Nintendo Switch (Nintendo's next console)

Andrew76

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

Here's exactly the same kind of nasty click bait that contributed to the WiiU failure, but aimed squarely at the NX, a console that hasn't even been revealed yet, with the head line
"10 Wii U Games to Play Before the Nintendo NX Ruins Everything"
https://www.inverse.com/article/19222-nintendo-wii-u-nx-zelda-mario-smash-bros

Oddly, after some strange Nintendo bashing, it goes on to celebrate a set of the WiiU's best releases, but it otherwise reflects the negative narrative space Nintendo now inhabits, further suggesting that, regardless of how well Nintendo perform as a games developer they fail as a hardware developer.
And all this with no justification, given the hardware success they've had over decades.

I didn't think there was anything wrong with the article other than that silly title (and his double negative in the subtitle ). I can see how some folks might be disappointed by the lack of Wii-U BC with the NX but I'm fine with it.

It did remind me I still need to pick up Tropical Freeze though!

The_B_Man

Here's an article I just stumbled across from last year about a portable device being made by nVidia that was powered by a Tegra X1, possibly with an attached controller.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/03/29/bluetooth-and-wi-fi-certifications-point-to-a-second-gen-nvidia-shield-portable/

This device never saw the light of day, so I'd wonder was it completely abandoned, or was some of the R&D kept for a future product...

sligeach

Nintendo to start production of NX in early 4Q16, say Taiwan makers

Nintendo will start trial production of its next-generation console, the NX, in the third quarter of 2016 and start volume production in early fourth quarter, about one quarter ahead of the originally scheduled early 2017, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

Over 40% of initial production will be undertaken by Foxconn Electronics and the remaining by Japan-based Misumi Electronics and Hosiden, the sources said. Taiwan-based component makers will include chassis maker Foxconn Technology, NAND flash memory maker Macronix International, CMOS image sensor design house Pixart Imaging and power supply maker Delta Electronics, the sources indicated.

Nintendo originally planned to begin production of NX in the second quarter of 2016, but deferred production to early 2017 due to continual changes in design and specifications, the sources said. The NX will use Nvidia's ARM-architecture Tegra X1, the sources indicated.

http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20160805PD205.html

sligeach

Nintendo NX Version of Dragon Quest X Confirmed in Development Alongside PS4 Version

The latest issue of Weekly Famitsu included an interview with Dragon Quest X Producer Yosuke Saito and Director Chikara Saito, giving an update on the state of the game.

First of all, we get the confirmation that the game is currently in development for Nintendo NX, alongside the already confirmed PS4 version. The two ports will be the “climax” of the game.

About a year ago, Square Enix announced that NX ports of Dragon Quest X and XI were under consideration. It’s worth mentioning that this interview was specifically about Dragon Quest X, and it included no confirmation about an NX port of Dragon Quest XI.

When asked when the PS4 version would be released, Yosuke Saito mentioned that it will be released (in Japan) with good timing, well ahead of Dragon Quest XI.

A few details were also given about version 4 of the game, which is currently on version 3.3 in Japan. It’s being developed at the same time as new content for version 3, even if no specific release date can be provided. The team has already stared planning a new class  that will be implemented with version 4.

http://www.dualshockers.com/2016/08/07/nintendo-nx-version-of-dragon-quest-x-confirmed-in-development-alongside-ps4-version/

Just a reconfirmation and I think shows that both the NX and PS4 version will be the same.

sligeach

Nintendo NX May Not Be A Console-Handheld Hybrid, Job Listings Suggest

The plot thickens further.

For the last month or so, we have been acting on the assumption that the recent leak on the Nintendo NX, which revealed that it will be a rather powerful handheld with the ability to dock and output video to a TV, making it, essentially, a console-handheld hybrid, is true. However, what if it weren’t? What if something was lost in communication along the way?

Recent job listings made by Nintendo seem to suggest that that might indeed be the case. There are two job listings in particular that we want to call attention to- one that Nintendo made for a Lead Marketer for Handhelds, and one that they made for Lead Marketer for Home Consoles.

Take note, especially, of the fact that there are two separate marketing leads, one for a console and a handheld each- this patently makes no sense if the NX is indeed one hybrid device, as has been rumored. Also remember that the hybrid device’s selling point is alleged to be that it is a portable and a console, both- all Nintendo games on one system, all Nintendo games at home, all Nintendo games on the go. The implication here is that one does not need two marketing leads for a project like the NX- the marketing is, according to rumors, designed to sell the system as a hybrid project. There is also no need, in that case, to pitch two separate systems to retail partners- the NX is one Nintendo SKU only.

