Nintendo
won't give up on its DS family and decided to give birth to the new 2DS XL.
This new console is going to release next July.
As an extra
proof. The success that the Switch has shown as a handheld console made us
think that Nintendo could probably give up on its 3DS/2DS series. But Big N has
now come up with an irrefutable proof that it won't abandon its classic consoles.
It was just announced that another member will join the 3DS family: the New
Nintendo 2DS XL. It was on a presentation that the CEO Nintendo revealed this
console that no one has expected.
This new
console shows our engagement towards the market of portable consoles said the CEO
of Nintendo America. It has a beautiful conception and offers an excellent
balance between price and performances.
Nintendo
fix its errors:
Surprisingly
announced and obviously unexpected.
The new 2DS
XL looks more like the 3DS XL than the 2DS, even if it’s free of 3D technology,
which is by the way not a fault, if not a benefit.
Furthermore,
this new design is a good news, because the locking system using flap will
protect the screen during the transport phases.
Then, its
screen is foldable, very large, and also bigger than the 3DS (4.88 inch). To
mention, the first 2DS, offered only 3.52 inch for its screen.
Finally,
the last point, it has got the stick C from the 3DS, which is very useful in
some types of games.
The new
Nintendo DS will also be lighter than the 3DS XL since it was announced at 260
gram versus 329 gram, but it must be very powerful.
To Sum up,
no useless 3D, a lightened design and a 2nd stick, this new 2DS XL has a lot to
seduce for. It also includes the 3DS amiibo reader.
The 2DS XL
will be available in black and light blue or white with a stylus, with a memory
card microSDHC 4 GB and 6 AR cards and a power supply the next 28 July in USA
and Europe for 149.99 dollars (123euro)
During this
presentation Nintendo has mentioned that 7 million of the 3ds were sold last
year and hope to sell 6 million this year. Big N is also looking to sell more
than 10 million Switch this year.
There is a
small tip to reduce the download time in the eShop on Nintendo Switch
The YouTube
channel GameXplain established a protocol to test to verify this technique. A 1
GB file was downloaded 4 times the console on, and the console off.
The result
is truly breathtaking. If the console is in sleep mode, the download time for a
one file in the eShop is 15% faster.
With small
size games, the difference won't be very significant. However, if you were to
download Breath of The Wild, it could save some minute, the size of the last
episode of links adventures is 30 GB. GameXplain doesn't mention the reason of
this time saving in sleep mode. Nevertheless, we can imagine the console
doesn't have other activities, and it is giving its best for downloads.
You have
probably filled the stock PS4 hard drive, especially if you only have a 500 GB
model. Luckily, you can now get more space with an external drive - here are
the best you can buy for the PlayStation 4:
1- Samsung
Portable SSD T3:
Pros:
-Large
capacity portable drive
- Backing
up photos, videos, music and other personal data.
Cons:
-Expensive
2-Transcend
ESD400K:
-Fast
portable SSD drive
-Easy to
carry and compete with the best portables drives in the market
3- WD My
Passport 4TB:
-High-capacity
portable drive
-Offers
cloud services, hardware encryption
-Respectable
performance
4- Toshiba
Canvio Connect II
Pros:
-Speed
-Brilliant
all-around package
-Offers
acres of space for your backups and media library
-Cheap
-Come
bundled with useful software.
5- Seagate
Backup Plus Ultra Slim 2TB:
Pros:
-2TB
storage
-Super slim
design
-Good
backing up documents
Cons:
-Not a top
performer
6- Freecom HDD Slim 1TB:
Pros:
-Stylish
-well-made
portable hard drive
Cons:
-Expensive
price per GB
7- Seagate
Backup Plus Slim 2TB:
-Good value
for money, design and speed.
