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[Neff]

I think Nintendo's next portable will be something that's genuinely portable, like a controller that unfurls a strip of OLED to display on, or projects an image onto a wall or into some glasses or something. But I think that will be some way off, 3DS has only just started to swing its balls, and they'll give it plenty of time to keep swinging.

Wii U's successor is many, many years away. 2017 at the earliest.

 

[majorscud]

I think Nintendo should stop chasing the gimmick train. People have caught on that the gimmicks behind the Wii and 3DS were not worth it, and it shows in WiiU sales and 2DS interest.

If they really want to ride the gimmick train to the last stop, they need to design a portable and console that are two halves of a whole. Games can be swapped between them by dropping the resolution, and the portable can be used as a controller without losing ergonomics or buttons.

 

[Sandfox]

With their next console Nintendo will probably need to try and emulate what others are doing but add their own flair on it and find a way to attract consumers over from them at the same while keeping the price at a decent number.

I think their next handheld should move away from the DS name to go back to one screen. I think it should be a bit more powerful than the Vita and given the time frame it would be nice if it could hit 720p. Its smarter for Nintendo to not go all out on power with their next handheld and it would be cool to see a family of devices like we have for the 3DS.

I think Nintendo should stop chasing the gimmick train. People have caught on that the gimmicks behind the Wii and 3DS were not worth it, and it shows in WiiU sales and 2DS interest.

I don't really think that's true and what 2DS gimmick are you talking about?

 

[majorscud]

I don't really think that's true and what 2DS gimmick are you talking about?

I'm talking about the 2DS is actually drumming up a lot of interest from Nintendo's real target (non-hardcore) because it lacks the 3D gimmick. Don't get me wrong, I love Nintendo. I have a Wii U and 3DS XL. I just can't help but feel that gimmicks like the Wiimote and 3D screen cause price increases and hardware specs to suffer. If the WiiU only had the pro controller, think about how much more powerful the system could have been, or cheaper.

 

[Glass Rebel]

The screens setup

The cost of such a component must be seen, indeed. If it is too costly, then having them wouldn't be good for having a device with 199.99 as maximum limit of price. But foldable OLED wouldn't be necessary: looking at the video, it's just two separated screens put near each other, with no foldable technology involved. And that shouldn't be that expensive. It'd be just as expensive as having two good quality touch screens, which shouldn't be crazy, by using already-proven tech.
About the battery...well, my idea for the portable device would imply dimensions in between 3DS and 3DS XL, and such a setup would mean that both superior and inferior parts to have the same thickness. Then, the superior part would be more thick than usual, and wouldn't this allow for putting the battery right behind the superior screen? Battery on the superior part, hardware on the inferior part. Shouldn't this be possible? (seriously asking here)
And why would it be complicated? It's not different from DS and 3DS, just with two screens with the same dimensions, and with the possibility of playing at full screen now. It's not that complicated.

As I said, I'm no engineer but that would make for a rather thick device. I'm looking at it from a mass-market perspective and I simply don't see it having that much appeal even though I can see its uses. As I said, this is where I think they really need to go as simple and as close to the industry standard as possible. They need to impress with software again.

The hybrid concept

1. Maybe, having multiple SKUs for the Dock would be ideal.
One SKU: DOCK alone
Other SKU: DOCK + WiiMote
Another SKU: DOCK + Classic Controller
That would make easier for it to be bought at launch, without worrying about "not using" the controller

2. Looking at what's happening with iOS/Android devices, and how pads for those devices are becoming reality more and more, I'd say there would be quite a big demand for a device that let you play great games both on the go and on the big TV screen, with a great price to begin with. I believe the hybrid is going to be the future for all of the HW houses, but Nintendo will be the first one to actually realise it, even if due to necessity

3. Doesn't Wii U already have this kind of technology? And it's underpowered, and customized to keep energy consuming very down. And there are already things like Miracast dongles displaying videos / games played on Android devices. The portable platform should be powerful enough to sustain it...without costing too much, as already said.

Still, what said in my first post can be taken also as ideas for the next portable console without any hybrid thing. Just remove the hybrid speculation, and here's what I think they will do with their next handheld.

In some hours, I'll continue that post

1. Nintendo is moving away from multiple SKUs with different hardware configurations though, especially not for something that is essentially an accessory and totally optional. And again, this just throws out way too many different options on the market. You don't want to make it too hard for your consumers to decide what to buy and you want to make the concept as obvious as possible. This is where they succeeded with the DS and the Wii. Both products that made sense from the very beginning. Wii U on the other hand... It's something they really need to play right next time.

