Just recently Nintendo presented us with many new details for its newest console, the Switch. During the live presentation from Japan we were given an official release date, (March 3rd) a closer look at the hardware itself, as well as a look at a few games that will be available at launch. The presentation was supposed to be a way for Nintendo to show consumers and investors that the company was moving forward. However, the poor display of launch titles, cringe-worthy speakers, and high price tag were all huge detriments to the overall presentation of what actually looks to be a very cool gaming system.
Seeing Nintendo not learning from their mistakes is devastating as a fan. It seems like at every turn, Nintendo takes one step forward and two steps back; not listening to what the market or desperate fans are asking for. The Switch by itself will run you $300, which is already more expensive than the regular PS4 and Xbox One. Keep in mind this does not include any games or additional controllers.
Nintendo needs to convince consumers that it is a worthwhile investment, and will have a steady flow of exclusive first party titles throughout its lifecycle. They will also need to incentivize third party developers to make games and ports for the Switch, most of which will have to be graphically “dumbed-down” from Xbox One or PS4 versions. For example, did you notice that when Skyrim was announced for Switch, that there was no mention of it being the special edition? Another new item mentioned was that online features will be a paid subscription similar to PSN or Xbox Live starting Fall of 2017. The feature that boggles me is that the virtual console game of the month that comes with the subscription is only able to be played that month. Considering most NES or SNES games on virtual console are only a few dollars, this does not make sense. You should be able to keep the game after the month is over.
The good thing is that the Switch hardware looks awesome! There is no denying that. Being able to take console quality games on the go and really putting an emphasis on local co-op have me very excited for the system. Pre-orders are already sold out on most sites which seems like a good sign. The Wii U sold around 400,000 units the first week it launched, but it ended up flopping due to unclear marketing, and a lack of big 3rd party support. It is still too early to tell if the Switch will be a success or not, but if the Nintendo Switch shares the same fate as the Wii U, it is very possible that this will be Nintendo’s last console.
I’m hoping that we will get some great new game announcements at e3 but now would have been the time to announce everything – not three months after the console launches. They dominated the news cycle and it maybe would have gotten hesitant buyers like myself more interested in getting a Switch in March. I think that there are a number of people like me who will hold off buying one until bigger games like Super Mario Odyssey come out, seeing what gets announced at e3 or when cheaper bundles are introduced. Wii U owners will be able to play Breath of the Wild for a lot less, minus the portability factor if they decide to not buy a Switch at launch.
Don’t get me wrong I have always been a Nintendo fan but if they mess this up, it might be the nail in the coffin for their hardware. They have some of the best known IPs of any company and could easily sell 10 million copies of Super Mario Odyssey on PS4 or Xbox One. Nintendo is always innovating and creating fun new ways to enjoy games. I really hope the Switch hits it out of the park but Nintendo will have to learn from their mistakes if they want that to happen. Here’s to hoping the Switch is not the Dreamcast of this generation, and real people in a Mario game does not mean it will end up like the disaster that was Sonic Adventure.
THE NEW MARIO LOOKS GOOD #NintendoSwitchPresentation pic.twitter.com/PkBHgP35Ol
— Alex Rushdy (@goji_guy) January 13, 2017
