New Nintendo president Furukawa: “considering various possibilities” for 3DS successor

Jraphics Horse · Jun 30, 2018

angelgrievous said:
I don't like the idea of a one system Nintendo. Since the launch of the Game Boy in 1989 Nintendo has had both home console and handheld games. I'm afraid we'll lose that with having just the Switch. I could be totally wrong of course but I look at stuff like The Legend of Zelda franchise and see this:

A Link to the Past - 1991 - console

Link's Awakening - 1993 - handheld

Ocarina of Time - 1998 - console

Majora's Mask - 2000 - console

Oracle of Ages/Seasons - 2001 - handheld

Wind Waker - 2002 - console

Minish Cap - 2004 - handheld

Twilight Princess - 2006 - console

Phantom Hourglass - 2007 - handheld

Spirit Tracks - 2009 - handheld

Skyward Sword - 2011 - console

Link Between Worlds - 2013 - handheld

Breath of the Wild - 2017 - console/handheld

I'm just afraid we'll lose these different takes on certain franchises being on one platform. I hope I'm wrong. I hope that in between big "console" releases of games like Zelda and Mario we'll get some bite sized adventures in the same universe as well. I guess time will tell.

When BotW launched Aonums was talking about the 2d team working on something, I wouldn't worry too much about that. They have almost got one title out per year if you include remakes starting with Link's Awakening DX. Other titles might be reduced a bit now they work on DLC, but I don't think they will be gone completely.

Deleted member 6730 · Jun 30, 2018

9-Volt said:
Do you people really expect Nintendo to provide you the convenience of having just platform by gambling on such high stakes?

People really overestimate the success of Switch. Sure it's currently selling good but this doesn't mean it'll continue to do so. Third parties still isn't on Switch full time and western third parties love to ignore it. Things can change for Switch anytime. Nintendo can't afford to risk everything again for just one platform. They're not Sony or Microsoft, gaming is all they have. That's why Nintendo need multiple Pillars.

But I agree the idea that the other pillars should be drastically different than the Switch. VR? AR? Micro handheld? When it comes to new ideas, Nintendo never disappoint.

It'll sell really well regardless of any other device. It's tapped into a market need that nobody else has thought of before that's it's immediately compelling. Even if they do make another handheld it'll still not run big games like BoTW, Xenoblade, Wolfenstein, etc.

The DS didn't take away from the Wii and vice versa so if they can make this work then let them.

Faithless · Jun 30, 2018

FiXalaS said:
I hope they don't, having one system to play all their games is best.

Hell NO.
Bring a 3DS #2 !
We want a 3D screen !

808s & Villainy · Jun 30, 2018

Of course he'd say this. Doesn't mean much. Just keeping all their cards open. Some of you probably thought we were still getting a new Gameboy after the 3DS came out

fbnaulin · Jun 30, 2018

Maybe, 3DS successor is the same machine than Switch succesor.

Typhon · Jun 30, 2018

People don't seem to understand that parents aren't going to buy each of their kids a Switch at 300 a pop. A low cost model is a must if Nintendo wants to sell to its bread and butter.

Wowfunhappy · Jun 30, 2018

Hieroph said:
There is no way at all to call New 2DS XL hulking or bulky. It's handheld design perfection, and it's very pocketable. It's a big reason why the 3DS line is still around and getting games. When it comes to handheld comfort and portability, Switch just can't beat New 2DS XL in its current form factor.

You and I have widely differing definitions of "very pocketable". It fits, but it's not comfortable, and it's not something I'd want to walk around with regularly.

This is also why I love the small 3DS models.

milkyway · Jun 30, 2018

The one major thing 3DS has is the dual screen. Since the DS this has been a major component and very well utilized, so much that they tried to do it with a console. It's a shame they failed with that and I'm curious if we will ever see another dual screen Nintendo system again.

Deleted member 14002 · Jun 30, 2018

Just make a switch micro.

Powerofthecloud · Jun 30, 2018

I think people are misinterpreting this. There is absolutely no reason financially to have a separate platform. The only thing they would do is make a lite/mobile version if they did anything. we may eventually get to a nintenphone but it will most likely still be on the same platform.

TheCongressman · Jun 30, 2018

Makes sense they would keep the idea open, but I really don't think it would make sense. What's the point of merging development if you're going to split it again? If they did succeed the 3DS and it's not Switch game compatible, seems like a backwards step. That's assuming the Switch continues to be successful, which it appears it will be.

Hieroph · Jun 30, 2018

Wowfunhappy said:
You and I have widely differing definitions of "very pocketable". It fits, but it's not comfortable, and it's not something I'd want to walk around with regularly.

This is also why I love the small 3DS models.

Yeah, it won't fit into a tight and tiny pocket, but it's much better than almost any other handheld right now, including N3DS XL, PS Vita or Switch.

I see New 2DS XL as in the same size category as regular 3DS systems. Sure they're not the exact same size, but none of these are GB Micro either.

jroc74 · Jun 30, 2018

If it's not a mini Switch, their doing it wrong.

