StarTopic Future Nintendo Hardware & Technology Speculation & Discussion |ST| (New Staff Post, Please read)

[InfinityWarrior88]

But now we’re at a point where Capcom is starting to abandon PS4, which could be a problem for Switch 2

You are focusing too much of the Switch 2's raw power and not taking in account it's features to help close the gap.

 

[ReddDreadtheLead]

Ok so, if and this is an IF statement.


If ABK described that “we delivered for the last gen consoles then we can deliver for their next gen console” this means portable mode to me.

It doesn’t mean docked mode to me. As in, portable mode is closer to the last gen consoles and docked is at a higher level than those consoles.

 

[Neoxon]

Being around the raw performance/power of PS4 doesn't mean Switch 2 has hardware like PS4.

There's more RAM.
There's a more modern architecture.
And let's not even start to talk about how much better the Switch 2 CPU will be compared to the "fangless Jaguar" inside the PS4.

You are focusing too much of the Switch 2's raw power and not taking in account it's features to help close the gap.

I’m not disagreeing with any of that, but the CPU will still be limited compared to the big dogs by virtue of being a hybrid system.

 

[redmutineer75]

Playstation never bombs.

The PS3 launch would like a word. Sure, they managed to bounce back and outsell the Xbox 360, but barely and very late into the generation. If Microsoft hadn't basically abandoned the system in 2010 after the Kinect, they would've won.

 

[Uncle Squingis]

The average person very likely won't get a Switch 2 day 1 because they're fine with their Switch. Hence why Prime 4 would work as a launch title, even if it is cross-gen.

Launch is more than sales though. They want headlines of "Record Breaking Launch" because it gets attention. Yes, that may happen regardless of what they launch with, but it's always possible that launching with Metroid will garner a tepid response even if Mario is just down the road. Nintendo has not taken big (or even medium-sized) gambles lately, and they have all their eggs in the Switch basket now. They will play it as safe as humanly possible.

 

[OctoSplattack]

Playstation never have to worry about having the wrong launch lineup because the consoles will sell like cupcakes regardless,

I know it made a comeback in the second half, but the PS3 is right there.

 

[Hosermess]

If they want to ensure the same kind of success as the Switch 1, yes. They can’t just coast by on low-to-mid-tier franchises like Metroid on Day 1 that the average person probably won’t care about.

Most of the people who would buy a Switch 2 for Metroid Prime 4 mostly inhabit enthusiast circles like here, Era, gaming subreddits, Twitter, & gaming Discord servers. Said groups are already all-in off of rumors alone. Nintendo needs to rope in the masses, & the average person isn’t gonna care much about Metroid Prime 4.

The masses don't need to be roped in to buying it on Day 1 though. They could pretty much copy and paste the Switch 1 launch and just date the new Mario 3D for holiday '24 but release Switch 2 months before (March or H1-ish) with a lesser but well-regarded franchise (cross-gen Metroid instead of cross-gen Zelda).

First year lineup is much more important than Day 1 - which would be early adopters and enthusiasts like you said.

Launch is more than sales though. They want headlines of "Record Breaking Launch" because it gets attention. Yes, that may happen regardless of what they launch with, but it's always possible that launching with Metroid will garner a tepid response even if Mario is just down the road. Nintendo has not taken big (or even medium-sized) gambles lately, and they have all their eggs in the Switch basket now. They will play it as safe as humanly possible.

Eh, as long as it sells out/is hard to find that would be good enough. And yeah, will probably happen anyway.

 

[Danny]

The PS3 launch would like a word. Sure, they managed to bounce back and outsell the Xbox 360, but barely and very late into the generation. If Microsoft hadn't basically abandoned the system in 2010 after the Kinect, they would've won.

The difference seems to be when a Nintendo console gets a bad start it never recovers, it just dies then and there. Probably because Nintendo have traditionally never been able to be bailed out by strong third party support, if its first party lineup fails to deliver there is nothing else to save that Nintendo generation from bombing from there on.

