Note: This blog contains my honest thoughts on Marvel Vs Capcom Infinite thusfar. The views and options are only those of my self and does not reflect Marvel, CAPCOM, or anyone here that has an opinion. I know the disclaimer is too much, but I'm trying to avoid being drag into any flame wars though its inevitable. We got a new trailer, new images and gameplay for the upcoming Marvel vs. Capcom infinite. After reading the negative feedback on Facebook and YouTube regarding the new images and videos, I'm beginning to see that Infinite may not be the follow up to MvC3/UMvC3 that I hoped. Now, don't get me wrong. I want to like Infinite and eventually play the game (plus the demo that is being downloaded to my brother's PS4), but it's impossible to be a bias fan of the MvC series (since X-Men vs. Street Fighter) while seeing the flaws in the upcoming game. At first, I aware the Capcom's shady business and poor handling of DLC got so bad that it became a meme. Plus I thought the community is throwing shade on the game even though we have DMC 3 Dante instead of that poser from Ninja Theory's DmC also the inclusion of Mega Man X and Zero and fans still looks down at the game when it not has even gone gold yet. After giving a second, I'm unable to unseen the downside of the roster (no thinks to the recent leak) or some of the character models (IMHO opinion some models don't look as bad as the others). Also, the success Injustice 2 and the anticipation of the upcoming GGXrd-ish DBZ fighting game overshadows Infinite and my hype for the game has dropped. As disappointed and discouraged as I am, I'm still willing to give Infinite benefit of a doubt and see how the demo plays as well as the release. Not as MvC fan but as a gamer in general. And besides, I cannot let the opinions of the gaming community discourage me to experience the game for myself. All is fair in playing games and being your own critic after all.
Now I got that outta my system, I'm gonna see what the demo is all about as soon as my brother finished watching Rap Battles on his PS4. *sigh* To all my fellow gamers here, you're welcome to give your rebuttal and retort here, but I can't make any promises that I'll keep my inner fan boy at bay. Until then, have a nice day. `;P
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It's been a good while since the gaming community hear anything new from Nintendo regarding their upcoming hybrid console, Switch. Recently on Friday, January 13, Nintendo held a live stream presentation on whats new on the Switch including games, peripherals, release date and the price. If you haven't read my previous LETS TALK blog about the Nintendo Switch, check it out here. Release Date and PriceThere I'll barely recap the Nintendo Switch presentation from last weekend. Nintendo Co.'s President Tatsumi Kimishima opens the event with the recap of the Switch announcement from last October as well as its release date March 3, 2017 worldwide with the suggested retail price of $299.99 USD. Online Service and Region LockingKimishima continues with information about the Switch Online Service, that provides multiplayer online gaming much like Sony's Playstation Network and Mircosoft's Xbox Live for their respective current-gen consoles. In addition to syncing the Switch's Online Service to the Nintendo mobile app, there will be a post-launch trail period that will run until Fall 2017 which will be a paid service after that. Kimishima also informs that the Switch will not have Region Locking like their past consoles and handhelds. "Switch and Play" and Play StylesKimishima, snapping his finger with the background snap noise, gives the stage to Shinya Takahashi, Nintendo's head of Software Development and Mobile Applications (among other titles). Takahashi began with the Switch's orgin, design and influnces with Nintendo's past hardware starting with the Famicom (in which is known as the Nintendo Entertainment System in the states). It follows with a video of the many features of the Switch including (but not limited to) the console with a built-in screen, the Switch dock to mount the console and the Joy-Con Grip which allows you to connect the Joy-Con controllers it its control-like dock. As it was already shown in its announced trailer, having the console on the dock allows you to play on your television, but when removed from the dock and connecting with the Joy-Con controllers it can be play on the go. A second video explaining the Play Styles including TV Mode, Tabletop Mode, Handheld Move. When on Tabletop or Handheld move, the battery life on the console can last up to 3 hours depending on the software. The console can be charged using a USB Type-C or Mirco USB used for most Smartphones and other gaming controllers. In addition to having two players while on Tabletop mode, up to 8 consoles can be played simultaneously for local multiplayer via Wi-Fi connection. Joy-Con ControllersLike a running-gag in a Sitcom or cartoon, Takahashi "switches," finger snap and all, to Nintendo Switch General