playstation building up the rep and being able to build on that rep by being the second playstation). I think Sony when it comes to names on their console may use the msot boring tact, but marketing wise I think it is the best tact. Hell, they should ahve called the Vita the PSP 2 though tbf I'm not sure that would have saved it. Vita had a lot of issues (price when it is just a handheld and Sony abandoning it right away being two big ones).
I think that supports my point: I don't think the Wii-U is a really unique name from the previous generation considering how different the design philosophies were, and perhaps if they had gone with a more distinctive name that separated the Wii-U from its predecessor might've helped in sales. Regardless, I wouldn't put the name of the system as the sole reason why the Wii-U didn't sell as well.
It is! I wasn't disagreeing with you haha.
This naming scheme works even if it's a bit boring.
Haha I totally misread that then, my bad.
That's the point. Wii-u sounded like a spinoff add on thing for the Wii. I owned a Wii when that came out and honestly thought it was just a fancy controller.
If it was called the "Nintendo Ultima" or something with a unique name, it would have sounded more like it's own thing.
Honestly, I think it makes more sense that when you have a very popular product, you use that products name in the next one because you already have IP awareness. I think it was very smart of Sony to label the next Playstation 2, 3,etc. They had a lot of name recognition for playstation since the first one. You don't want to waste that.
Sure, it seems more creative to come up with new names. But marketing wise if you have a big hit that has made waves... you don't want to scrap all that just to make a new name, the better name when it comes to selling is the one that already has name recognition.
And to be fair, Nintendo before got away with it cause Nintendo themselves is the big name recognition. Note how many Nintendo nerds will get upset if you call a certain nintendo console, "the nintendo", i.e. "casuals" just see the Nintendo name more than the individual console name. But.... Switch got recognition even beyond Nintendo circles (it attracted a lot of people who weren't normally Nintendo fans) so it makes sense this time Nintendo doesn't want to just use their name as the recognition part.. they want to use the name that got them all the attention this time.
I don't really disagree with any of your points and I totally understand why they are doing it, I'm just being an old codger lamenting at change. I'm hopeful that if there's a big shift in console design for a future generation they'll come up with a new name.
Well I’ll say as a PlayStation fan I was very happy Sony kept the name cause it felt continuous to the console I liked and it kept living on (that and I didn’t like Sony when they released the PlayStation and I bought it in spite of the fact they made it. For a long time I’d clarify I was a PlayStation fan and not a Sony fan).
I still can't belive anyone thought a series called "New Super Mario" was a good idea. That's just deliberately trying to confused things.
Just gave me flashbacks to trying to find a telescopic stylus for my New Nintendo 3DS. I gave up because they were all either for the New Nintendo 3DS XL and thus wouldn't fit, or they were new, unopened ones made for the original 3DS and also wouldn't fit.
Haha yeah I was confused as hell by that naming scheme too. It felt like they were really scraping the bottom of the barrel there.
Personally I find it cosmically funny that the practice of naming the games in that series after the console it was released on (which at face value isn't that bad of an idea) eventually led to a game named New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe... released on the Nintendo Switch.
Damn, no OLED would be super disappointing.
Still looks like the controllers might hurt my hand after a while.
Mine doesn't hurt, but starts to tingle and gets numb.
Yeah, it would be a disappointment. I have an original model and an OLED one and the difference in screen quality is massive.
Unsurprising that all the cross-referenced leaks have turned out to be true, very happy that they're just doing "more of the same" hardware-wise because Nintendo has always been more about games, and I love the switch form-factor. I don't like the new design compared to the old one, but I'm sure it will grow on me the more non-renders we get to see.
The announcement also doubles as a teaser for a new Mario Kart game, which sucks because I love Mario Kart, to the point where I've gone from "I might get it once there's a big library" to "shit, I'm gonna get it immediately, aren't I?" - still waiting on a price announcement to actually make a decision.
I'm with you on the Mario Kart. It's one of the few games my wife enjoys playing multiplayer, and so we've gotten a lot of mileage (pun intended) out of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which is a nearly perfect game of the genre. So if they keep that formula I will probably be getting this console shortly after release.
I didn't notice at first, but Nintendo Life pointed out 24 starting spots and what looks like a wider track. Should be fun!
Hopefully they learned from Mario Kart Wii and 8 about how to balance the jump in racers, I'm still traumatized from Wii...
