Gaming Nintendo Switch

I mean how long can Nintendo use this "game play /fun over graphics" strategy? I get it, Mario and Zelda sell this console. But after so many iterations of each and years, i think this won't be the case anymore. Nintendo's next console is gonna have to have top notch graphics or it will die.
Personally for me graphics is the least of my concern. I Have enjoyed every minute of my switch and all the games it comes with , If i need to scratch my itch for higher performing games I can go to my gaming PC and im sure others will go to their PS5s etc. I like the simplicity of the switch and playing my favourite games curled up in my couch. I think there is a place for this kind of system in the market , the success of the switch shows this imo
 
The problem with Wii is that its success was built on something that wasn’t that easy to carry it onto the next generation as simply increasing the power was not going to be enough as it wasn’t a huge issue in the first place (people were just not bothered by graphics as they went mostly for motion control and fun). With Switch it’s fairly simple to follow it up with something that will retain the same appeal while addressing its key weaknesses.

3DS, I think they didn’t do enough to distinguish it from a normal DS and the 3D ended up being a gimmick many people could not be bothered with. It still sold 75 million so quite OK.
Yeah take nothing away from the 3DS. I still play mine to this day with 3D turned on. Just finished link between worlds last week having not played it since it came out. It looks fantastic on that little console
 
Yeah take nothing away from the 3DS. I still play mine to this day with 3D turned on. Just finished link between worlds last week having not played it since it came out. It looks fantastic on that little console
I still have the original one (white) and play it quite often. I got the hShop on it now too. It did spend a few years in a drawer before I randomly picked it up a couple of years ago, interestingly while 3D did not bother me when it launched and I was in my mid 20s, I find it very exhausting and nauseating now in my mid 30s.
 
Quite looking forward to 2025 on the Switch, I actually think it will be a better year than 2024 even without the much anticipated Switch 2 and any major first year exclusive releases they manage to push out for that.

In 2024, I only purchased three Switch games which were Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Switch Sports, and Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind. Enjoyed Paper Mario & Power Rangers a lot, but I didn't touch Switch Sports too much just yet. Mainly got it cos my nephew likes it and it was on sale, I'll play it more when I have friends over rather than solo, but well worth £20.

2025 even without my expected purchase of a Switch 2 will include me getting:

Professor Layton
Fantasy Life
Metroid Prime 4
Pokemon Legends Z-A

I'm sure they'll still be some other good 2025 Switch games as well, but when you look at that it's pretty crazy for a console that will likely be in its 9th year when all of those are released. There's also the Donkey Kong HD game coming out in the earlier part of the year (technically Switch's 8th year still until March) Xenoblade Chronicles X in late March. I think we will see some more remakes which will help appease late Switch adopters and people who don't want to pull the trigger this year on an upgrade, as I really still think Nintendo has been holding back on Zelda Wind Waker and Twilight Princess ports from the Wii U. I genuinely think Nintendo will release ports/remakes/remasters of GameCube/Wii/Wii U/3DS games on the Switch all the way up to possibly March 2027 which will give a full 10 years of first party game support to Switch. Those games will likely just have better performance on Switch 2.

I think a lot of people who play Nintendo will do very well for content this year (especially if they can attack the first 10 months well) and then if you own other consoles you can finish the year with GTA like everyone else...
 
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Quite looking forward to 2025 on the Switch, I actually think it will be a better year than 2024 even without the much anticipated Switch 2 and any major first year exclusive releases they manage to push out for that.

In 2024, I only purchased three Switch games which were Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Switch Sports, and Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind. Enjoyed Paper Mario & Power Rangers a lot, but I didn't touch Switch Sports too much just yet. Mainly got it cos my nephew likes it and it was on sale, I'll play it more when I have friends over rather than solo, but well worth £20.