 

[Jersh]

Yeah didn't Skyward sword sell about 3 million copies on the Wii? BOTW went on to sell 10 times as much. So a series popularity can change in an instant at any time. Zelda was in a slow decline for years and then suddenly exploded in popularity due to change in gameplay and exploration, so why wouldn't the next Metroid also change focus to a bigger map, more exploration etc but in a sci fi setting? That kind of game is in vogue these days.

I wouldn't quantify Zelda as being in a slow decline prior to BotW at all; Twilight Princess was the best selling pre-BotW Zelda, Phantom Hourglass was the best selling 2D Zelda since the original, OoT 3D managed to outdo PH by nearly two million, and ALBW sold better than every other brand new handheld Zelda save Phantom Hourglass.

It'd be more accurate to say they had one dud in Skyward Sword, due to a combination of releasing too late in the Wii's life, requiring an accessory, and poor word of mouth. But the series reputation seemed to survive just fine.

 

[D36]

Then that’s a problem Nintendo needs to solve if they want to repeat the Switch 1’s success. So if anything, that further increases the need for a sure-fire mainstream hit like 3D Mario on Day 1 as opposed to rolling the dice on Metroid alone.

That's the main problem for Nintendo; Sony never have to worry about Playstation launches because their launch windows are always successful. Nintendo for whatever reasons fluctuates heavily from success to bombs when it comes to consoles. Playstation never bombs. Nintendo have to find some strategy that almost guarantees permanent console success such as Sony have with Playstation. Playstation never have to worry about having the wrong launch lineup because the consoles will sell like cupcakes regardless, while a whole Nintendo generation can bomb due to a weak launch lineup.

I genuinely don't believe they have to worry about it that much and I don't believe they'll flounder out the gate, like with the Wii U. In the event that they don't have this killer app, like we think they do, then I think those mid-tier releases will serve them just fine until the big games start rolling out. Nintendo can't just abandon the Switch's install base, anyway and the transition period is gonna take some time, so it probably wouldn't be wise to immediately come out with the big guns. As much of a balancing act as it'll be, I think Nintendo can pull it off and they know they have to, so I'm not too worried on that front. Launching with cross-gen or mid-tier games won't hurt the Switch 2 in the short term, that much I am certain.

 

[darthdiablo]

GIANT ENEMY CRAB

Lmao, good memories.

 

[redmutineer75]

It'd be more accurate to say they had one dud in Skyward Sword, due to a combination of releasing too late in the Wii's life, requiring an accessory, and poor word of mouth. But the series reputation seemed to survive just fine.

Tbf, those accessories were the Wii Nunchuck that came bundled in with the system and the Wii Motion Plus that basically everyone had by virtue of owning Wii Sports Resort.

 

[Neoxon]

The masses don't need to be roped in to buying it on Day 1 though. They could pretty much copy and paste the Switch 1 launch and just date the new Mario 3D for holiday '24 but release Switch 2 months before (March or H1-ish) with a lesser but well-regarded franchise (cross-gen Metroid instead of cross-gen Zelda).

First year lineup is much more important than Day 1 - which would be early adopters and enthusiasts like you said.

I genuinely don't believe they have to worry about it that much and I don't believe they'll flounder out the gate, like with the Wii U. In the event that they don't have this killer app, like we think they do, then I think those mid-tier releases will serve them just fine until the big games start rolling out. Nintendo can't just abandon the Switch's install base, anyway and the transition period is gonna take some time, so it probably wouldn't be wise to immediately come out with the big guns. As much of a balancing act as it'll be, I think Nintendo can pull it off and they know they have to, so I'm not too worried on that front. Launching with cross-gen or mid-tier games won't hurt the Switch 2 in the short term, that much I am certain.

As was stated in this thread, Nintendo already put all their eggs in the Switch basket. So they likely aren’t gonna take any risks this time around by betting on anything less than a sure-fire hit. Sure, the first year is important. But Day 1 is also important. And if they want to repeat the success of BotW, 3D Mario is their only realistic option.

