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Switch Pro, how could it help Nintendo?

Chronos24

Member
Something I just haven't understood about Nintendo is why not have a good amount of everything instead of some big trade-off which has been since the Wii.. power. Imagine a Nintendo console that was at the very least moderately powerful along with the great games they make, third party support because let's be honest here third parties DO NOT support Nintendo consoles as much because of 1 reason and that's power, on top of the niche that makes Nintendo consoles great. Imagine if the switch launched at PS4 level power meaning close to 2 TF and look at those games. Now remember the PS4 launched 2013, switch 4 years later. Technology is advancing exponentially faster I feel like 4 years to get that kind of power into a switch with a little better cooling and battery and boom. You tell me that's not possible at the very least? I feel like it could've been. Now the other side is you are getting something decent at a lower price but is already getting left far behind the technological curve. Look at the other consoles selling at 399 and 499. Would you not pay that for a much more powerful, capable switch?
 

Jubenhimer

Member
What I find interesting about all these Switch redesign discussions is that no-one mentions that Labo has been intimately designed around the controllers and screen being the layout and size they are currently. Also Mario Party relies on removable controllers.

Would they make Labo redundant like that? It may be a bit niche but it is an extraordinary example of Nintendo's secret creativite sauce.

I'm sure those will still exist. But if the Switch mini is real, it'll likely be announced alongside the rumored Pro model. That way, people don't mistake the mini as a replacement for the original Switch, but rather a niche product for those that want just a pure handheld only experience.
 

Hinedorf

Banned
I've been a big supporter of the Switch but as of late the lack of quality content is really just sad. I feel it's as if they only planned to really support the Switch for 2-3 years before moving on because that's how I'm treating it as a customer.

I still love it for titles like Phoenix Wright, but I'd just as soon them just give me the 3ds lineup and make this their primary handheld device that doubles as a console.
 

Jubenhimer

Member
Something I just haven't understood about Nintendo is why not have a good amount of everything instead of some big trade-off which has been since the Wii.. power. Imagine a Nintendo console that was at the very least moderately powerful along with the great games they make, third party support because let's be honest here third parties DO NOT support Nintendo consoles as much because of 1 reason and that's power, on top of the niche that makes Nintendo consoles great. Imagine if the switch launched at PS4 level power meaning close to 2 TF and look at those games. Now remember the PS4 launched 2013, switch 4 years later. Technology is advancing exponentially faster I feel like 4 years to get that kind of power into a switch with a little better cooling and battery and boom. You tell me that's not possible at the very least? I feel like it could've been. Now the other side is you are getting something decent at a lower price but is already getting left far behind the technological curve. Look at the other consoles selling at 399 and 499. Would you not pay that for a much more powerful, capable switch?

Anybody even suggesting that you can cram PS4 level performance Ina mobile chip for under $300 is delusional. There is NO mobile processor that matches PS4 level power at the moment. Nintendo went with the best chip they could've gotten at the time. You have absolutely no idea how mobile technology progresses or works.

Besides, third parties don't care about power as much as you think. They just want something that's easy to work with and has an audience for games.
 

Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
I've been a big supporter of the Switch but as of late the lack of quality content is really just sad. I feel it's as if they only planned to really support the Switch for 2-3 years before moving on because that's how I'm treating it as a customer.

I still love it for titles like Phoenix Wright, but I'd just as soon them just give me the 3ds lineup and make this their primary handheld device that doubles as a console.
There is so many games coming out for Switch this year, are we simply ignoring all those games?
 

Jubenhimer

Member
Drawbacks: No joycons, just a tablet with its untachable stand. No Wifi. Wired connection only. The assumption is you have a Pro controller. And of course, is not portable anymore. There's no battery on the system. Can only be purshased through Nintendo's website. Marketing on this thing only on "hardcore" online communities.

Why does a Pro model need to strip out so much.
 

Pejo

Member
I personally think doing a mini that's undockable and a pro that's stationary is doing a huge disservice to the brand of the Switch. Even in the name, the idea is that you can switch it up on the go and take it with you, or switch it to the tv, etc. By splitting things out in a way that allows only one or the other, it seems like they're diluting the product. Then again, they did it successfully with the 2DS I guess.

Anyway, if they do a Switch Pro that's the same basic idea with better performance/battery I'll buy the hell out of it. If they do a Mini and a stationary model instead, I'll pass on both.
 

Jubenhimer

Member
Then again, they did it successfully with the 2DS I guess.