Development Producer Yoshiaki Koizumi as he explains in great detail about the Switch Joy-Con Controllers. Source: Siliconera The surprisingly small Joy-Cons, docked in the Joy-Con Grip was presented with its basic style. The left and right Joy-Cons can each act as a separate controller when on Tabletop Mode complete with a analog style, the X-Y-A-B button layout, L and R buttons, Home button, motion controls and a NFC Reader/Writer for the Right Joy-Con and a Capture Button for the left. Both Joy-Cons are included with the console. In addition to the grey Joy-Cons, a colored-variation that comes in Neon Red and Neon Blue, complete with a wrist strap for each and HD Rumble for unique gameplay depending on software, comes with its own Switch system at the same price. Games1-2 Switch The first game introduced in the presentation is 1-2-Switch, which consist of 2-player mini-games utilizing the Joy-Con's motion controls and HD Rumble, as seen in the trailer below. Source: Nintendo YouTube Channel The trailer was followed by Kouichi Kawamoto, another Switch General Director and Producer of 1-2 Switch, who takes the stage and explains the concept of the game through face-to-face interaction. Kawamoto close his portion of the presentation with 1-2 Switch being slated as a launch title for the Switch. ARMS Gears quickly switch to another game in the Switch's lineup with a trailer for ARMS, a wacky motion-control based "fighting sports" game where you go one-on-one against opponents with expandable phone cord-like arms, hence the game title... I couldn't make this up; it sounded strange just describing it. Source: Nintendo YouTube Channel Back to the stage, the producer of ARMS, Kosuke Yabuki, explaining his game that is self-explanatory itself. The game combines boxing and shooting using the Joy-Cons in a thumbs-up positions and using the motion of your hands and arms to attack, block, dodge, etc. The release date for ARMS is set for Spring of this year with a final release date yet to be announced. Splatoon 2 The squeal to the cartoonish and colorful paint-war shooter for the Wii U, bring the action to the Switch with Hisashi Nogami taking the helm as its producer (or The Diligent Researcher at the Squad Research Lab as he presented himself) after the trailer shown. Splatoon 2 will be released this summer, Nogami stated, with weapon and stage updates after its release. Source: Nintendo YouTube Channel Super Mario Odyssey Of course, there can never be a new Nintendo console without a new Super Mario game. Judging by its trailer, the latest adventure of the Mushroom Kingdom hero took an interesting and very unique turn... Source: Nintendo YouTube Channel Mario in a real(ish) world setting? I don't know about the GTA-Inspired memes that's been going around, but it's still hard to believe it took Nintendo 16 years to take a page off of Sonic Adventure, but I digress. Completed with some new tricks, new and familiar characters, a variety of strange new worlds, Super Mario Odyssey definitely lives up to the title of his new adventure. Yoshiaki Koizumi presents himself as Odyssey's producer as he describes the latest Mario game as a huge sandbox game like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. The game features Mario journeys off the Mushroom Kingdom into an "unknown" world with locations similar to the real world. (i.e. New Donk City, the obvious nod to New York City.) Some of the new tricks Mario performed in the trailer involves his living red cap. (LoZ Minish Cap anyone? LOL). Unfortunately, the legion of Super Mario fans will have to wait this winter for Super Mario Odyssey will be release at that time. Other games announced where... Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (Monolithsoft, Release Date: Source: Nintendo YouTube Channel Fire Emblem Warriors (Nintendo/Koei Tecmo/Team Ninja) Source: Nintendo YouTube Channel Switching gears to the Nintendo's third party partners supporting the Switch with over 80 games in development from 50 third-party publishers and developers. Naming the few were Dragon Quest XI and X and Dragon Quest Heros I and II from Square Enix. What followed was a trailer for Shin Megami Tensei. Shin Megami Tensei (Sega/Altus) Source: GameSpot YouTube Channel Project Octopath Traveler (Square Enix) Source: Nintendo UK YouTube Channel "Switching" once again (in case you didn't watch the presentation, it's an occurring theme), taking the stage is Toshihiro Nogoshi of SEGA as he see's the Switch takig on new challenges and have alot of appealing points. Switching, yet again, this time a video featuring Executive Producer and Game Director for Bethesda Games Todd Howard as he announced Elder Scrolls IV: Skyrim, which was rumored since the Switch's initial announcement. Source: GameSpot YouTube Channel Next on stage is the CEO of Grasshopper Manufacture Inc. Goichi "Suda51" Suda of No More Heroes and Killer is Dead fame as he announce a new No More Heroes title with a teaser illustration of the series protagonist, Travis Touchdown.
