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Nintendo Switch | Hardware Review Thread

Lothars

Member
The paid online service starts in the fall. The smartphone app for party chat etc. will be out later (think summer).

But games like MK8 can be played online before then. There's just no system level parties, chart etc., just game level match making (and chat if developers include it I'd guess).
Ahh ok, I just assumed they were talking about playing online started in the summer with the paid app in the fall.
 

Thoraxes

Member
yeah, if you watched the last NVC, they were gushing over it. only "negative" was jose saying it was warm after playing on the dock a while.
seems that Jose or Peer probably would have scored it higher (though I would hope/assume they had a say in the review)
Thanks for reminding that I forgot to listen to the latest NVC! I didn't have my usual commute last weekend, so I totally didn't remember to check it out.
 
I understand this has probably been talked to death by now, but this thread is the first I've seen of the left Joy-Con connectivity problem. As I missed out on getting a Pro Controller preorder, this has me shook.

Bottom line: how likely is it that this will be a problem for me?
 

lenovox1

Member
I understand this has probably been talked to death by now, but this thread is the first I've seen of the left Joy-Con connectivity problem. As I missed out on getting a Pro Controller preorder, this has me shook.

Bottom line: how likely is it that this will be a problem for me?

We don't know.
 

maxcriden

Member
When does the day one update drop for reviewers?

Is there a summary of the main issues reviewers had?

If anyone has read all the blurbs or all the reviews, are the impressions overall favorable?
 

Interfectum

Member
I understand this has probably been talked to death by now, but this thread is the first I've seen of the left Joy-Con connectivity problem. As I missed out on getting a Pro Controller preorder, this has me shook.

Bottom line: how likely is it that this will be a problem for me?

Nintendo hasn't said squat so we don't know.
 

entremet

Member
As a long time gamer and CE fan, hardware launch reviews have always been bizarre me.

I get why the exist and are very necessary. But they always baffle me every time. Same with the PS4, XB1, et al.

Do they ever get re-reviewed? Consoles are so dynamic compared to other CE tech.
 

Instro

Member
I understand this has probably been talked to death by now, but this thread is the first I've seen of the left Joy-Con connectivity problem. As I missed out on getting a Pro Controller preorder, this has me shook.

Bottom line: how likely is it that this will be a problem for me?

I imagine it is something that can be adjusted in an update, but for now the issue seems to be due to obstruction, so I would say make sure the space between your switch and joycons is unobstructed.
 
What exactly are you saying then?

People defending the fairly average sentiment around this thing in reviews are comparing it to other console launches.

That is fair, but they are not comparing features one to one.

It's 2017.

There is no excuse for not having a functional VC store available on day one.

There is no excuse for not having a proper online system in place on day one.

There is no excuse for not having streaming apps on a console OR tablet on day one.


Then stepping aside from those issues, you have a piece of hardware that is simply not well designed or at least not well tested.

The joy cons are the main input device. You can't release a piece of hardware and have widespread connectivity issues with the primary input device. Even if you don't have those issues, the best input device is an add on $70 controller.

The kickstand is poorly designed.

The fact that you cant use the kickstand while charging.

No wireless audio solution or headphone solution while the system is docked.

No optical out on the dock.

These are all valid criticisms of a gaming machine and a piece of hardware launching in 2017.

Yeah, Zelda looks great, but there is no 3rd party support. Those other consoles launched with complete 3rd party support.

I have a DS that I have bought VC games for. I should be able to download and play those games on my Switch on Friday, but I can't.

It's ridiculous and Nintendo should be ashamed that this is the effort they've made in 2017.
 
I understand this has probably been talked to death by now, but this thread is the first I've seen of the left Joy-Con connectivity problem. As I missed out on getting a Pro Controller preorder, this has me shook.

Bottom line: how likely is it that this will be a problem for me?
No one knows yet. It's weird because it seems to have hit a few major press outlet units but not others, and I think Nintendo sent a lot of switches out to YouTubers and such without a big wave of issues. I'm leaning slightly toward a bad batch but no one knows.
 
It's very much at odds with their coverage so far, in an almost bewildering way.

Yeah its really confusing if most people at IGN are really positive about it and the one guy reviewing it is just negative especially since he is known to be really negative sometimes.

