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Do we all agree that Nintendo is having a "soft launch" with Switch?
- Thread starter Annoying Old Party Man
- Start date
A soft launch is one where the manufacturer is selling only a limited amount of product. It's similar to how some films will open to limited release before opening wide a couple fo weeks later. The Switch is aiming for 2 million units, so that's not soft by any stretch of the imagination. You can call it a bad launch, but that's something a bit different.
These are all inherent problems with a hybrid system, and they are the reasons why I thought that Nintendo would go with a more traditional handheld / home console approach instead. I can see why they tried to do things this way, but the risks seem to be overwhelming without the benefit of pulling in any new audience.
The latter. Preorders are usually around 10%-20% of the total allotment (but that's just me estimating).
Also, the 2 million number is for March. This thing launches on March 3rd, so that doesn't mean there will be 2 million Switches even available on day 1. That is an extremely conservative estimate of demand by Nintendo for the first month.
ZeroMaverick
Member
Yep. This is what I've been saying for the past week.
For the records, the Wii U had the biggest launch -- and most exclusives at launch -- of the current gen consoles, and look where it got them. The SNES launched with five games.
This list is at least partially wrong. Injustice didn't come out on Xbox One.
The effect of the Scorpio on the Switch is indeed minimal, and I don't expect it to be a major thing. It's just one of those small thoughts a person might have that'll get put on their unconscious list that convinces them whether it's worth it or not. Hardware wise, at least the Nintendo Switch won't be competing with a lot this holiday (i think).
I agree that Nintendo isn't competing with Sony or MS anymore. I also see that their soft/forced launch with all the extra problems does not seem like it bodes well, but I'm mostly talking from the stand point that Nintendo Switch year 1 is set up to be dramatically better than the Wii U and other game consoles have ever achieved most likely.
Anyways I don't ultimately think a lot of console selling level games will "save" the Nintendo Switch, but I view them as things that put the Nintendo Switch in a better position than the Wii U had ever been in.
Captain Europe
Member
Yeah, I think Nintendo just wanted to be back in the picture, obviously that wasn't going to happen with the Wii U.
Exactly, all of them have boring ass launches, we just forgot about them when the games start coming out.
Exactly, all of them have boring ass launches, we just forgot about them when the games start coming out.
To help out with the numbers department, it can be estimated to be close to 2 Million day 1 though. Gamestop did say that they had 500,000 pre-orders as they are allowed to put out. Assuming the likes of Amazon, Wal-mart, and perhaps Best Buy altogether have 150 - 250k allowed for pre-orders, it can be somewhat safely assumed there is probably an extra 250k that will be available at launch that are for first come first serve.
So that would be about 1 Million, which is half of the total 2 Million for March. This is only a guess on my part based off the numbers Gamestop gave out though.
Really? I actually think that selling it without the dock for the holidays would be an extremely smart move. It would put it at a price point where many many people would be willing to buy it at. $199.99 during Holidays would appeal to many people, as they will have access to all the games anyone with a dock would have. It is ultimately a portable gaming console with the capability of being a home console.
There was a rumor I recall how the home console version would be sold first, and then half a year later the portable version would come out afterwards. This rumor was like May 2016 I think...don't know though. But this would give it a nice set up for holiday 2017 if that were the case.
Edit: It's a lot easier to convince people to buy in increments than it is to drop $500 - $600 up front, as Xbox and Sony have both learned the hard way in their own respective generations with the PS3, and the Xbox One + Kinect.
UserDoesNotExist
Member
Online platforms that make their money off premium user subscriptions and/or monetization "soft launch". $300 products ship incomplete.
D
Deleted member 752119
Unconfirmed Member
It's a great first year for Nintendo fans like me if everything hits. I'm just not seeing where it appeals to people who never bought a Wii U despite the library it built overtime and especially to those who also didn't buy a 3DS.
It seems like they think the play anywhere concept will make the same type of game library appealing where the Wii U concept failed. Maybe they're right. I don't see it as it's a pretty serious gamer niche that games On consoles and portables rather than one or the other. I think the bigger problem is they just long ago lost touch with mainstream gamer tests when the marker shifted to the west and they've gradually lost their base as people aged out of gaming and/or just got tired of their stale franchises.
