This is also evident in discourse around Nintendo and the Switch, as well.
One superficially Switch-like device that bucks the trend a little is Valve's Steam Deck, which is attempting to offer a sane range of prices with the appeal of playing huge Steam libraries on the go.
One is Valve's intent with the device — even the keenest advocates for the Deck can see that it's not aiming for mainstream impact, at least not in this early form.
These aren't criticisms, to be clear, but an assessment of what Valve is trying to achieve with Steam Deck.
It's setting the scene and testing the waters, seeing how the business of producing portable gaming hardware works and keeping Steam prominent in the conversation while rich companies like Epic attempt to chip away at Steam's incredible digital monopoly.
For Valve and its most eager supporters, the Steam Deck is fascinating and, yes, exciting.
As a proposition, though, it's not an immediate challenger to Nintendo or the Switch approach.
For one thing, Valve has clarified that the Deck will have no exclusives of any kind, saying "it’s a PC and it should just play games like a PC".
It's not a platform, Steam is the platform — the Deck is just Valve-produced hardware showcasing how far portable PC technology has progressed.
Steam is a hugely popular storefront, still the leading powerhouse in PC and Mac gaming and, as the company has made clear, the Deck isn't shifting that focus; if anything, this is designed to remind people that they're probably sitting on a huge Humble Bundle-bolstered Steam library that they could be playing on-the-go with this bit of kit.
Switch hits some other key areas that are just as important as the games.
The technology of Switch (and all Nintendo hardware since the GameCube) means that its exclusives aren't technological showcases, but their appeal is driven by their other qualities, the fact they're often unique to the market and tap into iconic IPs.
Nintendo has continued to keep its premium entries in franchises like Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, Metroid and Pokémon solely on its hardware.
There are spin-offs and alternative games in some cases on mobile, but the big-name 'main' releases remain console exclusives.
These games are important in driving initial buzz — like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild did at launch — and then for maintaining momentum as the generation progresses.
There are key strengths beyond exclusives in the Switch offering that, when combined, have contributed to its leading market position despite the sporadic appearance of 'rivals' and the ongoing opening up of iOS and Android gaming to support controllers and TV play.
The Switch hits some other key areas that are just as important as the games — affordability and ease-of-use being key.
Consoles typically are both, and in the case of the Switch it delivers a hybrid setup ideal for TV or portable play, has easy-to-access games and technically offers multiplayer options and controller flexibility out of the box.
It's not just by-the-numbers marketing, but reflects the fact that Nintendo's data likely identifies these consumers as hugely valuable for what the Switch offers.
People did not turn up for the Wii U, so there's proof Nintendo can't just win on games alone.
Valve hardware always has sucked so I don't have a lot of hopes for the Deck?
If the steam deck holds up to what it promises then yes I'll be leaving my switch behind whenever I head out somewhere.
I'll only play the switch occasionally when an exclusive comes out every few months but if the steam deck will play third party games better then I see no reason to continue purchasing inferior handheld versions.
As it is now i want Steam deck and a switch setting romantic next to eachother.
Why cant i just invite someone to play online (smash) its easy to add.
Also Nintendo has a big library of games just doing nothing?
Definitely better hardware and library of exclusive games then continue the 3rd party support and of course, indie support.
I really feel like it's misguided to believe that Nintendo will be properly competing with any of these gaming PC handhelds.
Honestly I don't think the Switch needs to worry about competing with anything else.
The Steam deck is a very niche handheld designed around bringing PC gaming on the go, and everything else seems to be something centered around streaming and emulation.
The Switch stands out as being a classic handheld, something that you can buy physical games on that actually still work like proper physical games, it's just a straight up handheld console, it isn't trying to incorporate a bunch of different services.
@mike_intv Steam Deck starts at $400/€419 for a 64GB version including a carry case.
They only care about selling big numbers of product, be they exclusive games or the hardware itself.
I mean, I just like portables.
At this point, I'm excited for the Steam Deck for modern games I can't play on Switch as well as emulators to play old Nintendo stuff that Nintendo refuses to sell me on Switch.
Aside from 1st party games, I only buy games on Switch because they're portable.
Unless the Deck sucks, I could see it replacing my Switch almost entirely, aside from my need for Fire Emblem or Pokemon games.
Nintendo certainly has the exclusives to win, however the next Switch will need to be a little more powerful to squeeze in some better ports.