 

[ItWasMeantToBe19]

As long as there's enough good Switch 2 version of cross-gen and multiplatform games, I could see the Switch 2 launching in September 2024 and not getting a big exclusive until September 2025 and still sell great.

Way too much launch lineup focus.

 

[Bonejack]

I’m not disagreeing with any of that, but the CPU will still be limited compared to the big dogs by virtue of being a hybrid system.

And i don't think anyone said it would be trivial to theoretically port MH6. ^^

But there's a potential (lifetime) 4-5 additional millions in a theoretical ReDraketed MH6 port. That should be a viable amount of returns for the work.

Also, the game will be beatiful, no doubt. But it's not like we're talking about a game with a massive scope like ... as an example Starfield.

If the rating board leaks are true, and i don't think they're not, and some mad studio manages to port RDR2 to Switch 1, then the extremely tech-talented devs at Capcom will make it work.

E: And while they're at it, port Dragons Dogma 2, too!

 

[D36]

Launch is more than sales though. They want headlines of "Record Breaking Launch" because it gets attention. Yes, that may happen regardless of what they launch with, but it's always possible that launching with Metroid will garner a tepid response even if Mario is just down the road. Nintendo has not taken big (or even medium-sized) gambles lately, and they have all their eggs in the Switch basket now. They will play it as safe as humanly possible.

Wouldn't launching with a big "headliner" also be considered a gamble, since it'll on a new system that will have a small install base starting out? I'd argue launching with relatively smaller and cross-gen titles be the safer option?

 

[D36]

Sorry if I've been sounding like a broken record, guys.

 

[Concernt]

Wouldn't launching with a big "headliner" also be considered a gamble, since it'll on a new system that will have a small install base starting out? I'd argue launching with relatively smaller and cross-gen titles be the safer option?

I expect and hope the launch is safe and small.

Next gen patches and smaller games.

Because I want to be able to buy one at launch without every moderately well off parent running off to buy their kid the latest Mario thing.

And also because I've hit a drought of smaller games in my backlog and honestly the endless AAA+ games lately are exhausting me.

 

[Neoxon]

Wouldn't launching with a big "headliner" also be considered a gamble, since it'll on a new system that will have a small install base starting out? I'd argue launching with relatively smaller and cross-gen titles be the safer option?

Not really, that game will keep selling for the entirety of the Switch 2’s life.

 

[Jersh]

The difference seems to be when a Nintendo console gets a bad start it never recovers, it just dies then and there. Probably because Nintendo have traditionally never been able to be bailed out by strong third party support, if its first party lineup fails to deliver there is nothing else to save that Nintendo generation from bombing from there on.

The 3DS is right there. I feel like this is hard to quantify with Nintendo; how many "bombs" did they truly have? Two? Arguably three?

Nintendo's home console bombs stayed bombs because the reason they did poorly was true throughout the generation. The N64 did not become cheaper to develop and release games on relative to the PS1, leaving an exodus of third party IPs in its wake. The GCN did not gain the utility of the PS2. The Wii U stayed a confused, poorly marketed machine with a slow software schedule for its entire lifespan. The PS3 bombed because of the price and software lineup; Sony turned both of these around halfway through.

We're also conveniently ignoring the Vita here, and I don't think it's fair to put that on Sony handhelds being unattractive when the PSP did so well.

Tbf, those accessories were the Wii Nunchuck that came bundled in with the system and the Wii Motion Plus that basically everyone had by virtue of owning Wii Sports Resort.

Resort's attach rate was about 1/3. Fantastic for it, but that still leaves 2/3 of Wii owners that needed to buy a separate Motion Plus if they wanted SS.

 

[ILikeFeet]

Ok so, if and this is an IF statement.


If ABK described that “we delivered for the last gen consoles then we can deliver for their next gen console” this means portable mode to me.

It doesn’t mean docked mode to me. As in, portable mode is closer to the last gen consoles and docked is at a higher level than those consoles.