3. I'm not talking about the streaming per se, but for a good picture you'd need a device that can output at least 720p on one screen (which is generous since that'd be a downgrade from Wii U), have good battery life and still come with a sub $200 price. This wouldn't be an issue with a dedicated home device but would obviously be way more difficult to achieve on a handheld. And next time around, Nintendo will try to sell their platforms above cost, I'm sure of that.

 

[Sandfox]

I'm talking about the 2DS is actually drumming up a lot of interest from Nintendo's real target (non-hardcore) because it lacks the 3D gimmick. Don't get me wrong, I love Nintendo. I have a Wii U and 3DS XL. I just can't help but feel that gimmicks like the Wiimote and 3D screen cause price increases and hardware specs to suffer. If the WiiU only had the pro controller, think about how much more powerful the system could have been, or cheaper.

I read your post wrong lol

 

[Reg]

Seems like the wii brand is over. Don't put wii in the name.

 

[OzPinoy]

Mind telling me which parts would turn Nintendo core gamers off or is this just a drive-by post?

Lesson 2: Two platforms is one too many... I don't agree with you here. The Wind Waker wouldn't be made if Nintendo decide to just stick with the GBA since gamecube was a flop.

Lesson 3: ...Two screens maybe too. 3DS is still selling. 2DS will even push the sale projection for their handheld division. Because these product are still selling there no reason to abandon two screens yet.

 

[Glass Rebel]

Lesson 2: Two platforms is one too many... I don't agree with you here. The Wind Waker wouldn't be made if Nintendo decide to just stick with the GBA since gamecube was a flop.

Mobile platforms are quickly approaching very powerful levels. In a few years it wouldn't be hard to have a handheld that's fairly close (or even more powerful) than the Wii U.

Lesson 3: ...Two screens maybe too. 3DS is still selling. 2DS will even push the sale projection for their handheld division. Because these product are still selling there no reason to abandon two screens yet.

It is selling but it is selling below expectations. For the model you are suggesting will push these sales (which I agree with) they have already dropped the 3D and the clamshell design even though there was apparently "no reason" to abandon them.

 

[OzPinoy]

Mobile platforms are quickly approaching very powerful levels. In a few years it wouldn't be hard to have a handheld that's fairly close (or even more powerful) than the Wii U.

The A57 arm won't be more powerful than the Wii U since it has been quoted to be equivalent to the ps3. The Wii U will still have more grunt since it gpu packing more punch.

We will see since Nintendo did merge their handheld and console division in Japan.

It is selling but it is selling below expectations. For the model you are suggesting will push these sales (which I agree with) they have already dropped the 3D and the clamshell design even though there was apparently "no reason" to abandon them.

You gotta realize that Nintendo will NEED back compatibility to get the One up on both directly and indirectly to their competitor. Abandoning their two screen strategy will hinder market penetration and consumer acceptance. Why don't be agree to disagree here. I can agree if Nintendo did this; http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=79299793&postcount=4655 with their next gen handheld device

 

[Brimstone]

Go MIPS + PowerVR
21:9 aspect ratio screen
Dual Analog sticks and plenty of buttons
Make an Excite bike game that takes advantage of the 21:9 aspect ratio

Tecmo Bowl 21:9 aspect ratio

watch the money roll in

 

[Freezie KO]

Yeah, I remember the video. But while I like the concept in theory, I have doubts about it in practice:

1. I cannot imagine the price of such a device being low. We're talking about two high-res screens, one of which would be foldable.
2. Consequently, it would very likely lead to a short battery life, another thing they need to improve since the 3DS.
3. It is too "complicated". I firmly believe that Nintendo's best bet with both consumers and developers is going as simple as possible.

I simply don't think it's technology worth pursuing. I realize that my idea of a next gen Nintendo plat would kill backwards compatibility with both the DS and 3DS but I think it's time for them to cut off their ties with old hardware so they can pursue a more future-proof model. I know that people will disagree with me but it's time for a reset.

The hybrid model was something I have considered as well but it has a few flaws which led me to the unified systems concept. For argument's sake, let's call the various devices Handheld (obvious), Dock (the stationary device) and Pad (the pad used to play on your TV):

1. The Handheld + Dock + Pad configuration, which you seem to suggest, would make the Dock + Pad practically worthless without the handheld. On the other hand, if you put in too much "innards" in the Dock + Pad, you make it too expensive for something optional.