The Steamdeck is an exciting prospect, so much so that I'll be buying one but it's not going to stop me wanting to play Nintendo's games.
I can't wait to get my Steam Deck.
But I'll still be playing my switch for it's exclusive games.
Simple answer is yes, no company today wants to invest in exclusives for handhelds, and Nintendo outdid themselves by successfully combining their home console and handheld products into one piece of hardware.
Furthermore, if any current company wanted to compete, they’d have to sacrifice their previous “power” and “graphics” just to compete with a low power console like Switch, which is basically a death sentence for these modern developer who rely solely on technology to make their “quality AAA games.” Meanwhile, Nintendo is already expert at creating games without the facade of processing power, graphics, technology etc as a crutch.
The only exceptions would be Fortnite, Genshin Impact, and Minecraft, but those games are multiplatform and are meant to be played on consoles or PC; it's more of a gimmick or treat to play them on the go.
When looking at the Steam Deck, it's an interesting case.
On the other hand, those asking for more powerful hardware typically want Nintendo games to run on more powerful hardware or they already have more powerful hardware that they don't necessarily need that luxury of MAYBE playing their PC games on the go.
It results in the console targeting a niche market, because the demand for hardware is from players who stay home, while the demand for portability is shot because of the kind of prices that the Steam Deck demands; either you pay the cheapest price with no way to mitigate storage problems, or you purchase something way too expensive.
Besides, if you want to play PC games, you'd get a much better PC for the same price.
Also, as for the Steam deck, it’s just another in a long list of hardware that hasn’t met it’s launch date.
What Nintendo does in its own niche when at its best is provides games with a simple start that anyone can play but that are compelling and complex enough end that gamers can delve in deep if it takes them.
Splatoon, Mario Kart, Smash even games like Mario Odyssey do this well with the post game stuff.
If someone isn't looking for the portability the range of games outside of those exclusives far exceeds what the Switch can play and it struggles when comparisons are made between games on both platforms and this should be in their minds at Nintendo.
Because the other thing people like, is something shiny and new and at some point the Switch will look very old.
@Mando44646 the Steam deck won’t ever play Pokemon or Fire Emblem so your statement about it replacing your Switch is completely redundant.
Also, in reading reviews of the Steam Deck, the 512GB model appears to be the most recommended — and its $650.
They will ultimately become good (a relative term here meaning comparable to regular PCs) — but it will take time, just like laptops took time.
@ModdedInkling You can install a SD card into the Steam Deck just like you can in the Switch, so were the storage problems comes in IDK.
It's true that 64GB Steam Deck version doesn't have SSD (for much faster loading), but neither has the Switch..
Granted, the Steam Deck makes most aspects of the switch obsolete, but it can't win on one thing: being designed as a designated games console..
These days, most of Nintendo's competitors try to fit as much of everything as they can into their machine, but by holding back, the switch is able to focus on playing pure, family-friendly games, which no other company will beat..
If anything I think Nintendo should continue ignoring the competition in the future and continue being Nintendo. It's what makes them great!.
The more competition the better. The Steam Deck looks a bit expensive but reports of Sony looking into controls with a screen for playing PS5 at home look promising..
even if you hardly play in handheld mode, the fact that it is easy to take with you and plug into somewhere else away from home or somewhere else in the same home is a great bonus for the switch. The gamecube was touted as such with the handle but with all those old wires it was ungodly compared to just one hdmi and a power plug.
That said, there are 3 things I think Nintendo does really well which are selling points even on top of their hardware ideas which are sometimes hits and sometimes quite innovative.?
3) There are a lot of good Indie and other games, but some of the Nintendo exclusives are just so well done and polished and hard to beat if you like certain types of games.
@ChakraStomps Steam Deck is running Steam OS on a Linux kernel as far as I'm informed.
You CAN however install Windows on it as it's a PC, but personally I will buy/have bought my games on Steam because it's most convenient.
NLife talking about console exclusives being a strength, like they aren’t in favour for current-gen emulation.
To me it doesnt make much sense, there are lots of flip/swivel laptops that you can prop up like a tablet and just use a bluetooth controller and play that way instead of a bulky handheld that will tire out your hands.
None of the other handheld devices shown were stated to be competing with the switch and were just for PC players, even the author said that himself.