After Suda 51's announcement, another video is displayed with a software lineup for Switch titles in the future. Featuring games that was previously announced during the event, the lineup video also includes games such as Sonic Mania, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Minecraft, Skylanders Imaginators, NBA2K18, Super Bomberman R, and Ultra Street Fighter II just to name a few... Source: Nintendo YouTube Channel System Configuration and Messages from Nintendo of Europe and America.After the jazzy medley of Switch games to come, Nintendo Co.'s President Tatsumi Kimishima returns to the stage to introduce the Switch's configuration complete with everything that comes with the system in addition to the Switch Pro Controler, which will be sold separately. Kimishia then "switches" over to Satoru Shibata, President of Nintendo of Europe and Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime thanking those in attendance and watching the presentation liveand announce Nintendo Switch events in their respective regions. The Legend of Zelda: Breathe of the WildPresident Fils-Aime checks in with long-time Nintendo "Creative Fellow" and current Representative Director Shigeru Miyamoto, who helps himself by playing the anticipated Switch title, The Legend of Zelda: Breathe of the Wild. Miyamoto clearly enjoys the upcoming LoZ title, which will also be available on the Wii U upon its release, as he gives Fils-Aime a thumbs up for approval. In a suprise appearance, Breath of the Wild Producer Eiji Aonuma gives President Kimishima the honor to close out the presentation with of the first official trailer of The Legend of Zelda: Breathe of the Wild. Source: Nintendo YouTube Channel More from Nintendo...The Nintendo Switch showcase didn't stop at the end of the presentation, for more upcoming games and additional information added at the Nintendo website. More details about the Switch console included 32GB of internal storage memory with expandable storage via microSDXC cards, exclusive offers for paid online services including a free NES or SNES downloadable game every month, and there's even a smartphone app for parents to utilizes the Switch's parental control seen here... Source: Nintendo YouTube Channel Personally, I though the Suspend Software feature was a bit overkill, but other than that nifty parental system to make sure your kids don't turn into gaming addicts. Of course there are worst things today's kids could do with a gaming console...
Aside from the system specifications that's been known since the initial announcement, several sources, including GameSpot, has information on the prices of each individual Switch peripheral in which it follows...
Some gamers that were interested in the switch find the prices for extra controllers and replacement dock set problematic, though the final prices of the listed items are yet to be confirmed by Nintendo. My Final ThoughtsAside from the botched English translation voice over, especially during Suda 51's announcement, Nintendo has a solid presentation over all. All the Nintendo and third-party representatives in the presentation were optimistic with what to expect from the Nintendo Switch upon its March 3, 2017 release. The key people from Nintendo and third-party companies are optimistic for the upcoming console. Though the live-stream presentation was been watched by over a million worldwide, the dead silence from the "investors" in the audience makes the cost of extra controllers the least of my worries.
