Tag Archives: Console

Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News

Reactions didn’t wait for the Nintendo Switch Firmware Update 20.0.0

Nintendo has rolled out firmware update 20.0.0 for the Nintendo Switch, and while it introduces some exciting new features, it has also sparked controversy among fans. This update is particularly significant as it lays the groundwork for Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility, but not all changes have been well received.

Key Features of Firmware Update 20.0.0

Nintendo’s latest update introduces several new functionalities aimed at improving the gaming experience and preparing for the transition to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2:

  • Virtual Game Cards: Digital purchases, including games and DLC, are now stored as virtual game cards, allowing users to load and eject them between two Switch systems.
  • GameShare: This feature enables Nintendo Switch 2 owners to share compatible games with other nearby systems via local wireless.
  • System Transfer to Switch 2: Players can now transfer their data from Nintendo Switch 1 to Switch 2 using local communication or a dedicated server.
  • User-Verification Settings: A new security feature lets users restrict access to the Virtual Game Card menu with a PIN or Nintendo Account sign-in.
  • Online License Settings: Players can now play downloaded software or DLC while connected to the internet, even if they don’t have the virtual game card loaded.
  • Updated UI Elements: The Nintendo eShop and News icons have received a color update.
  • Improved Save Data Transfers: Users can now transfer multiple save data files at once.

While some players are excited about the new features, others are frustrated by certain changes. Here’s what the community is saying:

The Good

  • Many fans appreciate the Virtual Game Card system, which makes managing digital purchases more convenient.
  • The GameShare feature is seen as a welcome addition, allowing players to share games locally without needing multiple copies.
  • The system transfer option is praised for making the transition to Nintendo Switch 2 smoother.

The Bad

  • Game-sharing restrictions: Previously, players could share digital games across multiple accounts and play simultaneously. However, update 20.0.0 removes this ability, forcing users to rely on the new Virtual Game Card system.
  • Donkey Kong’s profile icon change: Nintendo replaced the classic Donkey Kong icon with a new design from the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza game. Some fans are upset, fearing this will be DK’s permanent look moving forward.
  • Multiplayer limitations: Players who used the old method to play the same game on different systems/accounts are frustrated that they can no longer do so.

What This Means for Nintendo Switch 1 and 2

This update signals a shift in how Nintendo handles digital purchases and game-sharing. While Nintendo Switch 1 users may feel restricted by the new policies, Nintendo Switch 2 owners will benefit from GameShare and improved system transfer options. The Virtual Game Card system suggests Nintendo is moving toward a more controlled digital ecosystem, possibly to combat piracy and unauthorized game-sharing.

As the Nintendo Switch 2 launch approaches, it will be interesting to see how Nintendo addresses fan concerns and whether future updates will refine these features.

Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, Nintendo

More expectations that you should consider for the Nintendo Switch 2

I has been a kind of a roller coaster week for the Nintendo segment of gaming fans since the announcement and presentation for the Nintendo Switch 2, and the almost immediate unrelated news about Trump Administration imposing new tariffs to Vietnam has prompted Nintendo on delaying preorders (not release date [yet]) to assess on how it will impact if Nintendo can have the price set or needs adjustments.

But I believe we are in another wave of ups and downs, depending on your perspective on some revealed expectations and that are new outside that Nintendo Switch 2 games will be distributed physically as Switch 1 games which generated of course, a interesting debate regarding people’s expectations on the technical capacities of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Now for the new things…

Nintendo Switch 2 will not have a favored anti-drifting detail

Nintendo Life confirmed that Nintendo acknowledged that the Joy-Con 2 devices of Nintendo Switch 2 will not have the Hall Effect design.

Hall Effect, named after US physicist Edwin Hall, is when you use magnets and electrical conductors to measure the position of the stick which makes them in theory and practice immune to drifting, one of the most hated “Achilles’ heel” of the original Nintendo Switch.

Nate Bihldorff answer Nintendo Life’s inquiry with this:

Let’s jump off the sensitivity stuff then and talk about the stick of the Switch 2 Joy-Con because it feels so different to the original Switch’s analog stick. So is it a Hall Effect stick? Were you inspired by the Hall Effect stick?

