Home Gaming FFD: Nintendo Switch – gimmick or revolution?

FFD: Nintendo Switch – gimmick or revolution?

2 min read
126

SWitchdd

Yesterday, Nintendo revealed its impending new console, the Switch. Opinions are somewhat divided, with most in the industry fawning over the hybrid console, and many gamers – notably “core” gamers – thinking it’s stupid.

Me? I’m very much enamoured with the thing. The idea of playing games on the go – or even just disconnected from the TV – and being able to play them on the TV as well appeals to me. That it’s seemingly powerful enough to run “AAA” games is great. I love the idea of being able to play 1v1 or co-operative games just about anywhere with those little Joy-Con controllers, doubling that to 2v2 when two of them are connected ad-hoc.

The fact that’ll it’ll be home to a new Mario, and a portable Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is really just gravy to me.

But there are dissenters. I get that – especially here in South Africa where there isn’t a commuter culture. People drive everywhere, and generally prefer staying in their homes at night, which certainly does limit the appeal a bit. And for “core” gamers, there’s not a lot that’s inherently enticing, especially not the PC gaming crowd who crow on about graphics, mice and keyboards.

Thing is, this isn’t made for you. It’s made for younger people, who’re inherently more social and outgoing. It’s made for the more casual, smartphone gamer who wants a little more than the sort of things you’ll find on phones right now. It’s there to bridge a divide.

Realise that the hardcore gamer isn’t as important to the video game ecosystem as they might like to believe they are. They’re not indicative of the whole market. As an example. The latest NPD stats show that the top selling games in the US in the last month were almost all sports games. NBA2K, FIFA, Madden NFL, and NHL all took the top spots. Now imagine the people playing those games being able to play them wherever they like – and then carry their progress through when they are at home and dock the thing in.

The biggest worry, as has become usual for anything made by Nintendo, is the availability of software. It’ll live or die on its content (and also its price). Without great third party support, this thing is dead in the water no matter how clever it is. Given the number of publishers on board, we may have nothing to worry about. Maybe.

But what do you think? Silly gimmick or tantalising bit of tech?

Last Updated: October 21, 2016

126 Comments

  1. Gavin Mannion

    October 21, 2016 at 10:33

    • Pariah ???

      October 21, 2016 at 10:35

      Yup

      Reply

  2. konfab

    October 21, 2016 at 10:34

    I bet it won’t be able to run Crysis…

    Reply

    • Pariah ???

      October 21, 2016 at 10:35

      But Skyrim tho. XD

      Reply

      • Dutch Matrix

        October 21, 2016 at 10:41

        I used to be an adventurer like you but then the batteries died… That is my biggest fear!

        Reply

  3. Pariah ???

    October 21, 2016 at 10:35

    I’m a core gamer. I’m a PC gamer. I’ve already been asking for birthday money to buy one next year.

    Reply

    • Dutch Matrix

      October 21, 2016 at 10:40

      Hope your wife/mom/aunt/grandmother/uncle or whoever says yes. Heck, if I had funds I’d buy one for you! No. Wait.

      Reply

      • Pariah ???

        October 21, 2016 at 10:40

        gf has already agreed. 😀

        Reply

        • Dutch Matrix

          October 21, 2016 at 10:44

          Wow. I hope you take her to a fancy dinner and spoil her rotten. And don’t forget the Appletizer!

          Reply

  4. Dungeon of JJ

    October 21, 2016 at 10:36

    Though I have no interest in mobile gaming devices, the Switch does seem to be a very cool piece of tech.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief

      October 21, 2016 at 10:39

      Agreed

      Reply

  5. Ottokie

    October 21, 2016 at 10:36

    Wots a core gamer?

    Reply

    • Pariah ???

      October 21, 2016 at 10:37

      Well you know that bit of the apple nobody eats because it’s full of shit?

      Reply

      • Ottokie

        October 21, 2016 at 10:38

        The “shit” that makes more apples? 😛

        Reply

        • Pariah ???

          October 21, 2016 at 10:38

          Yup 😛

          Reply

          • Charl

            October 21, 2016 at 10:47

            Wait people don’t eat that? :O

          • Pariah ???

            October 21, 2016 at 10:49

            O_o you mean you do? O_O

          • Lord Chaos

            October 21, 2016 at 10:49

            *Slowly backing away.