While on the subject, I understand the negative reception from the gaming community about the prices of the Switch Pro Controller and Joy-Cons, but please bear in mind that the pair of Joy-Cons comes in two with the consoles. However if any upcoming software requires an addition pair of Joy Cons or a Pro Controller will be an issue depending on the games. With the exception of the Parental Controls (mainly because I have no kids, yay), the additional information and the software lineup for the Nintendo Switch had increase my interest for the new system. However, I am not looking to buy the Switch at day one. Like any game or console prior to release, things may change in terms of price and presentation which would disappoint many Day 1 consumers. It's way it always help to do research on any console or software prior buying before AND after its release dates. The Nintendo switch shows promise, but I like to know more in the coming weeks before its release. How know? I might even buy it later down the line. So what do you all think of the Nintendo Switch thus far? Does the Live-Stream Presentation got you more interested in the console or not? Let me know in the comments. Until next time, Keep It Lock! Image Sources: Capcom (Japanese) and Superhero Hype Following the week of rumors, fake "leaked" images and speculations regarding a fourth Marvel vs. Capcom game, gamers of all walks of life, including the Fighting Game Community, got their first look at Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite, at the 2016 PlayStation Experience and Capcom Cup 2016. Starting with the annoucement trailer at the 2016 PlayStation Experience event on December 3, 2016, the reveal, seen below, left me in awe, symphony and shock with the upmost hype... Well, not as much as everybody on YouTube... Source: Carnatavr T YouTube Channel Later that night during the 2016 Capcom Cup at the end of the Street Fighter V tournament on ESPN, Capcom debuted the gameplay trailer of MVC Infinite. During an encore presentation of the Capcom Cup, an extended gameplay trailer was shown with a few new surprises. What do we know so far...?What's New?According to the Official PlayStation Website (US), Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite will include several single player modes including Arcade, Training, and for the first time in the MvC franchise, a cinematic story mode. As seen in the gameplay trailers, the battles will be 2-on-2 like Marvel vs. Capcom : Clash of the Heroes and several MvC games before it. Also seen in the trailers, the X-Factor machanic has been replaced with the activiation of the Infinite Stones. Like the Marvel lore, the six Infinity Stones (or gems) has specific powers when harnest any individual stone. It would be the first time since Marvel Super Heroes that the Infinity Stones would be used as a fighting machanic. Like Street Fighter V, MvC Infinite will run on Unreal Engine 4 technology. The Characters Staring with the returning and new playable characters that's been confirmed since MVC Infinite's announcement...
Four of the returning characters who are regulars in the franchise still retain some animations and movesets from the previous game, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Contrary to the opinions of members of the FGC, the presentation of the character models look amazing for an early build. Though I'm too familiar with the current Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers, aside from the fact that she was the original Ms. Marvel, her gameplay is highly impressive. Of course, the biggest surprise from the reveal is X's inclusion in the game. In terms of his gameplay, he moves as he does in the MMX games complete with a charge shot and air dash like Zero in the previous game. And a bit of an FYI, X's inclusion was made possible due to the popularity of Mega Man X here in the west, according to Famitsu via EventHubs. As for who I want to return or debut in the latest game will be perserved for another time of day. More characters are yet to be announced as of this blog. Black Panther or riot! We're watching you CAPCOM!!! Separating Facts from RumorsIn my last LETS TALK post, the "leaked" promotional images that has since been proven fake, sparked the rumor mill of the then-unannounced installment of a new Marvel vs. Capcom game a week before the PlayStation Experience event. Around that same time, however, Polygon reported that a fourth MVC game is in development and slated for a 2017 release; in which been confirmed after "Infinite." Prior to the rumors and eventual MVC Infinite's announcement, Ryoto Niitsuma, producer of Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, stated via Twitter "...[he] would love to make [Marvel vs. Capcom 4], but nothing's happening on that front." Shortly after the official announcement, Niitsuma tweeted that he'll be in no way involved in the development of MVC Infinite. In the same Polygon article, it was stated that the roster on Marvel side will be heavily focused on Marvel Studio's Cinematic Universe (Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, The Avengers, Gaurdians of the Galaxy to name a few). Although, there has been a sense of uncertainty for the inclusion of X-Men and mutant characters including Wolverine, who has been a stable of the MVC series since 1994's X-Men: Childern of the Atom. Given that Marvel Entertainment is a Walt Disney subsidary and don't have full rights or control over the X-Men or Fantasic Four characters outside the comics (Movies, Toys, Video Games, etc.), the chances of characters like