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

[MilkyChance]

Knowing Nintendo, if 8 GB is true, I suspect it's 8 GB of available Memory total with 4 GB reserved for other usage such as the OS, it wouldn't make sense IMO. 64 GB is still too low especially games today, unless Nintendo is teaching developers how to compress games.

 

[Derachi]

a 120 hz screen (even a 90hz screen) is actually secretly the thing I want most!

(as long as it’s an OLED)

8 GB RAM isn’t enough though, and 64 GB storage is laughable. Unless they really want to offload that cost to the consumer by way of Micro SD Card purchase? Even then I feel 64 GB is far too little. 128 is the bare minimum IMO and 256 would be ok. 512 would be nice but I expect 256.

 

[Shoulder]

Expected a worse price being MSI tbh

Videocardz has a very good specs comparison table on their website.




Its IPS, the new OLED gaming product dream from Samsung is still alive

 

[Bonejack]

Knowing Nintendo, if 8 GB is true, I suspect it's 8 GB of available Memory total with 4 GB reserved for other usage such as the OS, it wouldn't make sense IMO. 64 GB is still too low especially games today, unless Nintendo is teaching developers how to compress games.

You think Nintendo would be so dense to release a successor system in 2024 with only 4 GB RAM available for games?

 

[dotnetguy]

I've also been mostly lurking here from time to time, not so much of a person to post frequently myself, but sometimes i'll feel like leaving a comment at least.

I find it funny that you mentioned this about John from DF, because i distinctly remember in one of their DF Directs (can't remember which episode though, been a while) in the supporter Q&A segment someone asked a question about the Switch 2 and the very moment Richard asked John about his opinions regarding that question he just noped right out of it and Richard chuckled a bit. At that point i was 100% convinced they must know something. haha

While i'm not getting my hopes up for news, leaks or rumors for this month, February will be an interesting month, as it's the typical month of the Nintendo Direct. We'll get a general idea what Nintendo has planned for this year when the Direct happens. I'm personally expecting to see a lot of Remakes, Remasteres, low-budget/low-profile stuff as well as release dates for the games that were previously announced without a date. Nintendo is saving all the big game announcements for when they'll reveal the successor properly. (Or afterwards, like with the Switch's January 2017 presentation)

Lol, yes, I remember that moment too! It was a fairly recent one Nov/Dec last year and they were all laughing nervously.

 

[MilkyChance]

You think Nintendo would be so dense to release a successor system in 2024 with only 4 GB RAM available for games?

Sorry, I meant to add a total of 12 GB with 4 GB reserved and 8 GB available.

 

[redmutineer75]

Sorry, I meant to add a total of 12 GB with 4 GB reserved and 8 GB available.

Why would they need that much reserved? Even the Series S only has 2 of its 10 GB in reserve, Nintendo can easily get their OS down to 1 GB or less.

 

[Hermii]

Sorry, I meant to add a total of 12 GB with 4 GB reserved and 8 GB available.

They're not going from the leanest console os to the most memory hungry one.

 

[Bonejack]

Hot take: Make the ReDraketed OS even more lean and small.

 

[Discostew]

Sorry, I meant to add a total of 12 GB with 4 GB reserved and 8 GB available.

Even with that, what would Nintendo do with those 4GB? The Switch uses only around 800MB of its 4GB for OS and apps, and non-Nintendo consoles with 16GB RAM have not reserved near that 4GB range.

 

[dotnetguy]

Anything less than 12GB would be absolutely baffling tbh, if this console is going to have a lifespan of 6-7 years, and I wouldn't be surprised by 16...

 

[Darknut85]

Anything less than 12GB would be absolutely baffling tbh, if this console is going to have a lifespan of 6-7 years, and I wouldn't be surprised by 16...

Nate also said he expected 16GB in a YouTube comment.

 

[Hermii]

I don't expect 16, simply because Nintendo knows they can get away with less.

 

[Langstonboy]

8gb ram and 64gb storage (especially if it’s slow emmc with slow micro sd expansion) is suicide for the little console, it’s doa with that for 3rd party games tbh.

 

[Goodtwin]

I don't expect 16, simply because Nintendo knows they can get away with less.

Depends on cost. If the cost difference is negligible, they may opt for 16GB to help future proof the console. I think its safe to say that Nintendo would like to continue the trend of 7+ year console generations. In 2024, 12GB is perfectly fine, but in 2030 having 16GB may pay big dividends.