          • Charl

            October 21, 2016 at 11:02

            yep have always.

          • Pariah ???

            October 21, 2016 at 11:03

            I wonder if that makes you Valve in this analogy.

          • Dutch Matrix

            October 21, 2016 at 10:51

            I always ate the whole thing, then I read the other day apparently the pips are poisonous. Must be a slow killer then. Been eating apples like that since I was like 7.

          • Pariah ???

            October 21, 2016 at 10:58

            The pips contain a higher than average amount of cyanide in them. But you’d have to eat a LOT of them in one go for it to actually be dangerous.

          • Dutch Matrix

            October 21, 2016 at 10:59

            Cyanide? Wow.

          • Pariah ???

            October 21, 2016 at 11:00

            Most things we eat contains cyanide. Don’t panic.

          • Lord Chaos

            October 21, 2016 at 11:01

            You’d be surprised how many everyday items have trace amounts of cyanide in them

  6. Dutch Matrix

    October 21, 2016 at 10:37

    Puppy ears. Look at that controller. I am sold for the Puppy Ears Controller!

    Reply

    • Dungeon of JJ

      October 21, 2016 at 10:40

      Yea, I really like that controller.

      Reply

    • Pieter Kruger

      October 21, 2016 at 11:02

      At least they got the positioning of the thumbsticks right…..

      Reply

    • GooseZA

      October 21, 2016 at 11:42

      Cannot un-see.

      Reply

  7. Admiral Chief

    October 21, 2016 at 10:38

    Not revolution, not gimmick.

    Something different.

    Don’t judge it on comparison

    Reply

  8. Lord Chaos

    October 21, 2016 at 10:39

    I see it as a gimmick that has it’s place. This will be perfect for core gamers who are on the move a lot.

    Reply

  9. Admiral Chief

    October 21, 2016 at 10:39

    The most important question of all:
    Can I play Warframe on it?

    Reply

    • Dungeon of JJ

      October 21, 2016 at 10:42

      Warframe Shmorframe. 😛
      Nintendo is all about the games that make you feel like a kid again. (in a non-childish way)

      Reply

    • Ottokie

      October 21, 2016 at 10:44

      Double credit weekend!

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief

        October 21, 2016 at 10:45

        I know, yussssss

        Desecrate all the things!

        Reply

        • Ottokie

          October 21, 2016 at 10:48

          Pink Nova POOFS EVERYWHERE!

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief

            October 21, 2016 at 10:49

            We gonna jam tonight?

          • Ottokie

            October 21, 2016 at 10:51

            Diablo 3 yes xD

            New season hype!

          • Admiral Chief

            October 21, 2016 at 10:52

            MF, and I don’t even have it installed

          • Lord Chaos

            October 21, 2016 at 11:04

            New season starts tonight? Damn, know what I’m doing. What time?

          • Ottokie

            October 21, 2016 at 11:06

            5 pm today it kicks off

          • Lord Chaos

            October 21, 2016 at 11:07

            Should be home just after that.
            Just need to get into the paragon levels at least else rest of the season’s gonna be a hard grind

          • Ottokie

            October 21, 2016 at 11:09

            Also have to login before 5pm for the customary sorting of bags from last seasons hoarding xD

          • Admiral Chief

            October 21, 2016 at 11:12

            If I download now, and start with new character, how far behind am I?

          • Ottokie

            October 21, 2016 at 11:13

            New season everyone starts at lvl 1 again

          • Archdruid Kromas

            October 21, 2016 at 11:13

            and in 3 hours everyone is max level and doing grifts.

          • Ottokie

            October 21, 2016 at 11:14

            3 hours? takes my group 8 hours xD

          • Archdruid Kromas

            October 21, 2016 at 11:15

            What playing normal adventure mode?

            Play nightmare like the big boys. 😛

          • Ottokie

            October 21, 2016 at 11:15

            Normal and then after a bit of gear we go T1

          • Archdruid Kromas

            October 21, 2016 at 11:16

            we level nightmare cause it is the highest you can go before max lvl. then immediatly switch to T1 for normal rifts and work our way to grifts on T6 when geared.

            I may actually play a bit tonight.

          • Ottokie

            October 21, 2016 at 11:17

            We just quest and play through the story line with booze and loads of kak praat and jokes a long the way xD

          • Admiral Chief

            October 21, 2016 at 11:28

            So, should I download?