I think it means we're putting too much weight on ABK's statement, which was made prior to seeing the hardware and/or specs

 

[Concernt]

Sorry if I've been sounding like a broken record, guys.

If you're a broken record I'm an endless loop spool of tape.

 

[ReddDreadtheLead]

Lmao, good memories.

I’ve never seen this before lmao

 

[Bonejack]

I’ve never seen this before lmao

Man, Giant Enemy Crab E³ show was an iconic one.

 

[darthdiablo]

I'm curious if there was also a subset of Nintendo community that swears a LoZ game should not be the title to launch Switch, before BOTW went on to be the most successful LoZ game ever, by miles over the previous most successful LoZ game.

Of course, we all have seen some footage of BOTW, so maybe that makes things a bit different. We haven't seen any MP4 footage.

Still, IMHO, MP4 seems like a perfect game to launch Switch 2, particularly if it's exactly the type of game to showcase Switch 2's graphical capabilities. I understand that MP4 is not as popular as LoZ and not as popular in Japan, but I'm biased, so. #TeamMP4AtLaunch

Edit: And I feel like Nintendo's lining us up toward MP4, with Metroid Prime Remastered. Wasn't it rumored that they sat on MPR for a long time? Why release that recently after sitting on that for a long time? I suspect we'll be thrown a few bones between now and MP4.. in form of MP2R and MP3R.

 

[Vanillalite]

I'm curious if there was also a subset of Nintendo community that swears a LoZ game should not be the title to launch Switch, before BOTW went on to be the most successful LoZ game ever, by miles over the previous most successful LoZ game.

Of course, we all have seen some footage of BOTW, so maybe that makes things a bit different. We haven't seen any MP4 footage.

Still, IMHO, MP4 seems like a perfect game to launch Switch 2, particularly if it's exactly the type of game to showcase Switch 2's graphical capabilities. I understand that MP4 is not as popular as LoZ and not as popular in Japan, but I'm biased, so. #TeamMP4AtLaunch

Zelda always sold better than Metroid.

It’s not an Apples to Apples comparison. A franchise that historically sold well did even better in the Switch. Metroid just world wide isn’t that popular and this is coming from a guy who once beat the OG Metroid like 4 or 5 times in one day cause it was all I wanted to do.

 

[darthdiablo]

Zelda always sold better than Metroid.

It’s not an Apples to Apples comparison.

And Mario always sold better than Zelda.

That's sorta the point I was making.

 

[LiC]

Somehow, the Activision e-mail has returned.

 

[ILikeFeet]

And Mario always sold better than Zelda.

That's sorta the point I was making.

I don't think that helps your point. Metroid reaching historical highs still wouldn't put it on the level of Zelda or Mario, pre-switch

 

[Bonejack]

Somehow, the Activision e-mail has returned.

Appreciate it. With the aquisition being as good as done, possibly as soon as end of next week, it'll be a long time until we get some nice info stuff. ^^

 

[darthdiablo]

I don't think that helps your point. Metroid reaching historical highs still wouldn't put it on the level of Zelda or Mario, pre-switch

Okay. Fair.

We still don't know the full context of the rest of launch lineup. We know it's not going to be a new LoZ game (TOTK was too recent).

Is 3D Mario the only one that makes sense to you? What if the next 3D Mario isn't ready yet? Granted it has been 7 years since Odyssey, so this mind exercise is probably futile, we likely would see 3D Mario at or near launchtime.

 

[lemonfresh]

And Mario always sold better than Zelda.

And Pokemon always sells better than mario

 

[OctoSplattack]

It's too early in the morning to be bullying Metroid over its sales... again.

 

[Concernt]

And Pokemon always sells better than mario

Surprise: the launch title is Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet + The Hidden Secret of Area Zero with Part 2 launching cross-gen at the console's launch. Right towards the end of celestial Winter: on the 8th of March, 2024!

