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

[ILikeFeet]

Imagine the entire trilogy on 1 Switch cartridge.....

Nah, even I can't dream that hard lol

they got Nier Automata down to 11GB. they can probably fit all three games on a 32GB card if they tried

I'm expecting the new Switch to at least run at the docked quality while in handheld.

when playing base switch games? probably not

 

[Skittzo]

I'm expecting the new Switch to at least run at the docked quality while in handheld.

Most if not all games will likely need to be patched to achieve this.

 

[karmitt]

If this 4K/DLSS Switch is real what improvements would we see in handheld mode? I have no interest in playing the system docked, but if there are any significant improvements for handheld then I'll be ready to upgrade.

If the vast majority of new Switch games run at native resolution and often hit 60 fps, that'd be as significant of an improvement as I could hope for, and well worth the upgrade. Anything else like AA, improve shadows, draw distances etc would be a plus.

 

[Seven]

The only specs we currently know for sure are the GPU specs, it has 12 SMs versus the 2 the base Switch had. So regardless of whether or not it's docked mode this thing will be capable of far better image quality and graphical effects.

It has ray tracing cores, so at minimum it will be able to support ray traced lighting in handheld

It’s unclear what level of power it will have in handheld mode, but even pessimistic assumptions are that games will be better at hitting 720p60fps than current model

If the vast majority of new Switch games run at native resolution and often hit 60 fps, that'd be as significant of an improvement as I could hope for, and well worth the upgrade. Anything else like AA, improve shadows, draw distances etc would be a plus.

Nice, thank you all for answering my question; definitely looking to upgrade if this all pans out.

 

[Deleted member 887]

I'm expecting the new Switch to at least run at the docked quality while in handheld.

It probably won’t, depending on what you mean by “docked quality”. If Nintendo doesn’t upgrade the screen, then max handheld resolution will still be below where many games hit in docked mode.

How “classic” Switch games perform will depend a lot on how Nintendo handles backwards compat and “boost mode.”

Imagine BotW patched for Pro - it adds ray tracing, the max resolution is lower than docked Classic, but it’s more consistent, except Korok forest where it actually worse!

Imagine it unpatched, but taking advantage of the faster clocks - resolution still lower than docked (because of the screen) but it is more consistent - except when you cross areas that cause the game to compile new shaders, where the game stutters like crazy for a second because of the backwards compat.

 

[Okayge]

Now that I'm imagining a July reveal, I wonder what this upgraded Switch would look like design-wise when it first premieres. Assuming they'll market it as a "Pro" or whatever other label they call it, I can't see it being the exact same exterior but with beefier components, because that'd obviously look too visually similar to the regular switch or even OLED model. At the same time, I can't see it being anything too different so as to not look visually way out-of-place from the entire switch family... Thoughts?

 

[Raccoon]

Now that I'm imagining a July reveal, I wonder what this upgraded Switch would look like design-wise when it first premieres. Assuming they'll market it as a "Pro" or whatever other label they call it, I can't see it being the exact same exterior but with beefier components, because that'd obviously look too visually similar to the regular switch or even OLED model. At the same time, I can't see it being anything too different so as to not look visually way out-of-place from the entire switch family... Thoughts?

There really isn't much that they can do with the tablet besides changing its color, but I really hope they don't. I'm imagining the Switch logo on the back moved above the stand (which I'm assuming will be the same), while the stand has the name of the revision (Plus, Pro, DLSS, 4K, Turbo, Advance, etc)

 

[chocolate_supra]

Now that I'm imagining a July reveal, I wonder what this upgraded Switch would look like design-wise when it first premieres. Assuming they'll market it as a "Pro" or whatever other label they call it, I can't see it being the exact same exterior but with beefier components, because that'd obviously look too visually similar to the regular switch or even OLED model. At the same time, I can't see it being anything too different so as to not look visually way out-of-place from the entire switch family... Thoughts?

I'm conflicted in the same way. I don't see them differentiating it too much because I'd assume they'd want it to be compatible with the current joycon and dock (I was even thinking for a while that the OLED probably uses the chassis meant for Drake, though not so much anymore) but at the same time I could see Nintendo wanting Drake to be a unit that you look at and know it's something different immediately.

