Nintendo Switch and the possibility of a mainline entry on it

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Lulcielid

Warrior of Light
Oct 9, 2014
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#1
I have no doubt that we will get something Final Fantasy related on the Switch, whether it be spin offs or ports from old titles but:

What are the possibilities of a big budget mainline entry to be developed for Nintendo´s next gaming machine? (whether it be FFXVI or FFXXVIII)
 

llazy77

Warrior of Light
May 27, 2014
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#2
If the Switch is a success yeah I could see a port for them. It might be a success since its a portable as well as a console and nintendo portables do well.
 
Aug 13, 2016
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#3
I think it will mainly depend on the specs of the switch and whether it could cope with the next mainline entry. I think FFXV really pushed the PS4 and Xbox One, so it would be interesting to see if the switch could manage it or FFXVI. If the rumours are true of an anniversary collection for Final Fantasy this year, i'd definitely be interested in taking the first nine titles on the go with me. The FFX and FFXII remasters on the go would also be great.
 
#5
Maybe a spin-off, maybe even FF VII R (since it's made in UE4), but a mainline title? I don't see it.

From what I could gather, the Switch is less powerful spec-wise than both PS4 and XBox ONE (and their new iterations, the Pro and Scorpio), so making a straight port would not work (never mind that the Switch is built on an ARM architecture, while the other two use x86). What could happen, if Square Enix were to put the resources into it would be something akin to what they're doing with Dragon Quest XI - make a version that is similar in content, but utilises a different look - but that would require them to see enough money in a separate Switch version to make it happen. Yes, they're betting on the Switch already with DQXI, but Final Fantasy's a different beast, plus they can scoop up any losses made there with both the 3DS and PS4 versions of that game probably in Japan alone.

For the time being, I'm on the negative side of the issue of a mainline FF being released on Switch - but Square Enix is welcome to prove me wrong.
 

SonOfEtro

Warrior of Light
May 2, 2016
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1,192
#7
It depends on the console's long-term success. Maybe if it's got a good install base by the end of the first year, SQEX will consider developing a major title with it in mind. Maybe even a mainline title.

EDIT: In general, I'm pleasantly surprised at the Switch's launch lineup and prospective game library. I mean, Xeno, Zelda, SMT, FE (albeit a Warriors spin-off version) and Setsuna... They only need a couple more (like BG&E2 and an FF entry) and it would be a highly tempting proposition.
 
Nov 8, 2014
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#8
a mainline entry on a Nintendo on console? lol I say chances are 10%. the last one was in 1994. you dont buy a NC to play 3rd party JRPGs cuz it hardly receives them. each gen less and less become available
 
#10
Nitendo got a lot of 3rd party JPRG support on their 3DS.
Yup. And speaking in terms of 3rd party JRPG support, the Switch is getting four Dragon Quest games (Heroes I&II, X, XI), a new exclusive game by Silicone Studio called Project Octopath Traveler (published by Square Enix, no less), NIS's Disgaea 5 and a 25th anniversary game for the Shin Megami Tensei franchise. Oh, and I am Setsuna too (yeah, not too hot on this one, but eh, it counts).
 
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#12
Yup. And speaking in terms of 3rd party JRPG support, the Switch is getting four Dragon Quest games (Heroes I&II, X, XI), a new exclusive game by Silicone Studio called Project Octopath Traveler (published by Square Enix, no less), NIS's Disgaea 5 and a 25th anniversary game for the Shin Megami Tensei franchise. Oh, and I am Setsuna too (yeah, not too hot on this one, but eh, it counts).
ok im the wiki looking up the line up. ok so some companies that neglected wiiu are porting games onto it like elder scroll and dragon quest heroes. why spend 100s of $ again if the same games and countless other ones none existent for Switch are already developed for my PS4? im still skeptical when PS4 has the larger RPG library overall. ever since N64 there has never been a console that screamed play me for all these RPGs like PS1-4. im cynical. One unannounced Tales of game, which Im pretty sure will port onto Ps4 or 5 later on, and a Megaton isnt enough to change my mind!!!!!!

i got a 3ds for a reason instead of a wiiu!!!! raaaaawr
 
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DrBretto

Warrior of Light
Mar 18, 2016
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#13
I'm sure the Switch will get all kinds of mainline FF games:

FFI, FFII, FFIII, FFIV, FFV, FFVI, FFVII, FFVIII, and FFIX, most likely.
 
Likes: Sgtsarge
#14
@All Hail King Bimpy :
Calm down, no need to shout., I get what you're on about.

Yeah, no-one will buy a Nintendo home console for 3rd party games - most of the time. See, I don't own a PS4 and even if I did (which I probably will by the end of the year because there are finally some JRPG out I'm actually interested in), I'd probably pick the Switch version of Dragon Quest XI and the two Heroes over the PS4 one. Why? I like playing my RPGs on a more... eh... "locally flexible" system, like the Switch - so I'd actually appreciate getting a mainline FF on the system. Would I BUY a Switch specifically for FF? No, but I'd appreciate it being there.
 

Lulcielid

Warrior of Light
Oct 9, 2014
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Argentina
#15
I'm sure the Switch will get all kinds of mainline FF games:

FFI, FFII, FFIII, FFIV, FFV, FFVI, FFVII, FFVIII, and FFIX, most likely.


In all seriousness, from what I´m hearing the Switch seens to be massively underpowered (in comparison to PS4 and XB1) for AAA type (or anything close) of games.
 
