Think Nintendo will make a home-only Switch?

[Blue_Max]

Yes, I know it totally defeats the mobile + home aspect of the Switch, but I think it'd be a reasonable idea to release a home-only version of the console using the same (or slightly better?) processors, etc.

Smaller size, better cooling, no screen or battery, notably lower price. Kind of like what they did for the 2DS.

Could broaden their marketbase, I'd think...

Whaddaya' say? Possible? Likely? Bad idea?

 

[jman19]

Never going to happen.

 

[gorcorps]

Then they'd have to change the name... too much work

 

[Blue_Max]

Then they'd have to change the name... too much work

Heh... good point. Not only does it defeat the "Switch" concept, it works against the name itself.
Unless they called it something else was was simply a "Base" version...

 

[HOOfan 1]

Didn't work too well for Sony with the PS TV.

 

[Oyeve]

2ds was a failure wasn't it?

 

[cmdrdredd]

Nope cause they eventually want to replace the 3DS with the switch or something like it where you don't have a home console with games and a portable with different games. It's clear they want there to be one platform where you take your games from the TV on the go.

 

[ImpulsE69]

Switch U coming soon!

 

[master_shake_]

they had to make this last abortion to satisfy their dead bosses wish of having a run of the crappiest consoles imaginable.

 

[jpiniero]

I think it's unlikely. A Switch model without the dock included will happen though, I'm sure.

 

[cmdrdredd]

they had to make this last abortion to satisfy their dead bosses wish of having a run of the crappiest consoles imaginable.

It's actually not that bad. Sure I wish it was more powerful but it is still the strongest portable gaming system ever.

 

[Ichinisan]

I pretty much use mine exclusively as a home console. I wouldn't mind if they made a cheaper Nintendo Sit for exclusive stationary use.

The screen and battery are just extra expense. They could even make it take a straight AC charge cable and have the power conversion stuff in the console.

I would hope the Pro controller is standard, but some games will require JoyCons...so I dunno.

 

[zerocool84]

I pretty much use mine exclusively as a home console. I wouldn't mind if they made a cheaper Nintendo Sit for exclusive stationary use.

The screen and battery are just extra expense. They could even make it take a straight AC charge cable and have the power conversion stuff in the console.

I would hope the Pro controller is standard, but some games will require JoyCons...so I dunno.

It's dumb that some basic games that don't need any special Joycon features can't used the Pro Controller. I have two pro controllers because they are a lot cheaper than getting a Joycon/Grip set but I can't use them on games like Snipperclips. It's stupid.

 

[gregoryvg]

I like the OP's idea. I would love it if they produced a version that was to stay connected to your TV - and if they introduce video support. I think that would look something like a much better version of Amazon Fire Gaming, but with real, dedicated game support - not just Android crap.

 

[desura]

No. That is the fundamental gimmick.

Wonder if they could have made the switch so that it has like a heat port that the dock interfaces with to improve cooling.

 

[Sonikku]

No way in hell that is happening. Nintendo got burned hard by the Wii and Wii U naming fiasco. They're not going to risk diluting the brand. Besides, the "game anywhere" fiasco is the sole strength they can flaunt over the competition. It sure as hell isn't the power, the online network or the gaming value for the dollar.

I pretty much use mine exclusively as a home console. I wouldn't mind if they made a cheaper Nintendo Sit for exclusive stationary use.

The screen and battery are just extra expense. They could even make it take a straight AC charge cable and have the power conversion stuff in the console.

I would hope the Pro controller is standard, but some games will require JoyCons...so I dunno.

Far as I'm concerned, the pro controller SHOULD be standard with the system. I'm getting awfully tired of having to buy another $50-70 controller for my past couple of Nintendo Systems. Even if I could sync the Wii U pro controller with the Switch that would be something. The pro controller feels a hell of a lot more mandatory for the Wii U and Switch than the Elite controller does for Xbone. For that matter, 32gb on board memory just isn't enough in 2017. When the cheapest playstation and Xbox bundles have a 500gb hdd you damn well better have at LEAST 128gb on board memory with the Switch.

I want to love the Switch but there are just so many mandatory upgrades that it feels like the $300 price point is just a facade.

 

[JeffMD]

the 2ds (which sold tons) was a good experiment for nintendo to see if 2 versions of a console could exhist. I think an LCDless and batteryless version that was cheaper could exhist, but trying to read nintendo's thoughts and desires is simply impossible. Nintendo continues to accept being in 3rd place with poor game support, sitting on old IPs, and as we last saw with the nintendo classic they seem to have no problem saying no to money.

 

[smackababy]

Then they'd have to change the name... too much work

Yeah, like when they made a non 3D 3DS...

 

[Sonikku]

2DS fits in well with the name of the 3DS. What would the home only version of the Switch be? The Stump?

 

[Ichinisan]

2DS fits in well with the name of the 3DS. What would the home only version of the Switch be? The Stump?

Nintendo Sit.

It doesn't go anywhere.

 

[Nashemon]

the 2ds (which sold tons) was a good experiment for nintendo to see if 2 versions of a console could exhist. I think an LCDless and batteryless version that was cheaper could exhist, but trying to read nintendo's thoughts and desires is simply impossible. Nintendo continues to accept being in 3rd place with poor game support, sitting on old IPs, and as we last saw with the nintendo classic they seem to have no problem saying no to money.

This.

I think all predictions of what Nintendo might do can be thrown into a hat...and burned.

 

[ImpulsE69]

Switchless, duh.

 

[Cozarkian]

No, I don't think Nintendo will spend time and money to remove the defining feature of their newest console so that they can offer a slightly cheaper and inferior version of the product.

Price conscious people will just have to wait for a sale or bundle price.

 

[CZroe]

If anything, they'll make a version that doesn't connect to your TV at all after they retire the 3DS and they can get better battery life. I'm thinkin' 2019.

 

[Blue_Max]

Great vid from DigitalFoundry. Good examples of the present technology in use, and possible future upgrades.

Seeing the Minecraft example (appx. 3:30 and 8:30 in vid) it really got me thinking about this again though. The Switch runs Minecraft at a noticeably higher block distance view when docked vs portable... so it might make some sense to have a constantly-high-performing and small-sized Switch-compatible home console. If it were within 50-70% of the cost, I'd buy one without hesitation.