They really need to use the extra development resources they have from not having to support two platforms and take some chances on creating new, big budget IP that have appeal beyond their base. Take some stabs at FPS, Tomb Raider/Uncharted/ type game, WRPG, cinematic games with art styles that appeal to the west. Make those gamers have some things they really want to play so they see those and go "Hey I can buy a Wii U and play that awesome new game and also check out Mario Kart and Smash." Where MK and Smash et all weren't enough to make them pick up a Wii U.
Captain Europe
Member
You can still ''switch'' with the joycons, there's a lot of people out there who don't game on TV.
D
Deleted member 752119
Unconfirmed Member
People said the same thing about the Xbox One and Kinect. That they'd never sell it without it as it was a key focus of their message, the OS was built around it etc.
If the Switch sells like shit, they'll try something else rather than just doing nothing like with Wii U. Unless they're ready to just say fuck it and focus on mobile I guess.
I do agree they probably wouldn't just make a dockless SKU as it's too hammered in size and battery life as a pure portable.
If it fails I think they'd do very different and lower cost skus. A smaller portable with built in controls (not joycons) and a better battery. A small console with a console 500gb hard drive and a pro controller packed in. Both support joy cons sold separately for the few games that require them like 1 2 Switch and what not (few games as this only happens if the Switch fails to sell)
In a way the other major problem is indeed the $300 price point. The suggestion by someone else for a $199.99 version without the dock would actually make it more appealing since it can then appeal in the manner of being within 3DS price range as the "next gen handheld console". I do not doubt the validity of 3rd party titles, but I also agree that Nintendo needs to just get the Switch into as much hands as possible as I don't believe 3rd party will come on their own.
If they do what they did like with Hyrule Warriors and allowed 3rd parties access to their IPs, I also think that would be a nice direction for them to take as well.
D
Deleted member 752119
Unconfirmed Member
I think a cheaper console only version would be a better route if Switch fails. The western market is much bigger than Japan and portables are decling rapidly here.
As above, if it fails I'd do a separate redesigned console and portable version that shared games. Get price down and see if it does better at a lower cost where the single use gamers can buy the model that fits their needs. Keep Switch around for those who want both console and portable mode.
Fantastapotamus
Wrong about commas, wrong about everything
I feel like the Switch will almost surpass the WiiU in it's first year.
Mario, Zelda, Xenoblade (sure haha), Mario Kart, Splatoon...
Can't think of many other noteworthy WiiU titles except Smash tbh.
Obviously there are some, but for the first year that line-up looks pretty solid.
Of course at least 2 games on that list will be delayed, but still
Mario, Zelda, Xenoblade (sure haha), Mario Kart, Splatoon...
Can't think of many other noteworthy WiiU titles except Smash tbh.
Obviously there are some, but for the first year that line-up looks pretty solid.
Of course at least 2 games on that list will be delayed, but still
GameCenterXDS
Member
Am I wrong to think Nintendo's first goals is to get the 3ds owners who didn't buy a Wii u to get in on the switch? Think about it wasn't there like 50 million more people who bought a 3ds then Wii u? People always talk about how they aren't going to get the ps4 or Xbox crowd but who cares? What about that 50 million 3's owners that clearly have interest in Nintendo stuff. That's all they need.
If this redesigned portable console is compatible with their dock, then I would view it as a fine decision in the end. It just mostly stood out to me that they are indeed selling the dock separately for $89.99 on Nintendo's website. While it could be for the sake of replacing a broken/lost dock, or for people who want multiple docks in their house; it could be used just for the sake of separating the hand held from the dock so as to lower the price point without redesigning anything.
Edit: A $199.99 Handheld Switch would certainly be more appealing to me, since the most expensive New Nintendo 3DS XL is also being sold for $199.99. In that grand scheme it can probably be viewed as a no brainer as well when you think about it (price wise definitely...software wise...?...depends lol).
