RUMOUR: Host of Technical Details Appear

Yep, another batch of Nintendo Switch rumours... I remember when I wrote about other things but people want the switch, seriously our viewership has increased a 100 fold since the NX started to heat up. Thank you for that BTW.

Today's rumours are a little different as they all reference various technical aspects of the Switch's hardware. As always we'll try to reason these rumours but as always best grab some salt.

RAM
First up with Emily Rodgers is now saying her sources have confirmed the retail version of the Nintendo Switch will have 4GB of RAM, not just the dev-kits.

Alright. I have some good news. I can confirm that Switch has 4GB of ram in RETAIL units. Not just the dev kits. Double the Wii U's ram.

— Emily Rogers (@ArcadeGirl64) October 30, 2016

Compared to the Wii U that's double but compared to the Xbox One and PS4's 8GB it seems low. It is worth remembering PS4 holds back 3.5 GB for its OS, while the Xbox locks up 3GB and whilst we don't know what the OS for Switch is like other "portable" platforms' (tablets, phones and Handhelds) OS are very lightweight. What this does mean though is providing the OS isn't a Behemoth then the Switch would be "within range" of the standard X1 and PS4.

It's also worth pointing out the above doesn't include any "boosts" the dock may/may not have and the fact that the Switch uses cartridges does mean games aren't as heavy on the RAM (I doubt this will come into play as it would rule out digital as an option for games that use that advantage).

Carts
According to Takashi Mochizuki of the Wall Street Journal, his sources say that Switch Standard Cartridges at launch would be 16GB.

Looks like standard capacity of Switch game card at least when console launched would be around 16; enough for one-layer Blu-ray game.

— Takashi Mochizuki (@mochi_wsj) October 28, 2016

That's less than the Wii U's 32GB and is about enough space for a "single layer Blu-Ray game". Which probably means very little as the 3DS launched with 2GB cards, Resident Evil Revelations was a 4GB card, as did Metal Gear Solid 3, Bravely Default and it's sequel. Apparently (according to the card makers) the 3DS card taps out at 8GB though no game has used it. The same company works on the Switch cards and giving the fact you can buy 128 GB MicroSD cards so it's not unreasonable to think we would see meaty cars high as 64GB, larger than a dual layer Blu-Ray (50GB)

Nvidia Chip
Japanese journalist Nishikawa Zenj has produced a report on what's reportedly inside the Switch

• Switch will likely use the NVIDIA Pascal ‘Parker’ architecture for its GPU
• the Tegra chip inside the platform could help the Switch evolve just like the PS4 and the PS4 Pro
• There are no indications that Nintendo will opt for the ‘Maxwell’ architecture within the Switch
• The custom NVIDIA chip will feature a floating-point performance around 1 TFLOPS
• There is almost “no possibility” that the Switch will perform above 1.5 TFLOPS due to the battery drive inside the Switch

So let's jump on the key points first the "evolve comment" means he believes Nintendo could launch a more powerful Switch later without "leaving" the generation, So like 3DS to New 3DS and not DS to 3DS. The Switch running at only 1 Teraflops might be weaker than the X1 (1.32) but less than the X1 is to the PS4 (1.84). Which like the RAM rumour throws the Switch into the same "ballpark" as the other two. Of cause, Teraflops isn't a true indication of how the system will perform in the real world.

For reference, the PS4 Pro is 4.14 and the Scorpio is 6 Teraflops.

Abe's Take

This is the sort of thing I was expecting to hear from the Nintendo Switch. Not as powerful as the X1 but close enough to make porting easy enough. I expect for third parties to market their Switch titles as portable versions of the "same great games" as on Xbox and PS4. But alas they are rumours and as such we must wait the 70-odd days till the full reveal.

Dear Nintendo, please release me from an never ending "30 days of" feature!

Third Parties Surprise Nintendo

The Wii U had a lot of touted a lot third party support during its first E3 (of 2) before launch. unfortunately, THQ collapsed and Ubisoft delayed (then made multiformat) the systems first major exclusive which caused chaos with Nintendo's release schedule which slowed sales. 