I'd say the whole reason the 2DS happened was due to health concerns regarding the 3D. So Nintendo needed a product for Kids who's parents feel uncomfortable with them using the then current models. In the case of a Switch mini, I think Nintendo will market it as a niche alternative, rather than the main replacement. Similar to a Game Boy Micro or iPod Touch. The Switch Pro will be the main replacement for the Switch.
 

diffusionx

Gold Member
All the griping about the Switch's last of power seems to come from a small subset of the gaming audience. The truth is most people simply don't care about pixel or frame counting and are happy to play a game on the system even if it is downgraded. The fact that Switch ports sell so well tell me that people are mostly fine with the sacrifices inherent with it.

I mean, I have a Switch, and I don't want to play Doom at low res and 30fps, so I just play it on PC. I've been happy with the way Nintendo games look and run on the system. I don't need a Switch Pro and I am ostensibly the market for it. To that end I think the Switch Pro could actually hurt Nintendo as it just confuses people. They'd have to be very careful about how they position it.
 
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Chronos24

Member
Anybody even suggesting that you can cram PS4 level performance Ina mobile chip for under $300 is delusional. There is NO mobile processor that matches PS4 level power at the moment. Nintendo went with the best chip they could've gotten at the time. You have absolutely no idea how mobile technology progresses or works.

Besides, third parties don't care about power as much as you think. They just want something that's easy to work with and has an audience for games.

The tegra X1 is not exclusively a mobile chip and I was suggesting paying more money for a more powerful switch which was the gist of what I was saying. Again we're talking hopes and dreams over reality. You took my post too seriously. Also, tell me you wouldn't want on par performance with other consoles for multiplatform games. Tell me you don't want to see a legend of Zelda or Mario or what have you at very high graphical fidelity. Its just a wish
 
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Jubenhimer

Member
The tegra X1 is not exclusively a mobile chip and I was suggesting paying more money for a more powerful switch which was the gist of what I was saying. Again we're talking hopes and dreams over reality. You took my post too seriously. Also, tell me you wouldn't want on par performance with other consoles for multiplatform games. Tell me you don't want to see a legend of Zelda or Mario or what have you at very high graphical fidelity. Its just a wish

If you wanted a $600, 1 hour Battey life, difficult to develop for nightmare, be my guest. But Tegra X1 was the best chip Nintendo chose because it was the only chip that could deliver what the Switch needed as a platform. While Zelda and Mario with PS4 Pro levels of power would be nice, but they look fine as it is already. That's the thing with game visuals. You don't have to Target the highest specs possible, if you don't want to.
 
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Zog

Banned
What is the upside to a Switch Pro? Weren't there a few games that ran like ass on the original 3DS and it was recommended that they be played on the New 3DS? Exclusive games? A Switch Pro would be a slap in the face of original Switch owners who don't upgrade.

I can't understand why consumers want this.
 

Jubenhimer

Member
What is the upside to a Switch Pro? Weren't there a few games that ran like ass on the original 3DS and it was recommended that they be played on the New 3DS? Exclusive games? A Switch Pro would be a slap in the face of original Switch owners who don't upgrade.

I can't understand why consumers want this.

Sane reason PS4 Pro and Xbox One X exist
 

NickFire

Member
Sane reason PS4 Pro and Xbox One X exist
I agree and disagree. There are people who will happily upgrade or get a second machine. I just feel like, based purely on my own experiences, that the draw of a second switch is not the same as the other consoles. I get it. My anecdotal experiences don't mean much. But they do tell me that most people I know with a switch have it as the secondary console.
 
Mini first

Home console would be better than a “pro” tablet
I would like a "pro" home console only bundled with their "pro" controller (I'm not buying a console that forces me to buy a secondary controller in order to play decently, sorry)... However, I don't expect them to do this, or if they do so it would probably be less powerful than the XboxOne, so what's the point?

Just release a stand alone home console bundled with the pro controller, thanks.
 

Danjin44

The nicest person on this forum
Sane reason PS4 Pro and Xbox One X exist
But most games made to also run on base PS4 and Xbox One, it never fully takes advantage of PS4Pro and Xbox One X's powers.

New 3DS only had one exclusive and that was Xenoblade Chronicles 3D.
 
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MagnesG

Banned
The screen is already 720p. So it would stay the same, that's what you mean ? 720p is enough anyway for a screen this size, in my opinion.
Yeah, I was really banking on it putting more priority on battery life, preferably 5-6 hours this time. To me having a higher resolution screen is waste of resources, needing more juice as well as more costly.

Of course this is considering if Nintendo wants it to stay at $300-$350 price point, which I think they have to, if they want to maintain that every Switch per person, not per house rules.
 

Zog

Banned
It's an option for those who want a more premium experience. It's something to exist alongside other versions of the system instead of being a replacement for it.

when you say 'premium experience' do you mean exclusive games and/or games that run like an ass on the original console?
 

