Switch Discussion Thread

[Tanooki]

The thing is that rumor there at least has some grounds for truth to it and with digital foundry going into the chosen processor it gives a glimpse of some likely fact here. Since they appear to be going the microconsole route, have been getting mobile OS coders under their employ, stories of the OS super easy to code for and even easier to port from Android, it kind of all fits cozy together. A 32GB storage card for a game isn't small by any means within that realm, few Android games bust over the 2GB level and I think only 1-2 crack over 4GB. I've got that shield tablet and I've seen some of the general potential it can do towards the high end, and the tablet isn't even the maxed out Tegra, it's the B+ level to the A that is the console itself so even if Nintendo is sacrificing some power for tablet like portability, it won't suck in the audio/visual department. If this device isn't just games, but Nintendo wises up and makes it semi-tablet like friendly with various apps, streaming tools, and other garbage along with a solid web browser and potential email client they'd have a really excellent grab it and go solution the modern swiss army knife like consumer would want.

[Sarge]

This is the most logical speculation I've seen yet. No question this would be a day-one purchase for me.

Also, 32GB is small? I mean, Blu-Ray only goes up to 50GB, and the PS4 doesn't use BDXL. On top of that, that's the "recommended" from Nintendo, so my guess is if someone wants to go hog-wild and use a 64GB, they can do it.

[Tanooki]

I'd have to admit it, it would fit in my comments over the months. I don't trust them on consoles, but a handheld you could dock (like the neo geo x did) I would because they're not handheld flakes.

[Sarge]

Yeah, I was going to say, a lot of your speculation has been quite accurate so far.

[Exhuminator]

Years ago when I read Nintendo was converging their handheld and console studios under one roof, I speculated Nintendo was working on a hybrid device. If that's the route NX takes, I won't be surprised. What would surprise me though, is if Nintendo uses an OS they did not create.

Also, Nintendo has been thinking about a breakaway controller for a long time:

http://gizmodo.com/294642/unearthed-nin ... -prototype

Not surprised if they finally use the concept.

[Tanooki]

I tend to dig into second level stuff the press doesn't always ramble on about because lame patents and fluff words get more attention, but I also used to work in the industry (dev side, then media for a few years) and get them a bit, and my brother still does (he just debuted that Superfight game at the comic con.) I get to get tidbits of info from his neck of the woods too as people between companies talk and then they do and others do. The WiiU was a bit of a blind siding, I found out about the whole 'our way or the highway' approach Nintendo did which is why the games dried up. Had I known in advance I probably would have never bought it or waited until now with lots of selects to justify it as the hardware is fun, the support issues aren't. It's why people say I get down on them, it's just I learn things where dumb moves were made and it's hard not to as I grew up on them with the old iron fist making them a leader and he's dead now.

[Exhuminator]

Well, nothing against your thunder Tanooki, but nothing you've posted in this thread has been something I didn't already read about on NeoGAF. NeoGAF has had huge speculative threads about the NX for a long time now, full of patent documents and insider leaks and such. I am glad you bring that information over to Racketboy though, so members here can catch up.

[Tanooki]

It's fine I have no thunder, just saying where I get the stuff from. I haven't actually logged into NeoGAF or looked at it in a long time, damn site is too overly active in too few forums to properly keep up with it so I stopped bothering. If they had it, I wouldn't be surprised as they do have a lot of game company employees at that one forum alone who covertly post stuff on the sly. It's probably why that board shows up in some game news sites as a source as it's pretty fair game there not to call it a rumor mill like anywhere else could be.

[isiolia]

Also, 32GB is small? I mean, Blu-Ray only goes up to 50GB, and the PS4 doesn't use BDXL. On top of that, that's the "recommended" from Nintendo, so my guess is if someone wants to go hog-wild and use a 64GB, they can do it.

Physical media doesn't entirely determine how large games get on other platforms. Files can be compressed, DLC can add to it, etc. Relative to what PS4/Xbox/PC installs have been lately for AAA titles, 32GB is middle of the road. It's not all that uncommon to see 40-50GB installs on PS4, and not unheard of to see 60-75GB.

Not saying it's all a good thing, or that assets couldn't be cut down...but, to a point, HD assets are just big.

A consideration is that carts aren't going to be the only option. Even if we assume they're fast enough to run games directly off of - which would be logical - Nintendo will still want eShop sales. While it's unlikely Nintendo would put a HDD in either way, what does a portable model leave the console with for local storage? At best, maybe side-stepping the Vita's woes there by using standard (high spec) SD cards...but probably only fitting 1-2 large games on more affordable ones. Over time that may get better, but much smaller installs would still be preferable.

What'd be interesting to see is working an m.2 SSD in or something though.

[Jmustang1968]

I kinda called this one a few years ago before NX was really being speculatedone. Or basically said what a cool design for the next Nintendo "console" would be. I believe we discussed it on episode 70 of the podcast. If not 70 then 66. Will be cool if the rumors are true.