 

[Giancarlo]

BotW was critical to the Switch 1’s early success. If Nintendo wants to repeat that, they need another big mainstream hit on Day 1. And we have to accept the fact that Metroid won’t cut it.

next 3D Mario could be this huge mainstream release, Switch sucessor need to be a sucess, despite Metroid been a amazing franchise, it dont sell what it deserve, sadly Metroid is not a system seller(despite the high quality of most of the franchise)

 

[Ghostsonplanets]

But now we’re at a point where Capcom is starting to abandon PS4, which could be a problem for Switch 2.

I've already saw your replies, but I just want to add that Capcom and others Japanese/western publishers are abandoning PS4 due to software sales failing off and thus not making the effort of porting it to the machine be worthy enough.

A highly successful Switch 2, with raw PS4 like GPU horsepower but with access to modern DX12U featureset standard (Ray-Tracing, Variable Rate Shading, Mesh Shading, etc) + DLSS + fast IO + modern and reasonable fast CPU, could very well slot into the development pipeline of modern games, even if it's still a weaker machine than PS5/XSX/XSS.

Of course there will be cuts here and there, but the potential and upside are there. Specially if the system is sucessful.

 

[Concernt]

They did a reprint of Pokémon Sword and Shield with all the DLC for their 2020 Pokémon holiday title, with all patches on board.

Unless Hidden Secret of Area Zero Part 2 launches this side of the new year, we're looking at the DLC leaker being right once again. Including the new console.

One Game Card, two generations, two versions, four open world areas to explore, and a free patch for EVERYONE that already owns it to drive existing players to upgrade day one.

 

[Giancarlo]

I mean with the amount of patience Nintendo seems to have put Metroid prime 4 under for years and the big budget Retro seems to have gotten for it everything points at Nintendo seeing the opportunity for Metroid Prime 4 to be that series ''big break''. I think they see this title being the one to elevate the popularity of the series, similarly to how BOTW did that for Zelda. Of course they don't believe it will sell 30 million plus like BOTW did, but i think they do have the expectation that Metroid Prime 4 will sell far more than previous Metroid games. I also think they will go in an open world or semi open world direction with Metroid prime 4 to widen the player base for that game compared to other Metroid games.

To put it simple; I don't believe for one second that 1-2 million sold copies is near the amount Nintendo hopes and thinks Metroid prime 4 will sell, i think 5-10 million copies is more their ballpark figures for this game.

rumors of Nick Baker of Xbox Era, seen to imply Metroid Prime 4 would feature semi-open world in regards to it level design and a visual showcase(visualy unbelievable on Nick Baker own words)

 

[Neoxon]

I'm curious if there was also a subset of Nintendo community that swears a LoZ game should not be the title to launch Switch, before BOTW went on to be the most successful LoZ game ever, by miles over the previous most successful LoZ game.

Of course, we all have seen some footage of BOTW, so maybe that makes things a bit different. We haven't seen any MP4 footage.

Still, IMHO, MP4 seems like a perfect game to launch Switch 2, particularly if it's exactly the type of game to showcase Switch 2's graphical capabilities. I understand that MP4 is not as popular as LoZ and not as popular in Japan, but I'm biased, so. #TeamMP4AtLaunch

Edit: And I feel like Nintendo's lining us up toward MP4, with Metroid Prime Remastered. Wasn't it rumored that they sat on MPR for a long time? Why release that recently after sitting on that for a long time? I suspect we'll be thrown a few bones between now and MP4.. in form of MP2R and MP3R.

Zelda has at least come close to 10 million prior to BotW with Twilight Princess’ 8+ million units sold. The closest Metroid has come is 3 million with Dread. Given how conservative Nintendo can be with sales expectations, I don’t see them expecting MP4 to go from that all the way to 10+ million.

 

[D36]

I wanna articulate my points a bit better here:

Next year, Nintendo will once again have two systems to make games for, one of which will still have a 100+ install base that can't be ignored, so, in conjunction with an extended cross-gen period, they may want to have a launch that isn't too alienating, yet still enticing to early adopters. That doesn't mean that they can't release with something, like a 3D Mario or a Mario Kart, but I'm positive that they won't be cross-gen and the demand for those titles and the new system itself won't be met. Yes, Nintendo can make up for it, as they'll be evergreen titles, but I think Nintendo will want more favorable immediate results and that could be accomplished by releasing those titles during the Holidays or at least far enough from launch.