Likes: DrBretto

DrBretto

Warrior of Light
Mar 18, 2016
1,605
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#16
There's a significant hurdle that will make it difficult for third parties to make AAA Switch ports, and that's the portable mode. From what I've read it's pretty powerful for a tablet, but it's still a tablet. Not unlike the difference between a desktop and a laptop. You just can't have all that power on a handheld.

Now, it also happens to have the docked mode, but that means most likely any game made for the system needs to be able to run on both. That means any game designed for current gen architecture would need to have a ton of man-hours spent to accomodate that mode JUST for Nintendo. I'm not sure it'd be worth it because I can't imagine too many people are associating Nintendo with mainstream AAA.

(Edit: On the other hand, this maybe isn't much different from having a built-in Vita port in any game, so it's not entirely constrictive for everything, but I still think a fresh mainline FF is off the table.)

It's more powerful than it used to be, but I predict that Nintendo will continue to be its own thing.
 
Aug 13, 2016
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#17
There's a significant hurdle that will make it difficult for third parties to make AAA Switch ports, and that's the portable mode. From what I've read it's pretty powerful for a tablet, but it's still a tablet. Not unlike the difference between a desktop and a laptop. You just can't have all that power on a handheld.

Now, it also happens to have the docked mode, but that means most likely any game made for the system needs to be able to run on both. That means any game designed for current gen architecture would need to have a ton of man-hours spent to accomodate that mode JUST for Nintendo. I'm not sure it'd be worth it because I can't imagine too many people are associating Nintendo with mainstream AAA.

(Edit: On the other hand, this maybe isn't much different from having a built-in Vita port in any game, so it's not entirely constrictive for everything, but I still think a fresh mainline FF is off the table.)

It's more powerful than it used to be, but I predict that Nintendo will continue to be its own thing.
I think a lot will depend on what happens when Nintendo retire the 3DS and whether they decide to release another dedicated handheld or if the switch is seen as its successor. I think the 3DS can definitely be seen as a success compared to the Wii U. If Nintendo can release the same level of quality games that was on the 3DS for the switch, then i think it has every chance of being a success. As the switch is also classed as a handheld device, i think they can get away with the games being underpowered if the support is there. Being able to play a quality RPG on the move and then continue it at home is ideal for me personally, as i work away quite alot.

I think the only thing that could prevent it being a similar success to the 3DS is the price. It's a nice piece of kit, but it is more on the expensive side in my opinion. The only game at the moment that is tempting me is the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The system definitely has my interest, so i will see if i get tempted to pre-order or wait a while and see how it develops.
 
Nov 8, 2014
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#18
actually the switch is cheaper than XBS and PS4P though is unable to keep up with the latter's hardware. It takes more effort and storage space for it to do render out what the other two do. Switch isn't aiming for every high end blockbuster because it doesn't have that type of monster power. Nintendo isn't connected about specs as much as functionality, always looking for some new side mechanic to in together at a low price. You can dock or pick up the Switch. that's the special catch.

RPGs aside the game library most likely will be slightly ahead of wiius. I say it's life span is around 4 years. If you care about specs than go with XBS.

XBS has slightly higher specs than PS4P. Though PS4P retains the larger game library. If you care about install base for competitive online games like overwatch or tekken then stick with the other two because switch most likely will have the least players available. i think there you would wait longer in the lobby for Xenoverse 2 compared to playing on something else.

I doubt there will ever be a Nintendo system gaining the same support from 3d party devs as the DS.I mean blue Dragon 2, sequel to an Xbox exclusive, was on DS only. FF12-2 was on DS only. World ends with you. Etc. and all were localized. now that's the support I speak of. If Switch refelcts that then forget about the other two systems. i saw Wiiu as the Vita situation. nothing to really play. can switch fix that? dunno
 
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#19
i saw Wiiu as the Vita situation. nothing to really play.
I'd actually disagree with that, although it is ultimately up to personal taste. The Vita had pretty good offerings on the JRPG side, if you were into more niche fare (although Falcom also supported it and I'd count them as mainstream compatible), the Wii U had some games I'd actually like to still play (Bayonetta 1&2, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, Xenoblade Chronicles X, The Wonderful 101 and Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze... and yes, that is all of them) - but, again, this is me and my tastes and seeing how poorly I see those represented by the PS4 for the past three years (I'm not joking - the only exclusive that I wanted so far was Bloodborne), I'd take a failed system over a succesful one (from a mainstream perspective, that is).

But yeah... Switch being a success is going to be a hard ride, but I can see it finding success in its own niche. Nintendo won't set the world on fire again though, since both DS and Wii were lightning in a bottle that could only exist in the small space between their release and smartphones becoming the juggernauts they are today.
 
Nov 8, 2014
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#20
It is personal taste. I don't care about Nintendo 1st parties. They bore me. Ever since Nintendo bought MS the most recognized franchise from the company, Xeno, turned to crap. I hate the latest Xeno games with a passion. They steeped as low as GC's BK. I don't care for Mario, Donkey Kong, Kriby, etc anything, which I only play out of boredom; the one exception is mainland Zelda. Wonderful 101 isn't my thing already tried it at my friends house. Now Bayonetta 2 that's a game right there I'll play. Never heard of Tokyo Mirage Session. I just looked up and based on footage it's not something I would play.

It's hard to get into a Nintendo console if your not a Nintendo fan since it lacks support else where. When that support does appear it's rather those niche, unorthodox games. Meanwhile, that's the opposite for their handhelds. I have no problem with my 3DS. Nintendo has its little home console market. More and more the market is becoming harder for people like me to get into. I feel like I'm isolated away from it.
 
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