 

[Raccoon]

I'm conflicted in the same way. I don't see them differentiating it too much because I'd assume they'd want it to be compatible with the current joycon and dock (I was even thinking for a while that the OLED probably uses the chassis meant for Drake, though not so much anymore) but at the same time I could see Nintendo wanting Drake to be a unit that you look at and know it's something different immediately.

I do think the back can do some serious heavy lifting in that regard, especially if the backplate had to be changed in some way to accommodate the new internals

 

[GrislyRaccoon]

Just give me astral chain in 4k and I'll love you forever Nintendo

 

[chocolate_supra]

I do think the back can do some serious heavy lifting in that regard, especially if the backplate had to be changed in some way to accommodate the new internals

True, but how much can they really change the back before it becomes incompatible with the dock? I thought the whole reason they made the changes to the dock with the OLED was to futureproof it for Drake, so you'd want the new unit to still work within that relatively confined space.

Although checking your previous post, I realize you might be referring to the design/layout of the graphic more so than the shape or configuration of the back of the shell. In which case yeah, that would work.

After all, there are plenty of cars out there where the only way to tell if it's the super performance version is by the badge on the back.

 

[Raccoon]

True, but how much can they really change the back before it becomes incompatible with the dock? I thought the whole reason they made the changes to the dock with the OLED was to futureproof it for Drake, so you'd want the new unit to still work within that relatively confined space.

Although checking your previous post, I realize you might be referring to the design/layout of the graphic more so than the shape or configuration of the back of the shell. In which case yeah, that would work.

After all, there are plenty of cars out there where the only way to tell if it's the super performance version is by the badge on the back.

One potential major change could be using a thin wraparound kickstand instead of the panel on the OLED, which could afford the unit some marginal internal space

 

[chocolate_supra]

One potential major change could be using a thin wraparound kickstand instead of the panel on the OLED, which could afford the unit some marginal internal space

I like the idea that, not being satisfied by only chasing graphics, Nintendo takes each hardware revision as an opportunity to improve that goddamn kickstand.

 

[Brofield]

I'm starting to get curious now on why people are so adamant on determining if it's a pro or successor. Let's play out some hypotheticals:

The rumoured specs are 100% accurate. Impossible ports now made possible. Elden Ring coming to the next Switch in early 2024. Fall Guys now runs either 1440p60 or 4K30 based on performance or graphics mode option. Regardless of whether it's a pro or a successor, you are going to be inclined to purchase it (especially given we're all on a Nintendo enthusiast forum).

If Nintendo markets it as a pro, does that disappoint you? That after six years on market, it's still not an even more substantial leap than what it already is? Capable of AAA titles using modern graphical wizardry to provide you upscaled 4K content nigh imperceptible from native 4K images, taken on the go to improve IQ on the 720p screen so you more frequently experience a rock solid 30/40*/60fps game? (*In this scenario I hope the screen offers this refresh rate, just roll with it)

If Nintendo markets it as a successor, does it excite or frighten you? Yes, this beast of a machine is ready to stand toe to toe with Xbox Series and PS5 consoles. It will still receive the same games like before if it were a pro, and those same games will still likely be delayed a year or more after release like before on the other consoles (Alan Wake, Life is Strange, Elden Ring, etc.). A successor is more likely to ask for a higher price tag though, far more than a pro revision could.

Or is it, at the end of the day, a desire to simply know more than what Nintendo/Bloomberg/insiders/leakers are currently offering? Just to set your expectations that for a portable device that as of 2017 has more than a million times the RAM and harddrive of the Apollo Guidance Computer?

 

[Okayge]

I like the idea that, not being satisfied by only chasing graphics, Nintendo takes each hardware revision as an opportunity to improve that goddamn kickstand.

Kickstand included, there's one certain thing that this model will have that Nintendo can't go without: joy-con drift.
Without it, it cannot be a Nintendo certified product.

