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[Nintendo Switch] THIS THREAD IS DEAD! POST IN THE NEW ONE!!
MNC Dover
Full-time Voice ActorKirkland, WARegistered User regular
Full-time Voice ActorKirkland, WARegistered User regular
The Switch is Nintendo's 7th home console 5th handheld newest hardware. After the Wii U's struggles over the past four years, especially with advertising and PR, this is Nintendo's attempt to get people back on board and right the ship.
As the name implies, the Switch is a hybrid console, capable of going between standard TV play and on-the-go gaming. The console itself is actually just a thin, tablet-esque bit of hardware that's like a slightly smaller and less bulky Wii U gamepad. But don't be confused: whereas the gamepad was just a screen that streamed from the Wii U itself, the Switch is a fully independent console. It has a capacitive touch screen (a departure from Nintendo's preference for resistive), two slots on the side for controller attachments, Wi-Fi, and uses a USB-C cable to charge. Due to its mobile nature, it uses cartridges to play games. There are three main ways to play:
TV Mode
This the traditional couch playing mode. The Switch comes with a dock that uses an HDMI cable to broadcast the Switch to your TV. This is where the Switch acts like a regular home console, and there's not much else to say. You can play using the game's controller (Joycons) separated or together (there is a grip included in box to give the joycons a controller form factor, but it does NOT charge the Joycons), or you can opt for something more typical like the pro controller (Sold Separately).
Handheld Mode
The mobile mode, this is just taking the Switch out of the dock and playing on it. The Joycons slide on to each half of the console, giving you a more handheld experience. Battery life will vary based on the game and what you are doing, with estimates being a broad 2-6 hours. Breath of Wild was used as a benchmark, going three hours on a single charge. People are saying something like Shovel Knight can go as long as 7 hours. The general rule of thumb is that polygon-based games will drain the battery roughly twice as fast as ones uses sprites or less demanding graphics. Switches can also connect to up to seven additional Switches for local multiplayer purposes.
Tabletop Mode
Tabletop mode is basically handheld, but the Switch has a little kickstand that lets you prop it up. Each half of a Joycon can operate as its own independent controller, so you can use this mode to play games with another person. The Joycons also have an attachment called a strap that slides in and gives you better L/R button and a bit more grip. It's worth noting that ALL controllers work in this mode, including the pro controller, so you don't need a bunch of joycons.
Oh, and the Switch won't be region locked. Prepare to import.
In the USA, the Switch will retail for $299.99, and it comes with the following:
- Switch Console
- TV Dock
- Left and Right Joycons
- Joycon Wrist Straps
- Joycon Grip (NOT a charging grip)
- HDMI Cable
- AC Adapter
Need more crap? Accessories are available if you got cash to burn.
MSRP: $69.99
Want a more traditional controller? That'll be seventy bucks, pal. As a bonus, it comes with a USB to USB-C cable that can also charge the Switch itself, and the Pro can connect to your bluetooth-enabled PC with little difficulty. The Pro has most of the features of the joycons, including motion controls, HD rumble, and NFC support. I don't think it has the infrared scanner thing, however.
MSRP: $79.99
Additional Joycons can be purchased for a hefty fee. They do come with two straps, however.
MSRP: $49.99
Lose just ONE Joycon? Nintendo has got you covered, although they will charge you an extra ten dollars more than what they cost bundled together. Because business.
MSRP: $29.99
That pro controller sure was pricey, wasn't it? Well, for less than half the cost, you can just slap your joycons in this thing and get a similar experience while pretending it's a dog or something. This one also charges your joycons while they're connected to it, unlike the one that comes with the Switch because Nintendo is cheap.
MSRP: $14.99
Because you really want a wheel icon next to your name in Mario Kart. Slap a joycon in and race or just use it as a very awkward controller grip.
MSRP: $89.99
Breakdowns of the dock expose this thing as being hilariously overpriced. Please don't buy it.
The Switch will probably be Nintendo's biggest step forward regarding online play since it actually added online services to its hardware. It seems like Nintendo is finally learning from its contemporaries, having all online stuff managed from your Nintendo account. Sadly, Nintendo is also learning from its contemporaries in that they're going to charge us just to play online. The good news is that the service is fairly cheap, being $3.99 on a month by month basis, or $20 for a year. The service doesn't launch until Fall 20172018, but people can play online for free during a "trial" period going on now and ending whenever they get the service running. Check out the chart to see what a subscription gets you versus being a plebeian who thinks online play should be a basic free service.
