StarTopic Future Nintendo Hardware & Technology Speculation & Discussion |ST| (Read the staff posts before commenting!)

[Eos]

An only-TV Switch announcement wouldn't be a problem for the current Switch, since both products are completely different. So they could announce it this month. That's another advantage of the TV-Switch.

Also, we need to remember that Nintendo is actually worry about the transition to its next console. Why would they be? If it's a new hybrid Switch, they won't have any trouble. We only need to look at the Switch OLED' sales.

 

[Skittzo]

Also, we need to remember that Nintendo is actually worry about the transition to its next console. Why would they be? If it's a new hybrid Switch, they won't have any trouble. We need only to look at the Switch OLED' sales.

No they're not. That was a quickly tweeted mistranslation of a long Q&A answer that essentially said "the transition is important"

 

[Derachi]

Nintendo already makes a TV-Only Switch and it’s called the Nintendo Switch but you just don’t take it out of the dock

why would nintendo sell you something for $200 when they can sell it to you for $300

 

[Deleted member 887]

Why it makes little sense?

It could be sold at a lower price than the hybrid (which maybe it could come later).
It would make exactly the same sense as the Lite.

We're talking about Drake being a TV only switch. When most folk talk about a SwitchTV they then say "Active cooling, 4k output" - at that point, when the TV only Switch has exclusives, and much more powerful hardware, you've just got a new console, with a drift between "TV" players and "Handheld" players. If Nintendo wants to go that route, it will be a break from the Switch, not a TV only Switch.

If you wanted to create a SwitchTV that wasn't more powerful, you could probably get it close to the Lite's cost - you don't have to buy an LCD screen but you do need to ship with a pro controller - but the Lite's main market was "second household switch, switch for kids who might break theirs or can't dominate the main household screen". That's a much larger market than "hardcore gamer who only plays on the TV, but loves Nintendo games enough to play them despite the res drop relative to other consoles, but is also cost conscious".

Not saying Nintendo won't make such a device, but if they do it will be like the Wii Family/Wii Mini, squeezing the last bit of sales out of it's life, right at the end (or even just past) the console's generation,

 

[Skittzo]

A TV-only Switch is something they might do when the Switch generation is really beginning to wind down, in like 2025-2026, and they'd price it at like $150 max. Maybe make it a dongle instead of a box.

And it won't be any more powerful than the (then) current hybrid model.

 

[Eclissi]

Let’s imagine a family with two parents and two kids, and all four of them love video games. Now let’s think about their options for getting into Nintendo Switch.

1) They can buy 4 Nintendo Switch Lites at $200 a piece, meaning $800. (Nintendo’s favourite option)
2) They can buy a single Nintendo Switch at $300, and primarily play on TV but also they could take the unit out of the dock and take it with them on a trip or whatever.
3) They can buy a Nintendo Switch OLED at whatever that costs (I think $350?) and do the same as above but have it look slightly nicer and have a better kickstand.

Now let’s imagine there’s a TV-only Switch at the same price as the Lite, $200. It would be a singular purchase, so they’d only get $200 from this hypothetical family. Not to mention, now, instead of being THE only system in that space (Sony and Microsoft do not have handheld devices and the Steam Deck is exclusively for enthusiasts as of right now) they would be competing with Microsoft’s Xbox Series S which is more expensive, but there’s also the value of Game Pass which would be hugely beneficial to this family of four, and streaming capabilities for services like Netflix and Disney+. On top of all that: They’d need to R&D the system and then also market it, which is not even remotely cheap, even if this hypothetical system seems like an easy thing to whip up on the surface.

It’s not as simple as “they should do it because it‘s like the Lite but reverse.” There are way more factors you’re just not considering.

Even you are not considering that there are gamers that lives alone, for example. Or families who could choose a home console for the father and a Lite / OG for the son.

 

[LiC]

Nintendo already makes a TV-Only Switch and it’s called the Nintendo Switch but you just don’t take it out of the dock

why would nintendo sell you something for $200 when they can sell it to you for $300

I think TV-only Switch is a silly idea and never happening, but this isn't the reason. This is an argument that actually would work against the Lite too. The thing is, they can remove components from a non-hybrid Switch to make it cheaper. A TV-only Switch wouldn't need a screen, controller attachments, etc.

 

[Hermii]

Ah my second favourite recurring discussion, the TV only Switch.

Anyway, for those getting excited about any potential synergy or synchronicity or whatever because Nintendo's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders is also late June, please read over the documents from last year's meeting and the one for this year.

2021 Convocation Notice: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2021/convocation_notice2106e.pdf
2021 Resolution Notice: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2021/resolution_notice2106e.pdf

2022 Convocation Notice: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2022/convocation_notice2206e.pdf

If you still have any extra excitement after all that, please see a doctor.

