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So what will be Nintendo's new gimmick for the successor to the Switch?

Panajev2001a

GAF's Pleasant Genius
Anything that is meant to be displayed on TV will lead to a shit handheld experience with visuals and interface not optimized for it.

I am tired of looking at ridiculously tiny visuals on the Switch Lite screen. Either make a 100% handheld console and have "big" visuals and interface, or make 100% TV console.

But don't pretend that throwing on the tiny screen a picture made for a TV makes it handheld. It doesn't.
That is a problem for developers to solve, in terms of UI design, not Nintendo as a HW maker. Now, if we talk about the practical problems of multiple platform profiles vs a single HW spec and usecase (which is what having separate console and mobile platforms would enforce) then I can agree it is unfortunate.
 

Tams

Gold Member
'Discussion video'.

FFS, these Nintendo YouTube channels are the fucking worst. Stain on the community of people who like Nintendo games and consoles. Peak, 'my uncle works at Nintendo', but they've 'grown up' into adults now.
 

Tams

Gold Member
Something more inline with the size and power of a steam deck, hall effect controllers made for hands that are bigger than a toddler, and a game pass equivalent for their current games (or at least ones that were out for switch) would be *chef's kiss*.

What we're likley going to get is a modestly stronger system with no BC, stick drift pro, and a random feature used for a few launch games only to get ignored the rest of it's life. Oh, and a step back in it's digital services in every possible way.

Mate, the size of the Steam Deck is it's biggest weakness as a portable.

I can fit a Switch into a manbag and have room for an eReader, tablet, and even a book. With a Steam Deck, I'd be lucky to get even one more thing in. And then there's the comfort when playing handheld - the Switch only just passes that (the Lite more so). The Steam Deck does not. Even the GPD Win 4 is too much of a chonker (despite the likes of ETA PRIME trying to make it look like a PSP/Vita).
 
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Tams

Gold Member
I have no idea, so I asked OpenAI:

The Nintendo Puu is the latest console to hit the market and is the successor to the wildly popular Nintendo Switch. This new console is sure to be a hit with gamers of all ages due to its innovative new gimmick.

One of the standout features of the Nintendo Puu is its ability to transform into different shapes and sizes. This is achieved through the use of a series of movable panels and hinges that allow the console to transform into a variety of different configurations. Whether you want to play on the go with a handheld device or set it up as a traditional console, the Nintendo Puu has you covered.

Another exciting feature of the Nintendo Puu is its ability to connect to other devices through the use of NFC technology. This means that you can connect your smartphone or tablet to the console and use it as a controller or even play games on your mobile device using the Nintendo Puu as a home console.

The Nintendo Puu is also home to a wide range of exclusive games that are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. From classic franchises like Mario and Zelda to new and exciting IPs, there is something for everyone on the Nintendo Puu.

In addition to its impressive hardware and software lineup, the Nintendo Puu also boasts a number of online features that allow you to connect with other players around the world. Whether you want to compete in online tournaments or team up with friends in co-op games, the Nintendo Puu has you covered.

Overall, the Nintendo Puu is an exciting new console that is sure to be a hit with gamers of all ages. With its innovative shape-shifting design, NFC connectivity, and impressive lineup of games, it is a must-have for any Nintendo fan.

It refused to answer my question at first, but I eventually got this out of it:

Me: That doesn't take into the account the ethos of 'withered technology' that Nintendo have though. What potential 'gimmicks' could use 'withered technology' on such a device?


ChatGPT: It's true that Nintendo has a history of using innovative and sometimes unconventional technology in its products. Some examples of this "withered technology" in past Nintendo consoles include the motion control feature of the Wii, the dual screens of the Nintendo DS and 3DS, and the hybrid portable/home console design of the Nintendo Switch.
If a future Nintendo console were to continue this tradition of using "withered technology," it could potentially include features such as:
  • A new type of controller that utilizes unique sensors or inputs, such as touch, gestures, or voice commands
  • The ability to use the console in different configurations or settings, such as by attaching it to a television or using it as a handheld device
  • The incorporation of augmented or virtual reality elements into gameplay
  • The use of haptic feedback or other immersive sensory experiences to enhance the gameplay experience
Again, it's difficult to say exactly what kind of "gimmicks" a future Nintendo console might include without knowing more about the specific goals and capabilities of the device.
 

THE DUCK

voted poster of the decade by bots
Switch 2 that still hooks to a tv with optional dock.this time. 9" oled, better controllers. A bit less power than a steam deck but dlss makes up some of the ground lost. $399.

And........