Then why have two marketing leads at all? This seems to suggest that the original idea that people had about the NX – that it is not a home console or a handheld, but a common hardware platform, with separate devices, in home console and handheld form factors – might be true. Specifically, recall what Nintendo’s late President Satoru Iwata once said while discussing the NX.

“Home consoles and handheld devices will no longer be completely different, and they will become like brothers in a family of systems. Still, I am not sure if the form factor (the size and configuration of the hardware) will be integrated. In contrast, the number of form factors might increase. Currently, we can only provide two form factors because if we had three or four different architectures, we would face serious shortages of software on every platform.”

“To cite a specific case, Apple is able to release smart devices with various form factors one after another because there is one way of programming adopted by all platforms. Apple has a common platform called iOS. Another example is Android. Though there are various models, Android does not face software shortages because there is one common way of programming on the Android platform that works with various models. The point is, Nintendo platforms should be like those two examples.”

So far the assumption has been that either Nintendo changed the plans for the NX after this statement was made a few years ago, or that Iwata deliberately was being misleading. But what if that weren’t true? What if this is what Nintendo has planned for the system? If that is the case, then how does that reconcile with the leaks we did get recently?

Assuming that they are true – and we have no reason to suspect that they might not be, given Eurogamer’s excellent track record – it seems as though what might have leaked would be the handheld NX. The handheld NX might be everything that the leaks say it is- but it might not be the only NX system. There might be a home console in the mix, too, and that, it seems, remains enigmatic and mysterious.

What will the NX ultimately turn out to be? We don’t know, but the plot is thickening. With the NX commonly speculated to get a full reveal next month, we’re not that far away from finally finding out for sure, though.

http://gamingbolt.com/nintendo-nx-may-not-be-a-console-handheld-hybrid-job-listings-suggest

Banjo

Interesting that they're not asking the obvious question : Given that a huge chunk of the Wii U's failure to gain market penetration is down to it's marketing, why the hell are they only posting the job listing for Marketing Lead for their next product(s) 6 months before that product is due to be revealed/launched? What the ****, Nintendo?
"HEy Bob, welcome to Nintendo and congratulations on being made Marketing lead! Before you get your coffee, could you just knock a few slides together? The interviews went on a little longer than expected, it's february and the NX TV ad is due to go out on the air in 17 minutes. Thanks so much and Please Understand."

MilesMorales1

Christ almighty. Just give us information nintendo, for gods sake.

Pac1Man

Could they be waiting until Sony finish their reveal?

MilesMorales1

Sony's only just announced a date for the neos reveal. Unless they either already knew it or it was a loose secret.

CiDeRmAn

MilesMorales1 wrote: »

Christ almighty. Just give us information nintendo, for gods sake.

Amen Brother Morales

sligeach

Fresh Nintendo Patents Reinforce Concept of NX Featuring Detachable Controllers

Gesture recognition patents also get more details

It seems that as Nintendo gets closer to revealing the NX more clues surface, and a few freshly released patents - filed in January this year and now visible to the public - appear to reinforce aspects of notable recent reports on the system.

NeoGAF poster Disorientator has picked up on these releases by the US patent office, and the most exciting regards detachable controllers. In the Eurogamer reports linked above a key part of the detail was that a tablet-like device could have detachable controllers placed either side of the screen to increase control options. This fresh patent addresses that very directly.

Below you can see some key text and images - the interesting part of the idea is that the detachable aspects will have minimal circuitry, if any. The concept is that infrared from the core system will detect inputs; this could mean for cheaper accessories, though like the Circle Pad Pro on 3DS it wouldn't surprise us if some add-ons also had some of their own circuitry to complement infrared detection.

An example accessory can be attached to an information processing device. The accessory includes a housing, a movable operation section, and a movable portion. An inside of the housing is visible from an outside thereof through at least a portion thereof. At least a portion of the operation section is exposed on the outside of the housing. The movable portion is placed at a position inside the housing that is visible from the outside of the housing through the portion of the housing. A position and/or an attitude of the movable portion changes in response to the operation section being operated.

There are conventional accessories which, when connected to a portable device, add functions to the portable device. For example, there are techniques where an external controller as an accessory is connected to a connector provided on a controller of a game device. This enables a wider variety of game operations using two controllers.

Other patents filed are also interesting, as they follow up on previous handheld filings regarding hand gesture detection. Though it looks slightly strange, the concept could potentially be used in clever ways.