Just curious, what’s your favorite recurring discussion? Successor/ revision?

 

[Eos]

Why not a only TV-Switch (Drake) this year or next year, and in 2026-27 the same Switch in hybrid format? That way, the current Switch will keep its sales, and they can introduce the new generation with intergenerational games until the hybrid Switch comes out later with exclusive games.

 

[10k]

Can’t wait to see the sticker shock in here when it’s revealed to be $449 for the entry model lol.

 

[Skittzo]

Why not a only TV-Switch (Drake) this year or next year, and in 2026-27 the same Switch in hybrid format? That way, the current Switch will keep its sales, and they can introduce the new generation with intergenerational games until the hybrid Switch comes out later with exclusive games.

A TV only Switch will not be more powerful than the current hybrid. There is zero chance of that happening, that will bring them exactly back to square one of having separate console and handheld ecosystems.

The only way a TV only Switch happens is if it's cheaper.

 

[Dekuman]

Can’t wait to see the sticker shock in here when it’s revealed to be $449 for the entry model lol.

Given deck pricing that would be really competitive actually and if the chip is what was leaked in the Nvidia hack people will eat it up. Lite at 350 near launch with binned chips would be the cheaper model

 

[Serif]

Can’t wait to see the sticker shock in here when it’s revealed to be $449 for the entry model lol.

I'll take it. A PS4+ level portable with an OLED screen and DLSS sounds hot.

 

[lexony]

A much stronger TV only Switch would not make much sense. Part of the switch userbase is only interested in handheld play and would never buy a stationary switch. While those who are mainly interested in the home console aspect of the switch, would still buy a hybrid switch because they can use it only stationary.
A TV only Switch, especially a stronger version, just leaves out a huge part of potential buyers.

Edit: speaking of releasing a stronger TV only one without a hybrid model. I could see them releasing one in a couple of years.

 

[Eos]

A TV only Switch will not be more powerful than the current hybrid. There is zero chance of that happening, that will bring them exactly back to square one of having separate console and handheld ecosystems.

The only way a TV only Switch happens is if it's cheaper.

I'm talking about a TV-Switch with the Drake SoC, not the current Tegra SoC.

 

[Hosermess]

Just curious, what’s your favorite recurring discussion? Successor/ revision?

Yep. Isn't it everybody's "favourite"?

Can’t wait to see the sticker shock in here when it’s revealed to be $449 for the entry model lol.

Won't be shocked. Have been assuming for a while it's going to be premium priced.

 

[ReddDreadtheLead]

I can understand people might think that with a pattern-mindset (Switch Lite) but it doesn't change the fact that the system guts are ARM-based which Nintendo seems to favor because of lower power consumption.

Just feels like Nintendo knows hybrid mobile pays for itself.

Actually, if you notice, Nintendo has just been averse to CISC but have remained on RISC. This is more to do with only two vendors actually using x86 while everyone else…. Isn’t, but they haven’t really left RISC since they got on it. they’ve been on more RISC CPUs of different ISAs: MIPS, PowerPC and ARM

Though, x86 does do a RISC-like under the hood. These days.

Ahahahah my browser translator transform the quote, I didn't know

Interesting! Did not know that could happen!

we didn't even know Nvidia was involved until the reveal and the press release was made. People were heavily invested on AMDs comment about winning a new design contract which turned out to be the One X

While correct information about it being hybrid was speculated on for months, the rumor landscape included a lot of false information.

2016 lead up only looks obvious in retrospect and all the fake leaks are.forgotten. I am sure we already have the final product details leaked we just don't know which one until the actual product is revealed.

The actual specs were leaked 3 months before the console actually launched, btw.

the argument I've heard and accepted is that the lite is better at being a portable handheld than the standard model, but a TV model would be no better at being a TV console

It’s because devs wouldn’t optimize so well for it. The Lite would still be the basis for all visual fidelity that the system can do.

I was going to do a post on this, in fact I had something written up but then deleted it and decided against it, but in essence the issue with a TV only model in Nintendo‘s business model is that it is dependent entirely on how many TVs a person has in their homes, whilst a lite is dependent on how many people are in your home. There’s a higher chance a person has more people in their home than they do TVs in their home, which makes it an easier sell for the switch lite than it does for a switch TV/home model.

While the TV only would appeal to a very particular group that is more niche in Nintendo’s business model than the Lite is and more niche in their whole audience.

Can’t wait to see the sticker shock in here when it’s revealed to be $449 for the entry model lol.

I’ll cry.