A shocking and simultaneous launch of the Nintendo POWER console. Power equivelent to a 3080, 1tb ssd, November 2023 launches for both. Advertised as the world's most powerfull console. $399 with no optical drive, $499 with drive. Imagine zelda or a new Mario game on that?
 
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Shut0wen

Member
I have a weird feeling nintendo will continue with the switch concept, especially since handheld gaming is dead forever because of tablets, maybe the next gimmick is having 0 drift hopefully
 

Three

Member
I don't think they will release a switch successor any time soon. When they do it will be mostly the same in terms of functionality but an iteration in power.
 

Elysion

Banned
They could sell the dock and handheld separately to keep costs down, but also to be able to give the dock its own SoC so it can function as a stand-alone console, which can also be combined with the handheld.

It could work like this, with three configurations:

1. stand-alone handheld; 2TF and 1080p screen; renders games internally at 540p or 480p and upscales them to 1080p using DLSS

2. stand-alone dock; same chipset as handheld but with higher clocks, 4TF; runs games internally at 720p and upscales them to 1440p or even 4k using DLSS

3. dock+handheld combined; handheld runs at higher clocks in dock mode, raising its performance from 2TF to 4TF; thus combined performance of 4TF(dock)+4TF(handheld) for a respectable 8TF; runs games internally at 1080p and then upscales them to full 4k


I pulled the numbers out of my ass of course, but I think 2TF for the handheld is probably the most we can expect. It’s possible it‘s something like 1.5TF instead, which means the dock would be 3TF and combined it would be 6TF. As for my resolution numbers, while using such low resolutions as the base for DLSS doesn’t look ideal on a monitor or TV, on a handheld screen this would be much less noticeable, so they can go all out with using low internal resolutions for DLSS. By rendering at low resolutions like 540p (or even lower like 480p), the handheld would be able to punch far above its weight, and might thus receive lots of games that are on PS5/XBS (imagine what the PS4 would be capable of if it would only have to render at 480p and then use DLSS to upscale to 1080p).

And they could also make both the dock and the handheld backwards compatible with the previous dock and handheld. So you can put the old Switch handheld into the new dock to play Switch 1 and Switch 2 games on tv. And while Switch 2 games can‘t be played on the Switch 1 handheld natively (unless they‘re cross-gen), there might be a remote play option where the new dock connects to the old handheld wirelessly. Alternatively, you put the new Switch handheld into the old dock to play Switch 2 games on tv. So it wouldn’t be necessary for everyone to buy both the new dock and handheld if they still want to use the hybrid functionality (since many people already have the old dock and handheld). Though in this case they‘ll obviously only have access to the power of either the new dock or handheld (so 4TF max). And future hardware iterations would of course also be 100% backwards compatible; so if ‚pro’ versions of the Switch 2 handheld and dock come out at some point, you can just buy one of them to combine with the regular Switch 2 dock or handheld you already have.

As for price, I think the dock would be the cheaper of the two, since it‘s the same internal hardware but without a screen. 299 sounds about right, just like the Series S. The handheld will be pricier, and considering the OLED is 349 already, I think 399 isn’t out of the question. There might be a combined SKU too. The big question mark is whether they‘ll have some kind of SSD or not. If the Switch 2 still only has regular slow storage, while the other systems have their blazing fast SSDs, it‘s gonna feel rough.
 

Tams

Gold Member
They could sell the dock and handheld separately to keep costs down, but also to be able to give the dock its own SoC so it can function as a stand-alone console, which can also be combined with the handheld.

It could work like this, with three configurations:

1. stand-alone handheld; 2TF and 1080p screen; renders games internally at 540p or 480p and upscales them to 1080p using DLSS

2. stand-alone dock; same chipset as handheld but with higher clocks, 4TF; runs games internally at 720p and upscales them to 1440p or even 4k using DLSS

3. dock+handheld combined; handheld runs at higher clocks in dock mode, raising its performance from 2TF to 4TF; thus combined performance of 4TF(dock)+4TF(handheld) for a respectable 8TF; runs games internally at 1080p and then upscales them to full 4k


I pulled the numbers out of my ass of course, but I think 2TF for the handheld is probably the most we can expect. It’s possible it‘s something like 1.5TF instead, which means the dock would be 3TF and combined it would be 6TF. As for my resolution numbers, while using such low resolutions as the base for DLSS doesn’t look ideal on a monitor or TV, on a handheld screen this would be much less noticeable, so they can go all out with using low internal resolutions for DLSS. By rendering at low resolutions like 540p (or even lower like 480p), the handheld would be able to punch far above its weight, and might thus receive lots of games that are on PS5/XBS (imagine what the PS4 would be capable of if it would only have to render at 480p and then use DLSS to upscale to 1080p).