Well, the Joy-Con 2’s controllers have been designed from the ground up. They’re not Hall Effect sticks, but they feel really good. Did you experience both the Joy-Con and the Pro Controller?

Both!

So, I like both, but that Pro Controller, for some reason the first time I grabbed it, I was like, “this feels like a GameCube controller.” I was a GameCube guy. Something about it felt so familiar, but the stick on that especially. I tried to spend a lot of time making sure that it was quiet. I don’t know if you tried really whacking the stick around but it really is [quiet]. I’m thinking back to my Smash Brothers days, where you just whack it. [The Switch 2 Pro Controller] is one of the quietest controllers I’ve ever played.

Let’s hope that time treats this particular topic well.

If your only desire for the Nintendo Switch 2 is Achievements hunting, bad news!

Polygon brought the question if the Nintendo Switch 2 is going to support Achievements to proper make an appeal like Playstation does with its Trophies system or Xbox with their own Achievement Platform to Nintendo’s vice president of player and product experience, Bill Trinen.

Unfortunately, Trinen confirmed with a “nope”, that this will not be the case.

The confusion might arise because The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will both get Switch 2 editions, as well as a new app, Zelda Notes, which will be part of the Nintendo App.

And ironically, that app will have its own Achievements list, so in this perspective, I can assume that game developers can have their own Achievement within their game’s ecosystem.

Nintendo basically is already done with Nintendo eShop Music

Also via an inquiry by Polygon, Nintendo via Nintendo Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto, that eShop Music is not part and will not be part of Nintendo Switch 2 offerings.

Unlike back then, the eShop now has lots of videos that are showcasing the games. We didn’t want to intrude on that, so we don’t have music there.

Of course, it was acknowledge that Nintendo is focusing on improving the eShop experience ahead of the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Originally Nintendo Switch is not being phased out (as expected and for now)

This time and via The Washington Post, Nintendo of America president Bowser was asked about the original Nintendo Switch following the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and while it is disingenuous to think that Nintendo will maintain a legacy platform (history speaks for itself), it will be remain to be supported while the transition period is in course.

What I would say is that we’ll continue to observe consumers and how they engage and enter into the platform at various levels to try to really understand what the future may look like.

Here’s the other point. We have an install base [for the Switch] of 150 million plus units. We’ll probably announce more on May 8, when we have our next earnings call. We want to keep those players engaged. Not all of them may be ready to jump to Switch 2.

In average, Nintendo has historically maintained support for its previous consoles for a few years after launching a new system and the average goes between 2 to 3 years, by just looking at past transitions:

  • Nintendo 64 → GameCube (2001): Nintendo 64 saw a gradual decline in support, with its last first-party game released in 2002.
  • GameCube → Wii (2006): GameCube support continued for a few years, with some late releases like “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” in 2006.
  • Wii → Wii U (2012): The Wii remained relevant for a while, especially with its strong casual audience, but first-party support slowed down significantly after 2013.
  • Wii U → Switch (2017): The Wii U had a short lifespan, and support faded quickly after the Switch’s success.

Now, with the Nintendo Switch 2 launching on June 5, 2025, Nintendo has confirmed that Switch 1 will continue to receive support as long as there is demand. This suggests that:

  • 2025-2026: Nintendo will likely continue releasing some new titles for Switch 1, similar to how it supported the 3DS after the Switch launched.
  • 2027-2028: Support may gradually decline, with fewer first-party releases.
  • Beyond 2028: The Switch 1 could still receive third-party games, but official support will likely phase out.

Let’s hope that I am wrong and Nintendo Switch transition to Switch 2 means more years of support for a previous generation and this is good news for gamers at all!

Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, Xbox

A two side of the story behind the short-term of the future of Xbox

As we edge closer to 2026 and 2027, the gaming world is abuzz with speculation about the next generation of Xbox consoles. Two prominent sources, Windows Central and The Verge, have painted intriguing yet distinct pictures of what lies ahead for Microsoft’s gaming division. Let’s dive into their visions, compare their insights, and explore the possibilities if both are right—or wrong.