 

[Charamiwa]

I think over the years the Metroid downplaying has become a bit ridiculous. People online have become more aware of sales numbers over the years, which is cool, but can warp some perspectives because Nintendo clearly doesn't only think in terms of pure raw numbers. We went from "Metroid is a top 3 Nintendo franchise" to "Metroid is niche and barely matters" which is a huge overcorrection. I'm glad Nintendo clearly doesn't think that way, because you don't announce Prime 4 the way you did, cancel it because it's not good enough, reboot it, apologize for it, and give Retro the game for years and allowing them to recruit massively for it if it's just another niche game. They knew just showing a logo would have fans lose their shit, they knew the importance of getting it right when they rebooted it. By the time it releases it will have surely become one of the most expensive projects Nintendo has ever put out. So why do they bother? Because the core appeal is massive, and a HD big budget Prime game, especially enhanced for next gen, has the potential to turn a lot of heads in a way most Nintendo game simply can't. Especially if it's used as a graphical showpiece.

That's the current value of Metroid Prime, and with a release close to a big new console and the massive marketing spotlight it would be put under, on top of the aura the series has accumulated over the years (the Remaster casually getting a 94 MC in 2023 can attest to this) it can raise that bar further. It's frustrating because we still can't know the true appeal of a big new Metroid Prime game in the Switch era, but I've always thought it was high, at least much higher than the current 3M ceiling for the franchise.

 

[maniacmaison]

Another thing, we rarely get console launches as explosive as the Switch or PS2. If Redrakted NG has a more "muted" launch, I honestly don't see Nintendo being hurt by it all that much, if at all. Yes, I understand if Nintendo would want to replicate the Switch's early success as best as they can, but they're at a very different place than they were 6 and a half years ago and I doubt that a more relaxed pace will hurt their momentum. Their teams are definitely cooking stuff that will launch within the first 2 years, whether they'll be on Switch 1 or Switch 2, that's up to them. My point being, Nintendo can afford to have their big tentpole titles releasing a little later in the year, as O strongly believe the successor will do big numbers, regardless. (Of course, that's not to say they should be launching with trash, I'm just saying that Metroid is fine and I think we're overthinking things).

I totally agree with you. The Switch 2 is going to be successful almost by default. The Switch 1 has sold incredibly well until the very end and the first party titles are more popular than ever. If they continue what they're doing right now they don't need a Breath of the Wild level of hit to make it work. If the PS5 did well after that sad beginning (I have a PS5), the Switch 2 fill be just fine.

 

[Giancarlo]

Wouldn't launching with a big "headliner" also be considered a gamble, since it'll on a new system that will have a small install base starting out? I'd argue launching with relatively smaller and cross-gen titles be the safer option?

as many and me stated, Switch sucessor to be a sucess like Switch, it need a contant release cadence of good/amazing games, if Nintendo manage to replicate this on it next console, we could have sucess, good/amazing games is what comply people to buy consoles, put a 3D Mario, followed by a multiplayer focused franchise, and then a core/hardcore franchise such as Metroid, voila sucess garantee

 

[ziggyrivers]

I think this is a possible scenario:
• Switch 2 will launch next March with crossgen Prime 4 to coast on hardcore Nintendo fans and live off of backwards compatible for the first few months

• Successor will go wild with exclusive 3D Mario in October and Pokemon in November

 

[Goodtwin]

Nintendo showcasing the Matrix demo to devs at Gamescom should have been a more clear indication that they want as many high end next gen titles as they can possibly get. These PS4/cross gen games people here are suggesting for Switch 2 aren't great in showcasing the system's potential. It's just reenforces that 3rd party support is just going to be primarily last gen titles.

