*** Nintendo Switch ***

What were they thinking with that giant square controller?

GC pad was perfect, a modern high-end version would be so sweet a la the Xbone Elite pad or whatever it's called. Just need something beefier than a glorified tablet to use it with.
 
Gzero said:
It will probably be the same as the 3DS, uses it for storing downloaded content and games unlike the WiiU which pretty much ignores it's SD and requires usb based storage (which sucks because it can only be in raw format, no partitions for PC or anything).
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Nintendo only put the SD card reader there for Wii backwards compatibility and Wii Shop. All my Wii U games only sees USB storage devices.
 
Orangey said:
What were they thinking with that giant square controller?

GC pad was perfect, a modern high-end version would be so sweet a la the Xbone Elite pad or whatever it's called. Just need something beefier than a glorified tablet to use it with.
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I hated to GC pad because the dpad was too small. Too difficult with 2d platformers or fighters.
 
Orangey said:
What were they thinking with that giant square controller?

GC pad was perfect, a modern high-end version would be so sweet a la the Xbone Elite pad or whatever it's called. Just need something beefier than a glorified tablet to use it with.
Click to expand...

My expectation is that the square controller and the dock comes in the box, so you can use it at home like a "normal" pad. As for what were they thinking, it's a way for you to use it at home like a normal pad without having to buy an extra controller.

The Pro controller is an additional accessory that you have to buy.
 
After reflecting on this, I went from likely will pre-order to definitely. Just worth it for Zelda alone for me, that game looks great. Also I do not have a handheld console, so why not :)

Shame the pound is in the gutter right now, this will be costing us a lot more than it would have. But oh well.
 
megalomanic said:
Your link text doesn't quite match what the article actually says:

"The main function of the Nintendo Switch Dock is to provide an output to the TV, as well as charging and providing power to the system."
  • It's not stated these are the "only" functions - clearly not as there are also two USB(?) ports on the side of the dock
  • If the system runs higher clocks when docked, that would not be a function of the dock itself

Nintendo have said there is more to reveal about how the console works - they want to keep the message simple right now and talking about different 'modes' between console and TV would complicate that message.

They had to give some response regarding the dock as they don't wan't WiiU-like confusion. Their PR department will be focused on not giving more details away while keeping things straightforward, hence unspecific terms "main console" and "main functions".
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Regardless, keep expectations low or prepare for disappointment. That what has got people already disappointed, they expected a proper home console. If it does turn out that plugging it in the dock works some magic that makes it more powerful, then good. But don't expect something when it's not been officially confirmed.
 
They said already there is no hardware in the dock. All I can imagine is that it will run at higher clocks while in the dock by sucking more power from the mains.
 
Personally I didn't want a 'proper home console', we have PCs, PS4s, Xboxes for that.
I wanted a powerful handheld and docking it is useful too. I just need the battery life to be better than rumoured.
 
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It is essentially a hybrid console, a home console or a handheld console depending on how you use it. The power of the system doesn't determine whether it's a home console or not...

I agree that people wanting something quite powerful need to keep their expectations in check regarding the home console experience.

What i'm realistically expecting/guessing:
  • It's more powerful than Wii U, but not by a significant amount. Somewhere in the middle between WiiU and Xbone when docked.
  • Runs at full speeds while docked, most Nintendo games target 1080p/60, cooling is a bit louder
  • Downclocks when out of the dock, games target 720p (screen native)

I'm not expecting processing power in the dock.
It'd be great if the SCD patent become an actual thing, but that's being quite optimistic. Perhaps the plan is to see how the idea takes off first and then release performance modules later. Again, this is optimistic.

I also feel that down the line they could release a smaller handheld only version to replace the 3DS, again depending on how the idea takes off and who buys it - i.e. will 3DS users upgrade?.

mahius said:
If it does turn out that plugging it in the dock works some magic that makes it more powerful, then good.
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It wouldn't really be magic though :p. PC's and laptops have been doing it for many years. Maybe some mobile devices downclock too I'm not sure.
 
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megalomanic said:
It is essentially a hybrid console, a home console or a handheld console depending on how you use it. The power of the system doesn't determine whether it's a home console or not...

I agree that people wanting something quite powerful need to keep their expectations in check regarding the home console experience.

What i'm realistically expecting/guessing:
  • It's more powerful than Wii U, but not by a significant amount. Somewhere in the middle between WiiU and Xbone when docked.
  • Runs at full speeds while docked, most Nintendo games target 1080p/60, cooling is a bit louder
  • Downclocks when out of the dock, games target 720p (screen native)

I'm not expecting processing power in the dock.
It'd be great if the SCD patent become an actual thing, but that's being quite optimistic. Perhaps the plan is to see how the idea takes off first and then release performance modules later. Again, this is optimistic.

I also feel that down the line they could release a smaller handheld only version to replace the 3DS, again depending on how the idea takes off and who buys it - i.e. will 3DS users upgrade?.



It wouldn't really be magic though :p. PC's and laptops have been doing it for many years. Maybe some mobile devices downclock too I'm not sure.
Click to expand...

Yeh that all makes sense. I like that idea about releasing upgrades. Perhaps we'll see upgraded docks over the next 2/3 years.
 
Many Nintendo games on Wii U are 720p60 - MK8, Splatoon, 3DWorld, Tropical Freeze, WoolyWorld, Mario Bros U, Pokken.
Smash Bros U is 1080p60. Zelda WW & TP HD are 1080p30.

So it's not unreasonable for some of these games to aim for 1080p60 on a somewhat more powerful system.

Games like Zelda, Pikmin and Xenoblade could continue to be 30FPS as they are not as action/reaction focused and would benefit more from the extra resources availble.

Maybe Nintendo will stick with 720p60 for their action/platformers etc, but I feel they will aim higher. If there is little or no boost in the dock, then maybe not.
 
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At least one console manufacturer is trying to innovate.

I believe the gaming on the go thing will catch some peoples attention.

I also believe it will be a flop outside Nintendo's domestic market, and its only the rights to Mario, Zelda and Pokemon that keep them upright,
 
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