- PC and
Mac compatibility
-The
Seagate Dashboard software is easy to use
-Offers PC,
mobile and social backup
8-
Transcend StoreJet 25M3
Pros:
-Less than
£85
-Very good
value for money
-Costing
just 4.15p per gigabyte for a descent resilient portable drive
-Well-made
-Serves as
a highly capacious data store
9- Western
Digital My Passport Ultra Metal 2TB:
-Offers
good value as a solidly constructed portable drive
- It has
good software support and decent all-round performance
10- Toshiba
Canvio Basics 2TB:
-Basic
portable drive
-No frills
in the packaging, style or feature
-Important
for many potential buyers
-One of the
cheapest drives available at fewer than 4 pennies per gigabyte
After the
release of Nintendo Switch, the analyses and the experiments started about the
console strength and solidity from competent companies and also from some
bloggers and youtubers, we can say that Nintendo succeeded the test.
And it was
iFixit the first to disassemble and discover its content, it's also known that
iFixit experts are serious in this subject, because their votes are often
negative even with the products of biggest companies like Samsung and Apple,
but Nintendo Switch got a positive note which reaches the 8/10.
This time,
it's the turn of the blogger and the popular American podcaster
"JerryRigEverything" to test this platform through a well-known test
which is "Durability Test", and it sounds that Nintendo Switch succeeded
significantly in this step.
Another test
was made by GizmoSlip who took his brand new Switch out to parking lot and
conducted a series of drop test
Dragon
Quest Heroes 2 was one of the games available in the release of Nintendo Switch
in Japan March 3rd, Square Enix has even put a free Demo in the eShop. Many
people decided to publish a lot of gameplay videos, and some have even got the
idea to compare the different versions of Dragon Quest Heroes II (Switch,
PlayStation Vita and PS4). Here is a detailed video from Digital Foundry, which
presents a graphic comparison (Switch vs PS4), a framerate test (for all the
versions) and a comparison between the handheld and docked modes of the Switch:
Just as
expected from the first videos of Square Enix and Nintendo, the Switch version
is less fluid than the game on PS4. We can notice it during the fights, where
the game runs at 20 fps in the Switch (sometimes, the game reaches the 30 fps),
against 60 fps at most in the PS4 (there is also some unusual drop at 30 fps,
but generally the game runs at 50-60 fps). On PS Vita, the game seems to be
a little fluid than on Switch, but is similar to it.
We notice
also that the slowdowns arise mainly when playing in the handheld mode. On
docked mode, the game runs smoothly, but less than on PS4. Thus, we can think
that the developers didn't have the time to adapt correctly Dragon Quest Heroes
I-II (and especially the II) on Switch, but it is always possible to bring
patches which provide slightly the fluidity. For an eventual release of the
compilation in the Occident, Square Enix and Omega Force could also improve
various aspects, which have already happened with the international editions.
In the
presentation of the Nintendo Switch Experience 2017, it was clear that the game
endured a downgrade on the Switch. This is a picture of the PS4 version:
Here is the
picture from the Switch version, practically similar (from the presentation
Nintendo Switch Experience 2017 where Tomokuza Sugita test the game):
Another
picture comparing the game on PS4 (up) and on Switch (down):
There is a
lack of visual effects for the Switch, like the particles effect. The
brightness is dimmed as well, likewise for the textures and the environments
have less polygons.
With Zelda
in both consoles, is it worth to buy the Switch now?
After 2
year of waiting, the Nintendo Switch (previously called NX) was released last Friday.
In some
ways this console is trying to rectify the mistakes made by the Wii U.
Like the
Wii U and its Gamepad, the Switch has its own screen. The difference is that
the Switch is bigger and brighter, without mentioning its portability. The
hardware used has very little to do with the plastic who made the Gamepad look
like a toy.
On the
other hand, the Switch may let some Wii U mistakes happen again. For example,
at the moment, nothing looks complete and broaden, and in some way we are right
asking if there is any improvement beside the Wii U.
If you are obsessive
about Nintendo, it's time to move to the Switch ... Or perhaps you should wait
a little bit?
Yes! It's
100% Portable
Have you
ever used the Gamepad on the Wii U independently, away from TV? You made some
step and all seems going very well, but once you get 1 or 2 rooms away, or
behind some walls or a piece of furniture, you start disconnecting. The Wii U
has never been a good portability experience.