It's not just us players interested in the Switch.

The Wii U's slow march never picked up steam after that and that affected Nintendo deeply. As such Nintendo currently has (public) plans for 2 million units of Nintendo Switch for the first month (which could be low if its out the 1st of March or a lot if its out the 31st) but it appears the overwhelmingly positive reaction has Nintendo preparing to drop more units at launch, the company is apparently keeping a close eye on all the events to see the public and press reaction. If it's still positive they will produce far more for launch. (It is currently assumed Nintendo has the machines made but wants to throttle shipping them so they don't over produce units.)

Apparently, it is the third parties who have had the strongest response. Their enthusiasm for the new machine has surprised Nintendo, who was expecting to have to win publishers and developers over. It's not the official partners (who have access to the device) that are surprising Nintendo but those who saw it at the same time as the rest of us.

UPDATE: Here are some comments from Level 5 and Square Enix. These aren't overly relevant as their companies are official partners but I didn't see the need to create separate articles for two statements.

“We plan to make games for Nintendo Switch, but I think it’s very important to find out the best way to get the most out of the console. For that reason, we won’t have any titles at launch, but we’ll work with it as soon as we figure out how to take advantage of it.” - Level 5 CEO

“I’m very interested in this machine! As a player, but also as a developer, The Nintendo Switch that you can transform into a controller, that you can put into a dock, that you can move around with, on which you can replace elements. It’s been a while that I’ve told myself that I would like to make games on a Nintendo machine, so if the Nintendo Switch could be that opportunity, I’ll be delighted!”  - Final Fantasy Director Hajime Tabata

Abe's Take
I would certainly like to pick up multiformat games on the Switch but i suspect the specs won't allow every game to come to it unless the device is as easy (read cheap) to port to we might see "weaker" versions of games seen on Xbox and PS,

A confirmed game and MORE Nintendo Switch Rumours

Yep, these rumours just keep on coming, which makes sense as leakers are braver after Nintendo has revealed the device and at this point, the amount of people involved in developing the device must be expanding by the day. 

Offical
Koei Tecmo has confirmed its first Nintendo Switch game, interestingly it is not a Warriors game. Although it is in fact based on the same period as Samurai Warriors. Koei is bringing their latest title Nobunaga's ambition to the NS.

What type of game is it? well if you put a gun to my head and forced me to answer I'd say "it's a little like total war" but since you don't have a gun, I say check out some gameplay from the below live stream instead.

Nintendo president Kimishima has slightly elaborated more on the Switch "accessories" he made vague references to recently. It seems that theses accessories could be alternatives to the Joy-Cons attaching to the device, it seems we should find out at the Switch's party in January (the 12th)

"[In the trailer], we have shown you various scenarios [and] depending on the software, it will also allow you to do things beyond that." 

"In terms of the various ways you can play, you will have to see it together with the software and accessories that we'll have, which we will reveal in January."

Kimishima again confirmed the 3DS will keep going after the Switch launches stating that the system still has momentum and he doesn't expect the two devices to effect each other's sales.

Rumour
Eurogamer claims to have a scope on the Nintendo Switch's screen. According to their source, the device does feature a touchscreen, which is 6.2 inches, 720p, and a first for Nintendo a multipoint (rumoured to be 10) capacitive screen. The Wii U, 3DS and DS all used single point resistive touch screens. This means the screen like a tablet or smartphone is more accurate and can track more than one finger at a time. Eurogamer's report references an older rumour that the Joy-Con R has an IR pointer to emulate a touch screen when the system is docked for home use.

Another report references the eSports section of the reveal. Nintendo is apparently reaching out to all the major eSports organisers, teams and leagues about adding the Switch into the rotation. Obviously, Super Smash Bros has a healthy tournament scene according to sources Nintendo isn't trying to "lead" eSports but instead wants to be a part of it, the sources go on to say Splatoon was part experiment to see if Nintendo could make an eSports title, with Nintendo currently deciding between making a new title for eSports or if Splatoon could be improved to become one.

