Nintendo Answers further Switch Questions; No Backwards Compatibility with Games and Controllers

NINTENDO-SWITCH-1.png

Nintendo is clarifying (and not) questions regarding its upcoming home console-handheld hybrid.

Kotaku reached out to the House of Mario with a set of questions which recently replied. Those that stand out the most are:
  • No backwards compatibility with games and controllers for other systems. However, support for certain controllers may be considered for a future update.
  • No games being bundled with Nintendo Switch
  • 32GB of internal NAND memory, a portion of which is reserved for use by the system. The system’s internal memory can be easily expanded as needed using microSDXC cards (up to 2TB, when available on the market)
  • Capture button to take screenshots, which can be viewed and edited before sharing on social media. No video capture at launch but planning to add the ability to record video in the future.
  • Mii Maker app on the Switch
  • No video streaming at launch but is being considered for a future update
  • Region-free

You can read the full response below:

Is Switch backwards compatible in any way? Will you be able to download or play Wii, Wii U, or 3DS games?

The Nintendo Switch system is not backward compatible with games designed for other systems, and is not currently compatible with controllers designed for other systems. Support for certain controllers may be considered for a future update. We have nothing to announce regarding Virtual Console or other types of digital purchases at this time.

How if at all does the Switch connect to Wii U and 3DS owners’ existing accounts?

We have nothing to announce at this time.

Will the Switch be compatible with existing Virtual Console purchases?

We have nothing to announce at this time.

Will the Switch have its own library of Virtual Console games that starts from scratch, or will it bring over the Virtual Console library from 3DS and Wii U?

We have nothing to announce at this time.

How will SNES online functionality work? Which games will it support?

We have nothing to announce at this time.

For those concerned about the 32GB of storage, how will that work for playing downloadable games? How will it work for DLC and patches?

The Nintendo Switch system has 32GB of internal NAND memory, a portion of which is reserved for use by the system. The system’s internal memory can be easily expanded as needed using microSDXC cards.

The SDXC standard supports up to 2TB of storage. (Note that 2TB cards are not yet on the market, but Nintendo Switch will support them when they are.) External USB hard drives are not supported at launch, but we are researching the possibility of supporting them in the future.

If no microSDXC card is used, everything is stored in internal NAND memory. If a microSDXC card is used, game save data is stored in internal NAND memory while data that can be redownloaded, such as digital games, game updates, and DLC, is stored on the microSDXC card. Nintendo Switch game cards are non-writable; game save data is stored in internal NAND memory.

Is there a trophy or achievements system?

We have nothing to announce at this time.

The 3DS has built in games and the Wii and Wii U were bundled with games. Are there any games being bundled with the Switch?

There are no games being bundled with Nintendo Switch.

Every launch is different, and with each one we try to make the best decision for the consumer, marketplace and our company. We believe the hardware configuration at the price point we’ve chosen is a great consumer value. The consumer will have their choice of great software for the system.

How does the Share button work? Does it allow you to capture video as well as screenshots? Will it allow you to stream on Twitch or YouTube?

The Capture Button is located on the Joy-Con (L) controller and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and lets users grab screenshots from their games. They can then view, edit (add text of various sizes, colors and positions) and post them to social media. The original unedited screenshot is also saved.


We are planning to add the ability to record video in the future.

Switch won’t have Miiverse - will there be Miis? Or any other equivalent?

While Miiverse will continue to be supported on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems, our approach with the Nintendo Switch system is to make greater use of other established, broadly used social platforms. For example, captured gameplay screenshots can be shared on popular social networks, and social features such as voice chat are possible with smart devices through our app.

There is a Mii Maker on Nintendo Switch. The software to create Mii characters is now located in System Settings, and no longer resides on the HOME menu as a standalone application. You can also create a Mii character from the Profile screen. Making Mii characters is similar to the method used on past systems.