 

[Shoulder]

12 or 16GB is what NG Switch will have.

It's possible early dev kits had at one point 8GB because it could've been a bog standard Tegra Orin NX (though isn't it also the case that the latest/final Switch 1 dev kits have 8GB in them for bebugging?).

8GB would've worked back in 2020 perhaps, but 4 years later, 8GB would be a DUMB decision by Nintendo.

 

[AceBandage]

4GB RAM
1GB of Storage
And it's a digital only system

 

[ILikeFeet]

it's been said enough times why the ram and storage won't be what that article lists. no need to waste time over it again

 

[Deleted member 645]

I don't expect 16, simply because Nintendo knows they can get away with less.

You make sense.

 

[Bonejack]

4GB RAM
1GB of Storage
And it's a digital only system

PSP Go ... what a vanguard.

 

[Langstonboy]

4GB RAM
1GB of Storage
And it's a digital only system

Nah it’s gpu is a die shrunk Nvidia GeForce 256 with 128mb of system ram, and a die shrunk Pemtiun 3 with a iPod 80gb hard drive.

 

[Shoulder]

Depends on cost. If the cost difference is negligible, they may opt for 16GB to help future proof the console. I think its safe to say that Nintendo would like to continue the trend of 7+ year console generations. In 2024, 12GB is perfectly fine, but in 2030 having 16GB may pay big dividends.

That did get me thinking. In terms of power usage, would there be much of a difference between 12GB, and 16GB? I'm sure there is to some extent, so given Nintendo's strict power budget requirements, would that be enough to opt for lower amount in the interest in power savings, even if the prices were the same?

Then again, if the difference is "Hey, 16GB will be more easily manufactured in 3-5 years over 12GB, so do you really still want to go with 12GB?" then maybe Nintendo could consider that approach.

I actually do disagree with the notion of, "Well, if Nintendo can get away with it, they will do x or y." Nintendo, from a hardware perspective, does make boneheaded decisions (The expensive Multi-Chip Module in the Wii U as one example). So we know Nintendo can make hardware decisions, and have it not only be about the money. For the NG Switch, it could be about the power budget.

EDIT: Many times earlier in this thread, discussions were made regarding expandable storage, and their power requirements/usage. MicroSD, UFS, nvme M.2, CFExpress, etc. If Nintendo are that concerned about power usage for storage, I would think Ram would play potentially an even bigger role.

 

[rêverie]

i like to reaffirm whenever i open this thread and nothing of note happens that @NateDrake did say something substantial (not sure if exact word used) is going to happen in march.

which, for all intents and purposes, is not far away at all. especially given the fact that i fully expect more leaks/possibly credible rumors to happen leading up to that.

also, that something is SOOOO switch 2 obviously. and if it’s not…

 

[yusufied]

I'd fucking hate it if there was a tacit agreement among leakers to pull a "If you know, you know" statement. You can't do this to me.

I do feel like if leakers knew something about the Switch 2 and spoke about it, it'd be pretty dangerous for them. Nintendo's secrecy means that anything that could be filed under "leaking company secrets" is potential for a lawsuit, at least i believe. That would probably explain the Shareholder spike a couple of weeks ago. DF, NatetheHate and others could just be keeping quiet to keep their hides safe.

Edit: Thanks to @Bonejack clarifying, updated to just say "NatetheHate"

Throw back to 2012 when we got the final Wii U gamepad leaked only 2 weeks before it was re-revealed at E3. The leaker was sued into the ground though. :/

Leaked Wii U Controller Image Reveals Redesigned Thumbsticks | TIME.com

A new picture of the Wii U's controller reveals several curious redesign tweaks, including raised left and right thumb-sticks, as well as what appear to be extra buttons.

techland.time.com

 

[oldpuck]

That did get me thinking. In terms of power usage, would there be much of a difference between 12GB, and 16GB? I'm sure there is to some extent, so given Nintendo's strict power budget requirements, would that be enough to opt for lower amount in the interest in power savings, even if the prices were the same?

My understanding - and @Look over there is my go to for All Things RAM, so he should correct me if I'm wrong - there is only tiny power differences based on size alone. Keeping RAM "on" so that it doesn't lose data takes a tiny tiny amount of power, and yes, that power slightly increases as the amount of RAM increases. But what eats power is actually accessing the data, reading or writing. And that's controlled by how much memory bandwidth you have.

