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

[monstaar]

I don't think it will be for VR because a huge chuck of Nintendo gamers are children right? Plus VR stuff is expensive and not super accessible

 

[lemonfresh]

I don't think it will be for VR because a huge chuck of Nintendo gamers are children right? Plus VR stuff is expensive and not super accessible

that didn't stop them with the virtual boy back in the day, also nintendo likes to do wierd gimmicks like ar and 3d with the 3ds as well as nintendo labo

 

[monstaar]

that didn't stop them with the virtual boy back in the day, alos nintendo like to do wierd gimmicks like ar and 3d with the 3ds as well as nintendo labo

Totally! They love the gimmicks lol But I would hope they learned from some of the past stuff you know? I just couldn't see a VR capable handheld with the rumored power selling for the $300 range.
PS: Most VRs (meta,psvr2,etc...) recommend VR for ages 13 and up

 

[ns156]

Dunno what the VR talk is about, but when it comes to Nintendo gimmicks they like to take inexpensive, emerging technologies to do cool things with.

VR is neither of those. The DS was simply adding a second screen and an inexpensive touch layer (before smartphones). The Wii was using basic pointer and gyro, etc.

 

[monstaar]

Dunno what the VR talk is about, but when it comes to Nintendo gimmicks they like to take inexpensive, emerging technologies to do cool things with.

VR is neither of those. The DS was simply adding a second screen and an inexpensive touch layer (before smartphones). The Wii was using basic pointer and gyro, etc.

Very good points there!

 

[P4bl0]

Dunno what the VR talk is about, but when it comes to Nintendo gimmicks they like to take inexpensive, emerging technologies to do cool things with.

VR is neither of those. The DS was simply adding a second screen and an inexpensive touch layer (before smartphones). The Wii was using basic pointer and gyro, etc.

Switch 1 does VR already, if Switch 2 decides to improve it, it might be interesting.

Totally! They love the gimmicks lol But I would hope they learned from some of the past stuff you know? I just couldn't see a VR capable handheld with the rumored power selling for the $300 range.

Please do not expect a $300 price for the NG, you will be disappointed. It will be at least $399

 

[monstaar]

Switch 1 does VR already, if Switch 2 decides to improve it, it might be interesting.

Please do not expect a $300 price for the NG, you will be disappointed. It will be at least $399

I mean I don't know if I would call Labo true VR gaming (full VR games) lol Even at a $400 price range it would be impossible for them to make a profit no?

 

[P4bl0]

I mean I don't know if I would call Labo true VR gaming (full VR games) lol Even at a $400 price range it would be impossible for them to make a profit no?

Without Labo, you can use a simple VR mask on Amazon and play Mario Odyssey or Zelda in VR, it's not as good as PSVR but it's still VR

This is Nintendo, they can surprise us.

 

[NateDrake]

I think i said it before, you need get into voice acting. Or at least voicing over ads.

I've looked into some local opportunities & may try for bigger things. It's a tough thing to break into.

For every few people who like my voice, there is always someone who hates it.

 

[Smash Kirby]

Dunno what the VR talk is about, but when it comes to Nintendo gimmicks they like to take inexpensive, emerging technologies to do cool things with.

VR is neither of those. The DS was simply adding a second screen and an inexpensive touch layer (before smartphones). The Wii was using basic pointer and gyro, etc.

Touch screen phones did exist, but they had the same kind of screen as the DS.

 

[ReddDreadtheLead]

Probably because said third-party publishers would need to know when it’ll be ok to announce their Switch 2 games. That plus if they want their game(s) to be featured in the Switch 2 reveal.

Did that happen with the switch 1?

 

[SiG]

Only 2 mins in and I shut the video. This looks horrible. They somehow managed to make FC play worse than FIFA did. Nothing beats PES/WE. The PES/WE of old obviously.

They're comparing apples to apples here for the Switch release (EA Fifa vs EA FC), not comparing against another publisher franchise like PES.

Speaking of PES, we all know what is the superior version of that franchise:


Makes me wonder if 2K has ever made a soccer game...Excuse me... Futbol.

 

[Meelow]

I might as well ask.

@NateDrake Any updates to what you heard from TGS?

 

[NateDrake]

I might as well ask.

@NateDrake Any updates to what you heard from TGS?

Nope.

 

[OniLgnd]

Nope.

Feel free to not respond, but I was wondering if you were the kind of person who, if there was no news/ disappointing news, would try and set our expectations beforehand and let us know to keep expectations low.

 

[lemonfresh]

Nope.

 

[ertaboy356b]

They're comparing apples to apples here for the Switch release (EA Fifa vs EA FC), not comparing against another publisher franchise like PES.