The monthly game downloads may have caught your eye. Nintendo is doing something new, and they're launching a Netflix-esque service for their catalog of classic games. While subscribed to Nintendo Online, you'll have access this library along with bonus features like online leaderboards and multiplayer. It's (currently) just NES titles, but SNES is under consideration.
What's the battery life for everything?
The Switch: 2-6 hours depending on the game. As a rule of thumb, 3D games like Zelda or Mario will last about three hours. A game with sprites or 2D effects like Shovel Knight will last about 6-7 hours.
Joycons: 20 hours. Note that that do not draw power from the Switch when attached to it and in portable mode.
Pro Controller: 40 hours. The dock does have three USB ports that can be used to charge.
Is the Switch backwards compatible?
No, it uses carts and has no disc drive to play Wii U media. And no, it's also not backwards compatible with the 3DS, DS, or any other Nintendo system.
Do the carts really taste bad?
Yes, they are coated in denatonium benzoate, which is one of the most bitter compounds for humans. It's meant as a deterrent against children eating them. Don't lick the cart, dummy.
Can I go online in portable mode?
Yes. Also, while it has no browser, if you are at a place with Wi-Fi, there will be an applet that lets you pay/agree to their terms so you can get online.
Are there seriously friend codes?
Yeah, who knows why. The good news is that when you punch in someone's code, they'll get a request instead of playing this game of "Did you send it?" Furthermore, more options are set to be added like traditional friend requests through your Nintendo account, which...raises the question of why use friend codes in the first place.
Is the Switch region-locked?
Nope! Import to your heart's content. You can even switch regions on the eShop, BUT you will lose whatever current balance your account has in its current region. So spend your money first.
Can I connect to the TV using third-party USB-C cables?
No, for whatever reason the Switch must be docked to display on the TV.
Will I be able to recharge the Switch using a portable power bank used for cell phones?
The Switch uses about 30-40 Watts, which exceeds most portable power sources right now. It also doesn't use quickcharging functionality of USB-C, so that's another concern. In other words, your average power brick may extend your Switch's battery life by an 60-90 minutes depending on the wattage, but your system will still consume power. This is dependent on the game, however, and you'll get more juice out of a power bank while playing Shovel Knight than Breath of the Wild. However power banks for phones WILL take significantly longer to charge the thing while the power is off (we're talking eight hours in some cases). There are a few 15v/3A batteries meant for MacBooks that DO charge the Switch, but at a rate of like 1% every five minutes. To be honest, there are serious cost/value considerations to make, as a laptop charger that can feed the Switch will run into the triple digits. Do you really need 20+ hours of Switch battery? If not, then consider a $50ish dollar power bank for just the Switch, one with 5V/3A that has a USB-C slot, and use a high-quality USB-C cable to charge. It will, at the very least, double your Switch's battery life even if it's not the most efficient charging solution.
tl;dr: most phone chargers are good for extending the battery, but not recharging a system. Try to get as close to 15V/2.6A as possible, and use USB-C instead of USB-C to regular USB.
Which screen protector should I used?
Tempered glass. While plastic ones are cheaper, they themselves are prone to being easily scratched, which means you'll have to replace them every so often. On top of this, tempered glass feels better when using the touch screen, and they tend to be easier to apply (fewer bubbles). Tempered glass will set you back more cash, but you'll save more in the long run. Right now, amFilm is the screen of choice for most people.
How much memory does the Switch have?
32 GB, of which around 25 is usable. For reference, Breath of the Wild uses around 13GB. You can use micro-SD cards to expand the memory. Because Switch carts are so small, I recommend a micro-SD with plenty of memory, because Switch games will be large and it defeats the purpose of going digital if instead of 32GB carts you're just swapping 32GB SD cards. A Sandisk Ultra with 128GB of memory should last you a while.
What's up with the Joycon desync issue?
Some left joycons have manufacturing defects that make their signal weaker and easier to block. If you think yours is acting up, then you can ship it off to Nintendo for a free repair. Just...hope you have a Pro Controller or something while you wait.
Can the pro controller cable be used to charge the Switch?