Jubenhimer

Member
when you say 'premium experience' do you mean exclusive games and/or games that run like an ass on the original console?

The latter. While all games will run on both systems, some games will be recommend to play on the Switch Pro for the best experience.
 

Zog

Banned
The latter. While all games will run on both systems, some games will be recommend to play on the Switch Pro for the best experience.

You see how this hurts people who don't upgrade? Now the new standard is 'does it run well on the Pro' even if it runs like ass on the original.
 

Area61

Member
I'm more concerned about the price of mini actually. If Mini priced 200$ than it would be absolute day 1 buy for me.
 

lestar

Member
With a Switch Pro I expect it to be on handheld mode as powerfull as a current model Docked mode or nvidia shield clocks levels, and near xbox one s on Docked. Nintendo could use their Supplemental Computing Device pattent to enhance Switch pro even more on docked mode, this would'be the only way I see to tighten the gap to next gen consoles.
 
That would defeat the whole point of the Switch.
Well, it drives the cost up for everyone:
- if you want to play on the go you pay for some wireless controllers and a docking station
- if you want to play on the big TV you pay for the screen on the console, you get a worse controller than you would otherwise, and the console is weaker than it would be

Nintendo can release two consoles that run the same software with different performance profiles - just like they do now - but as separate products that are well suited for both markets (if you want both... buy both).
 

UltimaKilo

Gold Member
Being a Nintendo mobile device, it was inevitable that rumors of revisions and upgrades to the Nintendo Switch would be floating around. This time, Nintendo seems to be trying something a little different. Launching, not one, but 2 new updates to the Switch within close proximity to each-other. One is a rumored Switch mini that strips the system of its dock and Joy-Con controllers, for a strictly handheld only experience. The other, is an upgraded "Pro" model similar to the original system, but with some beefed up specs, better battery life, and a few QoL changes, not too dissimilar to that of the PlayStation 4 Pro or Xbox One X. Since there's not really much of anything interesting regarding a supposed Switch mini, let's focus on the rumored Switch Pro for now.

Now, let's get one thing clear now, this isn't going to bring the system up to next gen levels of power. The Switch as it is now, is pretty powerful for a mobile device. It's PC-based Tegra X1 still holds up remarkably well, and can run a good majority of PC/PS4/Xbox One games at low settings. That, being said, it's still a mobile device, and there are limits to what mobile processors can do at the moment. That means that all of the big, demanding AAA titles are still out of the question, even with a Pro model. Especially with next gen arriving soon. That said, Assuming Switch Pro will be using Tegra X2, that wouldn't actually be a bad thing. As mentioned, Tegra is PC-based, so the Switch is still able to get most of the lower end and less demanding games from both current and next gen consoles, especially with indies and mid-teirs thriving, and game engines being so scalable these days. Plus just like 7th generation consoles, cross-gen games are going to be the norm for at least a good 3 years, so the Switch will have a lot to profit from in that sense.

Back to the main topic, how would a "Pro" model help the Switch regarding developers. I think one thing that would improve is better performance. Nothing crazy huge, but a good enough bump to make a Switch version play more like the console counterparts. As capable as the Switch is, it can't do everything, and even the best Switch ports still have to make some cuts to at least either the resolution or frame-rate. A Switch Pro could help that, by giving developers access to more room for higher resolutions or frame-rates. Even in handheld mode, not everybody can stomach sub-720p resolutions sometimes, and some Switch ports are downright crap in general, so this could help greatly in that regard.

Another thing that could change, is a higher-res display for handheld mode, giving you 1080p on the go if the game supports it. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Nvidia said that Tegra was capable of 4K and HDR too, so maybe Nintendo could add support for those down the line. I don't think these things will go mainstream when next-gen launches, but being better prepared for when they do reach widespread adoption is something Nintendo should consider. The last time they waited on adopting a resolution upgrade, it led to their worst received console since the Virtual Boy, and I doubt they want to relive that nightmare again.

So there's that. I don't think the Switch really needs a beefed up "Pro" model, at least, not yet. But getting one out ASAP, would definately help Nintendo in the long run, especially if they want to stick with the Switch for a long time, which they apparently plan to do.

There’s a lot wrong here. Of course I would buy a Switch Pro, but a Tegra X2 is incredibly unlikely for obvious reasons: pricing, manufacturing costs, overkill.

A Switch revision would (theoretically) have to run all Switch games. So you’re more likely to get a Switch with an X1 die shrink that brings power savings, allowing for better clock speeds. Maybe enough to run games rocked at 1080p at a stable 30?