2. The hybrid concept ignores the portion of the market that does not want a portable device, limiting them to a console that has not only unnecessary parts but is also underpowered. And not only that, it's also too complicated for mainstream audiences. They have to keep it as simple as possible without crossing the line where it's too simple for non-Nintendo developers to follow.

3. Let's assume that we keep the Pad + Dock very barebones to keep costs down. Streaming from a handheld device to a TV would require the handheld to be quite powerful. We're talking rendering at a minimum of 720p here, unless you want a blurry mess on your TV. Applying that to your hybrid, there's two possibilities: Either you make it really powerful, resulting in a device with one 720p screen and one 1280x1480 screen, or you make it run in a sort of powersaving mode when not attached to the dock so you can get away with lower res screens. Either way you're looking at a device that has more power than it needs, driving up costs, simply because it has to stream to a TV.

I liked the hybrid concept in theory but until I thought about it what it would mean in practice. I will concede that they might keep the two screen arrangement for both handheld and console but I'm almost 100% certain that they won't go the hybrid route. It just creates too many difficulties with too few advantages for both Nintendo and consumers.

Interesting post. I hope there's a way to work the hybrid. I was thinking of something like your "powersaving mode" that you described. It gets away with lower resolution while as a handheld, and then can use extra power when "docked".

Even if the hybrid isn't perfect next gen, they could start by unifying their software platform. So they basically drop the reset bomb, and starting next gen, all your VC and new games play on both the handheld and console (sold separately).

And then sometime in the future, Nintendo shifts to a pure hybrid. When I look at the diminishing returns of PS4 and XBone and compare that to the Vita or iPad, I have to think that merging the two seems the obvious move. But I admit that I'm not a tech guy.

 

[Glass Rebel]

The A57 arm won't be more powerful than the Wii U since it has been quoted to be equivalent to the ps3. The Wii U will still have more grunt since it gpu packing more punch.

We will see since Nintendo did merge their handheld and console division in Japan.

A home console wouldn't necessarily use a smartphone configuration of the A57 since it wouldn't be limited by neither size nor battery. And the handheld wouldn't use a resolution above qHD either and feature lower fidelity graphics anyway, making the power argument kinda moot. I'm almost 100% certain that Nintendo will use an ARM chip in their next console with hardware divisions

You gotta realize that Nintendo will NEED back compatibility to get the One up on both directly and indirectly to their competitor. Abandoning their two screen strategy will hinder market penetration and consumer acceptance. Why don't be agree to disagree here. I can agree if Nintendo did this; http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=79299793&postcount=4655 with their next gen handheld device

Backwards compatibility is a great thing to have if you can't provide a compelling launch lineup and release schedule. Nobody mentions the lack thereof in the PS4 anymore. It's also holding them back in terms of hardware design and their insistence on hardware solutions also adds manufacturing costs with little benefit to the consumer. I'm a supporter of backwards compatibility but not at the cost of technical progress.

 

[Log4Girlz]

A home console wouldn't necessarily use a smartphone configuration of the A57 since it wouldn't be limited by neither size nor battery. And the handheld wouldn't use a resolution above qHD either and feature lower fidelity graphics anyway, making the power argument kinda moot. I'm almost 100% certain that Nintendo will use an ARM chip in their next console with hardware divisions




Backwards compatibility is a great thing to have if you can't provide a compelling launch lineup and release schedule. Nobody mentions the pack thereof in the PS4 anymore. It's also holding them back in terms of hardware design and their insistence on hardware solutions also adds manufacturing costs with little benefit to the consumer. I'm a supporter of backwards compatibility but not at the cost of technical progress.

And BC isn't exactly working wonders for the Wii U

 

[Metallix87]

Do you want to give any reason why or where I'm wrong?

Sure. Nintendo is the only console manufacturer trying to actually do something different from the competition in terms of hardware. I prefer they always exist in both markets, since they've proven to be innovators with their consoles, with the sole exception being the Gamecube (though that system still had plenty of great games).

 

[Glass Rebel]

Sure. Nintendo is the only console manufacturer trying to actually do something different from the competition in terms of hardware. I prefer they always exist in both markets, since they've proven to be innovators with their consoles, with the sole exception being the Gamecube (though that system still had plenty of great games).

