It’s been 4 years since the newest main {hardware} announcement from a console producer, however Nintendo has promised to disclose the Nintendo Change successor inside the fiscal 12 months. Whereas incremental {hardware} variations are thrilling, nothing compares to the thrill surrounding new consoles. The fantastical hopes, and the typically much more fantastical realities, of a brand new era.
Nintendo is in a state of affairs it has been in earlier than: the present console era has confirmed to be excessively fruitful for them. Nevertheless, if historical past has confirmed something, when Nintendo might simply do the identical once more, they at all times discover some method to combine issues up!
As such, with that loopy creativity in thoughts, Nintendo followers have allowed their minds to run wild with hypothesis and rumors. From the reintegration of long-dead applied sciences to leaping into new spheres of gaming; listed here are Twinfinite’s favourite fan hopes for the Nintendo Change successor.
10. Digital/Augmented Actuality Focus
Sony has positioned an in depth give attention to its PSVR line of digital actuality headsets lately, and that has mirrored in players’ expectations of the opposite two console producers. It’s no shock that players wish to see Nintendo put its distinctive inventive spin on the burgeoning expertise – particularly contemplating the upcoming reveal of Nintendo’s next-generation Nintendo Change successor and the continued success of the VR area on PC.
Nintendo has confirmed that it’s conscious and all in favour of digital and augmented actuality gaming, with its gimmick-like Nintendo LABO cardboard VR headset and 3DS AR playing cards. Nevertheless, Reddit person borrowedlight wrote an in depth record detailing their assist of a VR/AR future for the Nintendo Change successor.
They defined how Nintendo’s adaptation of the VR format would outline itself as one thing completely different from the headsets of its rivals. They consider a digital actuality focus from Nintendo might leverage the Nintendo Change successor’s anticipated hybrid type issue to permit for a very moveable VR expertise.
“The twist on this one is that it’ll absolutely assist “switching” to combined actuality (i.e. principally VR) … they will use the ability of their console {hardware} for “go anyplace” VR model video games”.
‘borrowedlight’, r/nintendo
The thought of Nintendo supporting the brand new digital actuality medium extra readily within the coming era is just not nonsensical. Nevertheless, as a lot as seeing VR assist for Metroid Prime 4: Past could be dream-like, Nintendo is extraordinarily unlikely to wholly decide to digital actuality – particularly contemplating its conservative nature and experiences of the enterprise failings of PlayStation’s newest VR headset.
9. Energy Parity with Xbox Sequence X & PlayStation 5
Players love cutting-edge graphics, and there’s nothing improper with that! There are various occasions when, upon seeing Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II or God of Battle: Ragnarok’s 4K presentation, you’d be forgiven for considering you had been watching a live-action Hollywood blockbuster.
Nevertheless, BourneEnemy01 disclosed their want for Nintendo to forgo its low-cost, low-power philosophy. This is able to permit for extra multiplatform titles and the extra aggressive {hardware} specs might place them toe-to-toe with Sony and Microsoft.
“They need to make it that once you dock the system it turns into a full blown subsequent gen console on the extent of [PS5] professional and when [you’re] in handheld mode it turns into equal of a Xbox [S]eries S stage kind of console. So it’s nonetheless each a handheld and a house console like we are able to play [GTA] 6 on this docked at house and fewer demanding titles on handheld”
‘BourneEnemy01’, r/nintendo
Nintendo has lengthy forgone the pursuit of uncooked graphical energy, with their final foray into that battle being the GameCube’s colossal defeat by the hands of the PlayStation 2. The PS2 went on to change into the best-selling console of all time, even with the extra highly effective {hardware} of the Xbox and GameCube combating towards it.
The Nintendo Change’s gangbuster gross sales numbers on the again of much less highly effective tech are the truth is approaching these of the PlayStation 2 itself. As such, Nintendo could be understandably cautious of positing the Nintendo Change successor as a comparably highly effective piece of {hardware} to the present era Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
8. A Touchpad/Controller Display screen on Professional Controller
Whereas there are some notable gripes players have with the present Nintendo Change Professional Controller – most notably the shortage of analog triggers – many have discovered it to be one of the purposeful and ergonomic controllers Nintendo has produced in generations.
As such, although many followers are clamoring for added options to be added to the Nintendo Change successor’s console {hardware}, Reddit person FlynnTastico2000 has flown the opposite manner. They proclaimed how their subsequent needs for the Nintendo Change successor targeted extra on the controller peripheral itself.
This fan is hoping to see one thing akin to the TouchPad launched within the PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 controller, or a better decision Dreamcast VMU display. These features would seemingly be constructed into the central physique of the controller and would act as a second display much like that of the Wii U gamepad.
“A professional controller might have a TouchPad or mini show to simulate the 2nd display.”
‘FlynnTastico2000’, r/nintendo
The prospects of viewing a secondary display throughout gameplay, or a touchpad layer being positioned on the controller, are joyous. Nevertheless, each functionalities have been examined by each Sony and Nintendo themselves and haven’t bore fruit as they’d have hoped.