Unironically, if it's just a Switch with better capacity I'd be very happy. It doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to be fun to play with. I hope that the Switch 2 goes against the trend of everything fancy regardless of functionality. (no but really, our new oven has a touchscreen which is unintuitive for even a physicist working in IT, the oven itself is great but sometimes simple is best)
I'm probably gonna grab it eventually either way, because that's just my role in my friend groups lol. But my immediate thought is that I really hope that new joystick design isn't going to hamper actually fixing the famously abysmal joycon joysticks.
Looks good though! Wondering how much of my switch I can get rid of too, I'm guessing the old joycona and pro controllers will probably still work, and it definitely gets around the "I hope smash Bros has another iteration but licensing will be a nightmare" issue. Just gotta see the launch games now
Yeah, I'm cool with this, nice to just see an incremental upgrade for once considering how much I love what the Switch offers.
The backwards compatibility with Switch games is nice as well. Haven't played my Switch in about a year since my daughter got sentient and grabby enough to find it interesting so I'll grab the Switch 2 and finish Tears of the Kingdom on it I reckon.
Also, I love Mario Kart so I'm excited for that.
I'm honestly a little... disappointed? I like my Switch and I think it was a bold, interesting innovation (obviously not without compromise or negatives.) But like, this seems like a "more of the same" iteration.
Hence the 2 in the name. I guess there's no reason to upgrade from a graphics perspective if all the developers are still happy and most ports do well enough. I just know that Nintendo usually play safe OR do the complete opposite of that and surprise everyone.
The Switch is not really capable of good ports of 3D titles anymore.
Fortnite on Switch looks straight out of 2007, and that's being generous.
That said, they can pretty much coast on their first party and existing library for quite awhile.
Nintendo clearly falling for the remaster trend and doing the very first console remaster!
I mean, it's not exactly an unprecedented move on Nintendo's part :)
I recently began a playthrough of Witcher 3 on the switch. It's impressive as hell that it works on the Switch, but it also looks like its out of 2007. Especially once you apply the recommended (by fans, that is) graphics settings to smooth the choppiness out.
Not to mention how badly games like Pokemon Violet/Scarlet perform at times.
But also this is kind of a moot point because I don't think the announcement said anything about graphical capabilities? And it's hard to tell from a few shots from Mario Kart. Maybe it's from leaks, but I don't keep up with that stuff because we've been getting "leaks" about Switch revisions for so long now that I stopped paying attention.
It always baffles me that some console games have graphic settings now. I thought part of the joy of having a console was the plug and play nature of the games?
There were graphic settings on the PS2. People just have different preferences, different priorities, different televisions, etc.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but those were system level settings on the PS2, all related to resolution, correct?
The settings I'm referring to are game specific. This Reddit post shows some of the settings for Witcher 3 on Switch, including anti-aliasing and range of object rendering.
No, there's very little a regular user can do when interacting with PS2's barebone OS interface. I'm talking about in-game settings. One basic setting a lot of PS2 games have is a wide-screen mode which renders the game so it doesn't distort anything on a widescreen TV. They may even increase the FOV for widescreen. And some games have more advanced settings. That is of course not to the level we see today but in-game graphic settings have existed on consoles for a very long time.
Yeah it's weird, but I do love to tinker with settings. In the case of Witcher 3 I was experiencing a lot of texture pop-in that was very distracting during conversations and being able to tone the settings down a bit reduced it substantially.
I wouldn't really call it coasting, it's their M.O and it works well.
And i'm very happy it is more of the same but more powerful, cause that's all I wanted. Now if they added new functionality but kept the same form factor, I would be excited about that. But if they changed what it was for some new gimmick... I'd have lost interest entirely (I like the switch not cause it's a nintendo but because it's a handheld/console cross. I more use it like a handheld/easily portable console so I'm a little dismayed it's bigger meaning it will be harder to pack in things <- like my switch even with case fits in my purse, I don't think I'll be able to do the same with this one).
Yeah, I get it. To be clear, I think the Switch 2 will do well and probably be an interesting console in a year or two. I just love when Nintendo goes off the rails and creates something really innovative... like the Switch (or the WiiU, despite no one else liking it.)
I guess I was also hoping, in some weird way, that all the leaks were wrong and Nintendo was going to come out swinging with something wild. I guess the big change here will be your purse size!