It does a lot to showcase that SNG has good ray tracing capabilities and it UE5 will fully support SNG. I do not see it being a clear indication that all PS5/Series games will scale to SNG just fine. The low hanging fruit is still PS4/X1 ports. Anything that released on those consoles can be easily ported to SNG and get upgrades in the process. FSR2 might not be as good as DLSS, but it has gotten better and we are bound to see PS5 titles developed that render at 1080p or less on PS5 and use FSR2 to scale up. There is still a hefty gap between the hardware and some games are bound to be very challenging to port.

Do they really need to, though?

Probably not. Switch has proven itself beyond just having a lot of great exclusive content. The hybrid console is a popular concept with consumers and the initial 5-10 million buyers will be ready to fork out the cash immediately regardless if a high profile Nintendo exclusive is there on day one or not.

Wouldn't launching with a big "headliner" also be considered a gamble, since it'll on a new system that will have a small install base starting out? I'd argue launching with relatively smaller and cross-gen titles be the safer option?

For Nintendo, no. Nintendo's premier first party games sell for the entire generation. A 3D Mario will continue to sell millions year after year. I do feel like giving Metroid Prime 4 the spot might make sense. The hardware is going to sell out at launch regardless of what the software lineup is. Prime 4 could see boosted sales thanks to early adopters giving it a shot thanks to it being the only Nintendo exclusive at launch.

It's too early in the morning to be bullying Metroid over its sales... again.

Nintendo funds Bayonetta despite its sales only going a bit over a million sold. Metroid Dread selling 3 million was a nice boost for the series and hopefully Prime 4 does even better than that. There are certain IP's that Nintendo is willing to continue to greenlight because they help broaden the appeal of their software lineup. Metroid and Bayonetta will never have sales like Mario or even Kirby, but they appeal to a demographic that Mario and Kirby might not.

 

[Concernt]

I think this is a possible scenario:
• Switch 2 will launch next March with crossgen Prime 4 to coast on hardcore Nintendo fans and live off of backwards compatible for the first few months

• Successor will go wild with exclusive 3D Mario in October and Pokemon in November

No way we see a new Pokémon in 2024 unless the DLC is this side of the new year and it's a remake.

 

[kvetcha]

I wanna articulate my points a bit better here:

Next year, Nintendo will once again have two systems to make games for, one of which will still have a 100+ install base that can't be ignored, so, in conjunction with an extended cross-gen period, they may want to have a launch that isn't too alienating, yet still enticing to early adopters. That doesn't mean that they can't release with something, like a 3D Mario or a Mario Kart, but I'm positive that they won't be cross-gen and the demand for those titles and the new system itself won't be met. Yes, Nintendo can make up for it, as they'll be evergreen titles, but I think Nintendo will want more favorable immediate results and that could be accomplished by releasing those titles during the Holidays or at least far enough from launch.

This is where I'm at, personally. It might behoove them to slow-roll the release to ease the transition into late 2024, and then start dropping big exclusives to goose interest before the holidays.

 

[ILikeFeet]

They did a reprint of Pokémon Sword and Shield with all the DLC for their 2020 Pokémon holiday title, with all patches on board.

Unless Hidden Secret of Area Zero Part 2 launches this side of the new year, we're looking at the DLC leaker being right once again. Including the new console.

One Game Card, two generations, two versions, four open world areas to explore, and a free patch for EVERYONE that already owns it to drive existing players to upgrade day one.

Part 2 isn't on the card, so it's not launching this year

 

[ziggyrivers]

I think this is a possible scenario:
• Switch 2 will launch next March with crossgen Prime 4 to coast on hardcore Nintendo fans and live off of backwards compatible for the first few months

• Successor will go wild with exclusive 3D Mario in October and Pokemon in November

Forgot to mention:
• Backwards compatible games. Some with next gen patches, some without it

 

[Concernt]

Part 2 isn't on the card, so it's not launching this year

What? Why would either part be on the card at this point?

How is that relevant to when it releases?

Was Kitakami on the card at launch?

What card is this anyway?