This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 01:15:43
The video explores the anticipated release of a new Nintendo Switch model with 4K capabilities, grounded in a Bloomberg report suggesting that multiple developers, including Zynga, have access to these development kits. Despite official denials, nuanced language used in these denials might indicate adherence to non-disclosure agreements rather than a full rebuttal. Discussion also delves into backward compatibility challenges and potential solutions, emphasizing its importance for maintaining consumer trust and investment in digital libraries.
Key points include potential hardware specifications like 64-gigabyte game cards, the role of DLSS technology, and Nintendo's likely collaboration with Nvidia for a custom chip to ensure compatibility. The release timing is speculated to be late 2022 or early 2023, possibly synced with major game releases like "Breath of the Wild 2." The video's speculations cover industry dynamics, the importance of strategic game developer decisions, and potential future announcements.
Further segments involve addressing viewer questions about gaming hardware, historical game franchise revivals, and other gaming consoles, with insights into industry practices and consumer expectations. The hosts conclude by reflecting on the industry's secrecy, the anticipated hardware's implications, and ongoing Nintendo strategies.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the host acknowledges recent donations and introduces a co-host, Modern Vintage Gamer, before delving into a significant topic about new Nintendo Switch 4K dev kits. They discuss a Bloomberg article citing 11 developers who purportedly have access to these dev kits, although Nintendo and Zynga (one developer named in the article) have officially denied these claims. The video explores the nuanced language in these denials, suggesting they might be carefully worded to adhere to non-disclosure agreements while not fully disclosing the whole truth. The segment elaborates on industry practices, indicating that it’s possible Zynga received the dev kit indirectly. It also addresses Nintendo’s response, highlighting how careful framing could allow both truth and omission. The hosts discuss the credibility of the Bloomberg report and the wider implications, emphasizing that naming a development studio in such reports is highly unusual and significant.
00:10:00
In this part of the video, the discussion revolves around Bloomberg seeking permission to name Zynga as a studio with access to a 4K development kit for an upcoming Nintendo Switch model. Naming Zynga adds credibility to reports that Nintendo is developing new hardware. The conversation underscores that once a named source backs the information, it is difficult for Nintendo to refute it. The segment elaborates on the confusion surrounding the branding of the new Switch, noting that it isn’t a mere revision but a new model with advanced features like 4K functionality and DLSS. It emphasizes that branding is for consumers, while developers are more focused on the hardware capabilities. The risk Zynga took by allowing their name to be used is discussed, including potential repercussions from Nintendo, highlighting the industry’s dynamics and secrecy.
00:20:00
In this part of the video, the discussion centers around potential issues and solutions for backward compatibility in the context of a new 4K Nintendo Switch. Despite Nintendo’s historical challenges with backward compatibility, it is highlighted that Switch games embed their own GPU driver, complicating direct compatibility with new hardware. Several potential solutions are proposed:
1. Recompiling or patching games.
2. Offering tools to third-party developers for updates.
3. Incorporating an older chipset like the X1 on the new motherboard.
4. Foregoing backward compatibility, offering a separate next-generation product.
The conversation concludes with an emphasis on the importance of backward compatibility for digital game investments, suggesting that Nintendo will likely need to support it in some manner to avoid losing customer trust.
00:30:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion revolves around the future of Nintendo’s hardware and the importance of backwards compatibility. The speakers speculate about how Nintendo is likely working with Nvidia to develop a custom chip that would potentially offer backwards compatibility for the Switch 4K. They suggest that Nintendo might either incorporate a hardware solution within the SoC or make it easy for developers to patch their existing games for the new system.
They stress the necessity of backwards compatibility, especially given consumers’ significant investments in digital libraries. The conversation highlights that abandoning backwards compatibility could alienate many users, emphasizing that Nintendo needs a solution similar to Microsoft’s strategy for Xbox.