Speaking of names, remember when they actually announced the name "Wii"? We're all used to it now, but people absolutely hated it at time.
I don't exactly remember people hating it, but I do remember it being the butt of a lot of penis jokes. Also, everyone absolutely knew about it at the time as a result.
I can't believe they really went with the name "Switch 2". And that logo? The Switch logo with a 2 next to it? This looks like a shitpost, I'm sorry. Can't believe this is official
Cannot disagree more. After the Wii U fiasco I am so, so happy to see they've finally accepted that customers associate a new number with a next generation product.
So you want it to be clear that it's the Switch 2 but you would prefer they call it the Switch U, using the naming convention famous for people not understanding that it was the Wii's successor? Or possibly something even more confusing like Switches? And you really want to say "yes, I have a Switches?"
In my heart of hearts, I was hoping for Swiitch
The only right answer !!
It also sets us up for at least the possibility of normal naming and consoles from here on out! Nintendo can of course always change their mind and do something gimmicky, but the possibility now of a Switch 3, 4, 5, etc. is hopeful. I liked some Wii games, and gimmicks can be fun as accessories, but I like normal games. I hated swinging the controller around when my fingers could do the same thing easily.
You gotta admit having the video be 2 minutes and 22 seconds long was clever
That's definitely my biggest "gripe." I think the giant 2 next to the Joy-Cons looks lame. Was hoping for the Nintendo Super Switch, but I suppose 2 communicates things most clearly. Oh well.
"Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2. Details will be shared on the Nintendo website at a later date."
Anyone have any guesses on which games that might refer to?
Off the top of my head, Ring Fit Adventure won't work with the new Joycons, if they don't have IR blasters either, 1-2 Switch has a lot of minigames that won't work either.
That sounds like the most likely explanation to me. Apparently there are rumors that it will have IR sensors in both joycons, but they don't seem to be visible like they are on the right joycon so they might be internal? Not many games use it and I don't think any of my games do, so not sure how having it internal might impact it versus external.
That said, so few games use it that I wouldn't be surprised if they cut it. Destructoid has a list and most of them are shovelware-type titles, minigames, or for optional features. Most prolific ones to me are Ring Fit and Resident Evil Revelations, since that one uses it to reload which I'd say is pretty vital to gameplay.
My best guess would be any games that rely on some feature of the Switch that will not be included in the Switch 2. What that may be, I have no idea.
Others mentioned potential feature mismatches but I think this is also a certain amount of ass covering.
I won't doubt that Nintendo Switch 2 will achieve high sales numbers for simply evolving the tried-and-true handheld-hybrid concept of the predecessor with improved usability and specs upgrade. After all, Sony managed to consistently achieve high sales numbers by sticking with a similar one-size-fits-all controller design philosophy dating all the way back to PlayStation 1. That traditional controller layout allowed for a wider variety of games to be played than most consoles prior to the 00s, Wii and Playdate offered, and the average gamer won't take long to become acclimated with the controls from one platform to another.
On the other hand, I can definitely see why not coming up with significant innovation can undermine Nintendo's unique position in the gaming market. In the 2017, the handheld-hybrid concept was a novel concept that effectively bridged the ever-present home and handheld console gap, all by offering meaty-enough tech specs to provide a solid home console experience while adopting the handheld form-factor. As in, no more vastly different games of the same name between two consoles.
As time marches on, however, other hardware manufacturers took note of that very concept and applied it to their consoles to a varying extent. Among them, the somewhat beginner-unfriendly Steam Deck is the closest competitor of the bunch, with no shortage of games of all genres on offer. Although there currently exists little to no other handheld-hybrid options, it'll be only a matter of time when they'll catch up with Nintendo, and the Japanese giant lacks an alternative platform that can host a vastly unique gaming experience anymore.
That being said, the trailer also implies there will be a mouse-like functionality embedded, as seen by the Joy-Cons sliding on the ground. So, I guess Switch 2 will now attempt to incorporate PC first-person shooting experience alongside home and handheld? I'll be definitely on the lookout for the upcoming April 2nd Nintendo Direct.
I'm doubtful any of the handheld PCs will be anything more than a niche market. I have a GPDWin 4, and it's good for when I need it, but it's not a Switch experience. Apart from the unifying factor that they're all absurdly large, noisy, and and hot for a handheld, the fundamental problem is that games are not made for them.
