The topic at hand is "elite studio", and to me that is one that makes ground-breaking, impressive, system-selling AAA games. At the present time, I think there is no question that the leader there is Monolithsoft. Right now they are at the leading edge of RPG gaming, better than S-E. Retro's last title, meanwhile, is one that seems a bit derivative, and hardly had the gaming world buzzing.

Further, when you look at the original mission of Retro, it was to make non-Nintendo style games, games that appeal to the west. I would argue that Monolith is actually doing a better job of that now. DKC is more like a game Nintendo would make in-house, while Xenoblade is the type of title you would see on XBox or PS; the type of game that non-Nintendo fans would talk about.

Ideally I'd like to see both studios expand to two or three full teams, making regular titles. I think Monolithsoft could be the new Squaresoft, with two skilled groups making RPGs. Retro could be the new Rare, making platformers and FPS or TPS/adventures... but they both need more staff. Retro may also need more creative freedom. Monolith, I think, operates with a great deal of autonomy under the lead of Tetsuya Takahashi. I think Retro lacks a clear independent leader, far too often answering to Japan.

I would completely disagree, and haven't to have the game pause so you can go to a menu to see the map doesn't break immersion. I basically feel the exact opposite of you and am glad the gamepad will be back for NX.

I wouldn't say necessarily pause the game, just bring up a semi-transparent screen to jump around without the game pausing. As for the NX, keep in mind everything we know is a rumor; the gamepad coming back (or some kind of tablet/touchscreen controller) is by no means a certainty.

Sorry, but I still prefer Metroid Prime over Xenoblade! Haven't played the new game though.

Still, either way your attention is taken away from the game world. A semi transparent screen would also hender reading, making anything other than just looking at a map, say like managing probes for a certain amount of miranium of money a complete pain.

Reading or temporarily taking your attention away from the game world doesn't kill immersion to nearly the same degree. For example, something like Silent Hill 2 requires you to take your attention away from the game world in order to read or use a map, and yet is widely considered one of the most immersive experiences in video games. Referencing another game that's been mentioned quite a few times on this thread, Metroid Prime, is also praised frequently for its immersiveness, while having lores communicated in much the same way. Same goes for Amensia. Stopping what you're doing to read something doesn't break immersion nearly as much as being forced to look away from the TV. One simply pauses the game; the other forces you to divert your eyes from the TV and see whatever is inbetween your TV and the Gamepad; floor, carpet, objects lying on the ground, oftentimes your own body, etc. One simply is a break in the action, while the other is a consistent reminder that you are not, in fact, in a video game.

And no, I'm not really sure it would. Regardless, if you're managing probes around for money, you might as well be making that into a full blown pause screen for the amount of time your attention will be taken away from the game.

So essentially if you have to manage things you're breaking immersion anyways. 

And though it depends on person, looking at the game pad actually made me felt more immersed.

What games on PS4 or Xbox are similar to the Xenoblades games? I can't think of one. Monolith Software isn"t making the kind of games that release on these other consoles, they are making very special games in their own leagues that can't be compared to the generic western RPGs.

Monolith made Nintendo a great RPG maker on home console, they perfectly complement Nintendo's offer. Xenoblade went from being an under the radar game announced quickly , not even sure to released in the West, to Xenoblade X, a game launched like the major title it is, with bundles and limited editions.

As for the studios, Monolith seems to me like a place where the group of people from SquareSoft and Namco who left are still fully together. It's easier when everyone stays at the studio  and you don't have to replace people often.

Retro made the best game of this generation, so they are still top dog.

I wouldn't even bother arguing with this guy anymore. It's obvious he's never drove a car in his life and can't multi task. Look at the road, mirror, gauges, and radio all can be done safely and with ease. I would love if prime came to the wii u with gamepad support. Prime is one of the best games of all time but had to be paused alot to look at the map! If the map was on the gamepad it would have been more immersive. I feel like he's either 1: hasn't played games like x or spatoon or 2: can't multi task at all and gets lost and confused the instent he takes his eyes off the TV. And yes I hope NX keeps the gamepad! Even just for a map it does ALOT to  help immerse you in the game and not having to pause to go to a menu.