Additionally, they touch on the potential formats for physical game cartridges, considering whether Nintendo will keep the existing format or introduce a new one. The possibility of using DLSS for achieving 4K resolution while keeping file sizes manageable is also mentioned, along with the challenges and costs associated with various cartridge sizes.
00:40:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion focuses on the anticipated release of a new Nintendo system and its technical aspects. The speakers speculate that a 64-gigabyte game card might be the limit for new games and emphasize the role of DLSS technology for achieving higher resolution outputs. They believe that Nintendo is collaborating with Macronics, the game card manufacturer, to evaluate feasible options for this new hardware.
The conversation also touches on the potential announcement and release timing of the new system, suggesting that Nintendo might follow a similar strategy as the original Switch, with a six-month window between announcement and release. They discuss the implications of launching the new hardware in late 2022 or early 2023, possibly aligning it with the release of “Breath of the Wild 2.”
Furthermore, the feasibility and future-proofing of the new OLED model’s dock are examined, concluding that it’s unlikely to be compatible with the upcoming 4K switch. Instead, the newer components of this dock, such as HDMI 2.0, are possibly just an economical choice rather than a step toward future hardware support.
00:50:00
In this segment, the discussion revolves around the future of Nintendo’s hardware. The speakers believe that any new Nintendo Switch hardware will come with a brand new dock and improved components, rather than reusing the current Switch’s dock. They refer to the anticipated hardware as “Switch 4K,” which is expected to feature 4K compatibility through DLSS. Despite Bloomberg articles suggesting a release in the second half of 2022, there is a possibility of the launch window extending to early 2023, indicating that Nintendo is still investigating supply and manufacturing timelines.
The conversation highlights that numerous developers have received dev kits for this new hardware and are already working on exclusive titles for it, distinct from the current Switch. These games may also be available on other platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. The anticipated transition to this new model might take some time, similar to the current state of exclusives for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
The segment concludes with answers to some viewer questions, clarifying that the recently announced Switch OLED was not what many developers were expecting, as they were working on a more advanced “4K Switch.” Additionally, the possibility of Rare Replay coming to Nintendo Switch Online is discussed, with the consensus being that players will most likely see individual N64 versions of Rare games rather than a complete port of Rare Replay. The speakers also touch on the potential permanence of third-party games on Nintendo’s service and the unlikely scenario of Nintendo adopting a streaming service for these games.
01:00:00
In this part of the video, the hosts address various viewer questions and donations. They discuss the possibility of a new “Diddy Kong Racing” game, noting that including characters like Banjo and Conker are potential obstacles but otherwise feasible if a developer is found. They clarify their podcast recording schedule, confirming episodes are typically pre-recorded before announcements. Viewer donations prompt discussions on whether games like “Watchdogs” and “The Sims” could appear on the Nintendo Switch, with the consensus being unlikely due to technical and financial constraints.
The conversation shifts to the use of the DualSense controller on different PlayStation consoles, followed by opinions on the final “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” roster and the future of the series. The hosts also address the viability of bringing cloud-based games to native ports on future, more powerful hardware. Further donations lead to recommendations for games like “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” on sale and personal favorites that receive undue criticism, such as “Death Stranding” and “The Last of Us Part II.”
01:10:00
In this part of the video, the hosts discuss various donation questions and comments from viewers. They debate whether to choose a Steam Deck or an Index VR kit, with differing opinions based on their personal preferences and gaming experiences. They also analyze whether Microsoft’s decision to include Banjo-Kazooie on Nintendo Switch Online might indicate plans for a new project, though they express skepticism about using NSO as a metric for interest. The conversation shifts to the nature of Nintendo’s partnership with Forever Entertainment, speculating on the potential for Saturn games but concluding it’s unlikely. Lastly, they touch on updates and potential delays for games like House of the Dead, emphasizing anticipation for market outcomes. The segment wraps up by thanking supporters and reflecting on the episode’s insights into the Nintendo Switch 4K and PR strategies.