2025 even without my expected purchase of a Switch 2 will include me getting:

Professor Layton
Fantasy Life
Metroid Prime 4
Pokemon Legends Z-A

I'm sure they'll still be some other good 2025 Switch games as well, but when you look at that it's pretty crazy for a console that will likely be in its 9th year when all of those are released. There's also the Donkey Kong HD game coming out in the earlier part of the year (technically Switch's 8th year still until March) Xenoblade Chronicles X in late March. I think we will see some more remakes which will help appease late Switch adopters and people who don't want to pull the trigger this year on an upgrade, as I really still think Nintendo has been holding back on Zelda Wind Waker and Twilight Princess ports from the Wii U. I genuinely think Nintendo will release ports/remakes/remasters of GameCube/Wii/Wii U/3DS games on the Switch all the way up to possibly March 2027 which will give a full 10 years of first party game support to Switch. Those games will likely just have better performance on Switch 2.

I think a lot of people who play Nintendo will do very well for content this year (especially if they can attack the first 10 months well) and then if you own other consoles you can finish the year with GTA like everyone else...
I’ve not got switch online with the expansion pack, but if the release some GameCube classics too I’ll be sold on that.

Anyone got switch online and expansion that would recommend it?
 
I’ve not got switch online with the expansion pack, but if the release some GameCube classics too I’ll be sold on that.

Anyone got switch online and expansion that would recommend it?
I've been using the expansion pass since it released. I don't play a significant amount of the classic games but I did really enjoy going through the original Paper Mario on the N64 again.

I would recommend it if you do want to play through quite a few of those and if you have Mario Kart and still play it as it includes the DLC which is incredibly substantial.

What I would suggest though, is to try and split the cost with others. You can have like 6 or 8 people on one Family Pack Expansion IIRC and at least at this point, they don't have to be in the same household. It can be anyone you assign access to for the year and just ask them to send you x% of the cost. If you can max it out with enough people then the cost is crazy cheap. I've got a couple of mates on mine along with the missus and her cousins etc.

GameCube will be amazing if/when they add it. I can still see them doing it, but I wouldn't be surprised if they make changes when Switch 2 is released. I can see them at least increasing the cost by £20~ a year if they just add GC and keep it the same as it is. But I can also see them just charging more for the base version to play online and then adding in a tier system which increases the cost for each classic console you wish to add. I can also see GameCube being exclusive to Switch 2 potentially if it needs more capability to run well enough (that could be a selling point for people to upgrade).

Hopefully not too long until we hear about a lot of Nintendo's plans. They've said March at the latest but I really think we could see a Direct for general Nintendo stuff in January, probably a Pokemon exclusive one in February too. But I think they might even just drop a trailer on Twitter/YouTube in Jan as well to show off the new machine.
 
I’ve not got switch online with the expansion pack, but if the release some GameCube classics too I’ll be sold on that.

Anyone got switch online and expansion that would recommend it?
I am kind of hoping they release GC library along with new Switch but I'd probably expect them to remake some of its remaining top games like Wind Waker / Mario Sunshine and sell them at full price like they did with Thousand Year Door (brilliant game).
 
I've been using the expansion pass since it released. I don't play a significant amount of the classic games but I did really enjoy going through the original Paper Mario on the N64 again.

I would recommend it if you do want to play through quite a few of those and if you have Mario Kart and still play it as it includes the DLC which is incredibly substantial.

What I would suggest though, is to try and split the cost with others. You can have like 6 or 8 people on one Family Pack Expansion IIRC and at least at this point, they don't have to be in the same household. It can be anyone you assign access to for the year and just ask them to send you x% of the cost. If you can max it out with enough people then the cost is crazy cheap. I've got a couple of mates on mine along with the missus and her cousins etc.

GameCube will be amazing if/when they add it. I can still see them doing it, but I wouldn't be surprised if they make changes when Switch 2 is released. I can see them at least increasing the cost by £20~ a year if they just add GC and keep it the same as it is. But I can also see them just charging more for the base version to play online and then adding in a tier system which increases the cost for each classic console you wish to add. I can also see GameCube being exclusive to Switch 2 potentially if it needs more capability to run well enough (that could be a selling point for people to upgrade).

Hopefully not too long until we hear about a lot of Nintendo's plans. They've said March at the latest but I really think we could see a Direct for general Nintendo stuff in January, probably a Pokemon exclusive one in February too. But I think they might even just drop a trailer on Twitter/YouTube in Jan as well to show off the new machine.
This was really really helpful so thank you!
 
