THQ Nordic on Switch: “It's a Bit Sad” that Nintendo Didn’t Release It With “More Beefy Hardware”

Darksiders 3 developer THQ Nordic, says to be somewhat disappointed by the lack of power inside the Nintendo Switch.

[EddieNX]

He goes on to say "we just have to work our way round it" Which implies they will still bring games but its not as easy as they would of liked. Nintendo decided to make a hybrid instead of a home and handheld , and imo, it suits them down to the ground.

[EddieNX]

if you crammed the power of ps4 into a 6 inch tablet then it would cost about $600-$1000 infact , is it even techically possible? Certainly not financially. In about 3-5 years maybe such a device will exist at an affordable price.

[ziggurcat]

why not put all of that power into a proper home console?

[EddieNX]

Because theres already 2 established home consoles and Nintendo has far more success in the portable market (the wii being a fluke). The Switch is the most logical and streamlined system they could of made. How does that benefit us? We'll be able to play Pokemon on the TV and Metroid prime 4 on the go. And there will never be a drought, 1 big exclusive per month.

[porkChop]

@ziggurcat

Because that's not where Nintendo excels. Handhelds are where they dominate, so mixing console play into their handheld is the smartest thing they can do. That way they hit both markets, and they also get all their handheld and console teams on one platform.

[bluefox755]

Yeah, it is rather disappointing that they've basically given up on the home console market. A shame really. I wonder if we'll ever see another proper Nintendo home console.

[Chazprime]

The chances of overheating would be unacceptably high. Nintendo prides themselves on well-made hardware, not fire hazards.

[Vits]

Being as strong as a PS4 would be impossible, but the Switch could have been more powerful if Nintendo opted for a Pascal based SoC and a more robust type of memory. But how much that would impact third party developers I can't really say, but it would impact the console launch date and made it more expensive.

[fenome]

They could've at least put a little extra processing power into the dock though, doesn't need to be anything crazy but a little more "oomph" while you're using it as a console would've been cool.

[Omnislashver36]

@Porkchop
That's not where Nintendo excels? REALLY. Have they even tried making a traditional console with hardware specced like their competitors in the last 11 years?

Also, tell that to NES, SNES, 64, and Gamecube. Seriously...

If Nintendo had a traditional console on par with PS4 they'd be competing with Sony for first place.

[_-EDMIX-_]

@Eddie and Pork- Suurrrrrre

They got out of the home console market because Sony and MS were beating the crap out of them and they kept making stupid mistakes over and over again.

THUS, went into the portable market and left the home console market.

Last time I checked, Switch is a portable, it is not a set top device ONLY made for TV.

[Arnon]

@EddieNX

If their consoles are flukes because of the gimmicks they incorporate into them (therefore making their sales luck rather than based on performance), then how is the most logical solution to make *another* console that rides on features not required to play games well?

[Omnislashver36]

@Arnon

That's the question... Nobody knows what Nintendo is doing but their now extremely niche fanbase. They've lost touch with their core fanbase for a few generations now.

[babadivad]

If they would have used the Tegra X2 instead of the Tegra X1, they could have had power close to the Xbox One in a portable package. That would have been good enough to get all 3rd party games on their machine without much compromise. Hell, they even under-clocked the Tegra chip they did use.

It seems to me that Nintendo just wasn't super confident in the Switch and didn't want to go all out on a concept that may not work. They could have still sold the device for $299, but their profit margin would have been a little lower.

By going with the cheaper Switch, even if it failed again, they would still make a lot of money on each device sold. That money would enable them to still be in position to try again with a different console. I guess it's smart to be caution when you just had an abject failure, but at least have some confidence in your own product before launch.

[Bjorn-c-blocker]

EddieNX the technology just does not exist. My brother makes gaming rigs and he sources gpus and cpus. There isn't even a suitable upgrade to the Jaguar CPU in the Xbox and PS4.

Consoles of all kinds are stuck cpu wise for a while.