Yes, the cable that comes with the Pro Controller can be used like any other USB to USB-C cable. Hook it up to power banks, charge your pro controller through your PC's USB ports: go wild.
Where's Virtual Console?
It's coming. Nintendo has stated that their online service (which offers a Netflix-esque selection of classic games while subscribed) will NOT be replacing Virtual Console. So there are definitely plans for it, but that's about all we know.
Does this mean end of the line for the 3DS/Wii U?
The Wii U is definitely done. I think Breath of the Wild will be the last first-party title for the system, and hardware production was ended last year. The 3DS, on the other hand, is still going strong and has titles planned throughout 2017 and 2018, including yet another hardware iteration with the New 2DS XL. This is probably going to be a GBA/DS situation, where Nintendo will claim that both pieces of hardware will coexist...until one of them sinks or swims. So if the Switch does well (and it currently is), then expect development for the 3DS to slow down until they quietly discontinue the 3DS hardware.
The Switch will have games, making it a true revolution in the industry. Oh, and in case you missed it: the Switch is not region locked. You can create separate accounts for other regions and access their eShops there. All dates are for NA.
G&T Approved!
The following games are almost unanimously praised by the community. If you need a place to start, make it here.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Snipperclips
Fast RMX
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Blaster Master Zero
Puyo Puyo Tetris
Tumbleseed
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Disgaea 5
ARMS
Splatoon 2
Sonic Mania
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
Pokkén Tournament DX
Fire Emblem Warriors
Mario Odyssey
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Doom
Steamworld Dig 2
Mummy Demastered
Has Been Heroes
Resident Evil Revelations I & II
But what other games are good?
There are a lot of games on the Switch and some of the good ones might slip past you. Not the obvious stuff like BotW and Odyssey, but the smaller gems that go unnoticed. With so many games getting released, it's hard to keep up. So the PA folks are gonna compile some mini-reviews of these great titles in the following format:
Name
Price (mention if digital only here)
Genres
Similar games
1-2 sentence review with pros and cons
For example:
Golf Story
$14.99 (eShop only)
Golf/RPG
Mario Golf GBA
A fun and addictive golfing game that has a lot of customization. Some of the NPC side quest stuff drags a bit, but not enough to ruin the fun. Highly recommended!
Penny Arcade mini-reviews:
Dresdenphile suggests:
- Kamiko
- $4.99 (eShop only)
- Action
- Zelda 1?
- This short indie game tasks players — who control the titular priestess Kamiko — to take down demons and complete puzzles along the way, racking up combos. With 3 characters to choose from, each playthrough handles differently.
Need a voice actor? Hire me at bengrayVO.com
Legends of Runeterra: MNCdover #moc
Switch ID: MNC Dover SW-1154-3107-1051
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Legends of Runeterra: MNCdover #moc
Switch ID: MNC Dover SW-1154-3107-1051
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3DS Friend Code: 2165-6448-8348 www.Twitch.TV/cooljammer00
Battle.Net: JohnDarc#1203 Origin/UPlay: CoolJammer00
Picked up South Park yesterday, worked from home today with the intention of playing games between answering emails and such, ended up cleaning the house, mopping the floors, and doing laundry.
Managed to at least make it out of the house and got through the first two battles, gonna try to blow off some responsibilities tomorrow.
With a 2 year old and a 7 year old, there's only so much time when they're gone to get stuff done, including playing 'inappropriate' video games... Wouldn't trade it for the world tho.
The Fractured But Whole was on my 'Maybe I'll get it if it comes out on Switch' list of games (the other game on that list being Mass Effect Andromeda).
And now it's come out on Switch. But I still don't know if I'll get it.
I enjoyed the Stick of Truth, and this seems like more Stick of Truth. But I also enjoyed Stick of Truth back when I still kind of enjoyed South Park and that enjoyment has taken a real nosedive lately. So I guess it's still a Maybe.
And anyway, I've still got a ton of BATTLETECH to play, so I can take my time pondering this particular purchase.
https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-2017-fiscal-year-earnings-results-switch-sales-at-17-79-million-worldwide/
Switch million sellers:
Super Mario Odyssey – 10.41 million
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – 9.22 million
Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 8.48 million
Splatoon 2 – 6.02 million
1-2 Switch – 2.29 million
ARMS – 1.85 million
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – 1.31 million
Kirby Star Allies – 1.26 million
Wtf.