Speaking of PES, we all know what is the superior version of that franchise:


Makes me wonder if 2K has ever made a soccer game...Excuse me... Futbol.

Futbol Braseilero Nubentai Sais! Hahaha

 

[D36]

Howdy y'all, what'd I miss?

 

[darthdiablo]

Different info but it's all minor things not of much value at the moment.

 

[eye0h]

He said no to having updates, not that he doesn't have any info. He could have a lot of info, just nothing to share.

We're fine everything is fine

 

[the_marmolade]

The equivalent of the Nintendo 3DS announcement statement is 100% what I expect if Nintendo says anything before the end of the calendar year.

I expect it will be a month or two before the "E3" Season. They probably won't mention a name or specific detail just confirming the development of the successor.

 

[MadMechanic]

Nope.

Understandable have a nice day.

 

[the_marmolade]

I wouldn't be surprised if it's a late June/July announcement for the NG Switch with release in late October/November basically the Super Mario Bros. Wonder marketing cycle.

With the Nintendo Switch lineup stacked up until the summer, I could honestly see this.

 

[Meelow]

Nope.

I see.

Thanks for answering.

 

[LiC]

Feel free to not respond, but I was wondering if you were the kind of person who, if there was no news/ disappointing news, would try and set our expectations beforehand and let us know to keep expectations low.

What exactly do you think may have changed, for better or worse, since Gamescom a month ago?

 

[darthdiablo]

I wouldn't be surprised if it's a late June/July announcement for the NG Switch with release in late October/November basically the Super Mario Bros. Wonder marketing cycle.

With the Nintendo Switch lineup stacked up until the summer, I could honestly see this.

So no Directs for nearly a year then (or more of Directs just with remasters)? I doubt it.

 

[OniLgnd]

What exactly do you think may have changed, for better or worse, since Gamescom a month ago?

I don't know, that's why I was asking.

 

[Procheno]

Nope.

It's over everybody, we had a good run

 

[Deleted member 645]

Nope.

I tried to warn people but…. there disappointment won’t teach them a thing.

 

[Serif]

I tried to warn people but…. there disappointment won’t teach them a thing.

Warn them about what, no updates from one person's sources about an NDA-bound meeting in Japan less than a week ago? Why does it matter when we already have the Gamescom reports?

 

[Dark Cloud]

I tried to warn people but…. there disappointment won’t teach them a thing.

I think everyone will live. You’re making this a bigger deal than it is.

 

[ngpdrew]

I've looked into some local opportunities & may try for bigger things. It's a tough thing to break into.

For every few people who like my voice, there is always someone who hates it.

I can only assume the haters are NPR broadcasters scared for their jobs.

 

[Hocot8]

I tried to warn people but…. there disappointment won’t teach them a thing.

so just because an insider doesn't have an update that's supposed to mean something?

What are you waffling about?

 

[ItWasMeantToBe19]

I wouldn't be surprised if it's a late June/July announcement for the NG Switch with release in late October/November basically the Super Mario Bros. Wonder marketing cycle.

With the Nintendo Switch lineup stacked up until the summer, I could honestly see this.

They'll need to announce roughly 20 games that are coming in a few months and then probably another 5-10 big games coming later and that seems bad to do.

 

[epicmartin7]

I tried to warn people but…. there disappointment won’t teach them a thing.

I got disappointed once. Made me crave salads for some reason. So I'll take it just for the weight loss .

 

[darthdiablo]

I got disappointed once. Made me crave salads for some reason. So I'll take it just for the weight loss .

I keep getting disappointed whenever Jacksonville Jaguars lose. I still never learned a damn thing. Maybe I need to start eating salad.

 

[Hocot8]

I keep getting disappointed whenever Jacksonville Jaguars lose. I still never learned a damn thing. Maybe I need to start eating salad.

I don't think anything can save you, bud haha

 

[NXRevolution]

Ok, but assuming the next system is more powerful than the current one, it would still be great to get new ports of 3rd party games that haven’t made it to Nintendo yet. Regardless of the existence of the Steam Deck.

It’s a good possibility they have, but I don’t really see why that should preclude them from wanting to see Switch 2 releases of games they want to play.

That person seems to dislike a lot of what goes on here with speculation and overall pretty pessimistic about things in general. I don't know why they're here honestly, they seem annoyed at reading what people have to say.