[Omnislashver36]

Babadivad

Yeah the X2 would have been a welcome improvement. Even if handheld mode was locked at 720p docked mode would be 1080p for more titles with more power for things like AA. Considering Mario Galaxy is 720p no AA it would have looked at nicer(hell, beating out some PS4 games because of their art style IMO).

I'm willing to see what the next graphical jump offers with Switch's sucessor but Switch I'm still 50/50 on. I could really deal with a Nintendo console that had Pixar level graphics but not this.

[objdadon]

If you don't even know if it's possible then how do you know how much it would cost?

[Omnislashver36]

@Trumpwon'tstopcrying

Other tablets can handle the Tegra X2 so I see no reason Switch couldn't.

Also a greater alternative would have been a traditional console. Hell, they could have done something at like 1.2 TFLOPS at $249. Cheaper and more powerful, and I'd bet it would sell more as well.

Always excuses for Nintendo these days. No wonder they're last place.

[ChickeyCantor]

> why not put all of that power into a proper home console?

The whole attraction of the switch is the portability that is capable of playing console quality games ( even if it means some downgrades ).

Nintendo makes a new home console and you're left with just another console where Sony and MS are already dominating.

Nah.

[Aquietguy]

@ziggurcat

We already have that power in a home console. It's call a PS4.

[gamer7804]

if you put that power into a console, then made a separate handheld like the switch that would have been great.

[kitsune451]

The Switch uses the Nvidia Tegra X1 processor. It is one of the fastest mobile processors currently available and the only other tablet currently using a chip this powerful is the $600 Google Pixel C.

I honestly can't believe that people are looking at a 7" tablet this powerful for $300 and saying things like "BUT IT'S NOT AS POWERFUL AS THE PS4!!!" It's like no one has time to appreciate the fact that we have a portable console more powerful than the Wii U.

[Sono421]

Look I think the switch is great, but would I have preferred a beefy home console from them? Hell yeah! Everyone that defends the switch being a hybrid is silly, because mobile gaming has been debunked plenty of times, all handheld gaming specific devices are played the most at home! Because playing on the go is very situational. I've literally played my switch out of my house twice. Because when i'm out of my house I am doing things besides gaming, same goes for most people. So sacrifice a barely used feature to double the power and potentially have more 3rd party support? Hell yeah it gets my vote! Not to mention then we might have proper voice chat not this silly phone nonsense.

[IamTylerDurden1]

In less than 2 years u could have a device that is equivalent to an xbone but with slightly less ram and u could do it for 399 or less. In a 6.5in tablet. I truly believe that. Basically an xbone/PS4 esque handheld that will play virtually all the AAA multiplats.

[IamTylerDurden1]

Ziggur brings up a good point. Why not just make a more powerful home console and then release new, vastly improved DS? Perhaps the DS could do what the Vita did with crossplay and remote play but do it better seeing as how it's 6 yrs later. It's just odd to have 2 handhelds in the market. With how successful the DS is i wouldn't want to risk fracturing the base.

[Kokyu]

@EddieNX

Nintendo does great in the handheld space but stop with the nonsense. They could make a actually home console that is comparable to Sony and MS but they want to make money on the front and back end which is why they really put out subpar hardware. Tlnone even mentions the free money they make off youtube creators with their BS share program.

And everyone saying "cause thats not where their strenghth is" it was on Nes days and SNES, N64 and Gamecube days. Its only qhen they decided to go down the path of Wii garbage that shifted.

[ziggurcat]

@tyler:

"Ziggur brings up a good point. Why not just make a more powerful home console and then release new, vastly improved DS?"

exactly - I mean... what did they do within weeks of the Switch launching? They announced a new DS, for crying out loud!

I really want Nintendo to put out a comparable home console for once - I have said many times: it's not about wanting Nintendo to make uber photorealistic games, they could refine, and elevate what they do really well on a much more powerful system through increased resolution, a rock-solid/locked 60fps, amazing lighting, amazing particle effects, amazing textures, realistic depth of field, etc... just think of the possibilities that could happen on a system that's as powerful as the Xbox One X or PS4 Pro!

