Is the hype for Switch 2 proof that graphics/power is overrated?

For years, the game industry has been emphasizing advancements in power and tech with each new generation. But the Switch, with its 10+ year old tech, is on the verge of becoming the best selling console. And the Switch 2, which will be less powerful than the PS5/XSX, is one of the most hyped consoles and will probably sell like crazy this year. There’s also the popularity of PC gaming handhelds, which are clearly not as powerful as current gen consoles. So what do you think, SW? Is the hype for Switch 2 proof that graphics/power is overrated?

What hype?

Haven't seen much at all tbh.

There's really nothing to talk about in terms of graphics until the hardware is officially out. This is way too early to be discussing this. It was just a reveal, wait till April 2nd when we get more details.

It always was though. The Switch 2 isn’t some new indication of this. There’s been numerous systems and games that proved this to be true.

No. I’m a big Nintendo fan, everyone knows that. So I will be on the Switch 2 team. But I disagree wholeheartedly.

Power and graphics has always been overrated.

Majority games considered to be 'pushing visuals' and make that a priority in development are shallow, having the life-span of milk.

Switch did great because a hybrid device is a smart move that opens doors to a wider market, and Switch had a lot of amazing games on the hardware that are fun to play.

Majority want to play great games, not trash that looks good.

The most played games are not high end graphical masterpieces. In fact, the highest played games are not even developed by either of the three with the exception of MS only because of Minecraft.

Don’t tell that to Herms 🤭

They already know this, you on the other hand...🤭

No, if anything, power is underrated. Courage and Wisdom are overrated.

I'd say Fortnite and Minecraft are proof of this just as much as Switch.

The Switch was gimmicky and a big reason it sold so well, let's see how the Switch 2 fairs. Graphics have nothing to do with it.

I was about to ask the same

Everyone is hyped to play Mario Kart 9. 🤭

I believe that the law of diminishing returns has really kicked in with hardware upgrades at this point.

Simply compare the jump between the Sega Genesis/SNES to the Ps1/N64. When I saw that jump it was absolutely insane. It was like being on a different planet. Any of you that remember seeing Mario 64 for the first time in Toys R Us can most likely understand what I am saying.

Then we saw the jump from Ps1 to Ps2 and I was like "wow that looks so much better!)

Then Ps2 to Ps3 I was like "Nice this looks better"

Now with Ps4 to Ps5 I am like "This looks better....I think?"

It really is just not as exciting as it once was. The Switch 2 will have more than enough power for me, as most games I love the most are not exactly cutting edge in the tech area anyway. (to be honest I feel that is true for most people)

Isn't the Wii, DS, 3DS, and Switch already enough proof of that? Switch has been extremely popular for 8 years with 4GB RAM.

A bit disappointed tbh. Usually Nintendo comes with something fresh and innovative. I don’t think I thought this would be so identical to the Switch outside of specs.

At least they found something that works for them.

In fairness it does include two mice which is an interesting inclusion. Not exactly the most interesting thing in and of itself but raises a few eyebrows. It's not like it's just a copypasta of the Switch.

But yeah I would have liked something a bit more unique. A 3D screen would have been cool. Maybe they have something interesting on the software side though. Nvidia are keen to show off AI so maybe they and Nintendo have something cooking in the background. Or maybe I'm huffing copium :P.

Playstation 2
Wii
DS
Switch

Hell on PC, you can just look at the steam surveys and note that the 3060 cards are the most popular card.

Graphics matter, but not that much, they're more the icing in the cake, as for power i think it damages more than benefits, having some kind of limitation make the ingenuity shine.

We have had this proof on PC for litterally decades.

While the PC master race were boasting about Crysis and still boast about shit litterally no one cares about..

the actual market of pc gaming was stuff like low end MMO that can run on a laptop, free2play games and the sims. Starcraft etc..

Even Halflife 2 was specifically made for a mid end PC at the time.

You just have to look at the stats.

https://www.indiespark.tv/featured/10-of-the-highest-earning-video-games-on-pc/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_PC_games

Many PC gamers were deeply deluded about what games most people were (and are) playing.

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Can also use the Gameboy at the example. At the time their were other handhelds boasting more power (right into their marketing campaign).

Ultimately its price and software, along with battery life dominated the competition.

I think it's a case of presentation which isn't really tied to raw power, a talented team of artists will carry presentation for that icing regardless of the specs needed for a game.

Marvel Rivals is the latest sensation on P.C. and it's hardily demanding. Majority agree however it's visually pleasing.