So 16GB @102 GB/s will not have a significant power difference from 12 GB @102 Gb/s.

I've started coming around on 16GB. As time wears on it feels more viable. Still think that 12GB will be excellent, but I have to admit that 16GB is nice

 

[oldpuck]

Query: How many folks here own a Steam Deck? I finally bought myself one when the OLED model came out, and it has changed my thinking on Switch 2 a bit. Curious what others experiences are.

 

[Estew]

Query: How many folks here own a Steam Deck? I finally bought myself one when the OLED model came out, and it has changed my thinking on Switch 2 a bit. Curious what others experiences are.

I have one and love it. It's definitely changed a few of the things that I'd like to see in the Switch 2 as well.

 

[SoldierDelta]

Query: How many folks here own a Steam Deck? I finally bought myself one when the OLED model came out, and it has changed my thinking on Switch 2 a bit. Curious what others experiences are.

I have an LCD model, 256gb. Very cool device, but I do find myself mainly using it to play lower-end PC titles and indie games. Not my favourite device that i've owned, but i'd be lying if I said it wasn't worth the money.

 

[yusufied]

I've started coming around on 16GB. As time wears on it feels more viable. Still think that 12GB will be excellent, but I have to admit that 16GB is nice

If I'm going to take Nate's statement on the next gen hardware 100% literally then I would expect 16 GB of RAM. But he did say "near every area".

A 1:1 comparison isn't possible given the tech each have equipped. We discussed the Steam Deck on my show last yr & Switch 2 should outclass it in near every area.

 

[Gotdatmoneyy]

If the pricing for 16 GB of RAM was good and not much more than 12 GB when they started their component deals then I can see a fringe chance of 16 happening but I expect 12 GB personally. That would be more than fine for the type of device that is. 12 GB of RAM with 1.5 GB dedicated to the OS.

 

[Dark Cloud]

12 GB seems to be the consensus

 

[Shoulder]

Query: How many folks here own a Steam Deck? I finally bought myself one when the OLED model came out, and it has changed my thinking on Switch 2 a bit. Curious what others experiences are.

Have a launch 512GB version, and love every bit of it. Analog sticks are awesome, Gyro is VASTLY improved over Switch, and ergonomics are damn near perfect. Me being the tinkering type, I like being able to adjust settings, power levels, etc. I especially like limiting the package power to about 10 watts, which would yield ~4hrs of playing time. Using SteamOS is very easy, and intuitive IMO, and it turns PC gaming into a more console experience that is pick up n' play ala Switch.

Also, using the 40hz mode in the settings presents that perfect balance between 30 and 60fps given the frame times. It's surprisingly a useful feature, given the limited power of the Steam Deck as a whole.

Btw, Good to see you back, my friend. Hope all has been well in your corner of the world.

 

[Hermii]

If I'm going to take Nate's statement on the next gen hardware 100% literally then I would expect 16 GB of RAM. But he did say "near every area".

Having parity is not the same as outclassing.

 

[carbvan]

The RAM discussion has returned... Someone put this thread out of its misery.

 

[VagrantValmar]

Switch 2 with SFC colored buttons confirmed.

 

[redmutineer75]

Having parity is not the same as outclassing.

In fact, having 16 GB LPDDR5 @ 102.4 GB/s would be the exact same memory setup as the Deck OLED.

 

[Quailman]

I follow Sakurai on youtube and recently saw that he posted this.

Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games4 hours ago
It's a bit late to be saying this, but...Happy New Year!I'm planning to wrap up Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games sometime this year. Until then, I hope you'll stay tuned!

He might be working on a new game this year or something else.

edit: could find this post under the community tab on his youtube page.

 

[fsshariq]

Query: How many folks here own a Steam Deck? I finally bought myself one when the OLED model came out, and it has changed my thinking on Switch 2 a bit. Curious what others experiences are.

First of all, super glad to have you back!

I have a launch 256GB model that I upgraded to 1TB. At first, it was more of a curiosity and I didn't enjoy the size and heft vs my Switch. I got used to it over time and I now primarily use it as an indie machine given they are cheaper on Steam vs the eShop. I still prefer the size/weight of the Switch. I would love to get the OLED revision but I will reserve those funds for the NG Switch.

 

[kasparov77]

Query: How many folks here own a Steam Deck? I finally bought myself one when the OLED model came out, and it has changed my thinking on Switch 2 a bit. Curious what others experiences are.