[XanderZane]

@Chazprime
What!?!? Sorry, but that Switch Docking Bay and those JoyCons were not well made.
See for yourself - https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[gangsta_red]

Nintendo has made one of the most classic and best reviewed games so far this gen with Zelda: BoTW and they did it with a console that didn't have half the power of the X1/PS4. They continue to prove that you don't need this 'power' just to make great games.

I have complained in the past about Nintendo not keeping with the times but this is just not what Nintendo does. But even if they don't want to make a console on par with X1/PS4 they still continue to make some of the most memorable game experiences with each console they put out. That alone has told me that power isn't everything.

[MrFisher21]

I could of sworn it was advertised as a Home Console for primary use. Maybe my city had it's own set of commercials running. My Google searches also. That's so odd.

[EddieNX]

You can use it as a portable 100% of the time if u want, that's so odd!!!!! It has cartidges, its own screen and Pokemon is coming to it, sooo odd! lol. IMO, its a powerful handheld that you can play on the tv aka a hybrid. Ive seen it advertised as people playing it everywhere, outdoor and indoor.

[TekoIie]

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zx1I...

Don't be a sucker.

There's a big difference between what's advertised and reality. Would it sell better if they called it a handheld that you can play on your tv? Or if they called it a Home console that you can take with you on the go?

Think about what sounds better there when those are your two choices of messaging in an advert for a system like the Nintendo Switch.

[conanlifts]

It was advertised as a hybrid home/ portable console with a focus on tge home aspect.
If they focussed on it being portable it would kill the 3ds, which is making them money.

[hiawa23]

It is clearly the opposite. I bet most use it as a portable, not a console.

[ShadowWolf712]

And yet, before all we heard was how incredibly easy it would be to port games to the Switch.

Now it's starting to sound as if it genuinely is harder to port from x86 to ARM architecture with much lower specs

[_-EDMIX-_]

....thats just a nice way of them saying they have no plans to support it.

[MrSec84]

You really need to educate yourself about what tech is available before making comments like the one before your OP, when components like the FX-9800p exist.

Even made on a 28nm process it uses about the same ballpark power consumption as Switch's SoC, but it puts out better CPU performance than PS4's 8 Core Jag (using newer Excavator architecture, with at least 40% better IPC, 4 Cores clocked from 2.7 to 3.6GHz), it's GPU has 512 shaders, clocked at 758MHz it hits 776GFlops.
This is an inexpensive part, if it was made at 14 or 16nm it would use less power and the resulting power efficiency gains would allow for PS4 levels of processing performance in a package the size of Switch, though if Sony stuck with a 720p screen they'd only need around 40 to 50% of PS4's performance, which means the base FX-9800P made at a newer node would make for a system with a better thermal envelope than Switch, but enough horsepower to run all of PS4's games at a native 720p resolution.

Sony could probably do a hybrid, mobile full fat PS4, with an 8-10 inch 1080p screen, bigger battery for longer play time than Switch and a 500GB to 1TB hybrid drive for $399 this fall.

Even a Blu Ray dock isn't out of the question for that price.
A 720p straight up PS4 portable could be done for $299 this holiday, because the tech is cheap now.

[Bjorn-c-blocker]

I have never seen this chip in anything smaller than a laptop.. please be realistic.

[conanlifts]

I do not think they could do it for that price. But i would love a ps4 tablet with the ps4 catalogue of games.

[MrSec84]

@Bjorn: What do you mean by be realistic? It's perfectly realistic when the thing has basically the same TDP as the Tegra X1 at Switch's clocks.
You clearly missed the part where I said about using a smaller node to increase power efficiency, at 14nm AMD could increase the CUs, the CPU doesn't even need to be running at 2.7 GHz, 2.3GHz would suffice and this is Bristol Ridge, Raven Ridge would not only have a Quad Core Ryzen, with 8 threads, but probably improved GPU architecture.