He should stick to reviewing fighting games.
 

Lifeline

Member
Here are the scores since they're still missing form the OP:
IGN: 6.7/10
Attack of the Fanboy: 8/10
Engadget: 8.4/10
Telegraph: 8/10
The Guardian: 8/10
Enthusiast.gg: 9/10
MobileSyrup: 7.5/10
CGMag: 8.5/10
WeGotThisCovered: 8/10
PC Advisor: 8/10
IBtimes: 8/10
Wired: 5/10

It's ridiculous and Nintendo should be ashamed that this is the effort they've made in 2017.

They just shot themselves in the foot. Honor and shame etc etc.
 

Dynomutt

Member
I think we know that this console is and was going to live and die by it's initial reception as well as 3rd party support (at least western). It could of had an i7 and GTX 1080 and the situation would have been the same.

What is happening IMO is a sensory overload. I think some in specific the target (more technical/gaming) crowd may be shutting down a bit after the hype has settled in. I believe instead of the nitty gritty and pure details Nintendo went on the "infleuncer" route and may have overloaded us instead of focusing on a smooth launch (firmware).

Consoles rarely show excellent value in reviews on launch so no console should need a day one patch it really does not benefit it and reflects poorly. Even more why would Nintendo allow for reviews or open embargo knowing a patch was coming?

I think the reviews are reflecting this. The Verge although positive leans more towards the "influencer" Casey Neistat type reader more than ever as opposed IGN, Jeff with Giant Bomb and Ars Technica to an extent. But it's all about perspective.

I want Switch to do well and think it will. We should not rush to judge we already knew as mentioned previously that this console is and was going to live and die by it's initial reception as well as 3rd party support (at least western). One thing that cannot be forgotten or denied is that Zelda is the saving grace of this launch. Without it the conversation is arguably completely different.
 

JoeM86

Member
People defending the fairly average sentiment around this thing in reviews are comparing it to other console launches.

That is fair, but they are not comparing features one to one.

It's 2017.

There is no excuse for not having a functional VC store available on day one.

There is no excuse for not having a proper online system in place on day one.

There is no excuse for not having streaming apps on a console OR tablet on day one.


Then stepping aside from those issues, you have a piece of hardware that is simply not well designed or at least not well tested.

The joy cons are the main input device. You can't release a piece of hardware and have widespread connectivity issues with the primary input device. Even if you don't have those issues, the best input device is an add on $70 controller.

The kickstand is poorly designed.

The fact that you cant use the kickstand while charging.

No wireless audio solution or headphone solution while the system is docked.

No optical out on the dock.

These are all valid criticisms of a gaming machine and a piece of hardware launching in 2017.

Yeah, Zelda looks great, but there is no 3rd party support. Those other consoles launched with complete 3rd party support.

I have a DS that I have bought VC games for. I should be able to download and play those games on my Switch on Friday, but I can't.

It's ridiculous and Nintendo should be ashamed that this is the effort they've made in 2017.


Some of your points are ridiculous. While others are true, some are ridiculous.

3DS and Wii U both didn't launch with VC
This does launch with online
The JoyCon issue is overblown somewhat. It still needs fixing, but you're hyperbolising
There is third party support.
 
Battery life is a bummer

ANd its a BIG battery and there is no room to slap in a larger one unless some company makes a more dense battery in the same form factor

I mean... Its possible
 

Mantorok

Member
People defending the fairly average sentiment around this thing in reviews are comparing it to other console launches.

That is fair, but they are not comparing features one to one.

It's 2017.

There is no excuse for not having a functional VC store available on day one.

There is no excuse for not having a proper online system in place on day one.

There is no excuse for not having streaming apps on a console OR tablet on day one.


Then stepping aside from those issues, you have a piece of hardware that is simply not well designed or at least not well tested.

The joy cons are the main input device. You can't release a piece of hardware and have widespread connectivity issues with the primary input device. Even if you don't have those issues, the best input device is an add on $70 controller.

The kickstand is poorly designed.

The fact that you cant use the kickstand while charging.

No wireless audio solution or headphone solution while the system is docked.

No optical out on the dock.

These are all valid criticisms of a gaming machine and a piece of hardware launching in 2017.

Yeah, Zelda looks great, but there is no 3rd party support. Those other consoles launched with complete 3rd party support.