Overall these make fascinating reading, in particular the patent regarding detachable controllers.

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/08/fresh_nintendo_patents_reinforce_concept_of_nx_featuring_detachable_controllers

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1261569&page=1

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20160231773.pdf

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20160232675.pdf

Andrew76

Hopefully that's just Nintendo filling patents for all sorts of crazy but never to be released ideas. Those controller concepts look utter ****e.

CiDeRmAn

Andrew76 wrote: »

Hopefully that's just Nintendo filling patents for all sorts of crazy but never to be released ideas. Those controller concepts look utter ****e.

My feelings exactly.
I hate to think of another Nintendo console that alienates a market by having a focus on stupid gimmicks.

Remember gesture controls on the Samsung range of Android phones? No? You know why? Because they were pointless and sh1te.

Imagine a Mario Galaxy sequel where, Starfox Zero style, they bolt on a load of mechanics relying on use of this crap. Bye bye Nintendo fans and non fans alike.

Let's hope it doesn't wind up simply being a proprietary tablet with removable controllers, and a HDMI port.

WeleaseWoderick

I wonder if this is linked to the rumours of NX using Nvidia's Tegra processors?

http://www.androidauthority.com/nvidia-shield-tablet-k1-successor-looks-scrapped-709375/

Banjo

It's not completely without merit. If you can detach the two sides, clip them together like the bones of a Special from the mutant farm, and form a controller for more comfortable on-TV play, that's not so bad. Although I was somewhat infatuated with having 2 controllers on the go. The idea that you're using IR to transmit your inputs though, especially once you detach the controller, is horrifying.

The_B_Man

Well consider the Wii U gamepad. It has controls either side of it. It was like a Pro Controller with a screen in the middle.
Now imagine if u could detach the controls from either side of the Wii U gamepad, and clip them together to form a pro controller.
Maybe that would be a half decent concept.

sligeach

AMD has "won an order" for the NX

News has surfaced about AMD’s revenues. It may not seem like much, but the article mentions the Nintendo NX. It says that “AMD, which competes with Intel (INTC) and NVIDIA (NVDA) in the CPU (central processing unit) and GPU (graphics processing unit) market, dominates the gaming console market. It’s the sole supplier of semi-custom processors for Japan-based (EWJ) Sony’s (SNE) PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s (MSFT) Xbox. It has also won an order for Nintendo’s upcoming console, codenamed ‘NX'”. It seems AMD will be providing the processor to the NX, which has not been revealed yet.

https://mynintendonews.com/2016/08/12/amd-has-won-an-order-for-the-nx/

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/amd-revenues-hit-weakness-semi-130735686.html

Edit: That's potentially massive news if true and kicks certain rumours into touch. Unless this is for the NX console while the Nvidia chip is for the portable.

Varik

Makes sense, when you consider Nvidia comments on the PS4/One and Nintendo won't likely have the same scale of Sony/MS.

MilesMorales1

Which rumours sorry? I'm not sharp this time of the evening.

sligeach

I'm not sure what's going on, MyNintendoNews have updated the story and are now saying this is old news. The Yahoo article is from the beginning of May.

iamtony

Things have gotten a little wild with nx rumours. Just to bring it back to the first post in this thread.

"As proof that Nintendo maintains strong enthusiasm for the dedicated game system business", Iwata adds, "let me confirm that Nintendo is currently developing a dedicated game platform with a brand new concept under the development codename 'NX'."

It's a brand new concept so what does that mean?
For starters it's not going to be a traditional console.
It's gona be a gimmick, all the developers say it's gona work and draw in the casual crowd.
The casual crowd buy 3ds's for there kids. I'm not sure of the figures but I'd bet 90% of all 3ds sales are parents buying them for kids.
I'm drunk and forgot what my point was so anyone who cares to add to the actual fact that it's a "brand new concept" please do so. Night all;-)

CiDeRmAn

Where kids?
There kids...
There castle...

iamtony

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

Where kids?
There kids...
There castle...

sorry I've lost you on that one.
Em....I've a bouncy castle?
My 7 year old has a 3ds, never used(by her). My 12 year old had a ds, never used(by him) this new gimmick will be bought by the masses, repeatedly used by few. Sorry, I'll go to bed now. We're still no closer to the truth.

CiDeRmAn

iamtony wrote: »

sorry I've lost you on that one.
Em....I've a bouncy castle?