Seriously thin form factor Laptops can have Processing tech with way more demanding power requirements and heat output than that, 12-15 watts is Switch's ballpark and it doesn't have issues with that, a 14nm native FX-9800P, with a 2.3GHz CPU would use way less than that and with a bigger GPU to match PS4's requirements. If Sony were in anyway concerned with the heat in a case the size of Switch then they could make the system 50% thicker, increase the screen size and surface area would increase by an order of magnitude.
This thing could even use a small vapor chamber, since they're actually very cheap and batteries bigger than Switch's to add power storage for more active fans could fit very easily, size isn't an issue on this scale of TDP.

@sd11: Dell has a laptop with that APU, along with an RX 460, I'm pretty sure it had a a 256GB SSD, along with a 1TB HDD for $499, they rely on substantial profits from hardware, plus they don't make as much volume of stock for individual models.
Sony could make a reasonable margin on both a full fat 399 hybrid model and a 299 handheld releasing this Fall.

[CyrusLemont]

I don't agree, I think the Switch is what's making them successful again. They're sold out pretty much everywhere and the handheld feature lets them tackle two markets at once.

I don't think they'll bury themselves into the ground, it's probably going to give them the largest growth they've had in a long time. It'll especially see a huge increase in sales when they drop that Pokemon game.

[XanderZane]

Games are going to look like old PS3 and XBox 360 games. I wouldn't be surprised if they use the same code and convert it over to the Switch.

[Testfire]

Yeah but with more power comes more $$$ and less battery life

[LOL_WUT]

The PS4 was $400 at launch you really think Nintendo couldn't of had added better hardware? ;)

[hiawa23]

To add to your point the Pro which doubles the PS4 GPU compute units is $399 and we are to believe Nintendo could not of matched that at a similar price if they wanted. Ok...

[Testfire]

The PS4 is not a handheld like the Switch. Why are you comparing them? The main reason the Switch is selling and in demand like it is, is because of the portability aspect, then you can dock it to play on your TV. If Nintendo produced another dedicated home console it's likely it would be another Wii U situation.

There's no way Nintendo could have fit the power of a PS4 into the size of a Switch, tech isn't there yet, and if it is its not cheap.

[AKR]

Can't compare. The Switch is a hybrid system, using mobile technology instead of standard computer parts like what's found in the PS4/Pro/XBO & X. More powerful mobile chipsets are out there, but that would have upped the price significantly, which Nintendo is against doing.

[QUIMICOMORTAL]

And more games...

[Asuka]

maybe in a few years we can get ourselves a refresh model that comes with a Pascal based Tegra instead of Maxwell. Especially with Nvidia pushing their new Max-Q Design Pascal we could see a refresh Switch at least on par with a stock ps4. Maybe it'll be affordable to manufacture in a few years, but who knows...

still happy with my purchase as it is a cool little piece of tech imo.

[Eldyraen]

Great concept and device, but in a few years the tech can really see the idea blossom into something special. Both more Power and battery life will become more manageable in a Switch 2.0 sort of world in other words.

5-10 years down the road and you can probably see tech progress to the point where a 1080p handheld can play same games as 4K home consoles. So third party support could genuinely be a thing right off the bat. Sacrifice resolution and maybe framerate some (30vs60 in some cases) for opening up doors to wider development market.

I'm cool with what I have now but the idea behind it all is just as exciting to me as the games we get today.

[TekoIie]

I think if they can find a way to make a good value battery pack we could see a stronger device with less of a trade-off when it comes to battery power.

I like the direction they're going in with the Switch but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want atleast 10-15% more power.

[Vits]

Unlikely, Nvidia has already revealed the capabilities of the Tegra Parker (Pascal based ) and while it features a nice "50% boost" over the Maxwell based Tegra, it's still far from being equivalent to a PS4. Maybe in a 4 or 5 years we will see a new solution on this matter, but I doubt it will be based on the Pascal architecture.

[conanlifts]

If they follow the same trend switch 2 will have ps4 level power, while the ps5 will be around 7-8 x stronger.

I can see them releasing a refresh " new switch" with a 1080p display in 2-3 years.