Wolverine, Storm, Magneto, Sentinel, Deadpool, Dr. Doom or Super Skrull to return in Infinite are slim to none as of the date of the Polygon article. Source: The Outhousers Despite the conflicts with Marvel character rights, not all is lost... or at least that's what Creative Director of Marvel Entertainment Bill Rosemann told Game Informer. With Rosemann's short statement, "That's heritage is not loss," gives me a little more reensurence that there will be a chance for any X-Men or Fantastic Four characters. In addition, Ryce of the FGC forum, NeoGAF, who leaked information about Infinite before it's official announcement, stated in a post seen below... While not 100% confirmed by Capcom or Marvel, but if Ryce's claims turn out to be true later down the line it would pretty much solved the "free-advertisment" issue between Marvel/Disney and Fox. What does the FGC think of "Infinite?"Since it's announcement, several prominent members of the FGC and Fighting Game Tournament regulars weight in on Infinite in regards to changes to the previous installments. Surprisingly enough, most are ready to get the MAHVEL hype train going again. Seonwoo "RZR|Infiltration" told EventHubs via translater during the Capcom Cup 2016, "A lot more Korean players are familiar with those Marvel characters [now], and hopefully if the game comes out, I would like to play this game very seriously and make sure my local community plays it as well." Additionally, he adds, "When Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite comes out, I will definitely play this game very seriously." In a recent interview with PVP Live, FGC competitor, author and commentor James Chen was "just as surprised" when Infinite was announced. When asked about the upcoming MvC title to be aimed towards casual players and what does it mean for vetern players, Chen answered, "because the Marvel games are DESIGNED to be beginner friendly, they always have... Marvel games are great examples of easy to pick-up yet still high levels of execution, and I do hope they maintain that idea. That's a key factor, IMO... If the game ends up being too watered down, it won't be 'Mahvel.'" When asked the same question to NYChris G in another PVP Live Interview, he responded, "All I/We need is the ability to be creative, and play with speed. The endless possibilities are what makes a Vs game so great." Of course, no veteran player is more excited for the return of MAHVEL than Michael "IFC Yipes" Mendoza. Yipes was recently interviewed by EventHubs on his thoughts on Infinite, 2v2 gameplay and the inclusion of the Infinity Stones, seen below... Source: EventHubsFGC YouTube Channel My Two CentsThe announcement of MVC Infinite definitely took me by surprise, even while settling for the possibility of another 11-year drough after Ultimate UMVC 3. Though it's too early to decide whether or not to purchase the game, it definitely refueled my excitment and love for the MVC series. Admittedly, I am wiry of how the game will be handled given Capcom's shady track record after UMVC 3, Street Fighter x Tekken and Street Fighter V. Also, given how Capcom being under fire several times for handling post-released DLC for their recent games, I decided to hold off getting Infinite on day one. Wheither or not Infinite will help redeem Capcom's past mistakes is entirely up for debate, but one thing for sure is that IT'S MAHVEL BABY!
So what are your thoughts on Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite? What characters you're hoping to make a return or make its debut in the series. Let me know in the comments. Until next time, keep it lock! Growing up during a time where Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat were the kings of the fighting game genre and 3D fighters like Virtura Fighter, Tekken and Dead or Alive are not too far behind, I like the element of surprise from the pre-internet gaming scene. In 1996, "the game was change" with the release of X-Men vs. Street Fighter for the arcades and from there I never look at fighting games the same way again. With the X-Men animated series, in which leads to Capcom making a fighting game subtitled Children of the Atom, and the many versions of Street Fighter II where at the peak of their popularity at the time, it made sense that the crossover would eventually be possible. Thus, the Marvel vs. Capcom series was born and many games featuring Marvel's super heroes and villains taking on characters from Capcom's library soon followed. Fast forward to 2010, after Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes left an eternal mark on the fighting game tournament scene, Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds was announced with much hype and anticipation. However, prior to the game's release for the Sony PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the then-new chapter in the MvC franchise came under controversy with the exclusion of fan favorites like Mega Man, Captain Commando, Gambit and Venom just to name a few. So this past weekend after Thanksgiving, just one week before the PlayStation Experience event, rumors of a fourth installment of Marvel vs. Capcom began to surfaced. It began with the images seen below... Image Sources: NeoGAF These alleged images in what it appears to be stills from a yet-to-be-revealed teaser went viral throughout social media including a MvC Facebook I created and moderate. It was also said in a NeoGAF thread that Marvel vs. Capcom 4 will be announced at the PlayStation Experience. However, there has been several red flags on the images the second I saw them.
