I like the idea of switch but I have some questions

I always wanted the option to play 3DS games on the big screen and ironically, I think the option of playing home games on the go is very intriguing.

What has me confused is, will the swtich replace the 3DS or Wii U or both? That's the part I don't understand. Will Nintendo continue to support the 3DS and Wii U? Cut support for one or the other? As a gamer, if I have a 3DS should I upgrade to the Switch? If I am looking to buy a portable system for the first time, do I buy the 3DS or Switch?

Admittedly I have been very busy lately and haven't had time to fully research this. Any responses will be greatly appreciated.

I think officially its not replacing the 3ds, but in reality that probably means the remaining games that were announced for the system will be released and then its all on the switch. It doesnt make sense for Nintendo to have two handhelds at the same time. For the wii u, its been dead for a while, they are trying to distance themselves from that. You will see them shift all their focus to the switch soon

As for buying a switch, that is up to you. It depends on your lifestyle, what kinda games you like and what you already have. More detail would be needed for someone to make a suggestion

In that case, I feel tempted to buy one.

The ship for the Wii U has already sailed. As for the 3DS it already has a large enough install base so I don't see them dropping that anytime soon.

So are you saying they will continue to support the 3DS alongside the Switch?

@Xplode_games: For the time being I would imagine so. The 3DS already has a very large install base and the Switch hasn't even released yet so it's market is still unknown.

Nintendo has committed to a year more of 3DS support, at least, so I imagine the 3DS will stick around- but not for long. Nintendo promised to support the GBA and DS together, and they technically did, but the GBA was phased out and replaced by DS fully by 2006. I think the 3DS will be around for a year, but by May of 2018, it will be all Switch.

It's a new direction. It's neither a console nor a handheld, it's both. The handheld market is not viable anymore commercially for a new product to make waves and Nintendo cannot compete in the mainstream "console" market anymore (it's not consoles anymore, but closed-platform PC's and media hubs). They are rebranding and attempting to build a new niche for themselves.

It's business and they are trying to stay in the black. I for one, and for the sake of gaming, hope they do and stick around and continue to deliver amazing gaming experience for decades to come.

If Nintendo were smart they woulda made the Switch BC to all DS and 3DS game, to pull in those portable gamers more!

So Switch is the successor to the 3DS? What about the Wii U? Will that have a different, separate successor or is it the Switch as well?

@Xplode_games: it's a successor to both.

That battery life and price point is a deal breaker for me though.

I would've bought one at launch if it was cheaper, even though I don't really play games much.

I wonder if they'll iterate it, like have a Switch Pro which increases battery life or something.

It's Nintendo, they've always released updated hardware in the handheld space, I wouldn't see this as any different. Though, unlike most, I see this as a home console that can be used on the go. Sorta like evolving the Wii U game pad to include the console guts.

In that case I think i'm going to buy one.

The 3DS today sells for $200 and the Wii U for $300. It's hard to imagine the Switch being cheaper than the Wii U when it's replacing both.

Seems like you've had a number of good responses. For further discussion, I'd ask you to participate in the stickied thread.