As such, as inventive as it might be to have a minimap or character’s well being on the controller’s physique, it’s not one thing that – on the face of it – Nintendo could be anticipated to current to players.
7. Simultaneous, Wi-fi Change-to-TV Streaming
The Nintendo Change was first revealed to players in 2016 and instantly blew everybody away. The idea of with the ability to instantaneously place the Change system into the Dock and resume taking part in in your tv appeared like technical wizardry.
We commented ourselves, on the showcasing of the Nintendo Change’s hybrid nature: “Then comes the actually cool half although, when the particular person taking part in clicks two small controllers into the aspect of the tablet-like console, picks it up, and heads exterior.”
Nevertheless, within the eight years since that day, the magic has worn off for some and has created a want for much more seamless ‘switching’ of gameplay screens.
Reddit person sleepyzane relived the Wii U days by itemizing how they hoped the Nintendo Change successor would be capable to stream its image to the tv wirelessly. Whereas the expertise of the Wii U was undoubtedly inventive, the stagnant gross sales of the console are proof sufficient that the idea of multi-screen gaming on console was a tough promote.
“a type of stay handheld docking mode over bluetooth could be cool. so you possibly can have it wirelessly speaking with the dock (and thus sending image to the television) whereas additionally supplying you with a second handheld display for second display expertise”
‘sleepyzane’, r/nintendo
The idea of wi-fi streaming of shows has come a good distance because the Wii U’s launch in 2012. Nevertheless, with the success of the Nintendo Change’s confirmed dock system, I see no cause for the Nintendo Change successor to cut price with its success by implementing (albeit inventive) concepts from the disastrous Wii U days.
6. A Nintendo Change Micro
With the launch of the Nintendo Change system, Nintendo has clearly pivoted away from the segregated house console and handheld console market.
As such, we’ve discovered that the Nintendo Change has loved three principal {hardware} SKUs throughout its lifetime. The unique Nintendo Change with an LCD display, the dearer OLED mannequin with its titular OLED display, and the low cost handheld-only Nintendo Change Lite.
Reddit person Double-Seaweed7760 hopes that the creation of the Nintendo Change successor will finally drive down manufacturing costs of the mandatory {hardware}. Down so low the truth is, {that a} variation of the Nintendo Change successor’s {hardware} could possibly be created to additional refine the compact nature previous that of the Nintendo Change Lite – to a ‘PSP-sized’ type issue.
“I simply need a thick (it helps with ergo and you’ll really feel it with battery, vibration motors and a fan) [PSP] sized, backwards suitable [S]witch 2 micro … I simply need a most portability console that may play my superior [S]witch library alongside my eventual superior [S]witch 2 library with out struggling to hold it and not using a bag and with out bulging about to tear pockets”
‘Double-Seaweed7760’, r/nintendo
The thought of an extremely form-focused Nintendo handheld is one thing that I think about could be very a lot hoped for by many Change followers. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely we’d see such a redesign.
If one had been to return about, then – much like Nintendo’s personal Recreation Boy Micro, which got here out after the discharge of the DS – it might probably come out within the subsequent few years. Past that, I’d anticipate it to be constructed from the prevailing Nintendo Change {hardware} as an alternative of that from the Nintendo Change successor.
5. A DS-like Clamshell Design
For 2 generations of handheld consoles, Nintendo was (virtually) religious of their use of a foldable, clamshell design of their DS and 3DS households of methods. With DS titles being pined for by Nintendo Change On-line followers, the return to a clamshell design would definitely be handy on this respect.
Maybe as certainly one of these hopeful players, Reddit person Enrichus is pinning their hopes on the Nintendo Change successor partaking with that foldable body. Claiming Nintendo’s penchant for continuous console creativity, they want for a extra radical {hardware} departure within the Nintendo Change successor than some expect.
“Maybe a method to pull up the display so it may be performed like a DS. Keep in mind, that is Nintendo we’re speaking about. They need the Change successor to have the ability to do issues the Change can’t.”
‘Enrichus’, r/nintendo
The clamshell design of the Nintendo DS and 3DS household of methods was purposeful in addition to inventive, that means your handheld’s display didn’t get banged up always. Nevertheless, the incorporation of a clamshell design necessitates the implementation of a second display, and Nintendo has at all times sought to maintain the worth of its {hardware} as little as potential. As nostalgic and helpful as it might be to implement that foldable design; the ramifications on the price of the system could be astronomical.
4. A Return to the 3DS’ 3D Show
There are various elements of Nintendo’s 3DS household of methods which have aged gracefully. The software program lineup is exemplary, the shape issue is intelligently designed, and the customization choices of its person interface are nonetheless being requested for the Nintendo Change methods.