Mii characters can be used to represent a user profile, but are not required. Users also have the option to choose a profile picture from an included library of Nintendo character images. Mii characters can still be used in games if developers choose to include them.

You can send/receive Mii characters through local wireless communication between Nintendo Switch systems, or use an amiibo figure to transfer Mii Characters from Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems.

Mii characters on the Nintendo Switch system are similar to past iterations, but they have some different options. More facial components and colors for hair and skin have been added, while the following attributes have been removed: creator’s name, favorites, birthday, copying, and “public.”

Will Switch support Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO Go, or any other streaming services?

All of our efforts have gone toward making the Nintendo Switch system an amazing dedicated video game platform, so it will not support any video-streaming services at launch. However, support for video-streaming services is being considered for a future update.

Will online stores be region-free or just cartridges?

The Nintendo Switch system is not region locked, but we recommend that players buy games within their region to ensure full service and support. The user will access the Nintendo eShop that corresponds to the country identified in their Nintendo Account. (Up to eight user accounts can be created on a single Nintendo Switch system.)

:arrow: SOURCE
 

FrozenDragon150

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Eh, I'm pretty happy so far :3

The lack of BC is expected and I'm glad it's done away with. Will still buy a N3DS and Wii U at some point, anyway.

The internal storage I'm very unlikely to use outside saves, SD ftw.

Usage of non-writable cartridges doesn't bother me - it should make them less expensive.

Online services I don't give a flip for, lol.
 
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Kourin

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No games bundled with it?
That 1, 2 Switch game looked perfect to be bundled with it. Considering its mostly played off-screen I doubt it's the kind of game people would be rushing to buy.
 

Jayro

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Veho

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3/4 the price is only slightly cheaper?
The Switch is actually more expensive than either the Xbox or the PS4

https://www.amazon.com/Xbox-One-500GB-Console-Name-Bundle/dp/B019TYEXC8/
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-PlayStation-4-500GB-Console/dp/B00BGA9WK2/



Regarding the SD card support, is this thing a fake or scam by chance, or is it real?
(I read the reviews, but those can easily be faked. Seems too cheap to be true.)
https://usadiscountwarehouse.com/shop/512gb-micro-sd-free-shipping-free-usb-adapter/

Huge scam.
 
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Kourin

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What major titles have they not announced? I can imagine them including Smash bros or something as a surprise.
Smash isn't coming for awhile.
I hope, anyway.
My fear is that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is going to be the Switch's Mario Kart which will be very disappointing since it's just the Wii U version with all the DLC
If Smash shares the same fate (Wii U version + DLC and 1 or 2 new characters) it will be disappointing too. I'd rather buy a Switch for new games, not games I played on my Wii U
 
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Yami Anubis ZX

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Eh, I'm pretty happy so far :3

The lack of BC is expected and I'm glad it's done away with. Will still buy a N3DS and Wii U at some point, anyway.

The internal storage I'm very unlikely to use outside saves, SD ftw.

Usage of non-writable cartridges doesn't bother me - it should make them less expensive.

Online services I don't give a flip for, lol.


It's likely that years from now, Nintendo will announce 3DS VC on Switch like how DS VC happened on Wii U and will happen on Switch or our digital 3ds games will be downloadable cause our NNID is connected to all 3 consoles but that will happen after 3ds dies off.

Also when I say 3ds, I don't mean 3ds BC, I mean your digital purchases years from now, which means the digital 3ds games, including retail games in digital form, why else would they put your 3ds account under NNID, which is now under MY NINTENDO.
 

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"Nintendo Switch game cards are non-writable; game save data is stored in internal NAND memory"

Am I the only one disturbed by this. For almost all of Nintendo's previous cartridge based systems, game saves have always been on the cartridge. Why the ***k are they now deciding instead to put game save on the console? What if the console breaks? It's seriously stupid that they would cheap out with the cartridges so much that they would not even put save functionality in them and even worse is they put it on internal nand and it's never gonna be put on MicroSD.