 

[ReddDreadtheLead]

I'm starting to get curious now on why people are so adamant on determining if it's a pro or successor

Humans have an innate habit of boxing what doesn’t make sense to them into a category to make it make sense. Since time immemorial, humans are very good at compartmentalizing into something that seems organized for them.

So, people that are concerned so much on one or the other are doing so out of a habit, not because it actually matters what it is since they were going to buy into it already.



The folks here, ERA, GAF, Reddit, Youtube, Discord communities, 4Chan, GameFAQs, etc., already had 500 dollars set aside and prepared the F5s on the keyboard, so what it is doesn’t matter, but just that it’s gets into their hands. This part is me saying in general, that it doesn’t really matter since people were gonna buy it regardless.

But people like knowing if it’s in box A or box B.

 

[Derachi]

True, but how much can they really change the back before it becomes incompatible with the dock? I thought the whole reason they made the changes to the dock with the OLED was to futureproof it for Drake, so you'd want the new unit to still work within that relatively confined space.

Although checking your previous post, I realize you might be referring to the design/layout of the graphic more so than the shape or configuration of the back of the shell. In which case yeah, that would work.

After all, there are plenty of cars out there where the only way to tell if it's the super performance version is by the badge on the back.

One potential major change could be using a thin wraparound kickstand instead of the panel on the OLED, which could afford the unit some marginal internal space

TBH I’m expecting it to be a different material. Aluminum or something.

 

[Hermii]

No is always the best answer to this until really solid evidence of an event exists.

And even then you shouldn’t be to hyped.. Ref the oled reveal, and the bloomberg articles.

 

[Pooroomoo]

I'm starting to get curious now on why people are so adamant on determining if it's a pro or successor. Let's play out some hypotheticals:

The rumoured specs are 100% accurate. Impossible ports now made possible. Elden Ring coming to the next Switch in early 2024. Fall Guys now runs either 1440p60 or 4K30 based on performance or graphics mode option. Regardless of whether it's a pro or a successor, you are going to be inclined to purchase it (especially given we're all on a Nintendo enthusiast forum).

If Nintendo markets it as a pro, does that disappoint you? That after six years on market, it's still not an even more substantial leap than what it already is? Capable of AAA titles using modern graphical wizardry to provide you upscaled 4K content nigh imperceptible from native 4K images, taken on the go to improve IQ on the 720p screen so you more frequently experience a rock solid 30/40*/60fps game? (*In this scenario I hope the screen offers this refresh rate, just roll with it)

If Nintendo markets it as a successor, does it excite or frighten you? Yes, this beast of a machine is ready to stand toe to toe with Xbox Series and PS5 consoles. It will still receive the same games like before if it were a pro, and those same games will still likely be delayed a year or more after release like before on the other consoles (Alan Wake, Life is Strange, Elden Ring, etc.). A successor is more likely to ask for a higher price tag though, far more than a pro revision could.

Or is it, at the end of the day, a desire to simply know more than what Nintendo/Bloomberg/insiders/leakers are currently offering? Just to set your expectations that for a portable device that as of 2017 has more than a million times the RAM and harddrive of the Apollo Guidance Computer?

If it's marketed as a successor, it will have some exclusives day 1 including 1st party ones. If as a pro, it will probably not have day 1 first party exclusives

 

[Eclissi]

I'm starting to get curious now on why people are so adamant on determining if it's a pro or successor. Let's play out some hypotheticals:

The rumoured specs are 100% accurate. Impossible ports now made possible. Elden Ring coming to the next Switch in early 2024. Fall Guys now runs either 1440p60 or 4K30 based on performance or graphics mode option. Regardless of whether it's a pro or a successor, you are going to be inclined to purchase it (especially given we're all on a Nintendo enthusiast forum).