That "innovation" is costing them dearly and they have no software to justify it unlike last generation. I wonder if you will sing the same tune in a year.

 

[Metallix87]

That "innovation" is costing them dearly and they have no software to justify it unlike last generation. I wonder if you will sing the same tune in a year.

The system is still young, and you know what? I'll say this, and probably get shit for it, but both Nintendo Land and Game & Wario use the Game Pad very well, and Ubisoft's Zombi U does as well. Whether more software uses it very well down the road is unknown because, again, the system is very young.

 

[AzaK]

The system is still young, and you know what? I'll say this, and probably get shit for it, but both Nintendo Land and Game & Wario use the Game Pad very well, and Ubisoft's Zombi U does as well. Whether more software uses it very well down the road is unknown because, again, the system is very young.

Thing is, the question isn't whether software uses the GamePad but whether there is software. Third parties have all but bailed and Nintendo has not shown a healthy 2014.

 

[The_Macho_King]

Nintendo should take huge risks next gen. Create hardware on par with its competitors and farm out more of its IPs to developers in order to coerce them into supporting the platform.

For instance you could have EA and Criterion do FZERO. Give Ancel and the Rayman team Super Mario World 3. Have Bioware work on an all original Legend of Zelda trilogy. SEGA Mario Kart etc.

This could allow Nintendo's internal teams to go into a brainstorm session and see if a new generation can create some new original stuff while giving third parties the opportunity to make some money.

 

[bomblord]

Continue down the path they are going because they will never again achieve spec parity with the competition. It's impossible without other divisions to offset the loses.

Also I'm calling next generation being a hybrid portable home console with a docking station to connect to your tv it just makes too much sense given the direction they are going. (incredibly low power draw on home system feature parity between portables and handhelds and the regent merge of their handheld and home console division)

 

[RurouniZel]

Lessons Nintendo should (but likely won't) take away from 3DS/Wii U

1) Spread your fucking releases out evenly. None of this huge launch --> Nothing for months.
2) Spread your fucking releases out evenly.
3) Don't rely on 3rd parties. They hate your guts, and always will. Esp. Western devs.
4) Spread your fucking releases out evenly.
5) Modest hardware is okay if the price is modest. 3DS and Wii U were too expensive. Gimmicks aren't good for your platform if they drive the price up (3D screen, tablet with too big of a screen).
6) Stop making your products confusing as fuck to customers. Wii U should never have had the word "Wii" in the name. Before anyone says "But it plays Wii games!", the Wii played Gamecube games. Was it a Gamecube 2/Gamecube U? No, it was a Wii.
7) Spread your fucking releases out evenly.

 

[Freezie KO]

1) Spread your fucking releases out evenly. None of this huge launch --> Nothing for months.

What huge launch?

 

[Currygan]

lessons to be taken regarding the handheld launch

- a comfy price and a Mario game

lessons about console launch

-a comfy price and a Mario game

 

[Buddha Beam]

I'm fully in favor of them making a "third pillar" hybrid console. Something as powerful as the Wii U, but with the guts packed into the tablet controller. Maybe it could be docked to the TV to play disc-based games and a RAM boost... or could just stream to a little box the size of an Apple TV or Roku. At least by going the third pillar route they don't abandon the Wii U or 3DS... but if it hits big, they can start to phase them out. If it fails, well, they've still got the Wii U and 3DS.
...or at least the 3DS. haha.

They've done a great job working with indies, but at some point within the next, say, 18-24 months they need to take it to the next level. Right now the indie developers are making games on Nintendo consoles, but they aren't exactly coming up in, like, a "Nintendo culture". Nintendo's goal should be to start locking these guys in so they can go to them in another 3 or 4 years and say, "We want you to make a game exclusively for us" or even, "We want to acquire you guys". Maybe I'm just blind to it, but I don't see them as locking them in, so to speak.

Ultimately, Nintendo's goal needs to be to create a viable, alternative ecosystem in gaming. We sorta have that already with iOS and Android games, but those are largely considered to be relegated to the ghetto at best. After years of being a Nintendo fan and being, to be quite honest, rather heart broken from seeing so many third parties and development houses pass over them and write them off, I've given up on them. Most of EA, Activision, Take Two, Ubisoft and other's output barely appeals to me these days anyway.
So yeah... I'd rather see them take the lead and create a new ecosystem made up of their own first party titles, indies and Japanese developers and publishers. Let Publishers like Capcom, Sega and Square provide the sort of crossover titles between the two ecosystems. Doing all that would also allow them to keep releasing lower-spec hardware without getting shit on too badly by the gaming press. It might even make it acceptable.