Separate form this, back to the naming question. I don't think Nintendo would actually do this, but some mentioned an idea of just calling it "Switch (2nd Gen)", or something similar. Nintendo did kinda do this with the OLED name scheme, so maybe? Whenever I think about this question, I always think about how Apple names things. They don't change the name of their iPad, or even really list the gen model anymore from what I can tell (I may be wrong on that, I haven't kept up with them outside of their phones and watches for a while. Sure they name the phone and watch series, but they're iPads, everyone just calls the new releases "iPad: (Whatever model it is, like Pro or Air)". Not many people are confused when a new iPad is launching despite Apple not really attempting to differentiate it anymore. Apple does this every year. Nintendo traditionally does this every 5-7 years. I know the Wii U was a thing, I got it launch night, I lived it. But 11 years later next year, do you think Nintendo could get away with a similar strategy? Leaving the name, or just putting a clarification like the OLED models? I don't think they would do this, let me say again, but this part of the conversation fascinates me. Not saying Switch 2 necessarily, but maybe like Switch (2024 Model), insert what you think they could call it. I actually don't like Super Switch, despite the callback being awesome and loving the Super Nintendo. It doesn't roll off the tongue for me. Is the average consumer more technologically literate today vs 11 years ago (by the time the Switch NG launches)? Thoughts?

 

[NXRevolution]

I didn’t feel like engaging at the time, but there’s plenty of reasons to want a Switch 2 to have great support and to not care about owning a SteamDeck. They really aren’t the same offering. Deck isn’t really a hybrid in the same way, and I don’t expect the TV experience to hold a candle to what Switch 2 will probably offer.

Frankly I’m more interested in seeing how the Windows Handheld space evolves, since I have an Xbox and GamePass.

I have the same hope for the Switch 2, wanting games to come. I also love getting these windows handhelds. I almost went and bought an ROG Ally the other day . The concept of these fascinate me, I love to see how they evolve. And, despite what most probably think, it is competition, in some form, to Nintendo Switch. Competition drives growth and improvement. I love seeing this hybrid market grow, same reason I think the iPhone 15 pro games are cool, yeah it's a bit different to dedicated systems, but the same concept in my head.

 

[Serif]

Well it's more powerful than the Switch so yeah I expect the battery to run out faster if the switch was pushing out the sane graphics I'm sure the batter life would be lower. But if you want those 3rd party games and better running portably it's pretty much the only option you got.

Steam Deck is an x86 handheld PC running a compatibility layer for Windows games. There's multiple inefficiencies that hinder optimization and battery life. Switch 2 can easily perform on par or better with its multiple efficiency advantages.

Look, I own a Steam Deck. I'm having a blast. But it's not a true hybrid console like the Switch. Once the Switch 2 comes out we'll be seeing optimized last gen and current gen ports. The Deck doesn't have 'native' ports, no dedicated RT or DLSS hardware, just graphical presets and tinkering to get games to run on it. It's a great device but it's not stopping me from buying a Switch 2 or double dipping on Elden Ring.

 

[darthdiablo]

Is there a consensus on Switch 2's screen, 720p or 1080p? Would 1080p really be worth it with 7.91 (7.81?) inch screen?

 

[NateDrake]

Feel free to not respond, but I was wondering if you were the kind of person who, if there was no news/ disappointing news, would try and set our expectations beforehand and let us know to keep expectations low.

I simply have no update to provide. Doesn't mean anything more.

 

[OniLgnd]

I simply have no update to provide. Doesn't mean anything more.

Understood, I appreciate the response.

 

[Pokemaniac]

Is there a consensus on Switch 2's screen, 720p or 1080p? Would 1080p really be worth it with 7.91 (7.81?) inch screen?

1080p seems likely. The difference is visible at closer viewing distances, but the bigger factor is that it's suboptimal for the gap in resolution between docked and handheld to get too big.

 

[Deleted member 645]

Warn them about what, no updates from one person's sources about an NDA-bound meeting in Japan less than a week ago? Why does it matter when we already have the Gamescom reports?

It shouldn’t. There were many people on here adamant that we would be getting even more leaked info from TGS. I personally could care less. For some the sentiment was it was foolish to think we wouldn’t get more info from TGS.

 

[karmitt]

I have the same hope for the Switch 2, wanting games to come. I also love getting these windows handhelds. I almost went and bought an ROG Ally the other day . The concept of these fascinate me, I love to see how they evolve. And, despite what most probably think, it is competition, in some form, to Nintendo Switch. Competition drives growth and improvement. I love seeing this hybrid market grow, same reason I think the iPhone 15 pro games are cool, yeah it's a bit different to dedicated systems, but the same concept in my head.

I’m gonna go ahead and die on the hill that the industry will eventually converge on the hybrid. Whether it’s iPhones having docks and controllers as a package, or PlayStation 7 being just a PlayStation 6 as a handheld - it all feels inevitable.