If Nintendo markets it as a pro, does that disappoint you? That after six years on market, it's still not an even more substantial leap than what it already is? Capable of AAA titles using modern graphical wizardry to provide you upscaled 4K content nigh imperceptible from native 4K images, taken on the go to improve IQ on the 720p screen so you more frequently experience a rock solid 30/40*/60fps game? (*In this scenario I hope the screen offers this refresh rate, just roll with it)

If Nintendo markets it as a successor, does it excite or frighten you? Yes, this beast of a machine is ready to stand toe to toe with Xbox Series and PS5 consoles. It will still receive the same games like before if it were a pro, and those same games will still likely be delayed a year or more after release like before on the other consoles (Alan Wake, Life is Strange, Elden Ring, etc.). A successor is more likely to ask for a higher price tag though, far more than a pro revision could.

Or is it, at the end of the day, a desire to simply know more than what Nintendo/Bloomberg/insiders/leakers are currently offering? Just to set your expectations that for a portable device that as of 2017 has more than a million times the RAM and harddrive of the Apollo Guidance Computer?

I believe that the desire to know if it is a pro version or a successor is linked to some factors:
the line up, which on a pro will be almost totally shared with Switch OG;
timing, as a successor would only come out when sales of current versions drop;
the gimmick, because a successor will probably have to have a novelty in the concept.

In other words a pro version would mean a greater ease of being announced immediately, without too many upheavals, as we have already seen for the Lite and the OLED.
We wouldn't see a successor for a couple of years, I think.

 

[Hermii]

I think this thread is a pro and Nate is a successor.

 

[Kingpin722]

Now that I'm imagining a July reveal, I wonder what this upgraded Switch would look like design-wise when it first premieres. Assuming they'll market it as a "Pro" or whatever other label they call it, I can't see it being the exact same exterior but with beefier components, because that'd obviously look too visually similar to the regular switch or even OLED model. At the same time, I can't see it being anything too different so as to not look visually way out-of-place from the entire switch family... Thoughts?

If it’s a “Pro” and they use “Super” as the tag line, I would love to see them etch Super in the Bezel of the screen similar to the Game Boy Color. And maybe a metallic body.

 

[CM132]

I expect Xbox One to Xbox Series situation but with longer base Switch support. Same OS (Switch will get upgraded OS), base Switch game version on cartridge - you must download a patch to get Pro version of the game, Pro has quality and performance modes, Pro has third party exclusives.

Pro - 499€
Switch OLED - 299€
Switch Lite - 199€

 

[Esticamelapixa]

There’s nothing wrong with being hyped. Disappointment is normal. As long as you’re able to control your emotions reasonably when something doesn’t turn out as you like, then have hope.

Wiser words have never been said my friend. Don't let the naysayers and pessimists get to you.

 

[CypressFX]

I expect Xbox One to Xbox Series situation but with longer base Switch support. Same OS (Switch will get upgraded OS), base Switch game version on cartridge - you must download a patch to get Pro version of the game, Pro has quality and performance modes, Pro has third party exclusives.

Pro - 499€
Switch OLED - 299€
Switch Lite - 199€

Never ever 499€ - 399 as a Maximum.

 

[ILikeFeet]

I believe that the desire to know if it is a pro version or a successor is linked to some factors:
the line up, which on a pro will be almost totally shared with Switch OG;
timing, as a successor would only come out when sales of current versions drop;
the gimmick, because a successor will probably have to have a novelty in the concept.

In other words a pro version would mean a greater ease of being announced immediately, without too many upheavals, as we have already seen for the Lite and the OLED.
We wouldn't see a successor for a couple of years, I think.

Those are some extremely soft requirements.

• As powerful as this device is, it is capable of receiving ps5/series ports. There will be plenty games that won't come to the Switch
• This doesn't have to be the case as Nintendo flat out said they wanted to avoid this scenario as the last couple of times they did this was a rather negative experience
• Do they need a gimmick?

There are plenty of examples where successors happened despite not meeting those requirements, some from Nintendo themselves, and have done just fine. Then there's the argument that the gaming industry is the odd man out and is adapting to be akin to phones and pcs. The hardware evolves as their own pace but the ecosystem stays. Phone a PC makers don't wait until previous hardware declines and they move at an even faster cadence. They also don't often have unique hooks other than "more power". So why should consoles stick to these requirements?