 

[Dark Cloud]

Can’t wait to see the sticker shock in here when it’s revealed to be $449 for the entry model lol.

What’s shocking again? People are happily waiting and ready

 

[Blue Monty]

Can’t wait to see the sticker shock in here when it’s revealed to be $449 for the entry model lol.

Would buy day 1 anyway but I would worry about It’s sales potential , not short-term, but in the middle/end of the console life

 

[Skittzo]

I'm talking about a TV-Switch with the Drake SoC, not the current Tegra SoC.

That's what I'm talking about too. Unless the hybrid with Drake happens at the same time or first a home only Drake is not happening.

 

[Eos]

That's what I'm talking about too. Unless the hybrid with Drake happens at the same time or first a home only Drake is not happening.

Ahh ok. Well, in my opinion I definitely wouldn't deny it like that. I mean, it's obviously unlikely but not impossible.

 

[Foltzie]

That's what I'm talking about too. Unless the hybrid with Drake happens at the same time or first a home only Drake is not happening.

Wouldn't even happen at the same time as a hybrid Drake. It undercuts the entire value proposition of the Switch concept.

Such a device would invite 1-1 comparisons with the XSX and PS5 and would come up short.

Maybe later on down the line, Vita-TV fashion you could move a few more units, but why, who at that point wants a Drake Switch, but was unable to buy one until that point.

 

[Jarmusch]

A much stronger TV only Switch would not make much sense. Part of the switch userbase is only interested in handheld play and would never buy a stationary switch. While those who are mainly interested in the home console aspect of the switch, would still buy a hybrid switch because they can use it only stationary.
A TV only Switch, especially a stronger version, just leaves out a huge part of potential buyers.

Ive been playing my switch as a handheld 95% of the time for the last three years or so. I only resort to docked mode when performance/res is notably better in tv mode. But thats the beauty of the switch, being versatile/adaptable to different types of players and ways to play (touch, split joycons, pro controller), nintendo nailed it this time, the hybrid format is a clear winner

 

[Bosintang]

If it were to release within 9 months, sure, 449 would be the price. If it's end of 2023/early 2024 as I believe, I'm thinking that Nintendo will go for 399, assuming that inflation doesn't skyrocket (big assumption)

 

[Dekuman]

The actual specs were leaked 3 months before the console actually launched, btw.

Are you talking about the clockspeed profiles? yes, i believe those leaked after the reveal trailer and we knew it was a nvidia tegra powered system.
My post was more referring to the form factor, and it being hybrid. I believe Eurogamer had a mock up prior to the trailer reveal.
But agian, at the time, people thought it was going to be an AMD system,

 

[LiC]

It would be interesting if Nintendo released updated numbers for time spent playing in docked vs. undocked mode. Back in 2017 they said 30% of users played primarily in undocked modes (80% of playtime or more), 19% primarily in docked, and 51% in a mix of both. I wouldn't be surprised if all three of those segments had trended toward more undocked usage.

 

[Teal'c]

I don't think they will show any hardware before/during/shortly after the next Nintendo Direct.
We would have heard something by then, from Nate especially (but also Emily or Bloomberg)... not to mention that the Direct video is probably ready by now.

 

[ReddDreadtheLead]

Are you talking about the clockspeed profiles? yes, i believe those leaked after the reveal trailer and we knew it was a nvidia tegra powered system.
My post was more referring to the form factor, and it being hybrid. I believe Eurogamer had a mock up prior to the trailer reveal.
But agian, at the time, people thought it was going to be an AMD system,

It was before that trailer, the leak was in December and people didn’t believe it. Then it was revealed to be confirmed Tegra X1 specs.

the form factor was confirmed earlier that year of the leak.

Something I don’t expect with the Switch 2, because it’ll be a switch that does the job better. It wouldn’t look so different as to need some new piece material about it.

Anyone expecting a tablet to look like a pear is delusional .


Or in more realistic terms, anyone expecting the switch 2 to be a dual screen console has to come to terms that if nothing has leaked pertaining to that then it isn’t going to look so different from the actual switch console.

 

[Skittzo]

I don't think they will show any hardware before/during/shortly after the next Nintendo Direct.
We would have heard something by then, from Nate especially (but also Emily or Bloomberg)... not to mention that the Direct video is probably ready by now.

Emily has said she's not sharing any hardware info she might hear and Nate has repeatedly said nothing has changed in his expectation that it launches later this year or early next year. Bloomberg is probably being extremely careful about trying to report on this too.

 

[kimbo99]

When the original Switch was announced, I was single.


When Switch 2 is announced, gonna still be single....

I don't see any launch before Q1 2023. Even 2024 feels like a strong possibility to me.