Deck OLED changed my perspective on the deck itself if anything. I'd get one but pricing in my country is completely bonkers.
I'll wait until it's price here gets normalized. The lcd model is somewhat acceptable in price right now, but I don't have much interest on it because I'm a panel nerd and I HATE poor contrast ratios, low color accuracy and backlight bleed (all of which the lcd model suffers from).

I'm still kind of in the fence because the OLED model suffers from pwm flickering (which gives me insane headaches) so I'm still kind of thinking on waiting for possibly a deck 2 that maybe fixes this issue.

 

[unit 9s]

Query: How many folks here own a Steam Deck? I finally bought myself one when the OLED model came out, and it has changed my thinking on Switch 2 a bit. Curious what others experiences are.

My partner was in one of their commercials and got one for free as payment, so I was able to play around with it. I think it's just too big for me. I know people complain about hand cramps with the Switch, but it's perfectly sized for me. I hope the Switch 2 isn't too much bigger than the original.

 

[bmfrosty]

I'm a panel nerd and I HATE poor contrast ratios, low color accuracy and backlight bleed (all of which the lcd model suffers from).

I'm the exact opposite. I notice stutter, tear, and compression macroblocks, and can't even, but I get used to bad color and contrast pretty quick.

 

[VagrantValmar]

I have an LCD Deck and while I like the device, there's too many Linux + general PC inconveniences that I don't like. I also expected "switching" to TV mode to be easier.

The sticks are also too far away for me. I don't consider myself to have small hands, they're not massive, just normal I guess, but it's not comfortable. The Switch is slightly more comfortable but both are uncomfortable to be honest. I do like the symmetrical sticks though.

As for the deck as a gaming system, I really like it. The massive library is cool, game sharing is easy, despite the inconveniences, it still is more convenient than playing on my PC, and I managed to work on it when my laptop died so that's also a big plus.

Side note: I got the 64gb for 400 back then and I changed the internal storage for a 256 ssd. It was fairly easy. 64GB was basically unusable imo unless you're only playing really small indie or old games.

Also, I've had too many issues with cache and residual files when installing stuff on the micro SD so I just don't use the microSD for anything that's not emulating ROMs.

 

[Deleted member 4990]

Switch 2 with SFC colored buttons confirmed.

NGL that color button layout theory is getting more and more tempting with the past few months.

 

[TomNookYankees]

Switch 2 with SFC colored buttons confirmed.

Except tnat's the color layout of Xbox controllers not the SNES controller:

 

[VagrantValmar]

Except tnat's the color layout of Xbox controllers not the SNES controller:

That's just Sakurai trying to play us like a damn fiddle

 

[bmfrosty]

Except tnat's the color layout of Xbox controllers not the SNES controller:

XBox button labeling and coloring have become de facto. This irks me to no end.

 

[ohlawd]

Except tnat's the color layout of Xbox controllers not the SNES controller:

MS wasting their time with that complete hack Kojima when they should be throwing money at Sakurai

 

[ezidro3]

Query: How many folks here own a Steam Deck? I finally bought myself one when the OLED model came out, and it has changed my thinking on Switch 2 a bit. Curious what others experiences are.

I love my OLED but it's in the middle of getting repaired and I think I'm losing it a bit

 

[lattjeful]

Query: How many folks here own a Steam Deck? I finally bought myself one when the OLED model came out, and it has changed my thinking on Switch 2 a bit. Curious what others experiences are.

First off, welcome back since I didn't say it earlier. Your presence in this thread was greatly missed. To answer your question, I don't own one, but I've played around with it enough to get an impression of it. Neat little device. I think it's already starting to age, but that's to be expected when it's a portable PC and not a console that gets dedicated ports and all that fun stuff. It's great for anything pre-PS5/Xbox Series. Bit big for my tastes - it's more of a "bedside system" than a portable one - but it's fairly comfortable despite that.

If you don't mind me asking, how'd the Deck change your thinking on the Switch 2?

 

[bmfrosty]

Query: How many folks here own a Steam Deck? I finally bought myself one when the OLED model came out, and it has changed my thinking on Switch 2 a bit. Curious what others experiences are.

I got one probably the May or June after they launched. I was real excited and actually used it as my primary desktop for a good 6 months. 512gig model. I should play some games again soon.