Also, your assessment is wrong, the Switch is not that powerful, especially in 2019. There’s a lot on the market that blows it away, like Apple’s year old A12x.

So let’s hope those bezels go away, we get some power savings and we can get that stable 30 FPS @ 1080p docked. Maybe they can throw in a better WiFi and Bluetooth chip?
 

Mista

Banned
Actually Nintendo needs to work more on their system than the hardware. Plenty of basic features needs to be added. Online, messaging, party...etc

All of this needs to be top priority especially that we’re in 2019 and all of this is considered standard...
 

Jubenhimer

Member
Well, it drives the cost up for everyone:
- if you want to play on the go you pay for some wireless controllers and a docking station
- if you want to play on the big TV you pay for the screen on the console, you get a worse controller than you would otherwise, and the console is weaker than it would be

Nintendo can release two consoles that run the same software with different performance profiles - just like they do now - but as separate products that are well suited for both markets (if you want both... buy both).

The reason the Switch is successful is because it's a powerful mobile device and a decent home console in one. As well as a great mobile party machine as well. There's no point in splitting the two worlds up again, especially since most Switch owners use the system exactly how Nintendo intended it to begin with.
 

Jubenhimer

Member
Also, your assessment is wrong, the Switch is not that powerful, especially in 2019. There’s a lot on the market that blows it away, like Apple’s year old A12x.

For a $300 gaming focused product, it is pretty powerful. It still holds its own against most other mobile products retailing for the same or similar price. Yes, Processors in newer iPhones are more powerful, but they're around $800-1,000 so....
 
The reason the Switch is successful is because it's a powerful mobile device and a decent home console in one. As well as a great mobile party machine as well. There's no point in splitting the two worlds up again, especially since most Switch owners use the system exactly how Nintendo intended it to begin with.
Are you sure they do?

I just want the desktop machine with a good controller.
 

Jubenhimer

Member
Are you sure they do?

I just want the desktop machine with a good controller.
original.jpg


This was from 2017, but the point still stands.
 
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V4skunk

Banned
I’m curious to see how Nintendo will do a Switch Pro without any Tegra upgrade to use.

More memory? High clocks?
I honestly think they will end up taking off the shelf parts and customise a brand new chip, at least for the next gen Switch.
Nintendo also know a thing or two them selves about chip design.
 

Pantz

Gold Member
I would buy one. I can wait.

A screenless home console only version would be my preferred choice.
 

SonGoku

Member
I only got 3 games on Switch so far: DOOM, Octopath Traveler and Xenoblade 2. All three look and play fantastic in handheld mode. I
You gotta be trolling me, two of those games look (360p) and play (sub 30fps) like absolute horseshit on handheld mode
I guess if you hook it up to a huge tv it will look bad
X2 looks much better docked, handheld mode for that game is a disaster.
If your going to make a pro version it needs a bigger 1080p screen to set it apart from the base unit.
lol let's learn to walk first and then we run
The switch can't even keep up with its 720p display, most are sub native in handheld mode not even Nintendo games hit native
If the switch pro can hit native 1080p docked and native 720p handheld on all games it would be a small miracle
Honestly, if it can run the Witcher 3 okay,
It can't lol
Severerly downgraded and even then hits sub 540p docked
Handheld mode will probably hit 360p in demanding scenes and hover over 480p most of the game
You can bet on it. Sticking to lower resolutions than 1080p can help.
Something you may not want to.
Hitting native 720p on handheld would be a huge improvement in IQ
Doom, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Zelda:BOTW to 1080p/30fps
fixed
1080p screen, finer, gaming running on portable mode
The switch can't even keep up with its 720p display
Switch Pro as a tablet makes zero sense.
running games at the handhelds display native resolution doesn't make sense?
 
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NahaNago

Member
They don't need a switch pro right now. I don't really see a need for a switch pro since next gen starts next year and will be compared to next gen releases with the shiny new graphics. I believe that the best thing to do would be to release a new switch instead in march of 2022. That would give the switch five years. I'd prefer they release a console in 2022 instead and then release a mobile version later but that's just me.
 

Hinedorf

Banned
Not even the tons of indie games and Japanese titles. Nor stuff like Crash or MK11?

Got MK11 on PS4 it's fantastic! I would never buy a game on Switch that would perform better elsewhere which is why when it comes to Switch it's indies or Nintendo IP. I would be surprised if MK11 didn't have major performance issues on the Switch.
 
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Deleted member 752119

Unconfirmed Member
I've been a big supporter of the Switch but as of late the lack of quality content is really just sad. I feel it's as if they only planned to really support the Switch for 2-3 years before moving on because that's how I'm treating it as a customer.