Luckily,
it’s not the case for the Switch. The new Nintendo console is a hybrid one
which give you the ability to play in a movable way, thanks to its integral
battery and its powerful processor. You can also remove the Joy-Cons in order
to use play multiplayer games wherever you are. But it's a home console too:
put the tablet in deck mode, take the controller, and you will have a traditional
console. It’s the perfect mixing.
The graphic
design is better:
Thanks to
the release of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in both Wii U and Switch, we were able
to see the difference between the 2 consoles. Well, not that much, actually.
Honestly,
the game is 90% the same in both systems: it's large, colorful, in an anime
style, and beautiful. But the Wii U version limit the vision of the world,
whereas the Switch version is more beautiful and we can admire the large world,
which is good for the gaming experience to be fluent.
On the
other hand, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon2 are disastrous for the Wii U
processor. But the good news, is that the Switch, from the release, going to
surpass the Wii U, plus Nintendo and other studios haven’t to be able to
improve even more their graphic performances in the future. But the Switch is
still running behind the PS4 or the Xbox One in terms of high quality visuals.
Yes! it's a
high quality console
After
getting the Wii U Gamepad, I cannot stop myself from saying it's a kid console:
the glossy plastic, the rough design. It was clear that it was a false step,
especially comparing to the refined consoles of Sony and Microsoft released in
the same period.
Fortunately,
Nintendo has learned from its mistakes and moved far away from the Wii U developing
the Switch. The tablet has a stylish design whereas the Joy Cons, they are
elegant and sophisticated. All the hardware of the switch seems 100 time better
than the Wii U's hardware, which means that you won't shameful to move around
with.
Zelda is
also on Wii U!
Just to
clarify one thing: The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild is released on the
Wii U too, and apart of the small aspects of the presentation, the experience
is nearly the same in both consoles. It's the same big adventure, no matter
which screen or gamepad you're using.
Plus,
remaining games stay limited: 1-2 Switch is interesting, the racing game Far
RMX all right, the puzzle Snipperclips is intelligent, but besides Zelda, the
first releases aren't big titles that separates from the crowd.
Also, the
Switch don't have a vintage game.
Seriously? After all these years, Nintendo is continues
to make wrong choices.
Progressively,
more games will release, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in particular the next month,
ARMS, Splatoon2 earlier this summer, Super Mario Odyssey later this year, but
it could be a little bit calm this year for Switch holders, like the 2 years of
the switch.
No! the switch
doesn't support streaming
Netflix?
OCS? NO, NO, NOO... Nintendo confirmed that these services which we use
frequently won't be available for the Switch.
So what? Well,
happily most people have another device to use these services. Sooner or later,
these video services will be available, but won't be in the eShop right away.
YES! The Wii
U is dead!
However,
the Wii U seems almost dead for a moment, but the pledge of Zelda breath of the
wild has succeeded to keep the fans. And now after the Zelda is released, there
is nothing left. Nintendo won't release more games for this console, and some developers
have given up.
We can see
appearing some games in the eShop here and there, and potentially some new
classic games in the virtual console, but besides these it's done for the Wii
U. It's the Nintendo's home console the least sold in the history, and Nintendo
is ready to give up the past and moving forward.
We change? Probably!
Let's be honest:
if you are pure and solid fan of Nintendo, then we know appropriately that we
cannot live without the being partner with big games. The Wii U will allow to
test the BOTW in all its glory, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon 2 are just
some update of existing games.
But once games
like Arms or Super Mario Odyssey are released, with all that Nintendo prepares
for you, will you be able to resist? It's only a question of << when
>>? But it's an option to take into consideration besides Zelda, there
isn't anything special about the Switch at the moment.
So if you
are uncertain about the Switch and you have the Wii U, you probably should wait
a bit before you obtain the latest version of the console. Furthermore, if you
can't resist to play Zelda in your bed, or in the bus or at work, so, why are
you waiting? The Switch is a big update beside the Wii U for a lot of reasons,
and the future seems rising.
