Nintendo Switch

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Batwing

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#208989 8-Mar-2017 08:46

It looks like the Nintendo Switch had had a pretty massive global launch.

What are peoples thoughts on the console+mobile combination? Is or has anyone already picked one of these up?

Having never owned a Nintendo console, nor any console since the Xbox 360 (which I didn't use much), this one has piqued my interest as being something different enough to drag me away from the PC for a bit.

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#1732877 8-Mar-2017 10:05

I'm very tempted to pick one up myself, if only for the first-party Nintendo games (Zelda, Mario, Mario Kart).

jaidevp

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#1732931 8-Mar-2017 11:13

Yep I picked one up, enjoying BOTW immensely, and have only used it in portable mode since getting it last week. I haven't even unpacked the TV Dock!.

Item

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#1732947 8-Mar-2017 11:39

I am torn...have been burned multiple times being a Nintendo early adopter (starting with the N64!) due to glacial pace of quality launch/year One title releases or subsequent revisions to hardware early in the life-cycle.

I came very close to pulling the trigger last weekend, but elected to get Zelda: BOW on WiU instead and so far am not regretting it too much...though the idea of being able to play it in my lunch break is very appealing!

Still undecided then.

CruciasNZ

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#1732963 8-Mar-2017 11:57

My flatmate and I picked it up on launch day and we're both hooked on BOTW.

The interface is fluid and modern, remincent of some later android builds. Very little homage to the horrendous childlike interface of the 3DS which was something I was worried about. As for the device itself, its weight and balance seems right for its size and it is comfortable in your hands. The buttons on the pro controller are much stiffer than Xbox or PS controllers, which takes a bit to get used to.

One interesting point is the HDMI output (Audio and Video) is encrypted just like the Playstation is, so you cannot pass it through an HDMI splitter to seperate the audio out. I have to pass the Switch through my Xbox One, which results in a slight graphics drop. If you had an HDMI screen with inbuilt sound this will not worry you at all, but for those with a setup like mine (seperate screen and sound) a cheap HDMI splitter will not work.

The launch games are appalling in terms of quanitity. You basically have the choice of BOTW or nothing (alternatives are Just Dance and Skylanders, plus some indy games and Bomberman). BOTW is fantastic, and is reason enough to buy the console alone, however for those who want to have a variety you will be hurting for a bit until the trickle of launch games begins at the end of March. There is an interesting looking JRPG on the eStore for about $30 though, so that's something.

TL;DR
It's a fantastic console, and BOTW is phenomenal. Requires more complicated methods of splitting Video and Audio due to encrypted HDMI output. There is really only 1 game at the moment.

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Shindig

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#1732984 8-Mar-2017 12:43

Ner

The little things make the biggest difference.

littleheaven

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#1732986 8-Mar-2017 12:50

So does this mean that Nintendo will no longer be releasing titles for the WiiU? My son has one and he is keen as mustard for a Switch, which I can't afford right now, and I'm dreading all his favourite games (like Splatoon) coming out with new titles that he won't be able to play. Is the Switch backwards-compatible with the U? When you consider the fact that I can still get brand new titles for our old PS3, which about 10 years old, it makes the Nintendo consoles seem quite short-lived by comparison.

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CruciasNZ

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#1733033 8-Mar-2017 13:36

littleheaven:

So does this mean that Nintendo will no longer be releasing titles for the WiiU? My son has one and he is keen as mustard for a Switch, which I can't afford right now, and I'm dreading all his favourite games (like Splatoon) coming out with new titles that he won't be able to play. Is the Switch backwards-compatible with the U? When you consider the fact that I can still get brand new titles for our old PS3, which about 10 years old, it makes the Nintendo consoles seem quite short-lived by comparison.

Nintento have said that they will continue to release titles for the WiiU, however they have also confirmed production of the console and it's accessories was ended in December 2016. I would imagine that all games currently under development for the WiiU will finish and release, but there will be no more games initiated; this will likely mean that you'll see releases winding down until December this year. I guess you could say the releases of WiiU would wind down as the releases of Switch games winds up.

Switch is not backwards compatible, and there is also no virtual console. They have said they will consider virtual console going forward, but it would not be a short term goal due to the different architectures. The WiiU is similar to the Wii and Gamecube processor and graphics wise, whereas the Switch has more in common with an Android Tablet.

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js7319

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#1733043 8-Mar-2017 13:53

So far I don't have any complaints on Switch.

My normal usage of switch: 80% of time playing on TV and 20% as portable on bed.

Zelda BOTW is definitely a killer title and worth every penny.

And I've sold my 1year old PS4 and not regretting!

mattwnz

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#1733044 8-Mar-2017 13:56

An interesting device. But an ipad or ipad mini with a controller type case giving it physical buttons, potentially could be a far better hardware with a better screen. But I guess the problem is game availability

js7319

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#1733045 8-Mar-2017 13:57

Looks like we can get Puyo Puyo demo from Japanese eStore:

https://www.reddit.com/r/nintendo/comments/5xq9lk/puyo_puyo_tetris_s_demo_is_absurdly_generous/

Free local multiplay! Gonna try it tonight

littleheaven

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#1733048 8-Mar-2017 14:05

CruciasNZ:

Nintento have said that they will continue to release titles for the WiiU, however they have also confirmed production of the console and it's accessories was ended in December 2016. I would imagine that all games currently under development for the WiiU will finish and release, but there will be no more games initiated; this will likely mean that you'll see releases winding down until December this year. I guess you could say the releases of WiiU would wind down as the releases of Switch games winds up.

Switch is not backwards compatible, and there is also no virtual console. They have said they will consider virtual console going forward, but it would not be a short term goal due to the different architectures. The WiiU is similar to the Wii and Gamecube processor and graphics wise, whereas the Switch has more in common with an Android Tablet.

Thanks for the info! Guess I know what's going on the Christmas list for this year :o)

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Batwing

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#1733082 8-Mar-2017 14:46

Some good discussion going on, can't wait to get my hands on our unit currently waiting with my wife for us to finish work!

I was a bit surprised to hear from her a few minutes ago that they popped open the box in the store to put the receipt inside, and there were no tamper stickers - anyone else seen this? I personally would have queried this with the store on the spot but that moment is gone now

CruciasNZ

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#1733130 8-Mar-2017 16:05

Batwing: Some good discussion going on, can't wait to get my hands on our unit currently waiting with my wife for us to finish work!

I was a bit surprised to hear from her a few minutes ago that they popped open the box in the store to put the receipt inside, and there were no tamper stickers - anyone else seen this? I personally would have queried this with the store on the spot but that moment is gone now

Come to think of it mine didn't have tamper stickers either. We popped it in store to have the screen protector applied by a someone with a "if we mess it up we replace it" policy. Controller was the same.

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