I have a DS that I have bought VC games for. I should be able to download and play those games on my Switch on Friday, but I can't.

It's ridiculous and Nintendo should be ashamed that this is the effort they've made in 2017.

This sounds like the exact car crash I was worried it would be, it's annoying that they're clinging all their hopes on a WiiU title with nothing else to fall back on.
 

Interfectum

Member
Here are the scores since they're still missing form the OP:
IGN: 6.7/10
Attack of the Fanboy: 8/10
Engadget: 8.4/10
Telegraph: 8/10
The Guardian: 8/10
Enthusiast.gg: 9/10
MobileSyrup: 7.5/10
CGMag: 8.5/10
WeGotThisCovered: 8/10
PC Advisor: 8/10
IBtimes: 8/10



They just shot themselves in the foot. Honor and shame etc etc.

Wired: 5/10
 

MisterR

Member
Some of your points are ridiculous. While others are true, some are ridiculous.

3DS and Wii U both didn't launch with VC
This does launch with online
The JoyCon issue is overblown somewhat. It still needs fixing, but you're hyperbolising
There is third party support.

Almost all of his points are valid. VC is forgivable in my opinion, but it has only bare bones online. The JoyCon issue is a pretty damn big deal. Having to buy a 70 buck pro controller to play consistently on your TV might well be worth mentioning in a review. It technically has 3rd party support, but not to any significant degree.
 

Kyuur

Member
What is with all the 'Zelda is the only thing for the system'? Did the press not get any other games or something?

1-2 Switch, Snipperclips and Super Bomberman R are all brand new
FAST RMX is new to those who skipped WiiU and much improved for those who did
I Am Setsuna is new to those who only had WiiU

Maybe it'll make more sense seeing software scores, especially for Snipperclips, Bomberman and FAST, but as of now...
 

Interfectum

Member
What is with all the 'Zelda is the only thing for the system'? Did the press not get any other games or something?

1-2 Switch, Snipperclips and Super Bomberman R are all brand new
FAST RMX is new to those who skipped WiiU and much improved for those who did
I Am Setsuna is new to those who only had WiiU

Maybe it'll make more sense seeing software scores, especially for Snipperclips, Bomberman and FAST, but as of now...

They mean Zelda is the only compelling reason to get a Switch. Those other games are not.
 

JoeM86

Member
Almost all of his points are valid. VC is forgivable in my opinion, but it has only bare bones online. The JoyCon issue is a pretty damn big deal. Having to buy a 70 buck pro controller to play consistently on your TV might well be worth mentioning in a review. It technically has 3rd party support, but not to any significant degree.

The JoyCons are fully functional. Check the Digital Foundry stuff. They just need to shore up the signal.

Also, third party support is still third party support.
 
People defending the fairly average sentiment around this thing in reviews are comparing it to other console launches.

That is fair, but they are not comparing features one to one.

It's 2017.

There is no excuse for not having a functional VC store available on day one.

There is no excuse for not having a proper online system in place on day one.

There is no excuse for not having streaming apps on a console OR tablet on day one.


Then stepping aside from those issues, you have a piece of hardware that is simply not well designed or at least not well tested.

The joy cons are the main input device. You can't release a piece of hardware and have widespread connectivity issues with the primary input device. Even if you don't have those issues, the best input device is an add on $70 controller.

The kickstand is poorly designed.

The fact that you cant use the kickstand while charging.

No wireless audio solution or headphone solution while the system is docked.

No optical out on the dock.

These are all valid criticisms of a gaming machine and a piece of hardware launching in 2017.

Yeah, Zelda looks great, but there is no 3rd party support. Those other consoles launched with complete 3rd party support.

I have a DS that I have bought VC games for. I should be able to download and play those games on my Switch on Friday, but I can't.

It's ridiculous and Nintendo should be ashamed that this is the effort they've made in 2017.

Got it! I definitely can't argue that those are valid criticisms, but none of those factors deter me from a purchase. I know I'll be able to play Nintendo games and at least a bunch of indies both at home and on the go. More than enough for me!

