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What type of console form factor could evolve beyond the Switch? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Been thinking about it recently, and I honestly feel that the Switch is probably the perfect console form factor. Obviously, physical specifications can be improved (faster processor, more battery life), but in terms of the form factor itself, it's so balanced in the way you can play it on a big screen and handheld

I don't think Nintendo would ever move away from this model, but thinking ahead (even after a potential Switch 2), how could Nintendo evolve beyond this type of form factor? Or is this perhaps the peak of this type of design and we're just getting improved specs/minor ergonomic changes from here on out (which I'd be totally fine with)?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The handheld/console hybrid has been Nintendo’s dream for a long time. They even merged their handheld and console development teams a few years back, so I can’t see them abandoning the formula.

The only way I can see iterating on the Switch design is by dropping the dock in favor of a tv dongle to connect and stream wirelessly. This could allow for asymmetrical gameplay much like the WiiU (and would open the door to WiiU ports).

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I hadn't considered a wireless dock, but that would actually be amazing. Either allowing the Switch to connect to a screen alone, or act like the Wii U gamepad. I'd even go a step further in that case and suggest that they remove the joycon element and focus more on an ergonomic all-in-one gamepad. Basically the Wii U but with the ability to play fully handheld if you want.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The WiiU was a huge failure, why try again?

The Nintendo Switch sold 3.25 million units last quarter, bringing the console's total sales to over 114.33 million. In terms of lifetime sales, the Wii U sold 13.54 million units and the standard Wii hit a total of 101.6 million consoles sold.

Aka, ~100 million customers bought something else that generation.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

There are a ton of reasons why the Wii U failed. But I'm suggesting something closer to the Switch. Basically a beefier Switch lite with an option to remotely dock. It would do exactly what the Switch currently does but in a more convenient way. What makes you think that would fail?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

My main gripe and reason to not purchase would be the lack of removable components. And a fatter switch without removable components sounds like a WiiU without the optical drive or offloaded processor unit.

I think the sales numbers of Switch units for 2022 are compelling. It demonstrates how others feel about an integrated device from Nintendo.

2.6 million lites sold vs 15.3 million joycon enabled switches (6.1 standard, 9.2 oled)

(Also the dock is great for charging)