Rookie1 wrote:bluenote wrote:Rookie1 wrote:
That begs the question, is it a console or a handheld? What are they going to market it as in the long run?
I don't understand this question, it's both! I've seen other people ask this question, and the whole point of this system is that it's both a handheld and console. It's plays the exact same game on a portable device and on the tv.
Well, handhelds and consoles have 2 very different type of gaming styles. I think the question is valid in determining which type of gamer they want to market towards. A game like Skyrim (shown on the trailer) isnt suitable for mobile play. Its a long, tedious game that takes many tens of hours to get anywhere. Same with something like GTA5. Long, drawn out missions and story-archs not suitable for the mobile battery life.
Now, look at the vast majority of 3DS games. Instant action on most, short bursts of gameplay with lots and lots of checkpoints.
In the long run, which market do they want to corner?
Again though, I don't think the games you are listing are being marketed that way on here. I really do not think Skyrim and Breath of the Wild have been chosen randomly. I think they will try to show games where short side-quests and menu fiddling can be handled on the go and then play into things that will help you play full sessions at home. A better example for a game that makes you choose would be something like COD, where not having online and a linear campaign would make playing on the go, even with check-points, less than ideal. Look for them to get around to that later in the marketing campaign. I imagine they will try to position that as a great place to play over Wi-fi for a few matches while lying in bed before going to sleep.
They have to be very careful how they message, and I fully believe BotW and Skyrim are going to feature heavily early, but not as graphical or parity showcases. Similarly, I very much doubt they will try to show COD or Destiny on their "portability" outside the home.
After considering it a bit longer, I don't think this is being marketed as either a console or handheld. I think demonstrating it on Jimmy Fallon shows more where they're aiming when you think about it. Whether the host is a geek or not, having your first showing on network TV, where you try to put your "corporate celebrities" on the map with the general public, feels like a play to the Apple/Google type consumer.
If it were a console, they'd just make a console. If it is a handheld, they may as well hang themselves now and be done with it. They're selling something else. They're selling a device now. Like an iPad or smartphone. They'll probably do what Apple does and sell it on "lifestyle fit" and carefully demonstrate how this new device "fits you." Again, it's not a handheld or console, or portable console. It's a Nintendo tablet with handles and HDMI output.