Abe's Take
All good stuff today but again this affirmation of continuing 3DS support, again worries me deeply. For example, if the 3DS is still active will that stops the Switch from inheriting it's titles will the guaranteed system sellers of Pokemon and Monster Hunter hit the Switch if the 3DS is still floating around? or will they release a port on the Switch instead effectively limiting the quality of the games?

To me confirming the 3DS does, in fact, have a shelf life is probably a bigger question on the Switch than even battery life. The Switch's greatest advantage is Nintendo merging its home and handheld business focusing the entire Nintendo fan base on 1 device. Lets hope this is just an enthusastic version of the normal "we'll support the old system for a while yet" that happens with console generations.

Nintendo Switch Official Teasing, Retail Chatter and Rumours Barrage.

Sigh! and I mean a really big one. 76 days of rumours, here is a fist full for of them now. There're some interesting comments from Nintendo President, and some UK retailers give their thoughts on the Switch

Official
according to Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima refers to the reveal video as "describing the core product" and that there was more to the system

By no means was that everything [in the preview trailer]. [On the ecosystem] It may be appropriate to call them accessories. Or it might be better to call them add-on hardware. It's probably more correct to call them accessories. You can assume that there will be a wider array.

This flashes back to their patent for an external performance booster and old rumours of VR which leads nicely to Kimishima's next part.

VR offers new ways of playing, but that depends on what kind of software can be played. If you ask us whether there are any possibilities, we can't say no. It may be that we will build VR software titles, I think that opportunity is available to us.

hmm, It wouldn't be too hard to create a mount like the Samsung Gear or Google Cardboard for the Switch. Kimishima also lightly talks about why we only see games during the reveal.

One thing we still can't show is the software lineup. We want people to touch the device in January and experience the software for themselves.

Chatter
So far the reveal has hit 23 million views on Nintendo's various Youtube channels and has been largely positive with 95% of viewers responding favourably. So whilst the public has been kind to the new machine Nintendo's investors on the other hand "hated" it. No one's sure on what they were expecting from Nintendo's new console reveal. They seemed to of believed that Nintendo would announce their new console was mobile games. However UK retailers GAME, ShopTo and HMV are pretty happy with the device.

It's very Nintendo to bring something new and different to the market. The early third party list supporting the console is impressive. Let's see what gaming brands are announced over the coming months. The storage space is high up on the list of questions. The future is most certainly going the digital way for Nintendo as well. The storage will dictate the requirements for cartridges which are unclear at the moment. - ShopTo

I was pleasantly surprised by the Switch reveal and I'm optimistic about it's sales potential. I think it's a significant step up from the Wii U and, with the third party support they're boasting, will hopefully appeal to a very broad spectrum of consumers. I look forward to seeing more details around the specs and, crucially, price! With the more powerful and established PS4 and Xbox One consoles now hovering around £249, the Switch needs to be competitive. - HMV

the SWITCH is another example of Nintendo differentiating its gaming experiences to appeal to a broad array of gamers. Nintendo has consistently developed home consoles and handheld gaming to see its beloved and engaging games and characters deliver ultimate fun and enjoyment. SWITCH is clearly taking some of the best features of handheld and home consoles and merging them into a fantastic new way to play. We will be bringing more details to our customers as soon as possible. - GAME

Rumours
First up with have Emily Rogers saying her source has information on Retro Studios current project. Reportedly it is not Donkey Kong or Metroid related and is a new IP for the studio, Rodgers was quick to point out this doesn't mean their game is an all-new IP for example,it could be F-Zero as they haven't made one before. Rodgers source also says we'll be playing Retro's new game next year,

Next up with Laura Dale's site "let's play video games" says a Nintendo source has contacted them to confirm the Switch's main unit does, in fact, support SDXC cards up to 128GB and that the SD slot is located behind the kickstand.