          • Ottokie

            October 21, 2016 at 11:33

            We have an extra slot without Vamps so you are welcome to join if you wanna. But we can always just power level you on a later date if you want to.

          • Admiral Chief

            October 21, 2016 at 11:38

            [moves chat to #blizzgames]

          • Archdruid Kromas

            October 21, 2016 at 11:13

            You can get boosted.

  10. Krabby Paddy

    October 21, 2016 at 10:40

    Hopefully not just a gimmick. It looks very promising as a hand held gaming device, but I doubt you can call it revolutionary. If it is awesome enough, it will make people with consoles and pc buy it, but I can’t see it being powerful enough to make them convert solely to it. That is fine though, because it does not need to be revolutionary and compete with consoles. For what it is, it looks like a lot of thought and design has gone into it. It just needs to be a bloody good hand held to be very successful.

    Reply

  11. Alien Emperor Trevor

    October 21, 2016 at 10:40

    I think it looks cool, bridging the gap between mobile & stay-at-home gaming. It’ll be interesting to see the price that it and its games will go for.

    But I don’t want one because I’m not young & social. And graphics, mice and keyboards. 😛

    Reply

    • Dungeon of JJ

      October 21, 2016 at 10:44

      Some sites have estimated around between $300 and $400. I have no idea what mobile devices cost, so I can’t even say if that’s reasonable or not XD

      Reply

      • Pariah ???

        October 21, 2016 at 10:48

        Around R5k then. That’s what I expect, at least.

        Reply

        • Dutch Matrix

          October 21, 2016 at 11:00

          Depends on what comes out of our Presidents mouth till then.

          Reply

          • Lord Chaos

            October 21, 2016 at 11:02

            Has he ever said anything that has boosted the rand? Only thing he can say would be that he resigns.

          • Dungeon of JJ

            October 21, 2016 at 11:12

            Yea, and the the whole country will have a headache the next day from getting sh!tfaced and celebrating

  12. Melasco

    October 21, 2016 at 10:43

    It all comes down to battery life… 😛 This does not really appeal to me but I love the fact that they are willing to try something new. I hope it works.

    Reply

  13. Admiral Chief

    October 21, 2016 at 10:44

  14. VampyreSquirrel

    October 21, 2016 at 10:44

    I want one… tho I’ll possibly never be able to afford one.

    Also just hoping it does what they show in that reveal.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief

      October 21, 2016 at 10:45

      You need to change jobs, then buy one with first month’s salary increase!

      Reply

      • VampyreSquirrel

        October 21, 2016 at 10:46

        Lol! PS4 first.

        Reply

      • Lord Chaos

        October 21, 2016 at 10:47

        Where do you find jobs with that huge an increase? O_o

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief

          October 21, 2016 at 10:50

          Based on what he is currently earning, and what I think he is worth, he can easily do it!

          Reply

          • Lord Chaos

            October 21, 2016 at 10:51

            But will the new company think he is worth it? Seeing as they base increases on asking for latest payslip.

          • Admiral Chief

            October 21, 2016 at 10:52

            Not always, and I have hope!

          • Lord Chaos

            October 21, 2016 at 10:54

            Hope, in SA… I need some of what you’re smoking. 😀

          • Admiral Chief

            October 21, 2016 at 10:55

            Lots of quality beer, quality gaming, quality family life as well

            That’s what I’m “smoking”

  15. Geoffrey Tim

    October 21, 2016 at 10:47

    Imagine being able to play a decent game on the shitter at work. Sold.

    Reply

    • Pariah ???

      October 21, 2016 at 10:48

      LOL

      Reply

      • Dutch Matrix

        October 21, 2016 at 10:57

        Fus Ro Paaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrpppppppppp*

        *Extended Fart Noise

        Reply

    • Admiral Chief

      October 21, 2016 at 10:50

      Dropping the kids off at the pool while doing a FUS RO DAH sounds golden

      Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      October 21, 2016 at 10:50

      Just how constipated are you? 😛

      Reply

      • Pariah ???

        October 21, 2016 at 10:51

        A single serving of KFC dunked wings would solve that issue.

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief

          October 21, 2016 at 10:52

          😀

          Reply

      • Lord Chaos

        October 21, 2016 at 10:51

        Took the words out of my mouth.