I've been using the expansion pass since it released. I don't play a significant amount of the classic games but I did really enjoy going through the original Paper Mario on the N64 again.

I would recommend it if you do want to play through quite a few of those and if you have Mario Kart and still play it as it includes the DLC which is incredibly substantial.

What I would suggest though, is to try and split the cost with others. You can have like 6 or 8 people on one Family Pack Expansion IIRC and at least at this point, they don't have to be in the same household. It can be anyone you assign access to for the year and just ask them to send you x% of the cost. If you can max it out with enough people then the cost is crazy cheap. I've got a couple of mates on mine along with the missus and her cousins etc.

GameCube will be amazing if/when they add it. I can still see them doing it, but I wouldn't be surprised if they make changes when Switch 2 is released. I can see them at least increasing the cost by £20~ a year if they just add GC and keep it the same as it is. But I can also see them just charging more for the base version to play online and then adding in a tier system which increases the cost for each classic console you wish to add. I can also see GameCube being exclusive to Switch 2 potentially if it needs more capability to run well enough (that could be a selling point for people to upgrade).

Hopefully not too long until we hear about a lot of Nintendo's plans. They've said March at the latest but I really think we could see a Direct for general Nintendo stuff in January, probably a Pokemon exclusive one in February too. But I think they might even just drop a trailer on Twitter/YouTube in Jan as well to show off the new machine.
So much of the new console has already leaked that they really need to go through with their Direct to announce it sooner rather than later. Most sources point towards a 28 March release date which would mean they are going to announce it within the next 3 weeks.

I'd be surprised if they included GC at this point. They've already remade Metroid Prime, Pikmin 1+2, Paper Mario and kind of released Mario Sunshine as well. There's really not that much left aside from Zelda games to be offered. I would expect a Wind Waker remake to be one of the launch titles, along with Metroid Prime 2+3 bundle which they've apparently been sitting on for a while (which would fit in perfectly with Prime 4 release a little later in the year). That + a new Mario 3D game (which is virtually certain to be a launch title), along with Mario Kart 9 either at launch or a couple of months post and you are looking at an incredible launch library.

Can't wait to get my hands on Switch 2. :drool:
 
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So much of the new console has already leaked that they really need to go through with their Direct to announce it sooner rather than later. Most sources point towards a 28 March release date which would mean they are going to announce it within the next 3 weeks.

I'd be surprised if they included GC at this point. They've already remade Metroid Prime, Pikmin 1+2, Paper Mario and kind of released Mario Sunshine as well. There's really not that much left aside from Zelda games to be offered. I would expect a Wind Waker remake to be one of the launch titles, along with Metroid Prime 2+3 bundle which they've apparently been sitting on for a while (which would fit in perfectly with Prime 4 release a little later in the year). That + a new Mario 3D game (which is virtually certain to be a launch title), along with Mario Kart 9 either at launch or a couple of months post and you are looking at an incredible launch library.

Can't wait to get my hands on Switch 2. :drool:

I am so torn with the release date, I actually think it's more likely to release in May/June time at the moment, but if they can reveal it next week then March is definitely a strong possibility. I've always thought it basically depends on how they predict their Q4 24/25 (Jan-Mar) to go financially. If it's way below expectations they might release Switch 2 late March to boost that quarter as well as still boosting the next one. If it seems OK and need more time to produce stock, they might hold on.

As for GameCube, I think they will (and have) remaster a lot of games. But when it comes to games like Mario Kart Double Dash, Smash Bros. Melee, Animal Crossing, Resident Evil 4 maybe... Other multiplayer games that get generational releases and are unlikely to receive remasters, or already have... I don't think they'd mind putting Paper Mario TTYD on the app after the remake has been available for 2-3 years for example. They'll just be conservative with things. Similar with Metroid Prime, they'll want give the games a good chance of getting sales for x amount of time and they're still the definitive way to play them.

