[shareIdeas]

I don't see what value Nintendo is providing this generation of gaming. Access to exclusive IP?

Between my laptop and cellphone, I have unlimited gaming for nearly free.

It really makes me wonder what the point of consoles are, they are inferior computers but heavily marketed.

[lazerwalker]

Nintendo first-party IP is a HUGE draw, and they're currently on a roll in terms of making games that are both innovative and good. It's hard to overstate how important that is.

The Switch is also huge for being the most successful example of letting people play "real" not-mobile games in a portable device. With pretty much any modern indie release, my choices are to buy it on my computer, where I can play on my TV or my monitor, or buy it on Switch, where I can play it at home but also on the subway, when traveling, etc. That's huge.

It also means local multiplayer with my friends is way easier than it's been before. My Switch case (which comfortably fits in my bag) has 4 controllers, and because the Switch itself is so portable, it's also easy to play games where my friends each bring their own Switches. The combination of the Switch's mass-market success, and (again) the fact that these are "full" console-sized releases instead of smaller "portable" releases, make it feel meaningfully better at this than e.g. the various Game Boys/DSes or PSP / PS Vita.

[Zenbit_UX]

I'll give you the laptop point but as for mobile, if you truly think that offers a comparable gaming experience you're not a gamer, and certainly not the type of gamer being marketed to here.

Nintendo holds some of the most valuable gaming IP in the world and their games sell consoles. It doesn't matter what crazy format they make, people will buy it if they make a smash and Mario game on it.

I unfortunately don't see them ever releasing Mario Cart 74 on steam or any other pc platform, it just goes against everything they believe in (gaming is a social and family activity). But Tbh, I probably wouldn't want them too either.

[nineteen999]

Well there is Mario Kart Tour which is in beta for Android. Although it sounds like the controls are dumbed down somewhat and it will include microtransactions.

[SmellyGeekBoy]

Part of the appeal of Nintendo are their unique control schemes that just don't translate very well to other systems.

[SmellyGeekBoy]

> It really makes me wonder what the point of consoles are, they are inferior computers but heavily marketed.

People have been saying this for decades but consoles seem to be doing better than ever.

[SllX]

It is nice to have dedicated hardware for certain activities. I could play games on my phone, but I actually don’t want to. Even if I can find decent games that aren’t trying in some way to milk me for all I’m worth, it’s just not as good an experience as pulling my Switch out of my bag or sitting down and picking up my PS4 controller.

It doesn’t hurt that Nintendo is also one of the better game developers on the planet.

[zhobbs]

Yes, without their exclusive IP there would be very few switch sales. It's why I have one for sure, same with PS4.

[lostgame]

If you consider your cellphone to be a legitimate gaming platform, you are not the type of gamer who Nintendo is trying to sell this device to.

Also, it's mainly the social aspects of Nintendo games that get me to buy the consoles and games.

[ponyous]

Their IP is really good. No other platform offers so many games that I love to play with my GF and friends.

[mcphage]

> they are inferior computers

Also: inexpensive. Price has always been one of their strongest features.