shikamaru317 said:
It's likely, but the point remains. Nintendo could theoretically have both a console and a handheld with different hardware instead of shared hardware, and still maintain the Fusion philosophy. The handheld could play the same games as the console but with significantly downgraded graphics and resolution. Development would be fairly challenging and mainly 1st and 2nd party developers would attempt it, but if Fusion is just a tablet that let's you play games on your tv over wi-fi, it's not going to attract 3rd party developers anyway since the specs of a handheld would hold back PS5, Xbox 4, and PC far too much. But, if they give the Fusion terminal it's own hardware that's closer in specs to the PS5, Xbox 4, and PC, while also using the same x86 architecture, Nintendo should at least get some 3rd party multiplat support. |
The point of the unified platforms is so that Nintendo can be more self-reliant without facing software droughts, also having all games on either device ensures that the console will get all the Japanese 3rd party support that their handhelds recieve. That along with Nintendo's continued support of indies will give them a strong software library.
Even if Nintendo goes all out on trying to get the AAA western market, they likely won't succeed so they will try their best to maintain strong support without them. Nintendo 1st parties+Japanese 3rd parties+western indies will be the main software focus, any potential support from the likes of EA/Activision/Ubisoft/Warner Bros is welcome but not the main focus.
Basically in terms of hardware, I expect to see something like this
Handheld-moderate boost over Vita that can handle Wii U level visuals on a small screen and lower resolution. Similar to the difference between PSP-3DS-Wii.
Console-slight upgrade over Wii U that can produce Wii U level visuals at a higher resolution with some extra effects. Similar to the difference between GC-Wii.
When the herd loses its way, the shepard must kill the bull that leads them astray.