Source: Maximilliam Dood YouTube Channel Not too long after in this article from Shoryuken.com, not even to my surprise that the "leak images" are in fact fake. The maker of the images and NeoGAF regular confessed to making them without realizing that the false stills would go viral in a huge way. As much I want to see a new MvC game, there chances are being made are very slim. One reason being several sources including EventHubs and GameSpot via Famitsu stating that the PS4-exclusive, Street Fighter V, will continue to be supported for the market and tournament scene until 2020 or so, according to SFV executive producer Yoshinori Ono. Additionally, Ono also states that he'll be happy to see Capcom releases other titles, they are focusing on Street Fighter V for the time being. At that time, I figured the chances of MvC4 being in the works and being announced at the upcoming PSX event is 5% All that changed when Polygon reported that Marvel vs. Capcom 4 is being developed and slated for a 2017 releases, though it is all but confirmed by Capcom. It was also reported that it'll be reveal at the PSX this coming weekend during the 2016 Capcom Cup. However, Polygon's Michael McWhertor stated in the article that there will be a lack of X-Men and Mutant Characters within the roster. "Fans of the series should expect Marvel vs. Capcom 4's roster of Marvel characters to draw strongly from the cinematic universe that Marvel Studios has popularized — and has full control over — during the past decade.," McWgertor stated. "That means fighting game fans will more likely see characters plucked from The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy films, and not from properties like the X-Men." This led to speculation that X-Men and Mutant characters would be excluded due to 20th Century Fox having film rights to those characters. Contrary to popular belief, characters from the X-Men franchise including Wolverine, Magneto and Deadpool are still property of Marvel Entertainment and Publications, even though Marvel Studios recently departed from them. The fact that those particular set of characters are licensed for Fox's film adapations, it's only just that despite Maximillian Dood in another video and one in particular from VesperArcade said otherwise. Me and a fellow gamer who is also a cosplayer recently discussed over the MvC4 rumors on Facebook. When I ask for his opinion on the possibility of X-Men and mutant characters being excluded from the roster, he shared me something interesting... "Seeing that Fox only has exclusive rights to films, and not any other entity, I feel excluding the Xmen of Fantastic Four characters (like Dr. Doom, Galactus, and Super Skrull) would be rather bush league. I am predicting a stronger emphasis on characters within the MCU within rhe game's roster, but to exclude the Xmen especially in definitely would be a diservice to both fans of the series and to the games' lineage. "Wolverine, for example, has been present in every Marvel game Capcom has produced with the license (with the exception of The Punisher). Having him absent in MVC4 would be disheartening and makes apparent this political douchebaggery Disney and Marvel Studios perpetuate." FYI, thanks to Carl F. for the input and granted me permission to use the insert of our conversation here.* Though my chances of MvC4 being in development and being announced at this years PSX event are now 40% thanks to the Polygon article, I still skeptically over the whole thing in general. Given the popularity of the X-Men animated series and Street Fighter back in the 1990s, the Marvel vs. Capcom franchise would not be possible without. After the release of Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, their legacy came to question after the exclusion of Mega Man and going Ultimate. If Marvel vs. Capcom 4 is indeed a possibility, then its now up to both Marvel and Capcom to redeem the franchise where it nearly failed. As for as the rumored announcement at PSX, only time will tell. So what do you think of the Marvel vs. Capcom 4 rumors and what characters would you like to see in the fourth game in the series. Let me know in the comments... Til next time, keep it lock! * The views and options from the Facebook chat insert are only those of Mr. Carl Farmer and do not represent those of ADTC Productions, Dynasty Network, LLC, or any affiliated channels or partners.
Note: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the blog author and does not reflect those of ADTC Productions or Dynasty Network, LLC. In addition, Nintendo does not promote, sponsor or endorse this blog. (Which is basically the whole point even if it meant stating the obvious, but I'm trying to cover my ass here, okay?)
Given the irony my father despise video games, Nintendo has finally unveiled "Project NX" in the form of its latest game system, the "Nintendo Switch," three days ago on my old man's birthday. Jokes aside, after a missed opportunity at E3 this past year, I finally saw what the buzz its about in the trailer seen below...
The Reveal Trailer...
Source: Nintendo Official YouTube Channel
So Here's What We Know So Far...
Now contrary to initial speculations, the Nintendo Switch is a handheld gaming system. According to the press release from Nintendo's official website, the "Switch" provides not only both single and multiplayer gaming experience, but also enables gamers to play the same title anywhere, if not, everywhere. The console itself connects to the TV via the Switch Dock, but when removed, the system automatically switches (hence the name) to portable mode which allows you to play on the go. Additionally, the Joy-Con controller can attach to and detach from the system while playing on the go, or slip into the Joy-Con Grip accessory when playing at home.
Also in its press releases, 48 confirmed third-party companies annonced their support for Nintendo Switch.