Why?
It was that or get a second copy of Botw?
I bought it because Wii Sports was good, and this is like the Switch version of that, right?
Hope his successor will be good. Because I'm in Europe, so I kind of need Nintendo of Europe to be good.
I'm having a good laugh at the people who said it should've been a pack-in.
It's been a while since he hosted a Direct, but yeah, he was goofy yet sincere in the same way Iwata was. I actually kinda expected him to the next president after Kimishima, but I guess not. I wonder if they'll choose a non-Japanese as the next president of NoE.
For what it's worth I found Fractured But Whole to be a lot more fun than Stick of Truth. This is coming from a guy whos last episode of South Park that I've seen was the World of Warcraft one.
PSN/Steam/NNID: SyphonBlue | BNet: SyphonBlue#1126
It still should have been a pack-in. It's very little surprise that the second game available for the Switch sold quite a bit. The real telling bit of info (albeit one that's anecdotal in nature) is that very few people have a positive opinion on the game.
That said, I'd be super interested in the timeline of that 2.29 million. If it was an even spread over time, or if it was a massive spike near the launch of the system, before word of mouth spread that the game was a paper thin tech demo.
Why? Nintendo made a whole lot of money by selling it separately. For months after launch (and still now, occasionally) Switch consoles are selling as fast as Nintendo can produce them, so there really wasn't any need for an additonal incentive like a pack-in game.
This didn't deserve to get left behind.
Popularity vs profits. I don't deny they made the latter, but at the sacrifice of the former.
Honestly, my biggest gear to grind with the situation was how high it was priced. I know Nintendo is the king of the profit margin, but even that was fucking egregious.
That seems crazy
Not outselling, that's its whole install base. Switch sold 15 million this fiscal year, 3DS sold 6.
Popularity and sales numbers are a might funny thing. The only real truth is that one is not necessarily indicative of the other.
For example: Go ask people what they think of those Transformers movies by Michael Bay.
Yeah, more people would've played it if it was a pack-in, but what would've been the point of that, ultimately? To build it up as a franchise and get people interested in a possible sequel? But asking people to pay for a sequel when they got the first game for free would've been a tough proposition.
Maybe it would've resulted in more buzz around the Switch, but again, it didn't really need that.
Oohh gotcha
Anyone know if he worked on any games? Bloomberg says his background is in marketing.
And looks like the relationship between Nintendo and the Pokemon company is still just dandy, if anyone was wondering.
I mean, Iwata was just an exceptional human being to begin with, but still...
Though I'm pretty sure he initially estimated the search would take a year... it wound up taking almost three. Maybe Nintendo was being extra-careful? Or maybe they didn't want to change gears during the Switch launch?
Then again, best to risk rocking the boat when it's sailing smooth, so that might be it.
Its more likely than not that the new guy has been doing the work of the old guy for a good bit in a pre-announcement transition.
Kimishima is 68 I believe, so if he were in the US he would be retiring anyway.
Also, that operating income 500% YoY increase!
My wife picked up Snipperclips Plus for us at the TRU sales last night. Looking forward to it.
3DS Friend Code: 0404-6826-4588 PM if you add.
Edit: Bad BAD grammar ... LOL
Playstation: Dipuc4Life
Warframe_Switch IGN: ONVEBAL
so is this specifically the Nintendo-published million sellers, or has no non-Nintendo game broken 1 million?
Probably just Nintendo stuff, since this is them reporting their sales for all their product lines.
FE Warriors broke a million too, but that was developed under license and not in-house.
3DS: 0473-8507-2652
Switch: SW-5185-4991-5118
PSN: AbEntropy
That said, Nintendo has had a relatively short list of people who have been in charge in the modern era, especially in contrast to conglomerates like Sony and Microsoft. Nintendo is a smaller company, and outsider optics make it seem weird that they are replacing the position yet again.
These are only Nintendo-published titles. Sales figures are from their quarterly financials. Other companies will have to do their own reporting on their own titles.
3DS Friend Code: 0404-6826-4588 PM if you add.
3DS: 0473-8507-2652
Switch: SW-5185-4991-5118
PSN: AbEntropy
So nice I bought it twice {well more than twice as I do have to buy stuff for my brother's machine}
Blizzard: Pailryder#1101
GoG: https://www.gog.com/u/pailryder