 

[Mirev]

I expect Xbox One to Xbox Series situation but with longer base Switch support. Same OS (Switch will get upgraded OS), base Switch game version on cartridge - you must download a patch to get Pro version of the game, Pro has quality and performance modes, Pro has third party exclusives.

Pro - 499€
Switch OLED - 299€
Switch Lite - 199€

499 too much, should be around 399-449

 

[Blue Monty]

And even then you shouldn’t be to hyped.. Ref the oled reveal, and the bloomberg articles.

OLED being a possibility was a thing just not many wanted to believe it or prefered to ignore it, now there is no other option if there is a hardware event it will be Drake or w/e Nintendo/Nvidia have planned to launch. (OLED Lite doesnt exist it would have been datamined)

 

[Semajer]

I'm sure I've asked this before, but has anyone compiled a list of Nintendo-published titles that would receive a performance boost when played on the new model without the need for a patch?

 

[stodesign12]

Is Drake supposed to be more powerful than Steam Deck?

 

[Thugstas]

Is Drake supposed to be more powerful than Steam Deck?

more modern and yes

 

[Yavga]

Can't wait for Aluminium edition Switch

 

[ILikeFeet]

Is Drake supposed to be more powerful than Steam Deck?

Depends on what Drake is built on and what kind of power consumption Nintendo will target

---

More wafers for Timonthy!

NVIDIA reportedly wants to cut TSMC orders for next-gen RTX 40 GPUs 5nm wafers amid lower demand - VideoCardz.com

TSMC customers want to lower their silicon orders The consumer electronics market is slowing down rapidly. The interest in new TVs, mobile phones and PCS and has declined as quickly as pandemic has ‘ended’ and inflation struck global markets. Both AMD and NVIDIA are revising their TSMC orders...

videocardz.com

 

[Adulfzen]

Is Drake supposed to be more powerful than Steam Deck?

even without the added benefit of "more optimized" ports it should be on paper.

 

[Hermii]

even without the added benefit of "more optimized" ports it should be on paper.

Should be considerably weaker in handheld mode, and it pretty much guaranteed not to match 16 gb of ram.

 

[Eclissi]

Those are some extremely soft requirements.

• As powerful as this device is, it is capable of receiving ps5/series ports. There will be plenty games that won't come to the Switch
• This doesn't have to be the case as Nintendo flat out said they wanted to avoid this scenario as the last couple of times they did this was a rather negative experience
• Do they need a gimmick?

There are plenty of examples where successors happened despite not meeting those requirements, some from Nintendo themselves, and have done just fine. Then there's the argument that the gaming industry is the odd man out and is adapting to be akin to phones and pcs. The hardware evolves as their own pace but the ecosystem stays. Phone a PC makers don't wait until previous hardware declines and they move at an even faster cadence. They also don't often have unique hooks other than "more power". So why should consoles stick to these requirements?

Well, Nintendo has been repeating for several years that it only makes sense for them to change hardware when it allows for new gaming experiences.

 

[EnergyDrink]

Should be considerably weaker in handheld mode, and it pretty much guaranteed not to match 16 gb of ram.

Steam Deck needs to run a full PC OS that eats memory and power. Switch OS is very streamlined.

 

[YolkFolk]

Been told the DLSS Switch will have a Manscaped game at launch. You use the touch screen to clear hair as fast as you can and use the gyro for TV play. The hairs really stand out with the higher resolution from what I’ve been told.

 

[Armoured_Bear]

I don't care how it's marketed and if it's 50 dollars more or less, I just want as much power as possible and I want it NOW!

I'd also like ethernet in the dock and a pro controller with some colour and analogue triggers.

 

[ReddDreadtheLead]

I'd also like ethernet in the dock and a pro controller with some colour and analogue triggers.

You’ll get only one of these.

 

[ReddDreadtheLead]

Depends on what Drake is built on and what kind of power consumption Nintendo will target

---

More wafers for Timonthy!