 

[Hidden04]

 

[SiG]

Err, how is this related to Drake?

If I'm not mistaken, the takedown was for using Super Mario characters as part of their Kickstarter?

 

[metonight]

Isn't that a mClassic competitor? Guess they didn't want a device to do 4K on current Switch's

 

[NateDrake]

Shocked to see that random Japanese account is being used to fuel rumors on outlets this week.

 

[Teal'c]

Emily has said she's not sharing any hardware info she might hear and Nate has repeatedly said nothing has changed in his expectation that it launches later this year or early next year. Bloomberg is probably being extremely careful about trying to report on this too.

Right, but if some big thing was in the air (in conjunction with the upcoming Direct) it would have already come out I guess... well except from Emily apparently.

am i wrong?

 

[chocolate_supra]

Shocked to see that random Japanese account is being used to fuel rumors on outlets this week.

Must be nice to have a little heat taken off for the week, huh?

 

[Skittzo]

Right, but if some big thing was in the air (in conjunction with the upcoming Direct) it would have already come out I guess... well except from Emily apparently.

am i wrong?

I don't remember any big rumblings shortly before the Lite or OLED models were announced. They were rumored and discussed months before (mistakenly for a pro in the case of the OLED model) but I don't think there were any big hints dropped in the week or two before the announcements.

 

[10k]

Shocked to see that random Japanese account is being used to fuel rumors on outlets this week.

Japan founded video games today. Obviously this means we can trust what any Japanese person says regarding gaming.

 

[NateDrake]

I don't remember any big rumblings shortly before the Lite or OLED models were announced. They were rumored and discussed months before (mistakenly for a pro in the case of the OLED model) but I don't think there were any big hints dropped in the week or two before the announcements.

Guess it depends on how you took the Bloomberg article of a hardware announcement being imminent.

 

[Kevin]

I'm still guessing the next hardware reveal will be Spring 2023 at the earliest and I'm still extremely weary on that front. Would love for it to happen but I don't know. Not much smoke yet... Would be nice to play the sequel to the Breath of the Wild on 4K capable hardware though.

 

[Skittzo]

Guess it depends on how you took the Bloomberg article of a hardware announcement being imminent.

IIRC that happened before E3, when the actual announcement of the OLED model happened about a full month later.

I'm not saying that it has to be happening later this month, just that the lack of any major rumbling doesn't really suggest it can't be happening.

 

[NateDrake]

IIRC that happened before E3, when the actual announcement of the OLED model happened about a full month later.

I'm not saying that it has to be happening later this month, just that the lack of any major rumbling doesn't really suggest it can't be happening.

It was reported when it was because supply chain partners began to have movement on orders. There is no meaningful evidence right now to point to end of the month beyond the Direct timing in relation to the meeting.

 

[Skittzo]

It was reported when it was because supply chain partners began to have movement on orders. There is no meaningful evidence right now to point to end of the month beyond the Direct timing in relation to the meeting.

Was there any evidence shortly before the Lite was announced? I'm having trouble remembering.

Anyway yeah I doubt it's happening this soon, I just more meant that the lack of rumors doesn't negate something from being possible.

 

[Dark Cloud]

Shocked to see that random Japanese account is being used to fuel rumors on outlets this week.

Hmmmm

 

[NateDrake]

Was there any evidence shortly before the Lite was announced? I'm having trouble remembering.

Anyway yeah I doubt it's happening this soon, I just more meant that the lack of rumors doesn't negate something from being possible.

Lite was announced very close to when it started main production. The only public evidence was the factory leak back in April.

 

[Raccoon]

Shocked to see that random Japanese account is being used to fuel rumors on outlets this week.

I actually believe in that account

no way an account that old is part of a hoax

 

[Serif]

Isn't that a mClassic competitor? Guess they didn't want a device to do 4K on current Switch's

Says right there why they issued it:

Description of infringing material: Super Mario characters/assets used on the product

As far as I know Nintendo never took any action against MClassic so it's not because they're advertising an upscaler for Switch.

 

[NateDrake]

I actually believe in that account

no way an account that old is part of a hoax

Is a tweet saying "Nintendo is relentless" with no context worthy of coverage?

 

[Hosermess]

I actually believe in that account

no way an account that old is part of a hoax

It's not a hoax, it's just not saying much of anything. Shooting the shit with work buddies and sharing nth hand stories is interesting but ultimately worthless.

 

[lexony]

I actually believe in that account

no way an account that old is part of a hoax

Did someone that can speak japanese fluently translated the stuff they said in a more meaningful context? Otherwise their tweets leave a lot of room of interpretation to me. It could also mean that they just expect/speculate to see something hardware related after a discussion with good friends.