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.
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.
We've now seen the Nintendo Switch and we are really impressed. We also know the prices of the console and accessories. Plus the launch games line up and incoming games throughout 2017. But there is still one question we are asked more often " Should I buy the new NS or get a discounted Wii U ?" Some people thing Wii U was an unsuccessful console so how has Nintendo improved on the disappointing Wii U ? Read on to find out the 5 most essential points !
1-Design :
In its Switch Dock, the console connects to your TV and looks like a standard Xbox or PlayStation rival. This the trick from Nintendo. The Switch can be removed from its Dock, its Joy-Cons attached directly to either side and used as a standalone portable gaming device.
As for the Switch’s display, it matches the 6.2-inch dimensions and capacitive touchscreen of the Wii UGamePad while also delivering a significant increase in quality. Gone is the WiiU’s woeful 854 x 480 native resolution for a bump to 720p.
In this mode it measures 239 x 102 x 13.9mm and 297g or 398g (Joy-Con controllers attached), making it smaller than a Wii U GamePad. This isn’t particularly high compared to most smartphones and tablets these days, but colours are vibrant and it is compatible with 60fps gaming.
2-Hardware:
This is the biggest and the most obvious comparison between the two consoles.
Both have dual functonality, max graphical output of 1080p, but comparing the two the Wii U is significantly underpowered.
Compared to modern consoles Wii U uses custom-built chip produced by IBM AMD and Renesas. The CPU is clocked at 1.24 GHz with a shared memory of 3mb. It's also manufactured on an outdated 45 nm node-meaning its neither efficient nor powerful compared to modern chips.
The GPU uses AMD GX2 GPU and comes clocked at 550 MHz and 32 mb of eDRAM cache memory.
To measure the computing heft, the easiest metric is GPU performance.
Wii U manages about 360 Gflops which means it can perform 360 billion operations a second. That's poor comparing to PS4 Pro which manages 4.2 Tflops- that's 4.2 trillion operations a second.
Unfortunately, we haven't had yet the full Nintendo Switch specifications confirmed.
Nintendo Switch is said to be running a Nvidia Tegra X1 processor. this will provide more Vitality to the GPU and CPU. There’s a custom ‘NVN’ API that Nintendo say will bring lightweight and fast gaming , that's expected to compete with the powerful PS4 Pro and Xbox One S. How will this compare to the Wii U? It’s hard to say. Compared to heavyweights like the PS4 Pro the Wii U is not at the races and it was never meant to be.
However, the Switch has only 32 GB which can be augmented by micro SD SDHC and SDXC cards up to 2Tb.
3-Battery Life:
Battery life was a major problem for the Wii U Gamepad. It ultimately upgraded the 1500 mAh battery to 2550 mAh which boosted stamina from three hours to five to eight hours.
By contrast the Switch is fitted with a much larger 4210 mAh battery, but it looks like battery life will still be mixed. On the plus side Nintendo says the battery can “last for more than 6 hours” but it also says that’s highly dependent on how the console is being used and the company warns playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will flatten the Switch’s battery in just three hours.
The Switch costs just $299.99, the same as the basic version of the Wii U when it launched. For this outlay you’ll get a pair of Joy-Con controllers and a Switch Dock.Extra Joy-Con controllers are $49.99 each or $79.99 for a pair, a Switch Pro Controller is $69.99, you’ll need about $30 on a microSD card, maybe another $30 on an extra Joy-Con Charging Grip and games are $60.The Switch Dock is 89.99$.
5-Games:
One of the big advantages of the Wii U is that it's backwards compatible with all Wii software, which vastly increases the amount of content available on the console. Unfortunately, it looks like that won’t be the case with the Nintendo Switch, given the change in how games are physically inserted into the console.
What might make a big impact in your decision between the consoles is that Nintendo has confirmed it will cease development of first-party games for the Wii U after The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. There will be no more games from the Japanese giant forthcoming. You'll still be able to play the many already available, with online still supported for the foreseeable future, but don't expect a new Mario, Donkey Kong or the like.