[Einhander1971]

Switch is incredible, playing Mario Kart last night, thinking how amazing the graphics and the screen quality are. Regardless of not being the most powerful, in handheld mode it's truly untouchable. But love playing on the big screen also, for the size of the tech it's a marvel in my opinion.

[PlayableGamez-]

Yep that handheld mode cost your third party support once again.

[-Foxtrot]

Pretty much

It's always something which holds developers back on things. I remember some developers were saying how the 3D in the 3DS meant they couldn't push the graphics...now I'm not a graphics whore but I would have taken that over the 3D. The motion controls and low power in the Wii stopped developers and the tablet/power in the Wii U stopped them again.

Would it kill Nintendo to make a console on par with current gen consoles and have a traditional controller in the box. I could honestly see them making the tablet optional as a handheld line...you can buy it on it's own but if you have this console we're releasing aswell you'll be able to link them up.

[Wotbot]

Agreed, everyone who sees and plays it is impressed. I'm loving mine, Zelda is incredible and Mario Kart is the best multiplayer I have played for ages.

They just got it right with this one.

[Omnislashver36]

Or pretends to be impressed. I'm not impressed at all with it.

[Protagonist]

Everyone? And why did you write your preferences, what does that got to do with the switch being a weak console?

[_-EDMIX-_]

"thinking how amazing the graphics and the screen quality are"

You mean Wii U graphics?

Oooook then...

[hiawa23]

Very underwelmIng to me also, but hey gamers see what they want. We all have different expectations.

[AKR]

The Switch is a more powerful system than the Wii U. That's been confirmed time and time again, so stop gushing this stupid drivel.

Is it as powerful as the PS4 or XBO? No, and nobody should expect that considering it's a hybrid and not a standard system. But regardless, Wii U games looked pretty gorgeous despite running on older hardware. A someone who owned the system throughout its life, I was never disappointed by the fidelity. And before you get on my case, I own a gaming PC, so I know that there are much better visuals out there.

[Thunder_G0d_Bane]

Sorry THQ but you should focus on making better games, your follow up Darksiders 3 looks very uninspired.

[Protagonist]

Better games as in degrading games so it might run on the switch?

[Thunder_G0d_Bane]

Nope, better games period. There's not a single THQ Nordic game i want on the Switch let alone any other platform.

The old THQ made awesome UFC games, wish that THQ would return.

[LOL_WUT]

Right, so instead of blaming Nintendo for not giving us a beefier system, we'll just blame THQ for stating facts. ;)

[luis_spartano]

I always said: The concept is really cool, but too poorly executed.

[I_am_Batman]

In my case it's the other way around. I think the concept is very well executed. I'd just prefer a traditional home console.

[LOL_WUT]

Do you even own one? I ask because I feel like it was rushed. ;)

[Summons75]

I'll agree when you can put out a system with the same sleekness and portability/seamless transition to the TV as the PS4 and still be able to play the 4/5 hours without the battery getting killed from heavy use. Gameplay is more important than graphics anyway plus BOTW, MK8, Arms all look fantastic if we are judging though.

[Question_Mark]

If it was more powerful, then it would cost more, not to mention it would be heavier and fatter, which wouldn't be good for portability.

[FallenAngel1984]

That battery life would've suffered more

[sk8ofmnd]

Actually the x2 chipset was between the power of xb1 and ps4 and had better battery life... So your thought isnt always right. Look it up

[leeeroythe3rd]

Nintendo will never release hardware that does not make profit. This prevents nintendo from ever leading the technology beyond innovative design. I am not sure why anyone would think or expect full adoption by 3rd party software. I cant think of a generation where nintendo had full 3rd party support since snes

[Apocalypze]

No one talks about the battery life though.... Why is battery technology advancing the slowest!?

[edeprez]

They could have easily put a more powerful battery in the switch, but it would have cost them a bit more. I believe it's like 4300mAh, which is ok for a phone, but with demanding games it won't hold up long. They probably had to make sacrifices to keep their price down and still make profit.

