Why the Nintendo Switch Should Be an Apple Partnership

I had fun ruminating on this during my work day. Please enjoy.

I am a big fan of Nintendo, both hardware and software. I lean toward console gaming and have my Wii and Wii U under my TV, right next to an AVS. I get that Nintendo is proud (and they should be), but for all its innovation, the Switch is an officially bad idea.

The Switch almost sounds like a brand new concept. It's a console and portable device, all in one! But when you think about it, it's really an Apple iPhone and Apple TV. Or its Android/ Amazon equivalent. And everyone, kids included, has one already. What's worse is that Nintendo's product is not likely to offer all the features of those devices. No game console has successfully sold a data plan yet, for instance, and Nintendo will probably not offer a GPS or competitive web/ app experience. This makes the Switch a redundant piece of hardware, one that can't really replace the phones and tablets that even young gamers already have. Adding insult to injury, one of Nintendo's highest-visability apps, Pokemon Go, probably won't work with the Switch as a result of these missing features. Meanwhile, despite a good showing of third party supporters, Nintendo will again wind up going it alone if the Switch is not a spectacular success before Christmas.

For these reasons, I believe Nintendo should pursue a hardware partnership with Apple, and I'll explain why.

Nintendo offers singularly polished gaming experiences with a stable of IP that can withstand countless iterations. Its hardware is typically bulletproof and its d-pad is second to none. They are also extremely focused on DRM and still flush with cash after the runaway success of the Wii. Apple, meanwhile, offers premium phones, music players and tablets that perform at or near the top of their categories and can power graphically impressive games. They have a large user base and their customers are willing to spend more on apps than their Android counterparts. They have a small stable of hardware to ensure compatibility. They also have a security update cycle that would encourage most users to keep their phones unhacked and running official software. If Nintendo produces an exclusive controller case for Apple iOS devices, it can control the ergonomic experience, minimize piracy, and still sell their own hardware with a high margin.

The time to partner with Apple is now, because Nintendo still has the cache and financial leverage that few (if any) other gaming brands posess. Nintendo can negotiate a special placement in the App Store to ensure they are not lost in the mix of software. Nintendo can also mandate that the Apple device must be linked to their official controller to play their games. This is crucial to the quality of the experience. If Nintendo waits until the current Switch reveals itself to be a failure, they will be in the same position as Sega was after Dreamcast-- forced to get in line as just another software developer.

Potential downsides:

• Apple is an American company. Judging by Microsoft's efforts in Japan, a certain amount of the Japanese market may snub it. It's a small part of the potential market, though, and will be mitigated by Nintendo's involvement on the hardware side.
• Despite Nintendo's excellent position, profits will be shared with Apple, though the installed user base means higher returns than would be obtainable with the current Switch hardware.
• The Nvidia processor in the Switch is almost certainly more powerful than the iPhone 7, but new iterations will come out every year without R&D costs for Nintendo.

Upside: Nintendo will have a successful hardware launch with premium-priced software and the ability to remain autonomous.

Not really the right forum, but whatever. I think the Switch looks pretty cool. For a while now I've wanted a tablet that has the ability to have a larger screen when I wish. The Switch looks like it's kinda like that, but a pure gaming machine instead.

Moved thread from OT to NFC.

Its not touch screen though, it cant be touch screen cause in the video it goes from small screen to big TV and resumes play. This means all games use this resume play feature.

What would be cool is if Nintendo can get Switch to use Itunes App. That way i can watch my movies and tv shows, and listen to my podcast, music etc.

Nintendo now makes games for Apple, so the trade will be easy. That way, everyone wins.

Also,

• Apple is biggest mobile provider in Japan. Its why Nintendo signed contract to make mobile games for them.
• Nintendo is first ever to get App notification on App Store. This means you download Nintendo App and it notifies you when new releases are coming.
• Nintendo might can release a new screen with better specs and stuff also.

Upside, Nintendo can do and is doing everything you want, plus can do their own thing and innovate.

How much you want to bet Apple is copying Nintendos Joy-Cons as we speak.

Nintendo doesn't play well with others. They like to be in complete control of everything. And they especially wouldn't play well with an American company like Apple.

I'm pretty sure Nintendo is aware that most people in the US already have an iPhone/iPad/Apple TV. But those products are not the Switch main competitors. There is no single game for any of those devices that offers the same immersion as a dedicated gaming device, part of the reason is that Apple takes 30% profit and most people on those platforms are not willing to spend $60 dollars on a new game when most of them range from $0 - $5. Do we really wanna risk Nintendo reduce the quality of the content of all their games to sell them at $5 so that it appeals to the masses? This might be a good idea on the short term but Nintendo is a company with a long term vision and I'm happy they are planning to stay here for a while.

Coolyfett sees what you are saying here, but Nintendo can take total advantage of not only Apple, but Google Play and Microsoft Stores. We still dont know what all the Switch tablet can do. Some form of Nintendo Map App is a must! The eShop has to be overhauled. If a user is moving to remote locations, once they establish a wifi or internet connection the Map App should auto enable. This could benefit Games\Apps like Pokemon Go and such. It will need a really good browser as well. Nintendo doesnt normally use browsers like Internet Explorer, Chrome or Safari. Its very important they have a great browser though especially for a tablet device. Not everyone wants to be "in bed" with Apple, Google or Microsoft, so its important Nintendo do their own thing. They need their eShop to offer a lot of different Apps. Google Chrome and Google Maps may be available. If they are not Nintendo needs an equivalent. You can put out a tablet in 2017 without either regardless of it being a gaming device or not.

@iandizion713: I think Apple's space in the game industry would look very different right now if they released a first party controller 5 years ago. For whatever reason they don't seem to understand games or see value in them.

@HardStomp: They have that Apple TV controller, but its basically just a Wiimote. But yeah, im surprised they never made an official one for the phones and Ipads.

@peruwolf93: I understand your concerns. I believe Nintendo is now where Sega was with the Dreamcast. It was their last chance to do it all themselves. And when it didn't work out, they had to join the rank and file as a third party developer. If that happens to Nintendo, as I think may now be inevitable, they will never again be able to have the same level of polish. Also, I get that they would have to break the ice with $60 games on a mobile app store, but if a company can do it, it's Nintendo.

@HardStomp: Nintendo Switch guarantees that wont happen. This thing will sell more than Wii U in one year.

@iandizion713: I have my doubts but I hope so.