If this console ever gets hacked, I would hope CFW redirects that ***t to SD. :P
Well, that's one less entry point for hax... you're limited to primary exploits and not able to install secondaries to save data on a cartridge to hack another system...

There are also some benefits as well... a family could share a single cartridge with per-profile save data...

Plus, you could lend out a cartridge without worrying about them erasing your save data...

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

If it did I wouldn't be able to hook it up to my receiver as it protected HDMI signals can't be passed through. For the protected ones my TV is already out of HDMI slots.

adding another reason to the list why not buy the Switch...

If your receiver doesn't have HDCP you could always upgrade your receiver...

They also make HDCP strippers for things like capture cards
 

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Nintendo is clarifying (and not) questions regarding its upcoming home console-handheld hybrid.

Kotaku reached out to the House of Mario with a set of questions which recently replied. Those that stand out the most are:
  • No backwards compatibility with games and controllers for other systems. However, support for certain controllers may be considered for a future update.
  • No games being bundled with Nintendo Switch
  • 32GB of internal NAND memory, a portion of which is reserved for use by the system. The system’s internal memory can be easily expanded as needed using microSDXC cards (up to 2TB, when available on the market)
  • Capture button to take screenshots, which can be viewed and edited before sharing on social media. No video capture at launch but planning to add the ability to record video in the future.
  • Mii Maker app on the Switch
  • No video streaming at launch but is being considered for a future update
  • Region-free

Ok, seems like a lot is considered for a future update.
The Switch is like not even finished...

No reason to buy the Switch at launch.
 

osaka35

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Still excited out of my mind. Something about new Nintendo hardware always gets me giddy even with a lack of software or features at launch.

Also way too many people are upset about the price holy crap. Remember when the 3DS was $250 at launch? Remember when the Xbox One was $500? Remember when the Wii U was $350? Remember when the PS4 was $400? Remember when the PS3 was SIX HUNDRED dollars? The Switch is $300 at launch. Launch. Yes you can get a PS4 or Xbox One for $250-300 now but that's because theyre a few years old already. Pssst, the PS3,PS4,360,One,3DS,and base model Wii U didn't come with a pack in game at launch.
Entitlement much? The Switch will get that $50 price slash and pack-in stuff during the holidays; if $300 truly is too much for you then wait. Plain and simple.

The Switch is no different than almost every console launch to date. A lack of games, "expensive system price"(even though its not jfc I can afford it and I work for minimum wage on weekends), and whatever else you guys are possibly complaining about is par for the course.
 
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AdamFX990

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Still excited out of my mind. Something about new Nintendo hardware always gets me giddy even with a lack of software or features at launch.

Also way too many people are upset about the price holy crap. Remember when the 3DS was $250 at launch? Remember when the Xbox One was $500? Remember when the Wii U was $350? Remember when the PS4 was $400? Remember when the PS3 was SIX HUNDRED dollars? The Switch is $300 at launch. Launch. Yes you can get a PS4 or Xbox One for $250-300 now but that's because theyre a few years old already. Pssst, the PS3,PS4,360,One,3DS,and base model Wii U didn't come with a pack in game at launch.
Entitlement much? The Switch will get that $50 price slash and pack-in stuff during the holidays; if $300 truly is too much for you then wait. Plain and simple.

The Switch is no different than almost every console launch to date. A lack of games, "expensive system price"(even though its not jfc I can afford it and I work for minimum wage on weekends), and whatever else you guys are possibly complaining about is par for the course.

In the UK it's closer to $350. With hardware that is seriously underpowered, paid online, poor launch titles and lack of backwards compatibility. It's pretty bad value IMO. I wouldn't pay more than £200 for it given that online is basically not a feature I can afford.
 