[PhoenixUp]

And it would cost a lot more than it already does cuz you know Nintendo isn't in a position to sell this at a huge loss

[LOL_WUT]

I thought they had billions in the bank? ;)

[PhoenixUp]

Being the most powerful hasn't mattered to Nintendo in the past decade

[CrimsonWing69]

You don't friggin' say!?

[joab777]

I agree. I cannot wait for the day we can play Mario and Zelda in 4k/60+. I don't care if the mobile is 720 or 900p. It's small. But I want the TV to he more than that! I would have lived a console with an option for the handheld.

[Omnislashver36]

What's amazing is Nintendo should have been the FIRST brand to max out 4K60 with their artstyles taken into consideration. If they were on PS4-Pro level hardware they'd likely have 4K60 maxed out right now. Even on a regular PS4 they may have had some 4K titles.

[septemberindecember]

For what the Switch is, it is quite powerful. Making it any more powerful would have increased the size, decreased the battery life, or increased the price. It is unfortunate, but that's the nature of portable products.

[sk8ofmnd]

Not true... Ppl need to do some research... The x2 chipset was between xb1 and ps4 level of power and had better battery life. Look it up. I hate when ppl use this excuse. Nintendo used a modified x1 when the x2 would have given 5-8 hours of battery life with 1080 60 on the handheld. Nooo brainer

[septemberindecember]

Using the X2 would have increased the cost of the product. Plain and simple. My statement is still correct.

[ibrake4naps]

Isn't it the most powerful portable of all time?

[Prince_TFK]

I think that fact doesn't apply here. The only thing that apply here is home console and exclusivezzz!

[_-EDMIX-_]

Nope. Any gaming laptop is more powerful then Switch. sooooo yea.

@Kun- not a fact bud, don't know what you mean.

[Prince_TFK]

For the third time I ask bro, why are you comparing a laptop to a switch? It just like comparing a motorbike to a car. Both can take you to places, but the sizes are different. In this case, both can play games, but a laptop is not as portable as a switch. You can't put it in a pocket. You need a separate controller. You can't play Nintendo exclusive. And so on.

[_-EDMIX-_]

@Kun- "laptop to a switch?"

Because it is still a portable gaming device.

You stated "I think that fact doesn't apply here" in response to "Isn't it the most powerful portable of all time?"

No.

A Laptop is portable and for a fact, The Switch is NOT more powerful then a gaming Laptop, it is for a FACT NOT the most powerful portable.

", but a laptop is not as portable as a switch"

It is still a portable. That is irrelevant what you think is "portable as" they are both portable.

"You can't put it in a pocket"

No, you "can't", you know not of my pockets lol

Portable has nothing to do with "pockets" simply has to do with being able to use it on the go.

"You need a separate controller"

That isn't relevant to what you are responding to. You are basically making statements that are irrelevant to what was stated.

". You can't play Nintendo exclusive"

And?

I don't know what that has to do with

"I think that fact doesn't apply here"

in response to

"Isn't it the most powerful portable of all time?"

Again...it isn't the most powerful portable of all time.

That isn't a fact.

A FACT is that it is very much not the most powerful portable of all time, again...gaming laptops exist.

lets keep this on the facts, your statement is factually wrong.

I'm not saying the Switch isn't portable, I'm not saying a Laptop is more sleek to put in your pocket etc, simply that both are portables and for a fact a gaming laptop top of the line is MORE powerful then Switch, heck gaming laptops today are MORE powerful then XONE and PS4.

[Xx_Pistol_xX]

The Razor Edge Tablet that came out in 2013 blows the doors off the Switch.

[Prince_TFK]

Yeah but that thing cost almost $1500 for the high end one. You could've buy 5 Switches with that amount.

[Xx_Pistol_xX]

@Kun_ADR No one said anything about price. He was asking that the Switch was the most powerful portable which it's not. And if you want to talk about Price the 200 dollar Nvdia Shield will give the Switch a run for the money.

[Fishy Fingers]

Consoles are always a compromise between power and cost (even more so with portables). Nintendo don't sell at a loss so any 'beefer' hardware would of probably resulted in an expensive system (comparatively tablets/phones are twice the price).