Source: Nintendo Everything via Nintendo of America on Twitter
On the day it's reveal, NVIDIA Co., the California-based technology, has confirmed it's custom graphic processing unit "Tegra" will power the Nintendo Switch according to NVIDIA's blog. "The high-efficiency scalable processor includes an NVIDIA GPU based on the same architecture as the world’s top-performing GeForce gaming graphics cards," stated Ashish Karandikar, NVIDIA's VP of Hardware Engineering. Karandikar added to the blog, "NVIDIA additionally created new gaming APIs to fully harness this performance. The newest API, NVN, was built specifically to bring lightweight, fast gaming to the masses."
In addition, Nintendo Switch will also support Unreal Engine 4, as confirm by Unreal Engine via Twitter.
Several games have been confirmed for the upcoming console including (but not limited to) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (originally a Wii U exclusive) and potentially a new Super Mario, Splatoon and Mario Kart games. (Actually titles for the upcoming games are yet to be announced.) Also, Just Dance 2017 and the yet-to-be-titled Sonic the Hedgehog game slated for 2017, has also been confirmed for the Switch, according to Eurogamer and Gamasutra respectively. Despite showing support as one of many third-party developers for the Switch, Bethesda, along with Nintendo, was at the center of controversy after gameplay footage of "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" was featured on the reveal trailer for the Switch. Shortly after, it was confirmed by a Bethesda spokeperson on GameIndustry.biz that Skyrim is not confirmed for the Switch "just yet," but rather showing support for Nintendo's new console which explains the gameplay footage.
Unfortunely, it's been reported from several gaming sites, will not be backwards compatible with the Wii U software or 3Ds game cards. Instead, the Switch will use the game card media much like the 3Ds. The Nintendo Switch is set to release on March 2017. While not officially confirmed by Nintento, the rumored MSRP is $299.99 USD (unless stated otherwise). My Two Cents on Nintendo Switch
Despite the fact that Nintendo is one of the longest-endured companies in all of gaming, their previous home console hardware throughout the last 20 years has been hit and miss at best. The Nintendo Wii U, in which I own, got hit the hardest by being outsold by the Sony PlayStation 4, Microsoft XBox One, and even its predecessor the original Wii. However giving it's success of Nintendo's current-gen handheld, the 3DS, and recent jump into the mobile gaming market, the ever stubborn "Big N" is not throwing in the towel in this current console war.
Now whether or not that Nintendo's new "hybrid" console is the successor to the Wii U and/or 3DS is entirely up for debate. One thing's for sure, regardless of Nintendo's risky and innovated decisions, I like here this is going. The Wii U was the first Nintendo console I ever bought with my own money. While imperfect, it has it's perks. While I see some similarities with the Wii U design, the Switch really shows it's "take gaming anywhere, everywhere," concept. Given its GPUs and mass third-party support from publishers and developers compare to its predecessor, I will say its an improvement. I'm impressed with the knowledge I researched so far. Of course, something as promising never comes without its speculation and concerns. One being very obvious is the lack of backward compatibly, which is a standard for nostalgic gamers in today's era. While their's no doubt that classic games of Nintendo's past to be available digitally for the Switch, nothing can compare to the physical copy of the previous generation game. While I like the concept, I'm iffy on the Joy-Con controller features, even though it allows the players to control the game wireless. The "switching and gaming on the go" feature is innovative, I can not help but to repressed about the Wii U's gaming pad battery life. Given what the trailer above was selling, the Switch's mobile mode look like it'll use a vast amount of power. The fast-draining battery was the biggest issue for the Wii U's gaming pad, but I hope that Nintendo doesn't make the same mistake with its upcoming console. Enclosing...
Concerns aside, I applaud Nintendo for staying the innovation route even with the negative feedback they received since the original Wii. While the Nintendo Switch has been announced, it's too soon to say what will the outcome will be upon its March 2017 release. It definitely capture my interest, but I won't get it on day one. Not at least, until there several exclusive games that get my attention. Here's no doubt there will be more info on the Nintedo Switch in the coming months.
Also, on the side note, I don't mind the name which match the concept, but "NX" sounded more suited for the console, in my honest opinion. So what are your thoughts on the Nintendo Switch? Let me know in the comments. Until next time, keep it lock! |
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