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 technology.
Nintendo is in a state of affairs it has been in earlier than: the present console technology has confirmed to be excessively fruitful for them. Nonetheless, if historical past has confirmed something, when Nintendo may simply do the identical once more, they all the time 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 intensive deal with 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 need to see Nintendo put its distinctive artistic 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 house on PC.
Nintendo has confirmed that it’s conscious and excited by digital and augmented actuality gaming, with its gimmick-like Nintendo LABO cardboard VR headset and 3DS AR playing cards. Nonetheless, Reddit person borrowedlight wrote an intensive 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 may leverage the Nintendo Change successor’s anticipated hybrid kind issue to permit for a very transportable VR expertise.
“The twist on this one is that it’ll totally assist “switching” to combined actuality (i.e. largely VR) … they’ll use the facility of their console {hardware} for “go anyplace” VR type video games”.
‘borrowedlight’, r/nintendo
The concept of Nintendo supporting the brand new digital actuality medium extra readily within the coming technology is just not nonsensical. Nonetheless, 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 stories of the enterprise failings of PlayStation’s newest VR headset.
9. Energy Parity with Xbox Collection X & PlayStation 5
Players love cutting-edge graphics, and there’s nothing incorrect with that! There are numerous occasions when, upon seeing Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II or God of Warfare: Ragnarok’s 4K presentation, you’d be forgiven for considering you had been watching a live-action Hollywood blockbuster.
Nonetheless, BourneEnemy01 disclosed their want for Nintendo to forgo its low-cost, low-power philosophy. This might permit for extra multiplatform titles and the extra aggressive {hardware} specs may 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 residence 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 in actual fact 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 technology Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
8. A Touchpad/Controller Display 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 extra 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 centered 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 screen. These capabilities would seemingly be constructed into the central physique of the controller and would act as a second display screen just like that of the Wii U gamepad.
“A professional controller may have a TouchPad or mini show to simulate the 2nd display screen.”
‘FlynnTastico2000’, r/nintendo
The prospects of viewing a secondary display screen throughout gameplay, or a touchpad layer being positioned on the controller, are joyous. Nonetheless, each functionalities have been examined by each Sony and Nintendo themselves and haven’t bore fruit as they’d have hoped.
As such, as artistic 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 may 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 having the ability to instantaneously place the Change system into the Dock and resume enjoying 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 enjoying clicks two small controllers into the facet of the tablet-like console, picks it up, and heads exterior.”
Nonetheless, within the eight years since that day, the magic has worn off for some and has created a need 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 of stream its image to the tv wirelessly. Whereas the expertise of the Wii U was positively artistic, 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 dwell handheld docking mode over bluetooth could be cool. so you’ll be able to have it wirelessly speaking with the dock (and thus sending image to the television) whereas additionally providing you with a second handheld display screen for second display screen expertise”
‘sleepyzane’, r/nintendo
The idea of wi-fi streaming of shows has come a good distance for the reason that Wii U’s launch in 2012. Nonetheless, with the success of the Nintendo Change’s confirmed dock system, I see no purpose for the Nintendo Change successor to cut price with its success by implementing (albeit artistic) 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 residence console and handheld console market.
As such, we’ve discovered that the Nintendo Change has loved three predominant {hardware} SKUs throughout its lifetime. The unique Nintendo Change with an LCD display screen, the dearer OLED mannequin with its titular OLED display screen, 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 required {hardware}. Down so low in actual fact, {that a} variation of the Nintendo Change successor’s {hardware} may very well be created to additional refine the compact nature previous that of the Nintendo Change Lite – to a ‘PSP-sized’ kind 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 with out a bag and with out bulging about to tear pockets”
‘Double-Seaweed7760’, r/nintendo
The concept of an extremely form-focused Nintendo handheld is one thing that I think about may be very a lot hoped for by many Change followers. Nonetheless, it’s unlikely we’d see such a redesign.
If one had been to return about, then – just like Nintendo’s personal Sport Boy Micro, which got here out after the discharge of the DS – it might most definitely come out within the subsequent few years. Past that, I’d count on it to be constructed from the prevailing Nintendo Change {hardware} as a substitute 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 one in every 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 need for a extra radical {hardware} departure within the Nintendo Change successor than some expect.
“Maybe a method to pull up the display screen 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 artistic, which means your handheld’s display screen didn’t get banged up always. Nonetheless, the incorporation of a clamshell design necessitates the implementation of a second display screen, and Nintendo has all the time sought to maintain the worth of its {hardware} as little as attainable. 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 numerous 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 desires to see that {hardware} lineage handed onto the Nintendo Change successor. Nonetheless, they want to revisit probably the most reviled facet 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
Once they obtained cautious backlash for his or her brazen alternative, they dedicated to their alternative and held their floor. They acknowledged plainly that “OP requested what I would really like. I had a 3ds and I appreciated 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 out there to them. Nonetheless, 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 seek out secure footing. Finally, 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 on Demand
Foldable screens have been out there to the lots for simply over half a decade now. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless a expertise that simply inherently feels futuristic.
The sturdiness of such a display screen may very well be the chief concern levied at a Nintendo Change successor bearing one. Nonetheless, the excessive worth level of such a display screen would additionally run immediately 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 screen to sport on in HD”
‘chaddiescakes’, r/nintendo
They even offered the console producer with a attainable title for the {hardware} – that being the “Nintendo Flip”. When lambasted for his or her need for a foldable display screen, with different customers petitioning that the gadget 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 a tremendous concept ;)”
‘chaddiescakes’, r/nintendo
And a tremendous concept it’s. But, with the aforementioned considerations concerning the degradation of the screens themselves – and the pricey expenditure of putting one in each console – the Nintendo Change successor may be very unlikely to deal with a foldable display screen.
2. Vertically Attachable Magnetic Pleasure-Cons
The Pleasure-Con controllers have change into synonymous with the Nintendo Change’s design and advertising ever since their reveal together with the console. Nonetheless, the controllers themselves have been plagued with points.
Reddit person zoozika channeled some beforehand reported rumors concerning the Nintendo Change successor into their very own hopes for the console. They need that the Nintendo Change successor would nonetheless retain Pleasure-Cons, but they may very well be connected through magnets to any facet of the console – even with the console display screen in a ‘portrait’ format.
“if the rumors of magnetically connected JoyCons are true, I think about we may connect them to the highest and backside and use the console in portrait orientation. That might make DS/3DS video games playable with out sacrificing display screen actual property or utilizing bizarre facet 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 – resembling for Dr Kawashima’s Mind Coaching and Tremendous Mario Celebration – this has all the time been the exception.
1. Display Streaming to Non-Proprietary Units
Native multiplayer goes the best way of the ghost. Nonetheless, Nintendo is the one one of many massive three console producers to be persistently 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 facet 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 of stream parts of its gameplay to a number of non-proprietary screens, to be used in conditions resembling get together video games.
“They’ve an attention-grabbing patent about utilizing a central gadget to forged gameplay to a number of units that turns into a controller, like a cellphone or pill … I feel it might be an attention-grabbing addition to the console so long as it’s not shoved in all places. I feel it might work very well for get together video games, card video games, puzzles, that type of factor. “
‘Chilly-Drop8446’, r/nintendo
Whereas the central concept 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 remarkable: the Jackbox collection of video games has been touting this tech for years now.
Nonetheless, to base the whole thing of the Nintendo Change successor’s {hardware} on the thought is just a little off-kilter for Nintendo, which is so valuable of its gameplay experiences staying on Nintendo {hardware}. As such, immediately incorporating an unknowable quantity of units into the fray, runs immediately towards Nintendo’s closed-off ecosystem.