What 3DS-style portable Switch games have been announced?
thestopsign
Member
It may be true that they will be working out the kinks in the short term, but my purchase early on is a long term investment for me. Waiting to save $50 on a price cut or bundled game later down the line isn't that big of a deal to me and I'm sure Nintendo will have a few extra perks to give early adopters. I'm not in desperate need of games to play once it's out, so I can play through Zelda and then comfortably wait for more content while playing through my enormous backlog of games.
Also I wouldn't consider it a soft launch by how much they are planning on shipping and the seeming demand for the product so far. With sold out preorders almost everywhere they should have a strong launch and then a bit of a lull until the holiday season where they can be more aggressive pricing and software wise.
Also I wouldn't consider it a soft launch by how much they are planning on shipping and the seeming demand for the product so far. With sold out preorders almost everywhere they should have a strong launch and then a bit of a lull until the holiday season where they can be more aggressive pricing and software wise.
It would have been a lot easier to attract 3DS owners if the console was a bit cheaper and 3DS franchises (like Pokemon, FIre Emblem, and Animal Crossing) were coming sooner rather than later.
SmokedMeat
Gamer™
Not really. It doesn't have a crapton of shovelware like some of the other big recent console launches, but who actually needs it. Four months after the PS4 I had what to play? Assassins Creed 4? Fucking dismal. If you don't own a Wii U it may well be the best console launch in recent history. With a few months you get the current best game of the generation (MK8), the freshest game of the generation (Splatoon), what looks to be the GOTF (Zelda), and then you have 3D Mario and an interesting new franchise (arms).
If you do have a Wii U though, it's decidedly less interesting.
If you do have a Wii U though, it's decidedly less interesting.
D
Deleted member 752119
Unconfirmed Member
Yeah I'm buying early for the same reasons, other than not having a big backlog.
Nintendo is a third platform for me behind PC and PS4. No matter how many games they put out in a year, it's rare for me to buy more than 5 or so Nintendo games in any given year as I have too much to play on my main platforms.
There's easily 4 or 5 games I want to play on Switch this year, so it's a no brained to buy at launch so I can keep up with those. If I wait a year or two to buy, I'd not get back to most of those games and probably only get to Zelda and Mario.
Again, I'm not a backlog builder any more. I buy a game and don't buy another one until I'm done with that (finished or abandoned). Buying day one gives me a better chance of playing most of the games that interest me. Buying later I won't play as many games as I'm always more focused on the latest and greatest and playing what I can both be enjoying playing and discussing in active OTs etc.
UncleSporky
Member
What's a 3DS-style game?
3DS got OoT 3D and Switch gets Breath of the Wild
3DS got Mario Kart 7 and Switch gets Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
3DS got Hyrule Warriors Legends and Switch gets Fire Emblem Warriors
3DS got Fire Emblem Awakening and Switch gets its own full-fledged Fire Emblem
3DS got Shin Megami Tensei 4 and Switch gets what is presumably SMT 5
3DS got BoI, Switch gets BoI
3DS got Lego City Undercover, Switch gets Lego City Undercover
3DS got Xenoblade Chronicles, Switch gets Xenoblade 2
3DS got Dragon Quest ports like 7 and 8, Switch gets Dragon Quest ports like 10 and 11
3DS got Bravely Default, Switch gets Octopath Traveler by the same team
3DS got SSF4, Switch gets Ultra Street Fighter 2
3DS got Shovel Knight, Switch gets Shovel Knight
3DS got Cave Story, Switch gets Cave Story
So Switch users get the inferior game?
megabytecr
Member
Yes I agree.
I believe the hw is great, has lots of stuff and features, it is loaded, I hope it is a success.
Motion controls+
Local MP anywhere
HD Rumble
Portability
Now the games. It is no secret the launch is barren, although almost everyday we get a minor announcement and Zelda makes for like 3 games IMO, it is looking amazing.
If 3rd parties are waiting on it, then the success obviously lies in people liking the product itself (HW) and Nintendo delivering on the promise of more frequent releases.
The promise of all VC on the Switch, including Wii and GCN, all studios focused on one device or architecture, indies and some games from third parties is enough for me, the portability is the greatest feature next to the HD Rumble.
I think we will get Japanese 3rd parties, and some Western, I could see some fighting games, sports games, maybe racing games and smaller RPGs.