        Reply

      • Admiral Chief

        October 21, 2016 at 10:53

        Have you heard about that movie Constipation?
        It’s not out yet though…

        Reply

        • Spathi

          October 21, 2016 at 12:31

          gtfo!

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief

            October 21, 2016 at 14:30

            IT DOESN’T WANT TO GET OUT

    • miaau

      October 21, 2016 at 11:08

      What, is Minion Rush suddenly not good enough for you?

      Reply

  16. 40 Insane Frogs

    October 21, 2016 at 10:56

    Far too many removable parts – what is this? A video game console Transformer?

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief

      October 21, 2016 at 10:57

      Bananas have removable parts as well X

      Reply

  17. Pieter Kruger

    October 21, 2016 at 10:59

    Correct, it’s not for me, DEFINATELY NOT FOR ME!

    Reply

    • miaau

      October 21, 2016 at 11:07

      DEFIANTLY NOT, then.

      Reply

  18. Matthew Figueira

    October 21, 2016 at 11:03

    REVOLUTION! <3

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief

      October 21, 2016 at 11:06

      Now we can send you scary games to review ON THE GO!

      Reply

      • Matthew Figueira

        October 21, 2016 at 11:20

        OMG TAKE MY MONEY! Wait…

        Reply

  19. miaau

    October 21, 2016 at 11:06

    I have never owned or played on a Nintendo product, that I can recall. (no flaming, please)

    I have seen people go mad for their stuff, but from my outside perspective, the games like cartoony and just not for me. This new product, while the core idea is brilliant, still seems the same sort of thing for me. Never played Mario, for example.

    Perhaps if I do get the chance to play on one of these, my opinion will change.

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      October 21, 2016 at 11:07

      Exactly the same for me.

      Reply

  20. Archdruid Kromas

    October 21, 2016 at 11:10

    It is a gimmick. This is based off my observations of both Gaming laptops and the Nvidia shield. Enjoy your 20 minute gaming experience before the battery charge runs out. But not only that …. the screen and those controllers made for ants.

    Then again timke will tell.

    Reply

  21. Rangerdave

    October 21, 2016 at 11:13

    Big N shares slid 6% after announcement. Ouch!

    That said I like the concept of of quick coop on the go… But will there be titles that actually support this or will it be for golden oldies. Can’t see splitscreen working on the display.

    But good luck big N.

    Reply

  22. Pieter Kruger

    October 21, 2016 at 11:13

    If I play Mario on my tablet with an emulator, using a console controller and projectting the image onto my TV will that be revolutionary?

    Reply

    • Pariah ???

      October 21, 2016 at 11:15

      You wrote an article for EWN didn’t you? Same lack of perspective.

      Reply

    • Rangerdave

      October 21, 2016 at 11:15

      Looks at ps4 looks at Xperia phone… Wait don’t I already have the new Nintendo

      Reply

  23. Skyblue

    October 21, 2016 at 11:17

    Gimmick. Niche product at best.

    Reply

  24. Dane

    October 21, 2016 at 11:31

    I’m not sold on the AAA mobile gaming niche. I mean, if you aren’t home, surely you are doing something and not just sitting around somewhere with nothing to do. Either go home and game or do whatever it is that you’re away from home doing. I’ve seen plenty studies on gaming being an addiction, and while I don’t think you can classify gaming as an addiction the same way you can cigarettes, it is still something that takes over some people’s lives in a destructive way. AAA mobile gaming is the largest amount of fuel I can imagine being added to that fire. Anyway, contrary to popular belief, I think it could be more than a gimmick. I think it could bring re-birth to the Nintendo mobile gaming for youngsters, like the GB Color did back in early 2000.

    Reply

    • Dane

      October 21, 2016 at 11:33

      I mean, look at the trailer. The guy goes out with his dog but can’t leave his freakin’ game behind for 30 minutes to enjoy the outdoors, maybe bond with his mut a little, maybe meet someone to sit on his couch with him.

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief

        October 21, 2016 at 11:37

        IS THIS THE REAL LIFE?
        IS THIS JUST FANTASY?

        Reply

      • GooseZA

        October 21, 2016 at 11:46

        Yeah I was thinking the same thing man. You’re walking your dog. You don’t need your phone / gaming console. Enjoy the outdoors.

        Still think it’s pretty neat though 😀

        Reply

      • Pariah ???