To clarify, I'm also not trying to compare the PS4/Xbox One to the Switch directly. I honestly don't think that Switch competes directly with those consoles either. It'll be a secondary console for me and nothing more, but your points above definitely make the case against it being someone's primary "console". If you're looking for a portable PS4/Xbox, Switch definitely isn't it. Reviews seem to prove that Nintendo has a lot of work to do before fall to prove that people should want a Switch alongside or instead of a PS4/Xbox.
 
That Joy Con issue would be a deal breaker, if the system was otherwise appealing to me.

Instead I finally bought a Wii U and will use it to play the new Zelda and a number of other Nintendo titles I've missed. The Switch is even less appealing to me overall than the Wii U was at launch and my multitude of issues with the Wii U put me off of a purchase until now.
 

unrealist

Member
I am just super curious about the 0.7 in the 6.7 IGN score, how did they conjure that up? Is it to make it sound numerically accurate and that they have put in tons of effort to "score" it exactly where it should be (i.e. not that good)
 
Tbh there were no compelling reasons to get an xb1 or PS4 at launch by this logic. I love my PS4 a hell of a lot but it didn't have anything as potent as BOTW reportedly is.
I didn't get a PS4 or Wii U at launch for this reason. Both had bad launches and I was burned by how bad the 3DS launch was as well.

Switch doesn't really have this problem. Zelda looks really good, and having Mario Kart out soon after justifies the purchase for me! Best launch lineup for a console since probably the Wii.
 
That Joy Con issue would be a deal breaker, if the system was otherwise appealing to me.

Instead I finally bought a Wii U and will use it to play the new Zelda and a number of other Nintendo titles I've missed. The Switch is even less appealing to me overall than the Wii U was at launch and my multitude of issues with the Wii U put me off of a purchase until now.

Alright, I will say buying a Wii U now is kinda weird unless it was secondhand / hugely discounted.
 

NOLA_Gaffer

Banned
Seems conditional...

Do you care about Zelda?

Yes:
- Do you have a Wii U?
-- No: Buy a Switch, get Zelda
-- Yes: Get Zelda on Wii U.

No:
- Wait six months and see how Switch is then.

For me it's the one-two punch of 1, 2, Switch and Snipperclips that are putting the console into my hands, Zelda is just a case of "Well, may as well since I have the damn thing."
 

Jeff-DSA

Member
People defending the fairly average sentiment around this thing in reviews are comparing it to other console launches.

That is fair, but they are not comparing features one to one.

It's 2017.

There is no excuse for not having a functional VC store available on day one.

There is no excuse for not having a proper online system in place on day one.

There is no excuse for not having streaming apps on a console OR tablet on day one.


Then stepping aside from those issues, you have a piece of hardware that is simply not well designed or at least not well tested.

The joy cons are the main input device. You can't release a piece of hardware and have widespread connectivity issues with the primary input device. Even if you don't have those issues, the best input device is an add on $70 controller.

The kickstand is poorly designed.

The fact that you cant use the kickstand while charging.

No wireless audio solution or headphone solution while the system is docked.

No optical out on the dock.

These are all valid criticisms of a gaming machine and a piece of hardware launching in 2017.

Yeah, Zelda looks great, but there is no 3rd party support. Those other consoles launched with complete 3rd party support.

I have a DS that I have bought VC games for. I should be able to download and play those games on my Switch on Friday, but I can't.

It's ridiculous and Nintendo should be ashamed that this is the effort they've made in 2017.

Nintendo to go 3rd party by Christmas.
 

Bubba77

Member
Shit i didnt know you cant use wireless headphones even while docked. Ugh. Limits my late night gaming options with the kiddos sleeping.
 

unrealist

Member
Tbh there were no compelling reasons to get an xb1 or PS4 at launch by this logic. I love my PS4 a hell of a lot but it didn't have anything as potent as BOTW reportedly is.

I kinda agree, Knack and Killzone were touted as next gen games .. which led me to PS4 and they were kinda mediocre. A killer game is better than 5 mediocre ones IMHO.
 
People defending the fairly average sentiment around this thing in reviews are comparing it to other console launches.

That is fair, but they are not comparing features one to one.

It's 2017.

There is no excuse for not having a functional VC store available on day one.

There is no excuse for not having a proper online system in place on day one.

There is no excuse for not having streaming apps on a console OR tablet on day one.


Then stepping aside from those issues, you have a piece of hardware that is simply not well designed or at least not well tested.