All of that, from creating a Third Pillar machine and building said new ecosystem is far and away the hardest, slowest route to take... one that would not really bear any fruit for several years. It is the smartest path for them to take at this point, since no matter what they do, they ain't getting no love from the Old Guard ever again.

 

[SaviorX]

I've posted this in another thread before, but it still applies here:

Nintendo, after the brief blip they had with the Wii, is maintaining the same trajectory downwards. As it stands with Wii U, they have:
No sports games, no fighting games, no exclusive shooters, no open world games, no online community building titles, no racing simulators, no non-Disney appearing adventure games, no RPGs, and no original 1st party titles we havent experienced before.

All those genres are nonexistent, and the few titles that's are there are nearly all old ports or games with missing content and pathetic value or giant flaws. It's embarrassing, and Nintendo itself is not innovating in anything. No games have attempted to push hardware or set new benchmarks in gameplay. If you want a mature audience, craft some mature looking games. Their philosophy on development sounds selfish. Games are supposed to be made for the gamers, not to stick to an image Nintendo feel it represents or has crafted for itself. Sure, companies must stick to some kind of "brand" in order to actually stand out as an entity, but Nintendos brand has only forced them (IN THE CONSOLE SECTOR) to isolation and immediate irrelevance.

They say they make games for everyone, but that's not true. A wide majority of the industry makes games for males aged 13-40 and Nintendo has ignored all of that.People say ninty shouldn't compromise and make what everyone else is making...but that also gives off the sentiment Nintendo will just up and make 10 first-person shooters straight.

As gamers, on a forum, we are usually a tad more openminded than the general gaming populace so views get skewed a little in terms of what we think Nintendo should do and what the market at large will respond to. As of now, they are responding to nothing, because Nintendo literally has no presence, nada, NOTHING in the popular genres on consoles outside of platformers and the occasional "casual" game. I wish I could make this my signature.

[[[[[Wii U = No sports games, no fighting games, no exclusive shooters, no open world games, no online community building titles, no racing simulators, no flight simulators, no MMO-esque games, no popular multiplats with feature parity, no non-DisneyPG appearing adventure games, no RPGs, and no original 1st party titles we havent experienced before.]]]]]]]

 

[gholas]

Reading this thread is making me realize how unreasonable gamers are.

- Nintendo should release a home console and a handheld together that costs $350.

- Nintendo should release a budget console for $199 that has amazing graphics.

Someone even complained about how expensive Nintendo's systems are and suggested that Nintendo should release a handheld that cost around $160 and a console that costs no more than $299. (Are they trolling? I can't fucking tell anymore.)

There are quite a few other posts that follow suit but I'm too lazy to address all of them. I think in the long run, as more games are released and the price continues to lower, the wii u will do fine. Not great. I can assure you, whatever system(s) they release next will possess the following traits:
- the hardware will not be cutting edge
- the main innovation will come from focusing on how the player interacts with the game and/or other players
- there will be some design/UI decisions that seems backwards and lagging behind (like the unified account system of today)
- it will not have an abundance of third party support.

Bottom line (for me, at least): If they continue to release Nintendo games on it, then I will still buy it.

 

[Glass Rebel]

The system is still young, and you know what? I'll say this, and probably get shit for it, but both Nintendo Land and Game & Wario use the Game Pad very well, and Ubisoft's Zombi U does as well. Whether more software uses it very well down the road is unknown because, again, the system is very young.

It doesn't really matter what you think are great uses of the pad when they aren't selling the system. I wonder when the Wii U will be "old" enough to be declared a failure. Next year? In two years?

Nintendo should take huge risks next gen. Create hardware on par with its competitors and farm out more of its IPs to developers in order to coerce them into supporting the platform.

For instance you could have EA and Criterion do FZERO. Give Ancel and the Rayman team Super Mario World 3. Have Bioware work on an all original Legend of Zelda trilogy. SEGA Mario Kart etc.

This could allow Nintendo's internal teams to go into a brainstorm session and see if a new generation can create some new original stuff while giving third parties the opportunity to make some money.

It makes absolutely no financial sense for EA or Ubisoft to put their top teams on Nintendo games when they could be working on their own franchises. None.