Windows Central’s Vision: A Handheld Revolution and Premium Consoles

Windows Central suggests that Microsoft’s gaming future is multifaceted. They report that Microsoft is working on an Xbox-branded gaming handheld, codenamed “Keenan,” slated for release as early as 2025. This device is expected to run full Windows, integrating PC Game Pass and Steam, and serving as a research platform for Microsoft’s broader gaming ambitions.

Looking further ahead, Windows Central claims that the next-generation Xbox consoles are already in production, with a targeted release in 2027. These consoles are described as premium successors to the Xbox Series X, promising the largest technological leap in Xbox history. The report also hints at new controller designs and a continued focus on backward compatibility.

The Verge’s Perspective: A Cloud-Driven Future

The Verge, on the other hand, emphasizes Microsoft’s commitment to cloud gaming and hybrid technology. They speculate that the next Xbox could leverage the combined power of local hardware and cloud computing to deliver unprecedented gaming experiences. This aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of making gaming accessible across devices, from consoles to PCs and mobile platforms.

The Verge also highlights the potential for a more integrated ecosystem, where Xbox hardware seamlessly interacts with other Microsoft services like Azure and Windows. This could pave the way for innovative features, such as real-time game streaming with minimal latency and enhanced AI-driven game mechanics.

Comparing the Visions: Where They Align and Diverge

Both sources agree that Microsoft is aiming for a significant technological leap in its next-generation consoles. However, their focus areas differ. Windows Central leans towards hardware innovation, emphasizing the handheld device and premium consoles. The Verge, meanwhile, prioritizes the integration of cloud technology and ecosystem synergy.

If both are correct, we could see a future where Xbox offers a diverse range of gaming experiences, from high-performance consoles to versatile handhelds and cutting-edge cloud gaming. This would position Microsoft as a leader in both hardware and software innovation.

What If They’re Wrong?

If these predictions don’t materialize, Microsoft’s gaming strategy could face challenges. A lack of compelling hardware updates might alienate core gamers, while insufficient cloud infrastructure could hinder the adoption of next-gen features. In such a scenario, Microsoft would need to double down on its existing strengths, such as Game Pass and exclusive titles, to maintain its competitive edge.

The future of Xbox is undoubtedly exciting, with both Windows Central and The Verge offering compelling yet distinct visions. Whether it’s through groundbreaking hardware, innovative cloud technology, or a combination of both, Microsoft’s next steps will shape the gaming landscape for years to come. As gamers, all we can do is wait—and speculate

Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC

Valve Denies Rumors of Returning to Gaming Console Market with New Steam Machines

Valve, the renowned developer behind the Steam platform, has officially denied rumors suggesting it is planning to re-enter the gaming console market with a new line of Steam Machines. The speculation arose from a leak by well-known industry insider eXtas1s, who claimed that Valve was working on a new console to rival the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

Original video:

According to eXtas1s, Valve is collaborating with AMD to utilize their upcoming RDNA 4 technology for this new console.

The rumor suggested that Valve’s new console would be a significant step up from the Steam Deck, aiming to offer a more powerful gaming experience. However, Valve has firmly denied these claims via a clarification that the changes on a Mesa patch change is about the Vulkan support within the Open Source RADV Radeon Driver for RDNA4 and nothing much else:

This initial support should be good enough but it’s missing two features (cooperative matrix and video decode/encode) compared to GFX11 (RDNA3) because lack of time.

DCC is still under active development but it might be possible to finish it during the RC period.

Valve’s previous attempt to enter the console market with Steam Machines in 2015 was met with limited success. The concept behind Steam Machines was to provide small PCs, either made by Valve or other manufacturers, running SteamOS (with the option to boot Windows). Despite the innovative idea, the Steam Machines did not achieve the expected success due to various factors, including limited game compatibility and high prices.

In recent years, Valve has focused on the success of the Steam Deck, a handheld gaming device that has gained popularity among gamers. The company has sold “multiple millions” of the device since its release, although exact sales figures have not been disclosed. The Steam Deck’s success has been attributed to its portability, performance, and the extensive library of games available on Steam.