Abe's Take
It's been interesting seeing the response of gamers from around the world taking such a shine to the Switch after the Wii U's very rocky relationship. The reveal trailer seems to have delivered a far clearer message than the Wii U's marketing over its entire life span. As to the Switch getting lots of accessories, something people have talked about ever since Eurogamer leak but it's also something that was rumoured but never happened with the Wii (outside of plastic mounts).

Monster Hunter XX Announced

Remember last week we told you that Japan was getting a Monster Hunter Direct, well that happened.

During the presentation, Capcom announced Monster Hunter XX which if it gets brought to the west will be Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. If you're unaware of how the G/Ultimate versions differ from the first releases (if you're a western 3DS MH hunter then you wouldn't have experienced this). Let's break it down for you.

• These are full games, not DLC with save file transfer.
• They add all new and new variant monsters, weapons and armour.
• They add a new tier of missions known as G-Rank, these quests are far harder with no supply items and random spawns.
• G-Rank also reintroduces existing equipment as higher stats  

Seeing as this is an update on Generations it adds to the new elements such as a two new hunter styles, new village (well actually it's an AIRSHIP!) and an upgrade to the Prowlers (Playable cat hunters) that allows them to use Aerial and Adept hunter styles. Two of the new monsters add to the original games quartet of bosses, first is a new Diablos variant and a new dragon that has wings that appear to be jets!

If you want to check out the Japanese direct here.

Monster Hunter XX will launch in Japan mid-March next year... Not even really bearded people know if we'll get it over here or how many years we'd have to wait.

Abe's Take
Wait a minute! That's right when the Nintendo Switch comes out! Could there be a Nintendo Switch version too? If there is no switch port it's possible that in terms of Japanese sales Capcom has just sabotaged Nintendo's new console launch.

Back on topic, YAY! whilst I enjoyed Generations it did feel 'short' to veteran hunters who are used to having that G-Rank offering up an harder challenge.

Nintendo Switch's Return

For months and months, the NX hung over gaming conversations and created a pretty hefty shadow for the Wii U and 3DS. Nintendo finally unveiled it as the Switch but has since gone silent again.

Nintendo has finally confirmed when we'll get to know the Switch more. On January 12th Nintendo will be hosting an event for the device and whilst it will be live streamed it will not be a traditional direct, in fact, it's going to be closer to an E3 event with the media, analysts and trade partners in attendance. 

Nintendo will be talking a lot about the system in very certain terms and has confirmed they will talk about the following;

• The exact launch date.
• Price.
• Launch titles.
• Titles currently in development.

Following the event, Nintendo plans on having "sampling events" in Europe and the US for " invited consumers, media and partners" and seperate events for the public to get to grips with the console before launch in March. That means we only have to suffer through rumours and hearsay for the next 76 days!

Abe's Take

So it looks like Nintendo will dominate the gaming narrative in January. I'm excited about the console though Nintendo's talk of supporting the 3DS after Switches launch gives me pause. If it's the usual "we'll support the old device for a while" that's fine but there does seem to be chatter that the Switch isn't ever going to replace the 3DS as Nintendo's handheld. The strongest case for Nintendo making a hybrid was that it would unify home and handheld teams, dramatically increasing the companies output and freeing studios to pursue more IPs

on a positive note, it appears the Joy-Cons have hidden shoulder buttons for multiplayer. which means they have the same number of inputs as a SNES pad.

Dead By Daylight - Halloween DLC

For those who haven't yet seen the trailer for the new DLC which dropped yesterday, here it is!

   
*Available on Steam for $6.99/£5.50

This is the first paid character DLC that they have released, and while a lot of people will probably complain (since Nea and the Nurse were free), you will still get to play against the new Killer and on the new map regardless of purchase or not.

Dead by Daylight has been needing a new killer since the last one was released. The Nurse, while terrifying and in desperate need of medical help herself, was the scariest thing to happen to Dead by Daylight. Until yesterday.