I think, if they even have room, keeping the cost down and adding durability are pluses in this case.Well let me say that I have taken apart and worked on many devices. Most of the ones with large bezels around the screen are just filler material. Some manufactures do it to provide over-zealous amounts of cushion because the are using a cheap display that is not as durable. Others do it because the device by design will be subject to harsher conditions. As such with devices designed for the younger crowd (ex. children). BUT the majority is simply lazy design or an attempt to keep production cheap.
I think Nintendo is after the over-zealous cushioning to lower damage rates with children. Not necessarily because of a cheap display, however this is yet to be known.
I mean, even adults can be clumsy.
Most people aren't carry past gen portables because a lot of them are carrying this gen portables (more so the 3ds) instead. Even if using as a portable dies off, which I don't think it will, it will still be in their hands to buy games. Yes, most people are carrying smartphones, yet a lot of people still bought the 3DS (including XLs). If so, making it even bigger and less a portable is going make them shy away even more so.Yes I believe there is a market for the Switch. But I do not feel it will be as large as what many of us anticipate. Sure, in the beginning there will be quite a number of people that will buy one and carry it around for a little while. However that is sure to die off quickly as the new shiny wears off.
Just look at how many users around the world still carry past gen portables like the DS and PSP. The market was saturated with both because they were such good consoles, and came before smartphones got involved.
My point is, most people are already carrying smartphones. Carrying a second device is far less common today than it was 5yrs ago. Size is going to play a big role in portable game machine choice for the few that do. And with the size of the Switch already, I think many peeps are going to shy away from taking it along. And for that reason, I think Nintendo needs to ensure that the biggest advantage of bringing the Switch along (multiplayer) is more appealing.
We don't see a lot games like this because most games on mobile are design around touchscreen and single player experiences and phone are just starting to be big by default. They wouldn't expect you to have controllers, let alone want to play local multiplayer without controllers, especially with the more complex games. I would be more likely to agree with you, if the Switch screen was less than 6in, but apparently it isn't.Lets all be honest here. How many of you will actually hunch over a 6in screen to play mobile multiplayer? Try it out a few times because of the novelty, sure.
If multiplayer in this screen size range was that usable, we would see a lot more games of that type. Most of today's smartphones are in the 5+in category. The size just is not that great for sharing content at table distance.
Maybe for a "Switch XL", but as far as the default Switch, 8in and even 7in, if they have the increase Switch size, is too big. Even if the 7in didn't increase the overall size, it would be a hit to battery life (and ppi). If someone has a thought to play local multiplayer with the Switch with someone else, I doubt most will be like "Hold up. Before we play, let me compare it to my 7in tablet". Other words, unless you are purposely comparing to a 7in tablet every time you play, you wouldn't notice the .8 difference. Using the Wii U gamepad as an example, it isn't as bad as you are making it.It is possible that 1in larger probably would not matter to most. Hard to say. I know very few who have attempted to play multiplayer on a device this small.
To my eyes, the 6-8in screen range changes the usability by quite a bit. I get to play with a lot of devices with screens in this range. The 7in is still a one hand tablet and great for close viewing. When you get to 8in, that starts to change. At the 8in mark is where you can set it on a table and be able to comfortably (subjective) see what you are doing. Set the 7in at the same distance and try doing the same task. You really have to strain your eyes. So 6in for multiplayer at a table distance is going to be tough.
Like I mentioned before, 8in seems to be the sweet spot for that idea. Of course, it has those other drawbacks. I believe that the 6.2 to 7in jump does make a difference.
Everyone is welcome to experiment with it. Most flagship phones are near the 6in mark today. Set that on a table beside a 7in tablet and see which one you would prefer.
Local play with the same device isn't even its main and only feature. Considering you can still play with multiple Switches online and local.