 

[Freezie KO]

I really like the Wiimote, so I am not going to complain about so-called "gimmicks." But I have no idea what they were thinking with the GamePad. It really feels like they just rushed out the first idea they thought of.

Hardware guy: We've got a controller with a screen on it!
Iwata: Okay, why are people going to buy that?
Hardware guy: I dunno. Worked for DS.
Iwata: Do we have any games that use it?
SwapNote guy: What if we make a social network for drawing?
Iwata: What about actual games? Software we can sell?
Miyamoto: We can make a minigame collection based on Nintendo franchises.
Iwata: That's a start. Any other ideas? Anything in the pipeline?
Miyamoto: Not really. I'm still trying to figure out shaders.
Iwata: Maybe our third-parties will come up with something.
Reggie: Um...
Miyamoto: What about a map?
Iwata: All right. We'll go with the screen. We'll just figure out the games later.

 

[Morokh]

As far as i'm concerned :

1. Plan your damn launch and your first year with first AND third party titles BEFORE even considering a release date.
2. Online interactions must be streamlined/ made easier in, and out of the games. NNid is a good start, but send a notification the the person who was added at least, and make things less intrusive, Animal crossing is a pain in that regards.
3. Proper account system, at least just to keep track of purchases.
4. 2nd analog is a given considering 3D will only become more common with an increase in power, so don't forget it.

 

[Azure J]

I believe Iwata's goal is to again emulate apple. Create multiple products that share architecture for cross platform compatibility. This actually means they could develop one mega Mario Kart, Smash Bros., New Super Mario Bros., that is playable across console and portable. They don't have to spend resources developing multiple versions of the same IP.

I don't think their plan is to release one hybrid platform, as much as releasing both styles but with unified architecture. I think that is a win-win for developers and consumers.

This is pretty much exactly what I thought was happening contrary to everyone talking up hybrids. Not only does this make more sense given the direct quote everyone gives to support the hybrid idea, why would Nintendo forego an entire revenue stream because "ugh too hard, I quit?" Stockholders would go nuts.

 

[stilgar]

Fire your marketing department. Or just give them more cocaine. But don't repeat the magistral fuckup of your last launches.

 

[Bitmap Frogs]

Have a goddamned XL at launch.

 

[cartman414]

Reading this thread is making me realize how unreasonable gamers are.

- Nintendo should release a home console and a handheld together that costs $350.

- Nintendo should release a budget console for $199 that has amazing graphics.

Someone even complained about how expensive Nintendo's systems are and suggested that Nintendo should release a handheld that cost around $160 and a console that costs no more than $299. (Are they trolling? I can't fucking tell anymore.)

There are quite a few other posts that follow suit but I'm too lazy to address all of them. I think in the long run, as more games are released and the price continues to lower, the wii u will do fine. Not great. I can assure you, whatever system(s) they release next will possess the following traits:
- the hardware will not be cutting edge
- the main innovation will come from focusing on how the player interacts with the game and/or other players
- there will be some design/UI decisions that seems backwards and lagging behind (like the unified account system of today)
- it will not have an abundance of third party support.

Bottom line (for me, at least): If they continue to release Nintendo games on it, then I will still buy it.

What's the point of having hardware that isn't cutting edge if it ends up costing more than $299 at launch for the good configuration to begin with?

 

[jts]

Have a goddamned XL at launch.

Ehhh, so much this. I remember giving up and buying a regular 3DS, but I couldn't even enjoy the system, thinking of an XL model. Now I've fixed it though.

 

[SporeCrawler]

And BC isn't exactly working wonders for the Wii U

Nintendo games tend to sell for a very long time. There are still DS and Wii games on shelves and its a good thing to be able to play them on 3DS and WiiU respectively.

 

[Village]

Lesson 0. Don't fucking name it by changing one letter

This , or atleast if you do . Make it a two Wii 2. Make it seem like a new console

 

[Metallix87]

It doesn't really matter what you think are great uses of the pad when they aren't selling the system. I wonder when the Wii U will be "old" enough to be declared a failure. Next year? In two years?

I've never changed my stance on the matter: If Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. Wii U come and go and the system is still in dire straights, then it's time to officially declare the system a total failure.

 

[Rolf NB]

Lesson b: Make your product appealing to someone.

 

[jett]

Lesson 3: ...Two screens maybe too

This. They've never justified this. It was just a silly way to differentiate the DS from the PSP, vast majority of DS games I've played just completely waste one of the two screens, and it's even "worse" on the 3DS. Unfortunately they'll probably continue to use their dumb dual screen setup until the end of time before they lose backwards compatibility.