NVIDIA reportedly wants to cut TSMC orders for next-gen RTX 40 GPUs 5nm wafers amid lower demand - VideoCardz.com

TSMC customers want to lower their silicon orders The consumer electronics market is slowing down rapidly. The interest in new TVs, mobile phones and PCS and has declined as quickly as pandemic has ‘ended’ and inflation struck global markets. Both AMD and NVIDIA are revising their TSMC orders...

videocardz.com

Cut orders or artificially create more demand?

I’d sooner believe the latter from nVidia than the former lol

 

[ITSMILNER]

I would like to think a lot of the bigger 3rd party games will get Pro/2 patches ready for when this launches. Stuff like Dying Light, The Witcher 3 and Skyrim (Could be tied to that anniversary edition Switch rumour)

 

[Vash_the_Stampede]

Chip shortage? You mean chip surplus?

Chip shortage will not last into 2023 for most things.

NVIDIA wants to cut orders with TSMC for next-gen 5nm RTX 40 GPUs

NVIDIA reportedly scaling back 5nm wafer orders for next-gen GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs with TSMC... lower demand, more blamed.

www.tweaktown.com

 

[ReddDreadtheLead]

Chip shortage? You mean chip surplus?

Chip shortage will not last into 2023 for most things.

NVIDIA wants to cut orders with TSMC for next-gen 5nm RTX 40 GPUs

NVIDIA reportedly scaling back 5nm wafer orders for next-gen GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs with TSMC... lower demand, more blamed.

www.tweaktown.com

So what you’re saying is that Nintendo will delay it to 2025/26 and release it then


That said, this doesn’t quite address the Pcb issues… which are still in shortage.

 

[Vash_the_Stampede]

So what you’re saying is that Nintendo will delay it to 2025/26 and release it then


That said, this doesn’t quite address the Pcb issues… which are still in shortage.

Falling global demand addresses the shortage….

 

[Blue Monty]

Falling global demand addresses the shortage….

Chip Shortage Will Continue Into 2023, Say Analysts and Executives

As automotive companies work through a second year of supply chain woes, executives say that these conditions will last for another few years.

www.google.com

Car chips shortages still are expected to continue, dont think we should expect shortages to be solved only because some companies orders have decreased

 

[Hosermess]

As exciting as this hardware announcement talk is, I’m so much more excited about what it could mean for software reveals. It might be the next rare occasion Nintendo shows their hand more than the usual few months in advance, such as when they did the Switch presentation in 2017. It’s all about the games as they say.

I dont think they will do it that much, maybe we will know a couple of the next year big games o during the first year/year in a half but they dont need to show that much now due to a constant flow of software releases for the Switch.

Nintendo might not show their hand, but once they reveal Drake I imagine the floodgates will open...er, the leak-gates will open, no wait...the floodgates will leak.

I believe Nate said a while ago that once that happened he would likely reveal the projects he knows about (and I suppose he may have already done that for one of them). Bloomberg could list their 11 herbs and studios. And the studios themselves will probably be less fearful of the ninjas, so even the projects that aren't officially announced may still be "announced".

 

[karmitt]

Just want to inject a little pessimism into the thread >:] Anybody still wonder if Nintendo would consider not using OLED for a revision, simply to keep the OLED model as uniquely appealing in handheld?

Nintendo denied claims that the OLED model was more profitable had a higher profit margin than the current Switch, but is that because of the screen or was there some other aspect? Would that be enough of a reason to remove it in a new product ?

I still find them continuing* to call it the OLED model an odd choice unless:

1. They drop that part of the naming convention and stop production of red box Switch this year
2. It’s the only device with an OLED, or
3. The new device is clearly differentiated from the existing product line eg. Super Switch.

*Edited for clarity.

 

[ReddDreadtheLead]

Anybody still wonder if Nintendo would consider not using OLED for a revision, simply to keep the OLED model as uniquely appealing in handheld?

We considered that the Drake Lite down the line.

 

[Blue Monty]

Nintendo denied claims that the OLED model was more profitable than the current Switch despite the higher price, but is that because of the screen or was there some other aspect? Would that be enough of a reason to remove it in a new product ?

Also R&D costs, the original Switch has probably already covered all the original costs while OLED still has to make up for it.