I say don't worry about a Switch mini, just stick with what they got. Just make more powerful versions down the line.

I finally saw one in the wild yesterday, dude kept stretching his fingers, wrists so a mini might be a good idea. It's bigger than I thought it was going to be.

It's still portable tho.

Shoe said:
In line with their naming scheme for the 2DS, they'll call it the "Cannot Switch"

lol, exactly. Why mess with the message?

Technically it wouldn't be a Switch if it's portable only. Unless it will be able to connect you a T.V. with a cable. And piss of everyone with a regular Switch and the dock.

Nintendo about to fuck this up, lol.

Deleted member 932 · Jun 30, 2018

Yeah, I'd like a Switch lite with an hdmi out (no dock mode, just output portable mode on the tv)

Deleted member 4034 · Jun 30, 2018

Typhon said:
People don't seem to understand that parents aren't going to buy each of their kids a Switch at 300 a pop. A low cost model is a must if Nintendo wants to sell to its bread and butter.

Of course not, it's about what they want and anything not made for Switch might as well be a slap in the face.

Wowfunhappy · Jun 30, 2018

Hieroph said:
I see New 2DS XL as in the same size category as regular 3DS systems. Sure they're not the exact same size, but none of these are GB Micro either.

Well, I can put the small New 3DS into my pocket and walk around with it all day, even doing fairly active activities. I can't do that with a New 2DS XL, at all. So that makes a huge difference.

Hieroph · Jun 30, 2018

Wowfunhappy said:
Well, I can put the small New 3DS into my pocket and walk around with it all day, even doing fairly active activities. I can't do that with a New 2DS XL, at all. So that makes a huge difference.

I guess we might just have widely differing pockets.

Hermii · Jun 30, 2018

It crazy to think that whatever options they are considering won't share the Switch game library.

super moustique · Jun 30, 2018

Well yeah... I'm waiting for it !

Hate · Jun 30, 2018

A pure VR handheld would be nice.

Pwnz · Jun 30, 2018

Stick with switch only please. If not, make a smaller switch mobile only for small hands that just plays switch games.

Yukinari · Jun 30, 2018

As long as you keep doing dual releases for Switch/3DS unless the game was originally made for the DS lineup.

Makes no sense that both systems get Captain Toad and Sushi Striker but not Luigis Mansion.

InteractiveSoftwareUser · Jun 30, 2018

Mystic said:
No worries! Their output on their handhelds has always been fantastic most years, especially with 3rd party Japanese support. Their home consoles have always suffered though post GameCube imo. Just not enough dev teams to spread the love between two systems, especially since 3rd parties are not nearly as kind to the home consoles.

Yep, taken as a whole Nintendo's output has been impressive but like you say the home consoles have suffered software droughts. The consolidated development is definitely the way forward, let's hope any hypothetical 3DS-successor exists firmly within the Switch eco system.

Deleted member 36622 · Jun 30, 2018

We all knew it right?

If they can make Mobile a sustainable business for them (which means almost on par with what they do with 3DS) that is going to be the second platform, but that means having games as big as Clash of Clans.

Otherwise they'll announce a new console at some point that will replace the 3DS and not the Switch.

zenspider · Jun 30, 2018

FiXalaS said:
Nooo

I hope they don't, having one system to play all their games is best.

I imagine a stripped down Switch is all that would come down the pipeline, if anything. I feel like this is stockholder talk rather than anything really coming to fruition.

JahIthBer · Jun 30, 2018

Why don't they just make a 7nm Switch lite without detachable Joycons, a smaller screen & no dock, sell it for $199-249 in 2019, there is your 3DS 2.0, will sell like hotcakes in the holiday season.
Better to focus all their Studio's on the Switch imo.

Jonneh · Jun 30, 2018

Typhon said:
People don't seem to understand that parents aren't going to buy each of their kids a Switch at 300 a pop. A low cost model is a must if Nintendo wants to sell to its bread and butter.

Especially when Nintendo are pushing for multiple Switch systems under a single household. There's currently no system apart from the 3DS catering to the impulse purchase price point and that's far more valuable to Switch that some luxury turbo charged version.

zombiejames · Jun 30, 2018

It makes zero sense to have two handhelds competing with each other. Stick with the Switch and just run with it.

Luchashaq · Jun 30, 2018

9-Volt said:
Do you people really expect Nintendo to provide you the convenience of having just platform by gambling on such high stakes?

It's how the Switch was sold to me, it's not my choice they can do whatever the fuck they want. But if they split their already incredibly limited first party lineup between two devices I will sell my used switch and then keep my boxed one for emulators only.

Clix · Jun 30, 2018

Who the heck is putting their 3DS in their pockets? That is asking for scuffs! I use a case with a wrist strap!

bangai-o · Jun 30, 2018

More obvious explanation: A final 3ds iteration
Era explanation: "They are making another handheld that is going to take games away from Switch!"