They still have the highest rated game this gen and seem to sell out consistently, I imagine they're pretty content with what they delivered.

[sk8ofmnd]

At first, i was like... Maybe this time will be different and nintendo finally have gotten with the times... Yet, i knew right away when they had their unveiling in jan when they didnt once talk about what was under the hood that was a big sign that they werent hiding the specs because it was powerful. Like how ggod damn hard would it have been for them to go with the x2 chip instead of the x1??? Its a hell of a missed opportunity because right now its just good enough... But it could have been amazing not only to play all nintendo 1st partys on the go but ALL (most) AAA 3rd partys on the go... Nintendo could have ruled the fn roost and been amazing on all fronts... Guess ill have to wait yet... Another gen for nintender to do the right thing by EVERYONE not just nintendo fanboys. It's like they are purposely trolling everyone that's not a Nintendo fan girl.

Although ill still get one... It wont be until after xcx2 ships later this year. I still think the switch and accesories are far too overpriced... Like how the f do you have the odasity to be priced as much of a xb1 and ps4... The damn thing needed at least a packed in game for 299.

[corroios]

They didnt want to spend the Money. There was the Tegra X2 on the market that is much more powerfull and better with battery life, but Nintendo went with the Tegra X1.

The Tegra X2 power wise is between the Xbox One and the PS4...

Same still ask why big 3 rd party games arent on the switch. Its easy just go read the specs and ask how can they do that without huge downgrades. If the Xbox oNe and PS4 got problems and need patches, imagine something much slower, with less power, much less bandwitch and so on.

[sk8ofmnd]

Exactly... The x2 would have been amazing. The price might have been 349 and ppl would have gladly paid it for better battery life and performance like you stated. Def head scratcher

[DanteVFenris666]

It don't matter because gameplay rules

https://youtu.be/RwgNsmneeL...

[Xx_Pistol_xX]

Gameplay limitations can also be put in place because of hardware.

[DanteVFenris666]

Tell me that when games start being more enjoyable with snes games

[Supernintendo85]

Well if the "New" Nintendo 3DS is any proof, they could potentially release the "new" Nintendo Switch, or just use this as a benchmark and come out with a better graphical device. They are doing it right now with Switch and 3DS. They are still supporting the little portable, as well as pushing forward with the Switch. I seriously predict nintendo going that route. Now I could be wrong, but they might also make a ram cartridge you can plug in (N64 days ) and it will run through an app on your phone, to boost its graphical power 😂😂😂 Either way, I support Nintendo on its latest journey. It isn't just a gimmick. If you bought one, you understand the convenience of it, regardless of technical prowess. And some damn good games, even if most are rehashes. I've played Mario Kart on a plane trip and smile childly every fucking time. Little inferno is a jewel and Disgaea is something I never wanted to get into until I was on a business trip and played it during downtime. With Mario coming in October and Rocket League coming this Christmas, I'll need a new battery pack for the Switch I'm sure.

[deathtok]

I have a Switch and I'm a firm believer in gameplay over graphics. That said, a little more in the system specs area would still be nice.

[LOL_WUT]

It would be nice for those who OWN it seeing as theres not much to play on the system ;)

[Blueraven316]

Kidtendo never learns

[superchiller]

It certainly is sad, and embarrassing that Nintendo released a weak piece of gaming hardware that can't handle any current generation games unless they are gutted and heavily watered down. And that is exactly the reason that the Switch will fail; a severe lack of 3rd party games, just like the Wii U.

[zugdar]

Do they want more beefy hardware in the same form factor or just a more powerful home system that the other two already have? If they like and want the hybrid aspect I'd like to see them suggest how Nintendo could do that and keep it under $300.

[Nucler100]

Yeah, I wish it was more powerful too. 😔. But it'll be fine. Amazing Exclusives.

[xX1NORM1Xx]

yea hopefully when battery tech gets better and hardware gets smaller we can have a better version of the switch but knowing nintendo their next console will be a switch but more awkward

[Emme]

Dont people ever have enough of Pokemon ? Where I work, and two of my friends in the 40s, middle aged adults play Pokemon go. Its a bit bizzarre.