I don't know what will Nintendo's next hardware might be like, but they should seriously consider just having a single, portable platform with HDMI out, and leave it at that. I really don't know what they could do to fight off cell phones though.

 

[LocalE]

If Nintendo wants to sell Nintendo boxes (i.e a console that's only good for its first party because third party relations are in shambles), they should price it $99-$159 and keep it that way forever.

Wii U showed how a much of scam it is after PS4 cost $50 more than it while boosting far better graphics and third party support. Even a slightly lower price is bad since last gen systems can still compete (i.e PS3/360).

Edit: Another problem was Nintendo's own game development. They let 7 years slip by and had nothing ready for HD because they just started learning.

Oh, it's a scam, now.

"Oh, you have to buy a special box just to play them games?"
"Yeah, that's how they get ya."

I guess the 2DS is probly some kind of pyramid scheme, as well. People seem to hate it, there must be a real reason.

 

[Glass Rebel]

I've never changed my stance on the matter: If Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. Wii U come and go and the system is still in dire straights, then it's time to officially declare the system a total failure.

We'll see, I just hope you remember to post in this thread

 

[Glass Rebel]

Sorry for the bump and double post but with the PS Vita TV announcement I thought I could re-ignite this discussion.

It's kinda the reverse of what I envisioned in my OP but in reverse with the handheld being released first.

Judging by the size and the price of the Vita TV I'm fairly confident that Nintendo would be able to pull off something respectable in 3-4 years with a handheld following closely behind.

 

[Mpl90]

Sorry for bumping the thread, but I came up with another possible (and, probably, crazy) idea for next gen Nintendo handheld hardware, but I didn't want to create a brand new thread just for that. This idea would also blend fantastically with the software creation application I described in this post - http://neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=79433181&postcount=135 ,but it would also represent a drastic concept as a whole.

It's a second idea about the hardware itself. If you remember correctly, I already posted here my first concept for the next handheld, a foldable design BUT with two screens of equal dimensions, both touch and attached to each other. Then, if the console is fully open, you'd have basically one giant screen (and people should have the option of selecting between classic two screens mode and one giant touch screen mode). So, a sort-of-tablet, but with the whole recent handheld Nintendo identity (foldable design, two screens) still presents.
Now, the brand new concept I thought about is based on both the screens not just being "simple" touch screens, but haptic screens. Haptic technology allows for much greater feedback compared to normal touch screens, much better reliability for control. Then, thinking at haptic technology AND, as also muu in another similar thread did, how Monster Hunter uses the bottom screen (touch d-pad), I've had this (I admit it) extreme idea.

Yep, those buttons are on the screen, not on the console. They're digital (except L and R, still physical). Yeah, we allo know that digital analogues on touch screens, as well buttons on the touch are too unreliable to be considered reliable enough, let alone as reliable as real analogues / buttons. But, as said earlier, hatpic technology should greatily diminish such a legitimate concern, and in the next years it'll even improve.
However... what are the advantages of using digital buttons?
Actually there are many of them

-You can put both analogues, d-pad and buttons on the top screen, when you play with the console wide open
- You can put them all on the bottom screen, if you play in a classic DS-like portable style
- You can put some of them on the top screen, other on the bottom
- You can change size and position of single bottons
- You can customize the single parts, with special skins for the background, bottons and what else (they could be unlockable through completing Nintendo's version of Achievements/Trophies)
- Becoming the best emulator system ever. Yeah: to play older games with much bigger fidelity than ever, just select that console's control scheme, and go. Think about replaying Super Smash Bros. Melee with all your favourite Nintendo Gamecube analogues and buttons (the great A!), just as an example
- Letting developers creating special control setupus just for specific games. Like, a Street Fighter game having an arcade like setup, with simulated arcade sticks and arcade buttons, in conjunction with something similar to SSFIV's touch functions. Or, a Steel Battalion game where there are many things to touch on both sides of the top screen, for a bigger immersion in the game itself

Letting the customer him/herself decide the setup to use would make this console perfect for everyone, for every kind of customer / hand. And a great way to let people themselves customise the console, at least on the screen itself. What's also great about this design is that, if you rotate the console, it can become a good-looking sort-of-tablet device, which is something quite difficult when physical buttons are involved. And it'd be a foldable sort-of-tablet too. When rotated, there wouldn't be the "pad bars", the whole two screens would be used for surfing the web, eShop, and other functions.