So there is no competition to be worried about or be worrying about in the future since the steam deck along with a bunch of other devices cater to a different market altogether and significantly more expensive than the switch.
The fact that the PS2 could play DVDs without any additional hardware alone is what laid down the carpet for it to succeed.
I think the steam deck has a problem with the SD cards.
Unless Valve is continuing to expand Steam Deck further or had the parts for user to upgrade one gen after another then I could see them go head to head with Nintendo for a while but I don't see Nintendo backing down from this!
So even if Steam Deck offered portable PC gaming, Nintendo would had a second more unique platform to those who just want to try something new and they will had to buy it if they want to try the next Metroid, Zelda or Mario on this new unique system.
Nintendo doesn't play by the same rule as the other companies by chasing powers, you think they'll upgrade soon but then they'll come along and went a 180 where people will say oh my god they really went this way instead.
They're not going to make the Switch more powerful, they'll add twice the juice to it and that'll be it whereas the more unique console will had its own way of play and eventually if it's innovative enough to become popular, there would be an opportunity for more copycats in the market?
And to think Deck will get Nintendo IP is a joke on you.
As we saw with the Wii, despite the fact it sold well, it's weaker hardware scared third-party developers away from bringing AAA games that launched on Xbox 360 and PS3 to the Wii.
So Nintendo, as much as they want to create unique play styles, also needs to recognize that in order to stay competitive, it has to adopt more powerful hardware.
Of course, that's just my opinion as a gamer and lifelong Nintendo fan?
If I had another mobile device where I could play third party games but without the sacrifices needed to run on the Switch you can bet I would use it way more than the Switch.
It’s how I use Xbox as my primary console and the PS5 for things like Demons Souls and Ratchet and the eventual first party exclusives.
That said, their next console can't be an underperforming piece of novelty-hardware like the Switch, where most triple-a 3rd parties skip them, and the ones that don't have terrible-looking games on the system (look at Apex).
They have the brand recognition and it's only going to get better with movies, attraction parks and whatever they think of and by doing so, they will depend less and less of the videogame industry, they will be just fine.
The Switch has already beaten the ps5 and x box series x in the 9th gen wars by a mile, and will have a mile start on 10th gen, and when you talk about portables, switch is not a portable, that is a switch lite, so it already has ZERO competition right now, and yes great games always win the console wars, like I said the Switch won 9th gen by a Mile.
Now things are getting quite different on Android, with the gamepass expanding onto there, loads of good titles that are shared with the Switch and controllers like Razor's that integrate on phones.
I don't know what others are doing, but I already stopped buying games from the eshop that are also present on google play, as in the latter they come way cheaper?
Trouble is that the Steam Deck is a lot more expensive, so if I had to choose between cheaper games and a much cheaper device, I'd choose the latter, seeing how I can play the very same games on PC too.
There's a reason why the Switch is selling like hotcakes, and it ain't the hardware.
At the same time, and as much as I'm interested in the Steam Deck, it's not like it'll be much competition to the Switch at all.
@russell-marlow also the steam deck is actually a first party product.
It's minimal effort at maximum prices, as seen with Switch online.
I'm eagerly looking forward to Steam Deck because I can play all my modded games.
Obviously Nintendo exclusives will help the switch or the super nintendo switch, but hopefully the steam deck will help with third party title pricing on the switch and discounts, etc.
One of the clear differences between the Switch and the Steam Deck is the file sizes between the games.
The Switch has many compressed games, often as a result of hardware limitations but also to try and fit most of the game into a Game Card.
The Steam Deck's games, which are just regular PC games, remain huge and uncompressed, which means that it'll be much faster to take up space on a Steam Deck than it would be on a Switch.
The Steam Deck lacks any sort of physical medium to use.
Even though Switch Game Cards runs slower than both SSD and microSD, they can save a lot of space especially with games using the 16gb or 32gb Game Cards.
Steam has lots of exclusives as many indie devs consider it the only platform worth making games for.
Even then, with the Switch clearly underpowered compared to other systems in the market, it can overcome that with a barrage of quality of games?
The steam Deck is ugly, has pointless touch pads hogging space where more popular inputs should be!
The Steam Decks biggest strength over Switch is that Nintendo is lazy, hasn't sorted out glaring issues.
Steam games carry over to the next device you buy.