[FernDiggidy]

I'm enjoying the switch so far but I can't help but wonder what it would have been like had they went with Tegra x2 chip instead. missed opportunity Nintendo. SMFH

[Prince_TFK]

I wish that as well. But as far as I know, no mobile device (except a very small amount of laptop) run on X2, and that maybe because there are reasons for it. For me personally I think it was not designed as a mobile chip, at least not for tablet anyway (Nvidia themselves states that it is for self driving car) so I think battery life will not be that great and the price would be too expensive

[TheOttomatic91]

Jesus Christ that had to have been taken out of context.

[wheresmymonkey]

the thing about the switch though is that because of how its basically modular they could just bring out a beefier version of the hardware in a couple of years with no issues. basically a New Switch. Switch Pro type affair is highly likely.

[NohansenBoy]

Is the Switch even selling well anymore? My local shop hasn't had one in stock for the past 6 weeks.

[feraldrgn]

It would have been cool if it had larger onboard storage & 8GB of ram.

I remember there was a teardown of the tablet & they found space where extra memory could have fit, which gave them the impression that there will be an upgrade down the line, they also mentioned something about it being ancient (can't recall what part though).
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

If you don't want to watch it all for the upgrade mention, it's at 8:21
Whole thing's worth the watch though.

[gamer7804]

i think everyone was a bit disappointed in that regard, its another system thats strong out of the gate, but won't have staying power for multiplaform releases. If they could have fixed that and added a proper online social system onboard that would have been great.

[hengst2404]

I have always found statements like that, about popular and well-selling systems to be unfortunate. Perhaps another take would be that although the Switch has limitations of what it can accomplish, we are more than capable of designing titles for it. Fact is that in 2017, the tech is there to make fun and compelling games, even with the Switch's more limited capabilities. Developers have gotten lazy having all of that hardware to play with. They seem to have forgotten the days when they had to work hard to make something compelling, with less to work with.

[hiawa23]

I wanted Pro or X power into a traditional Nintendo console not the portable that docks that is less powerful than the X1, as I have zero interest in a handheld, but this is what Nintendo made so devs will have to just pair the games back to work on the Switch.

[n1kki6]

How was Nintendo suppose to make the hardware beefier with proper cooling and acceptable battery life when mobile? The thing would have been much larger in size.

[XStation4pio_Pro]

i wish nintendo would just make a high powered regular console like they used to. they used to be the standard. i am a switch owner and i do enjoy it, but the discrepancies between it and my xOneS and ps4 Pro are VERY obvious and it makes you wonder where they could have taken games like BOTW if they had more power to play with. I think about that every time I play HZD on the Pro. "what if zelda could have looked THIS amazing". it would have taken it to another level.

[QUIMICOMORTAL]

Indeed it is!

[kangolkyle]

What's the optimal level of power for something like this, then? Did they want a portable Xbox One?

In fact, most of the complaints from people against the Switch come down to "Well why didn't they just make a PS4?" PS4 exists, Xbox One exists, product differentiation is smart for companies and good for consumers.

[Fearmonkey]

Switch has a Tegra X1, the same as the Nvidia Shield Android TV, but underclocked from 1.9GHZ to 1.02 GHZ for CPU, and from 1GHZ down to as low as 307 MHZ. Its a 2015 era CPU/GPU severely performance gimped, like 1 GF down to .3 GF compared to the Shield Android TV. Nvidia has since released the Tegra X2 and has another Soc called Xavier coming if not already out. Nintendo does what Nintendo always does, go for the cheap performance!

I tell you though, Nintendo really needs to get into VR, they have the best franchises for VR, and after playing Robot Rescue on Playroom VR on PSVR, Mario in VR would be amazing.

Hopefully they release a more powerful dock unit as some point.

[-Gespenst-]

Games are going to get too big if technology accelerates too fast. Download speeds and storage won't be able to keep up. I say cool it with the power race and focus on being a platform for good games. Games don't need to be ultra-realistic to be good, everyone knows that.