The joy cons are the main input device. You can't release a piece of hardware and have widespread connectivity issues with the primary input device. Even if you don't have those issues, the best input device is an add on $70 controller.

The kickstand is poorly designed.

The fact that you cant use the kickstand while charging.

No wireless audio solution or headphone solution while the system is docked.

No optical out on the dock.

These are all valid criticisms of a gaming machine and a piece of hardware launching in 2017.

Yeah, Zelda looks great, but there is no 3rd party support. Those other consoles launched with complete 3rd party support.

I have a DS that I have bought VC games for. I should be able to download and play those games on my Switch on Friday, but I can't.

It's ridiculous and Nintendo should be ashamed that this is the effort they've made in 2017.
Is this a Jason Schreier alt account
 
Damn The Verge is great at video reviews

Yup, it complemented the more technical review from DF very well.

To me, if you can hold off from playing Zelda on the go, taking it with you on trips etc. then I would definitely advise to wait and buy the console in Christmas.

I can't though, I don't have a Wii u, I travel a lot and I need Zelda now!!!!
 

commish

Jason Kidd murdered my dog in cold blood!
Tbh there were no compelling reasons to get an xb1 or PS4 at launch by this logic. I love my PS4 a hell of a lot but it didn't have anything as potent as BOTW reportedly is.

I wish people would stop comparing it to PS4 like this. PS3 had a fuckload of amazing games and is one of the greatest systems of all time. PS4 was a safer bet because of that pedigree. Wii U was one of the worst systems of all time, so it's natural that people are more skeptical of the Switch. People said "wait on the PS4" in order to wait for good games to come. People are saying "wait on the Switch" because they honestly don't know if good games are coming (outside of the normal Nintendo games).
 

Otnopolit

Member
This sounds like the exact car crash I was worried it would be, it's annoying that they're clinging all their hopes on a WiiU title with nothing else to fall back on.

The 100+ games they announced don't do it for you? I'd get that if you weren't into many indie games, but the fact you or the other poster haven't mentioned them at all is disingenuous to reality.
 

JoeM86

Member
I am just super curious about the 0.7 in the 6.7 IGN score, how did they conjure that up? Is it to make it sound numerically accurate and that they have put in tons of effort to "score" it exactly where it should be (i.e. not that good)

In what universe is 6.7 "not that good"?

6.7 is "good". Not great, not awesome, not amazing and not perfect but good
 

EloquentM

aka Mannny
I mean the sentiment to avoid electronic devices at launch is isn't without warrant. It's not like people are pulling this stuff out of their ass so that they can get preorders. consoles launch undercooked even in 2017. And just like every other launch before this people have to make the decision whether they want to wait or not. If you can't wait then know the system is going to have faults that will likely get fixed in the future. If you can wait then know you're probably making the smarter decision. I'm not sure where the confusion lies in this discussion. It's beautiful hardware that is undercooked and if you're willing to spend money on that good for you.
 
Like most Nintendo handhelds, waiting for the inevitable revision is usually the best option. This puts me at a disadvantage though because I don't want the inferior version of Zelda.
 

Instro

Member
Some of your points are ridiculous. While others are true, some are ridiculous.

3DS and Wii U both didn't launch with VC
This does launch with online
The JoyCon issue is overblown somewhat. It still needs fixing, but you're hyperbolising
There is third party support.

-Well if the very successful 3DS and WiiU didn't launch with VC 5+ years ago then it must be ok...

-Barebones online

-Until it is out in the wild, you can't say the issue is overblown. Every outlet ran into the same problems.

-Minimal 3rd party support, and not a great outlook on that front for the near future.
 
Alright, I will say buying a Wii U now is kinda weird unless it was secondhand / hugely discounted.

What? To begin with yes it was secondhand, but the Wii U now has a respectable games library especially with Zelda coming up. Instead of waiting 3-4 years on the Switch to get many new Nintendo first party titles to play, I bought a Wii U and got a big list of games to go trough at a discounted price.

Nintendo games age really well, do you think Wii U games aren't worth playing anymore or what?
 

ecosse_011172

Junior Member
I can't help but laugh at the people who are clamouring for optical out, a legacy format that doesn't have the bandwidth to handle uncompressed sound FFS.
 
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