I believe the hw is great, has lots of stuff and features, it is loaded, I hope it is a success.
Motion controls+
Local MP anywhere
HD Rumble
Portability
Now the games. It is no secret the launch is barren, although almost everyday we get a minor announcement and Zelda makes for like 3 games IMO, it is looking amazing.
If 3rd parties are waiting on it, then the success obviously lies in people liking the product itself (HW) and Nintendo delivering on the promise of more frequent releases.
The promise of all VC on the Switch, including Wii and GCN, all studios focused on one device or architecture, indies and some games from third parties is enough for me, the portability is the greatest feature next to the HD Rumble.
I think we will get Japanese 3rd parties, and some Western, I could see some fighting games, sports games, maybe racing games and smaller RPGs.
UncleSporky
Member
If you say so. A question was asked and I answered it, quality of the game was never a part of the equation.
MicroByter
Member
Yay, I'm an Ambassador again!
Yay!!!
Yay!!!
Joelstinton14
Member
I posted this in another thread , but do you think that press have had hands on with the online and are under NDA? I ask because it struck me was that none of the big gaming websites have reported on the voice app debacle that had started to spread - not what i have seen anyway (ign, gamespot, Eurogamer).
It strikes me has odd because gaming websites don't really turn down chances to get clicks, and considering the furore it as caused on here , it make for a great story. The gaming press have never turned down opportunities to create stories on what someone has said in an interview before.
It strikes me has odd because gaming websites don't really turn down chances to get clicks, and considering the furore it as caused on here , it make for a great story. The gaming press have never turned down opportunities to create stories on what someone has said in an interview before.
NOLA_Gaffer
Banned
Both the Wii U and 3DS shipped with unfinished operating systems so it's to be expected that the Switch is no different.
I think Zelda has the potential to be one of the greatest games ever made. Laugh if you like. If that turns out to be the case, how many consoles have launched with a game of that calibre? I think, whether right or wrong, Nintendo are confident that it alone is enough to launch the system with. Time will tell very soon.
I think it sounds like a soft launch, yeah.
They're clearly only aiming for the most hardcore with Zelda being the day-one draw here. The ecosystem and services (online app mainly) aren't even really being advertised as complete yet, in my opinion. Nintendo has been clear about that.
I think you could call the proper launch more of a window than a specific date; leading from late summer and into the holiday season. There will be a few more big Nintendo titles released at that point and I think positive word of mouth from the hardcore base will expand the audience a bit.
I say this as someone getting one at launch.
I think you could call the proper launch more of a window than a specific date; leading from late summer and into the holiday season. There will be a few more big Nintendo titles released at that point and I think positive word of mouth from the hardcore base will expand the audience a bit.
Captain Europe
Member
Sure, but recent launches not so much, it probably just has to do with games taking more time/effort to develop.
giant_frying_pan
Member
Ubisoft get in early on platform launches because You Be Soft.
D.Lo
Member
That was the US launch seven months after the actual launch in Japan, which was:
A-Train 6
Drum Mania
Eternal Ring
Kakinoki Shogi IV
Kessen
Mahjong Taikai III
Morita Shogi
Ridge Racer V
Stepping Selection
Street Fighter EX3
Jubenhimer
Member
It should be very clear to anyone who can read between the lines that Nintendo is taking a very calculated approach with the Switch. Calling a home console, when it's so obviously not a home console just because they don't want the 3DS to die yet. Launching in March rather than fall. Purposefully not front-loading it with games at launch, not charging for online until the fall. The decision to unveil it as a 3 minnute trailer, instead of a proper reveal at E3. It not coming with any pack-in title, Large amount of expensive accessories. Shipping a suspiciously low amount of units. It should be blatantly obvious to people what is really going on here.
Nintendo is in hot water with share-holders, and the Switch needs to be very profitable, very fast. The best way to do this, in their eyes, is to milk the hardcore fans for a few months, then expand focus towards the end of the year. This can backfire heavily if Nintendo isn't careful, so I'd tread lightly if I were them.