And they could also make both the dock and the handheld backwards compatible with the previous dock and handheld. So you can put the old Switch handheld into the new dock to play Switch 1 and Switch 2 games on tv. And while Switch 2 games can‘t be played on the Switch 1 handheld natively (unless they‘re cross-gen), there might be a remote play option where the new dock connects to the old handheld wirelessly. Alternatively, you put the new Switch handheld into the old dock to play Switch 2 games on tv. So it wouldn’t be necessary for everyone to buy both the new dock and handheld if they still want to use the hybrid functionality (since many people already have the old dock and handheld). Though in this case they‘ll obviously only have access to the power of either the new dock or handheld (so 4TF max). And future hardware iterations would of course also be 100% backwards compatible; so if ‚pro’ versions of the Switch 2 handheld and dock come out at some point, you can just buy one of them to combine with the regular Switch 2 dock or handheld you already have.

As for price, I think the dock would be the cheaper of the two, since it‘s the same internal hardware but without a screen. 299 sounds about right, just like the Series S. The handheld will be pricier, and considering the OLED is 349 already, I think 399 isn’t out of the question. There might be a combined SKU too. The big question mark is whether they‘ll have some kind of SSD or not. If the Switch 2 still only has regular slow storage, while the other systems have their blazing fast SSDs, it‘s gonna feel rough.

With USB 4 now out in products, and the successor of the Switch not likely until 2024 at the earliest, this is certainly possible. And it's not like adding USB 4 support should be that hard.

Whether Nintendo actually do that... I doubt it. I desperately want them to do so, as it would appease their entire fanbase (bar the few who complain about anything) as those of us who want more power could just pony up the extra cash for a dock with improved performance (through additional silicon).

I reckon they make some adjustments like the OLED version (mostly to the Joycons) and shove cameras on the front and back. With a new SoC of course.
 
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NeoIkaruGAF

Gold Member
I don’t see why Nintendo should again take upon themselves the onus of innovation in a market that has peacefully accepted the standardization and the stagnation of video games fruition for a full decade at this point. Every other gaming machine from PC to smartphones has been perfectly content with iteration and power upgrades for a while, and gamers have been known to scornfully reject anything that isn’t the standard controller as long as the hardware is powerful enough. VR is the only “new” thing that has somewhat caught on since the PS360 era; everything else was a fad, even when it was actually good for interaction (motion controls, when used wisely, were unquestionably superior to analogue sticks).

Making a more powerful Switch is the only thing that makes commercial sense for Nintendo. Have another NES-to-SNES upgrade, and make it fully BC. That’s another 5-6 years of guaranteed and satisfying sales.

AR Nintendo games have created enough trouble already with Pokémon Go. Basing a new console around AR would need it to be online anywhere, it would need a substantially beefier battery, and the price of even simple games would be ridiculous because of the Nintendo tax. People have smartphones for that kind of content, and anyway, third parties would produce exactly zero games that make use of that tech if not payed directly by Nintendo.

Nintendo just needs to ensure that third parties are still willing to develop for their system, and no gimmick is required for that except a minimum of raw computing power.
 
Mate, the size of the Steam Deck is it's biggest weakness as a portable.

I can fit a Switch into a manbag and have room for an eReader, tablet, and even a book. With a Steam Deck, I'd be lucky to get even one more thing in. And then there's the comfort when playing handheld - the Switch only just passes that (the Lite more so). The Steam Deck does not. Even the GPD Win 4 is too much of a chonker (despite the likes of ETA PRIME trying to make it look like a PSP/Vita).
We went past the point of comfortable portability already with the Switch. Get a bigger manbag.
 

Tams

Gold Member
We went past the point of comfortable portability already with the Switch. Get a bigger manbag.
I'm sorry, but the Steam Deck is a chonker compared to a Switch.

Sorry if you lack the basic knowledge to recognise that.
 
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old-parts

Member
Something that extends the function of the dock like wii sensor bar/kinect etc with another stab at motion controls and bringing over more of the Nintendo motion control back catalogue to Switch 2.

Something like Philips ambilight for the when switch is in the dock, MS had something similar minus ambilight with a mini-projector doing the work.

Super dock, where you can connect multiple physical game cards to the dock treating them akin to digital downloads in Switch UI (think old school CD changer).

Handheld is the predictable boring part it's an Nvidia system on chip, and it has to have controls same as Switch 1.
 

TheDreadLord

Gold Member
I don’t expect much. It will be something alike the wii to WiiU transition but this time it will work for Nintendo. So, I expect a 1080p Switch.
 