It's a Mel Brooks/Young Frankenstein reference, and play on something you said..

iamtony wrote: »

The casual crowd buy 3ds's for there kids.

And regarding this

My 7 year old has a 3ds, never used(by her). My 12 year old had a ds, never used(by him) this new gimmick will be bought by the masses, repeatedly used by few. Sorry, I'll go to bed now. We're still no closer to the truth.

I think that might have been true for some Wii users, but DS and 3DS game sales would suggest that this isn't the case for most people, lots and lots of people have bought lots and lots of games for all of Nintendo's handheld hardware. This implies a great number of people who have bought a Gameboy, DS or 3DS and continued to purchase software for them over the lifetime of the console in their home.
There are always going to be those who buy into it and don't enjoy it, but I think it might have more to do with the attitude to gaming in the household, perhaps sports and outdoor pursuits have more of an emphasis and people just don't gravitate to gaming as a past time?
I'm not suggesting this in your case, but it may be true in some circumstances.
And, regarding "gimmicks".
The line between "gimmick" and "feature" can be a narrow one, but as long as the thing enhances the users experience and doesn't become a barrier to play, then it is a feature.
The problem with 3D in the 3DS and the use of a touchscreen with the WiiU is that all to often it became a barrier to people who wanted to play games in a familiar way, so instead of making the device inclusive it made it more of a device that excluded people. At least in the case of the WiiU this may have been true, the 3DS at least allowed people to turn off the 3D with no penalty to the player.
The touch sensitive second screen on the DS was the opposite, it made many games better to play, there were some that couldn't find a good use for it, but more did and it never came between the player and the experience.
The same can be said for Nintendo and their introduction of the analogue stick in the 90's and the D-Pad even earlier than that.
We can't be afraid of innovation and, with Nintendo at least, they have succeeded far more often than they have failed.

Banjo

I see what you're saying, Iamtony : that 3ds is a burden. Don't worry, I have a 7 year old who will relieve you of that burden and she won't even charge you! Just leave a kitchen window open and by morning it will all be sorted.

CiDeRmAn

Banjo, the Hamburglar of Nintendo-ness.

iamtony

Banjo wrote: »

I see what you're saying, Iamtony : that 3ds is a burden. Don't worry, I have a 7 year old who will relieve you of that burden and she won't even charge you! Just leave a kitchen window open and by morning it will all be sorted.

That's very kind of you to offer:-) the truth of the story is it's an ambassador edition and I'm glad she doesn't play it. Keeps it nice and scratch free!

iamtony

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

It's a Mel Brooks/Young Frankenstein reference, and play on something you said..


And regarding this



I think that might have been true for some Wii users, but DS and 3DS game sales would suggest that this isn't the case for most people, lots and lots of people have bought lots and lots of games for all of Nintendo's handheld hardware. This implies a great number of people who have bought a Gameboy, DS or 3DS and continued to purchase software for them over the lifetime of the console in their home.
There are always going to be those who buy into it and don't enjoy it, but I think it might have more to do with the attitude to gaming in the household, perhaps sports and outdoor pursuits have more of an emphasis and people just don't gravitate to gaming as a past time?
I'm not suggesting this in your case, but it may be true in some circumstances.
And, regarding "gimmicks".
The line between "gimmick" and "feature" can be a narrow one, but as long as the thing enhances the users experience and doesn't become a barrier to play, then it is a feature.
The problem with 3D in the 3DS and the use of a touchscreen with the WiiU is that all to often it became a barrier to people who wanted to play games in a familiar way, so instead of making the device inclusive it made it more of a device that excluded people. At least in the case of the WiiU this may have been true, the 3DS at least allowed people to turn off the 3D with no penalty to the player.
The touch sensitive second screen on the DS was the opposite, it made many games better to play, there were some that couldn't find a good use for it, but more did and it never came between the player and the experience.
The same can be said for Nintendo and their introduction of the analogue stick in the 90's and the D-Pad even earlier than that.
We can't be afraid of innovation and, with Nintendo at least, they have succeeded far more often than they have failed.

my drunkin post from last night made you reply with all that:-0 anyway here's hoping it's awesome and they sell gazillions of them.

CiDeRmAn

I spend too much time on the interweb, like now, when I should be working!!

And gazillion is the kind of numbers I can work with!

iamtony

iamtony wrote: »

my drunkin post from last night made you reply with all that:-0 anyway here's hoping it's awesome and they sell gazillions of them.

Just read my post from last night, I think Drunk Iamtony was onto something big but lost it half way through typing.