The
Nintendo Switch will be available for sale on March 3rd. The fans are in the
starting-blocks and the unboxing spread. It's time to put the point on the released games, and guess what, there are many, 110 exactly! All
types are portrayed ( From Zelda to Rime passing by No More Heroes), the only
constraint is that you have to be patient VERY patient since the vast majority
of those games don't have an exact release date and a large part are scheduled
for 2018 ! Here are the complete list of the upcoming Switch games. Enjoy!
Whether it's a brand icon or a
strong editorial mark, exclusivity is always at the center of the
manufacturers' strategy and fuel the eternal war opposing major players in the
market. Temporary or permanent, a simple release is able to switch a console
destiny depending on its quality, its reputation is the only presence said
machine.
Expectations, dreams and
speculations, exclusivity will rule the roost in 2017. But which of Nintendo,
Sony or Microsoft will be much impressive this year?
When it's about quantity, Sony
smash the competition with 74 releases to 18 for Nintendo and 41 for Microsoft.
But what are the reasons for such a production? Far from it’s done, the 30
games difference is to be searched in Japanese production available for
PlayStation only. 14 J-RPG among some famous names (Final Fantasy XII, Kingdom
Hearts HD 2.8, Nino Kuni2, Tales of Bersia...) that land in our shores not
including action games (Dragon Quest Heroes II, Berserk and the Band of the
Hawk, Dynasty Warriors: Godseekers, NieR...) this lack of interests in the Japanese
market for Xbox deprive its console from a lot of RPG and Beat'em all. The
players have only one choice is to return toward Sony consoles.
Another criteria to take into
consideration is ... the virtual reality.
While Microsoft delay on investing
in VR (waiting probably the release of Xbox Scorpio later this year), Sony has
already launched the PlayStation VR. 7 games 100% in virtual reality.
Also 2017 won't be stingy from
triple A exclusive. Sony is the leader with 7 AAA incoming (Horizon: Zero Dawn,
NieR Automata, Nioh, Persona 5, Gran Turismo Sport, Gravity Rush 2 and Uncharted:
The Lost Legacy). Microsoft (Halo Wars 2, Crackdown 3, State of Decay 2, Sea of
Thieves) and Nintendo (Splatoon 2, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda:Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Yôkai Watch 2). However, Sony will
probably make from 2017 one of its best year in its history with God of War,
Detroit: become Human, Shenmue III and Spider-Man. 11 major titles exclusive
for one console in the same year... INCREDIBLE.
The list of games for every
console reflect the vision of the manufacturer and its ambitions. Sony
emphasize on games with a heavy scenario and high quality characters. Microsoft
focus on online functionalities and its ecosystem PC/Xbox and on independent
productions. And Nintendo keep its friendly approach and take advantage of its
franchise while innovating at the same time.
Nintendo looks like an Alien
in video games market.
Big N renew the way they
develop their games in every new console. The relative fail of the Wii U
comparting to Wii didn't stop them from selling millions of games. Because
Nintendo decided to focus on gaming experience rather than high quality and
powerful games. And the franchise support this kind of evolution. Mario, Zelda,
Metroid, Star Fox, Pokémon, Animal Crossing... Nintendo is riding on a success
that last over 30 years and weave constantly between nostalgia and innovation.
The year has just started, but
2017 seems already smiling for Sony. Quantity and quality will support the Japanese
manufacturer in the upcoming 12 months. Proud of its 1st Party strategy, plenty
of rising titles will water the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. Nintendo
will benefit from the buzz generated by its franchise, and the Nintendo Switch
to transform 2017.
As for Microsoft, no one doubt
that the company preserve something to show by the E3, otherwise it will
suffer the next trimester.
Nintendo
fans are waiting for only one thing at the moment is "3rd March
2017" the official release date. That day, millions of players
all around the world, are supposed to test this new feature, the new
Nintendo console. However, One customer who had per-ordered the
Switch has already gotten it two weeks before. Without any
hesitation, he shared his unboxing with the fans.