Ornoku

Member
I doubt online features get improved at all. No 5g, no improved social features, no gamepass competitor. Successful nintendo is lazy nintendo, expect more of the same.
 
2012 hardware at 350 euros with no game.

Their sequel hardware was always a failure. I'am not hoping for something and won't be disappointed. Maybe.... online gaming? 🤡🤷‍♂️
 
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Once you realize Nintendo's philosophy, it becomes easier to understand where...what gimmick...they will use next.



Withered Technology has three strict laws:
  1. Wait until the tech is cheap.
  2. Wait until the tech is understandable (easy to develop on / for)
  3. Avoid Cutting edge tech.


I feel AR tech has become Withered. Local, Multiplayer AR.

This makes way too much sense with the Mario Kart toy experiment. If this is the worst that happens, I’d be ok.
 

Dizzan

MINI Member
They will use neuromorphic hardware (either in the controllers or the console itself). The hardware will learn your habits over time.
 

Panajev2001a

GAF's Pleasant Genius
Developers/Publishers don't care.

I am simply seeing these once great practices disappearing and people not even realizing that they could have a much better handheld experience.

I agree with you, I have been saying the same things when arguing about console generations being a good thing and the issues with the same game (not new ports by a different team for example) that supports more and more “profiles” losing some of that optimised experience.

I hope the trend reverses / the situation improves though.
 

Ozzie666

Member
It's amazing with Nintendo. You just don't know if they will play it safe or do something creatively stupid financially. I have to wonder if the days of experimental hardware are over. The profits generated by the Switch are hard to ignore for the shareholders. I just don't see them deviating too much from the current Switch status. Logic would dictate they will do everything in their power to avoid a WiiU type disaster.

In the meantime, N64 mini to fill in the profits gap.
 

Mr1999

Member
Whatever it is I'm all in, I think nintendo will fair better in the long run. Why? Because hardware will reach a sort of a renaissance in the next 10 years where even lowly electronics will be equipped with stuff decent enough and small enough where it can run most games. I like nintendo for the experience the same as I do sony,s version, I say this owning a 12700k with 3070ti. They have to get more games though and If hardware is the gate keeper they can't use that excuse for too long.
 
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daveonezero

Banned
They have the opportunity to release the Bert backwards compatible system to date. Besides maybe the other Nintendo handhelds.

If it can play physical switch carts, they keep the same eshop accounts, and blowout the online service with massive classics they don’t need to do much else.

If they do that and make it use some sort of yolks align I’ll be happy.
Honestly, why don't they take Microsoft's approach? Make a cheaper lower-end console that appeals to the same mass casual market as the first Switch, and a more expensive and powerful platform capable of 4K@30fps/1440p@60fps or whatever.
That isn’t why the Switch is successful.
 
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TheGrat1

Member
Handheld only, but with no screen, it will be used exclusively via a vr-like headset. It will also have ports for a device that sucks your dick while you play it. I remember seeing this mock up a while ago:
Samsung-Apex.jpg
 

Jubenhimer

Member
I think one of the biggest new things to add, would be some type of mini SSD. Nintendo has typically strived for short load times in their games, and having that could be beneficial, especially for downloaded games. Other than that... Not sure.
 

Jinzo Prime

Member
Let me think:

  • GPS: Pikmin Bloom and Pokemon Go rely on this technology. Switch 2 could include GPS to enable new gameplay ideas involving location.
  • Cameras: A must for AR capabilities. Could see an evolution of Mario Kart Home Circuit using cameras on the system itself
  • Speech Recognition: Imagine talking to an Animal Crossing character, and that character reacting quickly with the appropriate response.
I'm sure there's more withered technology they could play around with, but this is just off the top of my head.
 
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bad guy

as bad as Danny Zuko in gym knickers
Gamegirl
a 2D handheld with 24h playtime. $100. Games are handheld-orientated games again and very affordable because 2D.

Gimmick: hand-crank like the Playdate??
 
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UltimaKilo

Gold Member
They should be terrified of having to release a new console in late 2024. What they can offer to bring in new buyers is a huge launch window of new titles. Hopefully with AI upscaling, they can get some good new 3rd party titles.

If I’m at Nintendo, I re-consider allowing Xbox GamePass on my future system.
 

Rob_27

Member
Different cartridge design so you have to buy your old games again. If they even bother making them BC.
 
i respect Nintendo for trying new stuff but they hit gold with Switch. all the need to do is release a beefed up version and call it Switch 2 and let it play Switch (1) games.
 
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