Tell me (hopefully, without insulting me too much due to physicial buttons being lacking XD ) what do you think about this.

And this is the brand new hardware concept which I came up with. As said earlier, I'm 100% aware it's a different, risky concept, especially looking at how games on mobile and tablets which try to use on-ouch-analogues and screens, but with the help of haptic technology, there'd be so many advantages for the customers, but developers as well, giving to them much, much bigger gameplay possibilities on both touch screens, and not just the bottom one...great possibilities, given the technology I still remember I had to post other thoughts on there, I hope to remember that...and this time, posting as well.

 

[Tuck]

Lesson 0. Don't fucking name it by changing one letter

Bingo. The biggest issue.

 

[Memino]

Is it too much to ask for decent third party support? I'm sick of having to buy two consoles for a handful of exclusives and judging by their sales the majority of people don't see value in those handful of games anymore. I want to buy the next nintendo console, but clearly they can't support two platforms on their own so either they have to invest heavily on new studios or mend some broken bridges, enough promises about what they're going to do and more action. Nintendo have already lost enough mind share with core gamers and chasing another gimmick train at the hope of recapturing the blue ocean market could be disastrous.

 

[ArtHands]

Is 3DS actually one of your favourite consoles of all time? I understand a hyperbole to make a point, but come on now. I assume you are appreciating the device due to the quality of games released on it, not due to the actual hardware benefits. Is the 3D a game changer for you, or is it that games like SMT and Fire Emblem have been fantastic?

Disassociate the content with the device. The device is holding back the content and has been for multiple generations because it hasn't been focused, perfected, and been very "gimmicky".

Look at the best to offer on Nintendo consoles, and tell me their hardware has actually helped or hindered it.

Games like phoenix wright, layton, twewy etc will have be compromised if its on other platforms. The hardware has certainly helped them. There is a reason why even sony has added gimmicks like touch screen and gyroscope etc into the vita too.

 

[AdventureRacing]

Quality and varied software plus a good price = sales. If you launch with at a high price with a barren software line-up you will sell poorly, end of story. Also it's very hard to get rid of the stench of a failed line-up, so it's important not to fuck things up right out of the gate.

 

[OrangeGrayBlue]

Release a larger and higher-res version of the Wii U gamepad (much larger... Like a 24" screen) that can be toted around in a backpack for "portability" or mounted on a stand for living room play. It would also have to include a way to output video to a larger monitor if desired. This jumbo-tablet serves as both the screen and the internal guts, like a giant vita essentially.

make the platform download-only to save money/space on optical drives.

Include a pro-controller for those who don't wish to control the game through the same device they view it on.


Have an extensive virtual console library available at launch (NES -> Wii U, as well as Sega, atari, neogeo, etc) and market this as being a competitor to the app store, emphasizing quality over quantity.

Force the message that this is like a giant iPad specifically for gamers.

???

Profit.

 

[badnewsbeers]

I don't understand why nintendo doesn't just expand a bit. There is a lot of talent in the world - add some more teams and flesh out the release schedule.

 

[Refreshment.01]

Tell me (hopefully, without insulting me too much due to physicial buttons being lacking XD ) what do you think about this.

And this is the brand new hardware concept which I came up with. As said earlier, I'm 100% aware it's a different, risky concept, especially looking at how games on mobile and tablets which try to use on-ouch-analogues and screens, but with the help of haptic technology, there'd be so many advantages for the customers, but developers as well, giving to them much, much bigger gameplay possibilities on both touch screens, and not just the bottom one...great possibilities, given the technology I still remember I had to post other thoughts on there, I hope to remember that...and this time, posting as well.

Well it could be a potential law suit for patent infringent, maybe. The design pictured is pretty much the one of that tablet/phone hybrid that has been in several electronic trade shows. Cant recall the brand now...Samsun possibly.

The other thing is the haptic feedback. There's a small company i know of that has a screen that simulate textures, they've been around for years pitching the concept but as far as i know the screens are yet to be mass produced. What companies with that type of tech you have in mind? Because for a 2015/6 device a screen tech that could simulate responsive and good feeling buttons seems a bit way of. And more importantly in cost terms.

The only thing that seems certain is that both handheld and console device will share the same architecture with different power envelops. No way Nintendo is dumb enough to skip doing that yet again XD