No. Hype is just hype. People can be "hyped" to buy something that ultimately flops. The actual proof is the success of the current Switch and some of the most successful games of all time. Aside from some exceptions, most of the best selling games aren't graphical powerhouses. You have games like Wii Sports, Minecraft, Mario Kart, Terraria, etc., at the top. Minecraft is THE best selling game of all time, and it's literally just blocks. It looks like an N64 game, but it's outselling the powerhouse that is GTA V.

Let's be honest though graphics and power always matter, but they aren't the most important. What the Switch can do for what it is takes on a balanced approach. It's about to get a boost in new tech so for now with no new Xbox or PS consoles coming out soon it will stand out for a while.

I don't think generalisations work when you're talking about Nintendo.

I mean...it's true that graphics and power aren't super important for a Nintendo platform, but that's because Nintendo has many of the most popular IPs in the industry.

If Sony or Microsoft tried this, I don't think they'd be anywhere near as successful.

People are graphics whores. You got a PS5 pro. I'll get a 5000.

There's no beating around the bush here. Do we need fancy graphics? No we don't. Do we spend absurd amounts of money to get fancy graphics? Yes we do.

Remember when Nintendo announced the Gamecube at Space World and we got to see some fancy Zelda trailer.

Then Nintendo pulled the old Switcheroo and showed Wind Waker in a cell shaded style instead?

Well people were complaining about that for years. People were complaining for years how Watch Dogs was apparently downgraded.

People are graphics whores.

Gaming has reached a point where even decade old games can still look great but are playable on older hardware. There's definitely going to be a larger shift towards rewarding gameplay over fancy visuals and we already see it a lot with indie titles being so popular.

There is hype but idk if people really losing minds over it tbh. Pricing wise at $400 you could just buy a Steamdeck or digital PS5 so the talk is unusually subdued.

If the rumors it will push PS4 Pro power undocked I hope it hits a little higher while docked. Either way a new Mario Kart has me hyped, and I'll get one when I can.

Hype? I haven't seen any hype for it...if anything, I've been reading about how the reveal was just so underwhelming...lol

I remember when the Series X and PS5 were coming out the Xboxers on here were crowing about the extra teraflops they believed they had. So to them it was important.

In reality there is little more to be achieved graphics-wise unless it comes with better gameplay. Better graphics will not make Star Wars Outlaws a good game.

The jump to PS5 gave us better loading times but there is little on PS5 you cannot play on PS4. The jump from PS5 to PS6 will be even more meaningless and the PS5 Pro is just pointless - other than scamming the Sony Cultists out of more money. The only good thing about the PS5 Pro is that is might make the OG PS5 cheaper. I will wait with baited breath as to whether the Sony can give me something that makes it worth upgrading my PS5. The Pro is not worth upgrading for.

Short answer... No!!

Long answer... Noperzzz!! lol :P

I thought it was PS4 Pro while docked? Undocked would be something.

We've had so many examples over the length of the gaming hobby that put on display the fact that player engagement and gameplay creativity trounces visuals...

The switch 2 is going to do very well and make Nintendo buckets of money. I would prefer the industry remain healthy by not overblowing their budgets on visuals because they equate to minimal gain at heavy expense.

"If you judge a fish by it's ability to climb a tree, you will find it inadequate"

No one is expecting the Switch to climb any trees.

That doesn't mean we don't appreciate things that can climb trees.

Agree 99% but visuals do allow developers to execute their vision to one degree or another. Both objectively (in terms of shadows, lights, model detail, performance) and subjectively (will this hardware help me do what I want?)

There's an old chef's saying of "people eat with their eyes before anything else" and I think this is very true to a lot of things.

On a list of five things, I'd put graphics at like a 6 or 7...not very important. But on a list of 10 things, fairly important.

I definitely prefer a focus on art direction and performance over pure visual realism/wow-factor, though. Especially in this era where we seem to be well into diminishing returns where the hardware investment just isn't really yielding the results we should be getting relative to what we were investing 10 years ago.

I mean, games from the early 2010's look really, really good whereas games now are impressive don't get me wrong but they're not that impressive relative to where we were.

I think it's important. It doesn't have to be a massive powerhouse but the fact of the matter is that when a system lacks power, it gets passed by or gets the worst version of the game, just like the switch did. The truth is when you lack power you will miss out on more games than hardware with power, so it's doomed to always be a "secondary console" for hardcore gamers.