        October 21, 2016 at 11:50

        So you’re saying while I’m sitting here at work, lunch time in 10 minutes, I should continue sitting and being bored for that hour, or instead I have the option of playing Legend of Zelda or Skyrim? I don’t know, the choice seems pretty simple to me. Lunch with games > lunch without.

        And don’t give me that phone crap. Data costs are stupid.

        Reply

        • Dane

          October 21, 2016 at 12:03

          You need two hands for the console. How are you going to eat your lunch?

          Reply

          • Pariah ???

            October 21, 2016 at 12:10

            Now you’re being deliberately obtuse. It doesn’t take an hour to eat.

          • Dane

            October 21, 2016 at 12:16

            Ok, you’re right, it was an obtuse remark. I still think it is unhealthy to spend that time playing video games. If the general circumstance is that you are not alone for lunch, and you have time after work to game.

          • Pariah ???

            October 21, 2016 at 12:17

            Well it’s either read the news online or game. And the news is depressing as shit.

          • Dane

            October 21, 2016 at 12:22

            Gee, two extremes on a spectrum. Maybe both.

          • Pariah ???

            October 21, 2016 at 12:24

            It’s raining outside. So that’s not an option. I get sunburn in literally 10 minutes in the sun. I’m photosensitive. So it’s either sit awkwardly alone in the canteen area while not eating, or sit at my desk.

            There’s your spectrum.

            And the Switch is still the best way to spend that hour.

          • Dane

            October 21, 2016 at 13:03

            I believe in the saying “too much of a good thing is a bad thing.” Especially when it comes to entertainment. If it is a solution or compensation to these obstacles that you have, fair enough. But my opinion is that it’s not worth buying into specifically as a dedicated gaming device for when you are not in reach of a fixed device at home. Which is what it’s being marketed and accepted as.

        • Rangerdave

          October 21, 2016 at 12:03

          That is a good point how will this as a mobile platform talk to the Web?WiFi only? WiFi data? Or standalone device with Bluetooth networking to other units… Will it need to be online or offline supported.

          Reply

          • Pariah ???

            October 21, 2016 at 12:12

            Well, they did show the insertion of cartridges. So while it’ll probably be WiFi enabled, it’ll function just fine offline. Similar to how the 3DS currently functions.

            Mobile gaming isn’t a new space for Nintendo – it’s THEIR space. Sony have tried and failed. Nvidia tried and failed. Nintendo still dominate.

          • Rangerdave

            October 21, 2016 at 12:40

            Do like the idea of buying a game on cartridge/USB and actually getting the product… Looking at you… Every other current game system.

            Well if they can keep offline and created local networks on the fly and still play a game (something developers say cannot be done because.. LAN bad!) then they might be onto something.

            After all there is a select group of “core” gamers who think games today are gorgeous and play great but are hamstrung by always online, incomplete product, day one patch, MTs, season passes that are ready on launch day and my favourite the ability to play with friends in England&Australia but not a friend in the same room.

  25. Admiral Chief

    October 21, 2016 at 11:31

    Comment #100

    Reply

  26. Satellite11

    October 21, 2016 at 12:03

    Gimmick! Gimmick!

    Reply

  27. Avithar

    October 21, 2016 at 12:38

    well now… rival to sony and its psp?

    Reply

  28. CodeDisQus

    October 21, 2016 at 15:27

    My worry is the 3rd party support. Im pretty sure the wii u had a ton of support, then flopped hard!

    I’ll be honest I don’t see myself grabbing one of these and playing it in a park or on a train (we don’t have any in DBN). So that’s why I’m not so excited, what also put me off is the games shown on the video are old games, not a great sign of the support it’s getting from 3rd party.

    Anyway at the end of the day, games sell systems and if Nintendo can give the like of Ubisoft , EA, Activision, CDPR, Sega or whoever else the tools and reasons to build great games, than colour me stoked! But for now, the promise of Zelda (not a fan) and Skyrim, leaves me waiting for more impressive titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man game (which could come to the system tbf)

    Reply

  29. Button

    October 21, 2016 at 17:30

    This is actually brilliant! You choose how you want to use it and allows someone to game who might not have access to a latest or no television (If you can afford this then you must have a television, not the point). They have my support. This is like a 3ds on steroids and you can plug into the the television and that will mean Pokemon in HD!!!! YEAH!!!

    Reply

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