@ModdedInkling But the amount of money you save buying games on Steam vs from the store or Nintendo's online shop would afford you several large micro SD cards which as you admit would be significantly faster than Switch's game cards
I find it hard to believe that "Nintendo Life" believe Switch sells because of it's outdated hardware power
The chip shortage has made the PS5 and the Xbox Series X objects of myth, and while it has also hindered Switch production, Nintendo was not in a position where they were trying to establish a new player base
In terms of games that Nintendo publishes, the worst I've seen was your example with Smash, as well as Metroid Dread loading times
They are in fact getting cheaper as we progress through the years, but the kind of storage requirements on a Steam Deck require you to purchase higher capacities, which end up putting you back to where you were before anyways
as mentioned before i think they nailed it with the switch as a concept, it has been able to keep a good amount of momentum
for me i feel like giving players a lot of choice when it comes to how they want to control a game is important since everyone has their own preference and during some of nintendos more restrictive consoles (the wii in particular) i found the controller was more a barrier to enjoying the games rather than enhancing my enjoyment of it
(also the switch supporting multiple controllers didn't stop Nintendo from experimenting with crazy peripherals like labo, ring fit and that Mario kart game, so it felt like everyone had something to enjoy)
A Switch with a CPU like the M1 Max of M1 Pro would be a dream come true
“The technology of Switch (and all Nintendo hardware since the GameCube) means that its exclusives aren't technological showcases, but their appeal is driven by their other qualities, the fact they're often unique to the market and tap into iconic IPs.”
GameCube was in between PS2 and OGXBOX in terms of specs, and games like Metroid Prime, F-Zero GX, and The Wind Waker were ABSOLUTELY technological showcases twenty years ago
People buy Nintendo hardware/games knowing it doesn’t have the shiniest graphics compared to competition because it more then makes up with it with the combination of an appealing hardware gimmick [Wii/Switch] + a large library of First parties that never will officially go somewhere else
Next Nintendo console will be stronger then Switch, but you are deluding yourself if you think Nintendo will try to compete specs with PS5/Series X
Kinda hard to believe people still think "hardware specs = success" after the last 2 decades of Nintendo hardware
We can start discussing when steam deck can produce at least 10 million units a year
I think at this point switch is firmly back in Wii "blue ocean" market territory where it's a different market than other consoles and a second console for enthusiasts
I'm an oddball here because I own a Switch for everything but Nintendo exclusives
Also, powerful handheld hardware (like the steam deck) is too expensive for a company like Nintendo - it's a bad business decision for them
Also, what people forget is that there is no going back to lower spec hardware ever again after that - not where you want to be as Nintendo
Will the new hardware be a big step up from the switch
Will it be comparable to something like - say- the steam deck
there is no "next gen" so far and even the new games looks just "old gen" games with SOME enhancement (yeah, 4k is a gimmik for dumb people with a lot of money to waste, expeccialy if they are pc gamers)..dont talk about the current situation of pc hardware parts
The current situation probably will last for 3 or more years...so Nintendo have plenty of time to just release awesome exclusives (BotW 2, Xenoblade 3 or wathever Monolith is working on, Splatoon3, Mario Odyssey 2 etc..) and should be more than fine
I belive many are like me, cant live without mario kart, mario, zelda, pokemon etc etc...Nintendo has their own style/genre/quality that no one is interested to compete against, so unless nintendo games starts to fail big time on what we expect from nintendo, i cant see how nintendo wont be highly relevant for many years to come
I love my Switch and in fact sold my PS5 because of it but the hardware is coming to it's end soon
Don't really care too much about the graphics, but it's very important to me that the games look sharp and run smooth
To break this popularity, Nintendo would have to really f*ck it up like they did with the WiiU after the Wii
but the hardware is coming to it's end soon."
Of course the Switch is, like all systems, constantly moving towards its end-of-cycle but I don't really think theres such a hurry
Looking at Nintendo's core audience, 3rd parties just have never been such a focus and if Nintendo can just have another year selling the Switch at a pricetag that earns them more and more profit the less they pay for the hardware, they will propbaly go for that
there was already better hardware available when the Switch launched
So if Nintendo would now have a new Switch, they still would go for the last gen of Nvidia chips, not necessarily the newest one
They should just iterate on the switch, keep it backward compatible and continue doing the quirky stuff as add ons (Mario Kart Live, Labo...) and they can just continue collecting money from people
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