Reddit person hejj clearly loves their Nintendo handhelds, and needs to see that {hardware} lineage handed onto the Nintendo Change successor. Nevertheless, they want to revisit essentially the most reviled side of the 3DS methods – the 3D shows themselves. When the subject of the Nintendo Change successor’s {hardware} arose, they had been religious in merely stating that they hoped to see:
“A 3d show”
‘hejj’, r/nintendo
After they obtained cautious backlash for his or her brazen selection, they dedicated to their selection and held their floor. They acknowledged plainly that “OP requested what I would love. I had a 3ds and I preferred it”.
I’m greater than supportive of their love of the Nintendo 3DS – and could be actually to see how Nintendo would sort out a 3D show with the expertise of 2024 accessible to them. Nevertheless, I simply don’t see it occurring within the Nintendo Change’s successor.
Whereas the glasses-free 3D shows of the 3DS system had been distinctive, they floundered to search out steady footing. In the end, the titular expertise of the handhelds was minimize from alternate SKUs of the product – just like the understandably named 2DS line of consoles.
3. Foldable Screens to Develop Display screen on Demand
Foldable screens have been accessible to the lots for simply over half a decade now. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless a expertise that simply inherently feels futuristic.
The sturdiness of such a display could possibly be the chief concern levied at a Nintendo Change successor bearing one. Nevertheless, the excessive value level of such a display would additionally run straight against Nintendo’s low price-point {hardware} mannequin.
Though, Reddit person chaddiescakes hoped to see the trendy developments in foldable-screen expertise be included into the design of the Nintendo Change’s successor.
“I actually want they’d have taken benefit of the foldable screens the place it might flip open into an enormous 13/14 inch display to sport on in HD”
‘chaddiescakes’, r/nintendo
They even offered the console producer with a potential title for the {hardware} – that being the “Nintendo Flip”. When lambasted for his or her want for a foldable display, with different customers petitioning that the machine could be known as the ‘Nintendo Flop’ if the system failed, they strengthened their resolve:
“However that wouldn’t occur wouldn’t it? Trigger it’s an incredible thought ;)”
‘chaddiescakes’, r/nintendo
And an incredible thought it’s. But, with the aforementioned considerations relating to the degradation of the screens themselves – and the pricey expenditure of putting one in each console – the Nintendo Change successor could be very unlikely to accommodate a foldable display.
2. Vertically Attachable Magnetic Pleasure-Cons
The Pleasure-Con controllers have change into synonymous with the Nintendo Change’s design and advertising and marketing ever since their reveal together with the console. Nevertheless, the controllers themselves have been plagued with points.
Reddit person zoozika channeled some beforehand reported rumors relating to the Nintendo Change successor into their very own hopes for the console. They want that the Nintendo Change successor would nonetheless retain Pleasure-Cons, but they could possibly be hooked up through magnets to any aspect of the console – even with the console display in a ‘portrait’ format.
“if the rumors of magnetically hooked up JoyCons are true, I think about we might connect them to the highest and backside and use the console in portrait orientation. That will make DS/3DS video games playable with out sacrificing display actual property or utilizing bizarre side ratio.”
‘zoozika’, r/nintendo
Whereas the magnetic attachment of the Pleasure-Con controllers is up for debate, the specific connection to the vertical orientation of the console is much less anticipated. Whereas the Nintendo Change has been required to be held in such a manner – corresponding to for Dr Kawashima’s Mind Coaching and Tremendous Mario Occasion – this has at all times been the exception.
1. Display screen Streaming to Non-Proprietary Gadgets
Native multiplayer goes the way in which of the ghost. Nevertheless, Nintendo is the one one of many large three console producers to be constantly supporting sofa co-op play. As such, it’s no shock that Nintendo followers are hoping to see the Nintendo Change successor lean additional in on the collaborative side of native multiplayer.
Reddit person Chilly-Drop8446 bases their hopes for the Nintendo Change successor on beforehand unveiled Nintendo patents. They hope that the Change successor will be capable to stream parts of its gameplay to a number of non-proprietary screens, to be used in conditions corresponding to celebration video games.
“They’ve an fascinating patent about utilizing a central machine to forged gameplay to a number of units that turns into a controller, like a telephone or pill … I feel it might be an fascinating addition to the console so long as it’s not shoved all over the place. I feel it might work very well for celebration video games, card video games, puzzles, that type of factor. “
‘Chilly-Drop8446’, r/nintendo
Whereas the central thought of streaming Nintendo gameplay to a number of non-proprietary units is a novel one, its performance is one other factor. Using a number of screens to play a central sport is just not extraordinary: the Jackbox collection of video games has been touting this tech for years now.
Nevertheless, to base the whole lot of the Nintendo Change successor’s {hardware} on the concept is just a little off-kilter for Nintendo, which is so treasured of its gameplay experiences staying on Nintendo {hardware}. As such, straight incorporating an unknowable quantity of units into the fray, runs straight towards Nintendo’s closed-off ecosystem.