 

[fwd-bwd]

(Apologies if the following Nikkei article had been shared. Nowadays I can’t check this thread as often as I could.)

It was brought up more than a few times that Nintendo may price the Switch NG at or below cost, and make money from software sales. IMHO, however, Nintendo is rather unlikely to release a loss leader after the 3DS and Wii U debacles, and certainly not when the very pricing strategy has put a sizable dent on Sony’s earnings.

According to Nikkei Asia’s article today, Sony Group exec is taking over SIE in a bid to improve its financial performance (reading between the lines, I wonder if Jim Ryan’s retirement is completely voluntary):

Sony Group President Hiroki Totoki will perform double duty as head of the subsidiary in charge of PlayStation, the company said Thursday, after he sounded a warning on the video game segment’s earnings downturn. […] Sony Group’s gaming segment is forecast to earn an operating profit of 270 billion yen ($1.8 billion) for the fiscal year ending in March, down roughly 20% from three years earlier. The operating profit margin is expected to fall by half to just over 6%. Sales of the new PlayStation 5 have not grown as expected. Returns on investment has also lagged. […] The return on invested capital is projected to be 12.5% this fiscal year, far below the 47.5% logged three years earlier.

The situation is similarly appalling at Microsoft. From their infamous FTC leak, MS projected to lose $1.5B on XBox hardware in FY21 alone:

Our FY21 Gaming P&L has a $1.5B hardware subsidy with the $499 and $299 price points on our consoles, that’s our largest hardware subsidy ever in the Gaming P&L.

Some also brought up the pricing of Quest headsets, and wondered if the Switch NG would compete as a VR device. Let’s not ignore the fact that Meta lost $21.3B since 2022 on Reality Labs/Quest. The company even warned that the losses will continue “to increase meaningfully year-over-year”.

It today’s fiercely competitive gaming market, loss leader pricing is a losing strategy. I’d venture to say that Furukawa and the Nintendo management are smart enough not to go down that path.

 

[Multiverse]

Matrix demo is not available on PC. You can download the City assets on Unreal and compile it, but it won't be a 1:1 experience with the demo on consoles.

I had no idea; it’s not even available on PC.

 

[TLZ]

They're comparing apples to apples here for the Switch release (EA Fifa vs EA FC), not comparing against another publisher franchise like PES.

Speaking of PES, we all know what is the superior version of that franchise:


Makes me wonder if 2K has ever made a soccer game...Excuse me... Futbol.

Yeah. But I tried to watch and couldn't take it.

Hah I played that version once or twice at my friend's place, but PES/WE was far better than ISS. Sadly it's not as good anymore. From time to time I go back and play the PS2 games. They were peak imo.

We used to dream of a 2k football game after seeing how good their NBA games were, but recently all I see is issues, so I'm not sure anymore.

 

[Kenka]

(Apologies if the following Nikkei article had been shared. Nowadays I can’t check this thread as often as I could.)

It was brought up more than a few times that Nintendo may price the Switch NG at or below cost, and make money from software sales. IMHO, however, Nintendo is rather unlikely to release a loss leader after the 3DS and Wii U debacles, and certainly not when the very pricing strategy has put a sizable dent on Sony’s earnings.

According to Nikkei Asia’s article today, Sony Group exec is taking over SIE in a bid to improve its financial performance (reading between the lines, I wonder if Jim Ryan’s retirement is completely voluntary):


The situation is similarly appalling at Microsoft. From their infamous FTC leak, MS projected to lose $1.5B on XBox hardware in FY21 alone:


Some also brought up the pricing of Quest headsets, and wondered if the Switch NG would compete as a VR device. Let’s not ignore the fact that Meta lost $21.3B since 2022 on Reality Labs/Quest. The company even warned that the losses will continue “to increase meaningfully year-over-year”.

It today’s fiercely competitive gaming market, loss leader pricing is a losing strategy. I’d venture to say that Furukawa and the Nintendo management are smart enough not to go down that path.

Exactly. Thank you for the examples you provided.

Nintendo will make money off the successor's hardware, no question. Specifically, I presume Nintendo will want to keep the operating margin for the successor at the same level as the one they make off the current models.

But that might be a tough challenge because of inflation. Nintendo very likely know how much money they can ask for their next hardware, which puts a limit on what they will fit inside. Nintendo's own financial teams might have already rang an alarm when they saw the bill of materials, and they might have been the ones that proposed to axe the OLED screen in the unit in favour of an LCD one.

Who knows what other cost-saving measures they chose to go for. I don't know enough to single out the next other component that could have been downgraded comapred to the original vision (cooling? battery size? wireless communication module?) but someone in the know could check the price evolution of key elements and make an educated guess off that.