Most of you are probably already aware that Nintendo has announced their new console, the Nintendo Switch, is set for release on March 2017. Many of you are going to have opinions on the console, but what I wanted to bring attention to with this discussion is what this means to SmileBASIC.

I'm interested into the homebrew aspect of this. Perhaps it will endorse such things? (lol nope)

More specifically, SmileBoom had announced SmileBASIC for Wii U quite a while ago. What's worrying is that we still haven't gotten a time frame for its release. While Nintendo has stated that their new console is not meant as a replacement for either the Wii U or 3DS, we can expect a decline of users for them, and in my opinion, specially for the Wii U.

the switch is not portable. it can move, but it cannot fit in your pocket. i expect mostly wii u users will upgrade.

also, the switch is just a better wii u. it makes sense. the 3ds is a different concept.

This puts the release of SmileBASIC for Wii U in an awkward spot, since it probably won't release before the Switch's launch, and releasing it for the Wii U would be disadvantageous due to the many users that will be leaving for the newer platform. In my opinion, this leaves a couple of options for future releases of SmileBASIC...

They could release it on the Wii U, where it would become a cult-like piece of software, where it could find its share of dedicated users, but would ultimately become obscured by software on the new platform.

They could also scrap the Wii U version and begin work on a Switch version. This would require the most work, I would imagine, since SmileBASIC programs are meant to be run on a platform with certain features, like two simultaneous screens, which may or may not be present on the Switch. This means straight ports of these programs may be difficult to work out or may not be present at all.

That itself could mean that we could be getting a successor to SmileBASIC on the Switch. This would end up being the 4th entry in the Petit Computer series, SmileBASIC for 3DS being the 3rd, if I recall correctly. It's interesting to imagine how a hypothetical SmileBASIC for Switch would utilize its unique features, like the detachable controllers (Joy-Cons).

This announcement certainly brings an interesting future for this series, and I'd like for this community to discuss ideas or opinions about the topic. (Also, a bit out of topic, I'd like to apologize for my absence as of late. I've seen a bunch of questions people have had that I have not been able to answer due to time constraints. Life has been keeping me quite busy...)

"What's worrying is that we still haven't gotten a time frame for its release." It's estimated to be out in Japan by the end of the year.

Or they wont release any SmileBOOM applications on console, which is about 7/10 chance.

I have a feeling they will still release it on Wii U. Who knows I guess it's mostly up to smileBOOM. I doubt it could really gain much (performance wise from the Switch) mainly because the Wii U already has enough power for SB. Also the U price will likely drop and increase the player-base rather than decrease.

@Alex Is that confirmed? I haven't really heard much about a release anywhere. Could you point me towards a source of this info? Search engines aren't helping... @Warrior That'd disappoint me, if true. I want SmileBASIC programs on the big screen... @Aaron I'd love to think more people will pick up the Wii U! A price drop would certainly encourage buyers.

SmileBoom sent the release build of BIG off to Nintendo Japan's QA team. Would post links but admins...

They didnt even release SmileBasic 3ds in Europe yet lol.

SmileBASIC NX when?

@Oscar Well, if you post it you won't get banded because you won't use copyrighted graphics if their just graphics pages. Also, mechanics can't be copyrighted just look at the case of Asteroids vs. Meteors of 1981, nothing happened even if the are basically the same.

What if they release it on both