ArkhamFantasy · Jun 30, 2018

Clix said:
Who the heck is putting their 3DS in their pockets? That is asking for scuffs! I use a case with a wrist strap!

I didn't know anyone had pockets big enough to fit a 3DS in. I assumed everyone put their handhelds in a bag.

Wowfunhappy · Jun 30, 2018

Clix said:
Who the heck is putting their 3DS in their pockets? That is asking for scuffs! I use a case with a wrist strap!

Do you put your phone in your pocket? How is that different?

Braaier · Jun 30, 2018

Clefargle said:
You mean, a Switch?

No, a MORE portable device

Deleted member 19813 · Jun 30, 2018

I love the 3DS and the fine catalog of games it provides, but I'm finally at the point of Nintendo focusing solely on the Switch. If they want to do mobile, though not my thing, that's fine. However, just have different tiers of the Switch and leave it at that. I say focus on the hybrid from here on out.

Hieroph · Jun 30, 2018

Clix said:
Who the heck is putting their 3DS in their pockets? That is asking for scuffs! I use a case with a wrist strap!

That sounds way too complicated and clumsy. What do you think the clamshell design is there for?

Guaraná · Jun 30, 2018

Nintendo should focus on making the Switch 2 the closest as possible to PS5/XboxTwo so we can start having a real alternative to play AAA games on the go.

Clix · Jun 30, 2018

Wowfunhappy said:
Do you put your phone in your pocket? How is that different?

My phone has a case. And it's very slim. A 3DS is not. It's like giving yourself a big bulge. And I don't want scuffs on my 3DS.

It's like putting a Vita in your pocket like some people do. That's crazy business to me.

Hieroph said:
That sounds way too complicated and clumsy. What do you think the clamshell design is there for?

Still don't want scuffs and it's bulky for a pocket. How is a case complicated? Slip t into your messenger bag or wrist strap. Is a case complicated now?

ClickyCal' · Jun 30, 2018

GoldStarz said:
TPCi is well-known for being slow adopters of systems and a transition would likely not be immediate. If a potential "4DS", or whatever it would be called, manages to categorically bomb then perhaps they'll think twice about moving on. Otherwise, they'll still sign on. The 3DS had a pretty bad start-up but they still signed on for Pokemon X and Y.

So what about the switch 2? If the swutch 2 comes out...what do they do then?

McMahon · Jun 30, 2018

Whelp, they've lost the plot.

Clefargle · Jun 30, 2018

Braaier said:
No, a MORE portable device

But it plays switch titles? Without a docking connector?

ArkhamFantasy · Jun 30, 2018

Wowfunhappy said:
Do you put your phone in your pocket? How is that different?

My phone is like half the size of a 3ds.

Brawly Likes to Brawl · Jun 30, 2018

They shouldn't do anything besides making a smaller, affordable Switch SKU for Kids. You've got a good thing going here, don't fuck it up.

Dr. Feel Good · Jun 30, 2018

After fully milking virtual console systems, they will towards an entry level dumbed down handheld that only plays digital games and utilizes the same eShop as Switch. Games playable will be restricted and be more emphasis on indie titles, digital only Nintendo games, and virtual console.

Hieroph · Jun 30, 2018

Clix said:
It's like putting a Vita in your pocket like some people do. That's crazy business to me.

You see, that's the difference. Vita doesn't have a clamshell design, so the screen, analog sticks and face buttons are at risk if you put them into a pocket just like that. Any system like that basically requires a pouch or a case and isn't really pocketable for that reason.

NeonZ · Jun 30, 2018

9-Volt said:
Do you people really expect Nintendo to provide you the convenience of having just platform by gambling on such high stakes?

People really overestimate the success of Switch. Sure it's currently selling good but this doesn't mean it'll continue to do so. Third parties still isn't on Switch full time and western third parties love to ignore it. Things can change for Switch anytime. Nintendo can't afford to risk everything again for just one platform. They're not Sony or Microsoft, gaming is all they have. That's why Nintendo need multiple Pillars.

But I agree the idea that the other pillars should be drastically different than the Switch. VR? AR? Micro handheld? When it comes to new ideas, Nintendo never disappoint.

They won't get software support for another pillar either though. They need to mostly carry things by themselves. Even the Switch is having a lackluster second year now that is resulting in lower sales in NA at least. Another hardware platform will just further split their development and make it even harder to keep anything stable. Another pillar at this point could just end up resulting in an unsustainable market split.

Brannon · Jun 30, 2018

Just make it so that you can use the joy cons on the 3ds naturally. BAM.

dreams...

mrjohill · Jun 30, 2018

Yeah I can see them just making a switch that doesn't dock

ArkhamFantasy · Jun 30, 2018

mrjohill said:
Yeah I can see them just making a switch that doesn't dock

They already sell a switch without a dock in japan.

Vagabond · Jun 30, 2018

If they don't shoehorn joycon motion controls in every game for critical parts of the game, a Switch Mini would be ridiculously good as a 3DS successor.

New Nintendo president Furukawa: “considering various possibilities” for 3DS successor

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