Nintendo is in hot water with share-holders, and the Switch needs to be very profitable, very fast. The best way to do this, in their eyes, is to milk the hardcore fans for a few months, then expand focus towards the end of the year. This can backfire heavily if Nintendo isn't careful, so I'd tread lightly if I were them.
There is a Monster Hunter game releasing on 3ds 15 days after Switch's launch. There is a FE game launching on 3ds in May. There are still so many exclusive games launching on 3ds this year. There is no Pokemon or MH game announced for Switch. Switch has a console price rather than a handheld price.
It's launching with Zelda (which didn't really reached full sales potential on 3ds) and games that try to emulate rather the Wii experience.
If Nintendo tries to sell Switch first to the 3ds owners then they're doing all the wrong moves for that.
Adam_Vania
Banned
it's coming out in March and then Mario comes out in the fall/winter so they have two launches.
basically the console will be out in time for this Christmas but w 9 months early access & new Zelda
basically the console will be out in time for this Christmas but w 9 months early access & new Zelda
D
Deleted member 752119
Unconfirmed Member
To clarify my original agreement with the topic, I don't think this was a planned soft launch.
They just couldn't come close to getting their shit together for a launch this fall and missed that holiday season. In response to missing that the told their investors they'd launch in March and kind of had to stick with it. Delaying again would look bad. Especially for Zelda after dedicating nearly their entire E3 presence to it last year.
If they didn't have those pressures, I think the would have waited until October/November and launched during the holidays with the online service ready to go, Mario and Zelda at launch, and more stock ready to meet demand.
They just couldn't come close to getting their shit together for a launch this fall and missed that holiday season. In response to missing that the told their investors they'd launch in March and kind of had to stick with it. Delaying again would look bad. Especially for Zelda after dedicating nearly their entire E3 presence to it last year.
If they didn't have those pressures, I think the would have waited until October/November and launched during the holidays with the online service ready to go, Mario and Zelda at launch, and more stock ready to meet demand.
I will cancel my preorder. I have a backlog of games. And Switch is really expensive in the UK and the games are typical high price which is normal for a new console launch.
I've decided I'll pick up a Switch in the end of Summer around August or September when I'm expected to go on a long holiday so the portability will come in handy.
By then I'd have a nice backlog of games to buy
- Zelda
- Splatoon 2
- Mario Kart 8
And with a better look at what's in store for the future after E3. Hopefully Pokemon Stars is confirmed.
I've decided I'll pick up a Switch in the end of Summer around August or September when I'm expected to go on a long holiday so the portability will come in handy.
By then I'd have a nice backlog of games to buy
- Zelda
- Splatoon 2
- Mario Kart 8
And with a better look at what's in store for the future after E3. Hopefully Pokemon Stars is confirmed.
SmokedMeat
Gamer™
CrazyHorse
Junior Member
Perhaps why they are launching early in the year?
naweednrahman
Member
I'm not sure if having a lot of software/variety corresponds to a strong launch...
Maybe i'm defending Nintendo a bit too much here or putting too much emphasis on their own games but I would rather have a limited launch library that I can maximise the most time and enjoyment out of than a variety of games that collectively I won't enjoy as much.
The PS4 launched with a fair few games that could be played on the XB1 vice versa. But is that really what I want? Do I want to spend my time playing FIFA, CoD, Battlefield etc or engulf myself in an experience.
Okay sure, Zelda can be played on the WiiU, but if I was an outsider, I probably might enjoy having a limited library but a really great launch experience with a few selected titles.
It's hard to judge but hey...
I've always gone for the experience with Nintendo and it's never betrayed me.
Maybe i'm defending Nintendo a bit too much here or putting too much emphasis on their own games but I would rather have a limited launch library that I can maximise the most time and enjoyment out of than a variety of games that collectively I won't enjoy as much.
The PS4 launched with a fair few games that could be played on the XB1 vice versa. But is that really what I want? Do I want to spend my time playing FIFA, CoD, Battlefield etc or engulf myself in an experience.
Okay sure, Zelda can be played on the WiiU, but if I was an outsider, I probably might enjoy having a limited library but a really great launch experience with a few selected titles.
It's hard to judge but hey...
I've always gone for the experience with Nintendo and it's never betrayed me.