I still love it for titles like Phoenix Wright, but I'd just as soon them just give me the 3ds lineup and make this their primary handheld device that doubles as a console.

Huh? If there is a Switch Pro it will be like the PS4 Pro and Xbox 1 X or Nintendo’s past upgraded handhelds. No (or very, very few based on New 3DS) exclusive games and just a boost in performance over the base model for those who want to upgrade.

A next gen Nintendo console/hybrid is 2-3+ years out as Switch is early in year 3 and still selling well and will get a big boost this fall with Pokémon and spring with Animal Crossing.
 

Zog

Banned
Got MK11 on PS4 it's fantastic! I would never buy a game on Switch that would perform better elsewhere which is why when it comes to Switch it's indies or Nintendo IP. I would be surprised if MK11 didn't have major performance issues on the Switch.

For me it's not about performance but Nintendo managed to make really bad controllers this gen so I would rather play multiplat games on the PS4.
 

Jubenhimer

Member
Got MK11 on PS4 it's fantastic! I would never buy a game on Switch that would perform better elsewhere which is why when it comes to Switch it's indies or Nintendo IP. I would be surprised if MK11 didn't have major performance issues on the Switch.

It actually doesn't. Not all Switch games have preformance problems. Most are scaled back yes, but very few are actually bad. Besides, you can take these games anywhere so in the end, the trade-offs don't matter if the port is still good.
 

Zannegan

Member
I'd be happy enough if a switch-'pro' model was released but my main gripe with that is that I don't think nintendo would bother utilising it properly, what with Nintendo and it widely different quality between games. Take BotW, a massive world that looks great and might just even age well like the other former graphically standout Zelda, Wind Waker. Then have a look at Xenoblade Chronicles 2, a game that whilst clearly has a higher quality of animations and models in comparison to other 'anime' styled games has a really crappy looking world with low-res textures.
If they do release a switch-'pro' I'd want some developers to either work on some pro specific patches for games to work and/or look better
I think you're going to have to wait a generation or two for a remaster before you see that level of work put in.

Switch Pro as a tablet makes zero sense.

Switch Pro as a home console would be fantastic, and serious blow to Sony.
I think my sarcasm detector is broken. A home console would be more powerful, sure, at the cost of everything that makes the Switch the Switch. But no matter how powerful it was, it would be restricted to playing the same software designed to run on the tablet. Think of the XBox 1X playing 360 games--higher res, better frame rates, but the same old assets and lighting. What benefit would that be to anyone, and how would it be a blow to Sony? Plus, "pro" versions are usually... scratch that, always an upgraded version of the original, not a completely new hardware class.

You're looking for a new generation with an all new hardware concept. You'll get the new gen in 2-4 years. Whether they'll give up the hybrid form factor though is anyone's guess.
 
original.jpg


This was from 2017, but the point still stands.
So they have about half the people playing in both modes - good for them, I don't play in bed or on the toilet, neither do I play on the road.

Nice for them, but this is not what I want, I want a true console that comes with their pro controller (it ads quite a lot to the price of a device that is already way more expensive than it needs to be).
 
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Deleted member 752119

Unconfirmed Member
So they have about half the people playing in both modes - good for them, I don't play in bed or on the toilet, neither do I play on the road.

Nice for them, but this is not what I want, I want a true console that comes with their pro controller (it ads quite a lot to the price of a device that is already way more expensive than it needs to be).

Probably just not the platform for you then, as I don’t see them doing a tv only version. They’ll have the base model, a cheaper mini that doesn’t come with a dock but is compatible with the dock (can already buy separately) and probably a pro version of the base model with better screen and a bit more power etc is my guess. All models need to be able to “switch” even if it requires an extra purchase like the mini probably will.
 
Probably just not the platform for you then, as I don’t see them doing a tv only version. They’ll have the base model, a cheaper mini that doesn’t come with a dock but is compatible with the dock (can already buy separately) and probably a pro version of the base model with better screen and a bit more power etc is my guess. All models need to be able to “switch” even if it requires an extra purchase like the mini probably will.
I know, sometimes I wonder why I jump in treads like these, maybe some day I'll pick one up to play the Sega Ages games on it.
 

SonGoku

Member
They don't need a switch pro right now. I don't really see a need for a switch pro since next gen starts next year and will be compared to next gen releases with the shiny new graphics
Switch Pro won't compete with next gen, and is needed now to run current games more decently
 
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SLoWMoTIoN

Unconfirmed Member
Whatever Nintendo does will sell either way. No matter how bad their games might look, how outdated the hardware and software is. It doesn't matter really. GC and Wii U never existed though.
 
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