Maybe I'm wrong and they would go as far as to remake Smash Bros. Melee one day? But that just seems like something where they'd always make the next game and can put the old ones on a service/classic console etc.
 
I’m probably lucky to have avoided it until now then. My OLED must have seen more than 1,000 hours of gameplay before it happened. Fortunately I had a second pair so can carry on playing, will probably just buy cheap third party replacement for the one that went bad so I can still play with friends. No point spending more when the new Switch is round the corner.

Agreed on Pro controller, it’s the only way I play single player when docked. Amazing battery life.
Nintendo have said that they continously manage to make small improvements on the joycon but not in a manner that they can call it a different version so the durability could simply have been improved.
 
I am so torn with the release date, I actually think it's more likely to release in May/June time at the moment, but if they can reveal it next week then March is definitely a strong possibility. I've always thought it basically depends on how they predict their Q4 24/25 (Jan-Mar) to go financially. If it's way below expectations they might release Switch 2 late March to boost that quarter as well as still boosting the next one. If it seems OK and need more time to produce stock, they might hold on.

As for GameCube, I think they will (and have) remaster a lot of games. But when it comes to games like Mario Kart Double Dash, Smash Bros. Melee, Animal Crossing, Resident Evil 4 maybe... Other multiplayer games that get generational releases and are unlikely to receive remasters, or already have... I don't think they'd mind putting Paper Mario TTYD on the app after the remake has been available for 2-3 years for example. They'll just be conservative with things. Similar with Metroid Prime, they'll want give the games a good chance of getting sales for x amount of time and they're still the definitive way to play them.

Maybe I'm wrong and they would go as far as to remake Smash Bros. Melee one day? But that just seems like something where they'd always make the next game and can put the old ones on a service/classic console etc.

I am really hoping they release it at latest in April though I was confident they were going to release it in 2024 too and it wasn’t even close. They will need to announce it by the end of quarter to be in line with what they told shareholders, and to be fair by all accounts they’ve already been manufacturing them for a while so it should not be long from announcement to launch. At this point it’s basically known already what it will look like, more or less how powerful it will be and what it’s likely to launch with (though to learn the direction they will take with the new 3D Mario is super interesting - I actually think they will go for multiple real locations this time, with how well received New Donk City was and the locations they added in Mario Kart).
 
I am really hoping they release it at latest in April though I was confident they were going to release it in 2024 too and it wasn’t even close. They will need to announce it by the end of quarter to be in line with what they told shareholders, and to be fair by all accounts they’ve already been manufacturing them for a while so it should not be long from announcement to launch. At this point it’s basically known already what it will look like, more or less how powerful it will be and what it’s likely to launch with (though to learn the direction they will take with the new 3D Mario is super interesting - I actually think they will go for multiple real locations this time, with how well received New Donk City was and the locations they added in Mario Kart).
Yeah, just seen further leaks now from more third party accessory companies :lol:

They might as well announce it this week or next week at this point, even if it means re-jigging their schedule. As long as the video and other media is ready to go... They can just state pre orders will go live on x date if they don't have the information ready for retailers yet.
 
Where’s best to purchase switch games?
Where are you?

Switch games in general hold their RRP esp the big titles. I normally buy them when they are on sale, online is usually the best Amazon, Argos, Game collection etc..

If you don't mind used that's where I've found the best value esp on gumtree and Facebook market place you can get bargains on there.
 
Where are you?

Switch games in general hold their RRP esp the big titles. I normally buy them when they are on sale, online is usually the best Amazon, Argos, Game collection etc..

If you don't mind used that's where I've found the best value esp on gumtree and Facebook market place you can get bargains on there.
UK based I currently just look out for online deals etc but wondered if there was a good site beyond the obvious.

Thanks for the reply will take a look!
 
UK based I currently just look out for online deals etc but wondered if there was a good site beyond the obvious.

Thanks for the reply will take a look!
Shopto used to do good deals back when I used to buy physical media so that might be worth a try? The first party games hold value though so it's either wait for sale or purchase second hand on eBay or wherever. For indie games, I always wait until they are on sale digitally, often they go 70-80% discounted.