Games are made for the Switch, to run well on the Switch. Any game always requires the "does it even run" question on the handhelds PCs, or "is there no UI scaling so I can't read anything without squinting". It's not even obvious - Metaphor runs like ass on the handhelds, even though it's not exactly the most graphically demanding game.
Not discounting you, but aren't there a lot of Switch games that both run and look like ass, struggling to maintain even 30fps?
Correct me if I'm wrong, never owned a Switch.
A handful, but the big hitters run well, like the two Zelda games.
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom both target 30 fps (and nevertheless occasionally dip to ~20 fps). The performance is perfectly serviceable (and probably pushing the theoretical limits of the hardware), but one could still hope for more.
We're all going to have differing opinions on what is acceptable and not. I personally find the frame drops really immersion breaking. While 30 fps does have a cinematic feel, I much prefer 60 for gaming. The frame drops in Echos of Wisdom are even more bothersome, especially considering it's a much less advanced game graphically. At least they are aware that Mario needs 60 fps to be enjoyable.
VRR would go a very long way in making frame drops less jarring. HDR would be massively helpful for brightness on many modern televisions. But I guess we will see where Nintendo's priorities are when we get more info later this year.
The two Zeldas come to mind, haven't really played anything outside Nintendo's own games.
Is that what that was implying? I took that as a fun way to transition to the Mario Kart reveal rather than any kind of feature.
I would be very surprised if they had some mouse-like support like that.
I have seen quite a few announcements recently for various Switch/Steam Deck like devices, so no competition in the space is not exactly true. I feel these devices are catching on and pretty soon we will have ones that are just as big of not bigger than can do more things.
Mouse-like functionality was part of the leaks, and a lot of the other leaks turned out to be accurate, design-wise. I bet we will see a new Mario Paint, the original Nintendo mouse game, and Mario Maker 3, as well as an option to use mouse controls in most shooters. Heck, I’ll bet Splatoon 4 supports it. There’s always been a gap between players that use motion controls and players that use sticks. Mouse functionality offers a third option that could close the gap between people who use motion controls and those that prefer not to. It’s also an accessibility option for people that get motion sickness from motion controls that doesn’t also handicap them in-game the way that stick controls do. It could also lead to a resurgence of point and click adventure games, and allow a wider range of ports.
I've owned every Playstation but 5, and never had an Xbox or Switch and find myself looking for a new system to buy.
I was planning to go with a PS5, but should I consider a Switch 2 instead? I haven't played any Nintendo games since the original NES as a kid, and generally like RPG-type of games (be they ARPGs, CRPGs or just about any other kind) so I figured PS5 is the way to go but hoping someone here has a bit of advice on the Switch 2.
Nintendo consoles are usually prime for RPGs and platformers, though the power (and thus graphics/FPS) comparisons between the switch 2 and ps5 will likely be night and day in favour of the ps5. The big thing at the moment is we don't know what games will be on the switch 2, but the ps5 has 5 years of library for you to use to inform your decision.
Moreover, a PS5 can also play PS4 games as well, so it's more like an 11-year library.
Didn't know this, that's pretty good considering I feel like I don't know anything about the ps5 library.
Great points, thank you. Maybe I'll wait a bit to see what games are released for the Switch first.
For me, it's always come down to the first party games. I'm a sucker for Mario, Zelda, Smash Bros, Animal Crossing, and really just about anything Nintendo puts out. If those don't appeal as much to you, sticking with a more powerful system could be better. Alternatively, a lot of the indie stuff (and a lot of the AAA stuff) on Switch is also on Steamdeck, so you could consider that if a handheld is appealing. For my money, though, I never grew out of bright and colorful cartoon characters.
When you say you like RPGs, what are some examples? the switch 2 will likely be backwards compatible with the majority of switch games (minus ones that require controller accessories that wont work with the new controllers), so you could also come from the angle that you do already have 7 years of the switch's library to choose from.
Favorite games of the past few years (some played on laptop): BG3, Divinity:OS 1&2, Pathfinder Kingmaker & Wrath. That's true that there would be 7 years of games to play, I was only thinking of games coming out over the next year or two.
There's a pretty good chance that BG3 comes out on switch 2, and maybe the next Larian game too. But CRPGs aren't actually that common I don't think. Disco Elysium and Baldurs Gate 1&2 come to mind as the only CRPGs I know are on the switch. If you like JRPGs there are plenty, though.