It's
certainly the happiest Nintendo's customer ... but also the most
frustrated one. Hiphoptherobot, his user name on NeoGAF, receives the
Switch two weeks before but he can't do anything with it since there
is no game available right now. He took the opportunity to surf on
the menu and shared a video in the forum :
The pictures show the first launching of the Switch, creating the user account, twinning the Joy-Cons and the interface.
In addition to available themes, news section and the screen shot gallery, we see the system settings. we can see also that in the 32 GB there is 25.9 GB dedicated for games storage, pictures and savings. The interface is quite pared-down since the console is devoided from multimedia in its launch
OnNeoGAF, "hiphoptherobot" explained he didn't try to connect
the console online, in case not to be banned from the on line service
and in case not to ran head-on into the seller. He certainly remember
the misadventure of those who got the Xbox One earlier et whose
console were banned from the on line service of Microsoft.
The
console's characteristics, that were discovered after the leaked info, still unknown.
The
Nintendo Switch is one of the most eagerly awaited consoles globally. While the
console is about to release for the March 3rd worldwide, it was recently
subjected to another leak. This time, the portable console's software
development kit was unintentionally shown to the world after an accidentally
uploaded promotional video went public.
To start
with, check out the table below, revealing hardware specifics.
The
technical specifications:
We will
have a quad core ARM Cortex A57 running in maximum 2GHz. The SoC is a Tegra X1
(2nd generation) customized, the memory is 4 GB RAM type LPDDR4.
In terms of
games capacity developers have a mix of options for game cards, 1GB, 2Gb, 4Gb,
8Gb, 16Gb or 32Gb. 32Gb seems to be the maximum size permitted for the actual
Switch games' but this restriction could be raised in the future .
The
technical name of the HD rumble is Linear resonant actuator.
Interface:
Nintendo
shows also some examples of the user interface, revealing some specific details
about what Nintendo wanted to share so far. Friend requests to meet up around a
game can be sent directly from the console (not only from the smartphone app).
We can lock the screen in the hands mode (like a smartphone) to prevent an
action from launching accidentally, the touch keyboard will have a predictive
text (just like iOS and Android), and when tapping on the home button for min 1
second, you can access a quick menu which will not interrupt your game
(contrary to 3DS)
The system
settings allow the user to modify the following settings:
· -Toggle
flight mode
· - Enable/disable
Bluetooth
· -Manage
the Wi-Fi
· -Manage
NFC
· -Adjust
brightness
· -Locking
screen
· -User
settings
· -Creat/modify
· -Manage
themes
· -Manage
controllers
· -System Updates
The themes
are also referenced, and variety of menus are displayed.
As for Mii,
there will be more options for hairs, eyebrows, eyes, facial hair, glasses,
mouth and skin.
The Mii
won't include the name of their creators, their birthdays. Everyone can edit
Mii characters.
The
developers will have the ability to create and sell Season Pass for their games
as well as access to a Web applet to display websites specific for their game.
A maximum
of 8 users are allowed to register in the System.
"Friend
Presence" is a functionality that uses Internet to transmit real-time data
in the online status of friends and their games.
Among the
possibilities, this might be used in an app that checks whether the friends
could join at the moment, we can use the friends list in order to see which
game they play.
A Nintendo
account might be related to Switch BUT the saved data are not automatically synchronized.
The devkit:
There is
TWO devkit features: SDEV and EDEV
SDEV - does
not have an integrated ports nor an integrated battery
EDEV -
looks like exactly the commercial version
Online
network
Matchmaking:
This functionality
coincide players for multiplayer games. It may be used to gather players or
create groups between friends only. The groups could be created temporarily for
a specific multiplayer game, or they could serve as communities.
Rankings:
This
provide downloading scores so the users can get the relative ranking. The ranks
are calculated for a limited period of time or for players scores' saved in a
particular group. Data is reset periodically
Data Store:
This functionality
save data in games' servers. These Data are searched and added with notes and
some similarities.
Subscribers:
This may be
used to share particular subjects, create polls or share information in the
app.