Hells Malice

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  1. No backwards compatibility with games and controllers for other systems. However, support for certain controllers may be considered for a future update.
  2. No games being bundled with Nintendo Switch
  3. 32GB of internal NAND memory, a portion of which is reserved for use by the system. The system’s internal memory can be easily expanded as needed using microSDXC cards (up to 2TB, when available on the market)
  4. Capture button to take screenshots, which can be viewed and edited before sharing on social media. No video capture at launch but planning to add the ability to record video in the future.
  5. Mii Maker app on the Switch
  6. No video streaming at launch but is being considered for a future update
  7. Region-free


1: WiiU has like 5 games anyway, and most people accidentally bought a WiiU so this is hardly a problem. Try playing new games guys.
2: You mean like virtually every console launch to date aside from the one minute wonder gimmick fest games Nintendo usually bundles and people ditch them a day later? Big loss. Nintendo fans sure are entitled when they pay $299 for a console (that price is amazing).
3: Pretty standard for Nintendo. I prefer this over memory I can't expand anyway even if it's slightly inconvenient to start. The console is cheap enough to justify just buying your own mSD card.
4: Neat. Standard feature these days.
5: Of course
6: Netflix is on literally every other device anyway. Including most TVs.
7: Thank fucking god finally Nintendo.

Overall either non-news or non-important. Mostly standard shit and one (old news) piece of good news with region free.

edit:

In the UK it's closer to $350. With hardware that is seriously underpowered, paid online, poor launch titles and lack of backwards compatibility. It's pretty bad value IMO. I wouldn't pay more than £200 for it given that online is basically not a feature I can afford.

Blame your currency. $350 is still incredibly cheap.
We have virtually no info on the console, where did you get the insider sources for the specs?
Paid online is better than their dog shit free service. If it's priced like PSN or XBL then it's priced to sell. The biggest Zelda game to date isn't a 'poor launch title'. Though the overall roster is a bit lacking. Hell of a lot better than the WiiU though. Backwards compatibility is useless in 9/10 cases. People want it but almost no one uses it because they're busy playing NEW games. (and because of the way backwards compatibility tends to work, it jacks up the price for no reason because it requires special hardware to run)

Lastly if you can't afford an online service like XBL or PSN, you need to re-evaluate your life choices because they're stupid cheap. Like, work half an hour at mcdonalds minimum wage a month cheap. You should not be buying videogames or consoles. Though it occurred to me as I typed this i'm probably replying to a 14 year old.

Edit edit:

This thread reminds me why everyone hates Nintenyearolds.
 
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F4LK

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1: WiiU has like 5 games anyway, and most people accidentally bought a WiiU so this is hardly a problem. Try playing new games guys.
Super Mario 3D World
New Super Mario Bros. U
Mario Kart 8
Super Mario Maker
Yoshi's Wolly World
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Super Smash Bros. U
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Bayonetta 1/2
Splatoon
Pikmin 3
Xenoblade Chronicles X
Hyrule Warriors
Pokkén
Paper Mario: Color Splash
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
Nintendo Land
The Wonderful 101
ZombieU
Shantae - Booby Simulator - Half hero
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
NES Remix
NES Remix 2

> All Wii games
> All Gamecube Games (when modded)
> Shit ton of VC Games
 
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AdamFX990

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At the press conference they said they were using nVidia Tegra that is clocked at half speed in handheld mode. It's not cheap however you cut it. It's got the performance of a high-end tablet at best. The specs are comparable to a nvidia shield which is half the price.

The launch title is a matter of opinion, but BotW is the only thing that anyone seems interested in and it just looks like a generic indie survival RPG to me. If you want to buy it though, go ahead. :)
 

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Regarding the SD card support, is this thing a fake or scam by chance, or is it real?

(I read the reviews, but those can easily be faked. Seems too cheap to be true.)

https://usadiscountwarehouse.com/shop/512gb-micro-sd-free-shipping-free-usb-adapter/

I have one of these Micro SD Cards i have 499 GB available on my phone but i bought mine by WISH.


Nintendo's response is like being questioned by the press. I have no comment at the time. You are not going to say wait i thought you said....
 
Last edited by alpmaster,

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