Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Likes Nintendo Switch


Xbox boss Phil Spencer, who is usually outspoken when it comes to the competition, had nothing but praise for the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo released a three-minute preview video showing the world what the next evolution was going to be for home consoles. After a bit of prodding by fans on Twitter, Spencer reacted.

This begs the question, “Does Xbox even consider Nintendo a competitor anymore?” Spencer went on record just this week about not feeling threatened by the early release of the PlayStation 4 Pro, according to Christian Daily, referencing a recent interview with Famitsu Magazine.

“I have no worries at all. We understand that the PlayStation 4 Pro has a firm grasp of the current game market but we want to spend more time understanding the market and the ins and outs of future technology in order to create a system with a true sense of 4K gaming. We want to sit down and get to know each and every component going into the console and how we can perfect it showing the best gaming can offer.”

These comments certainly have a different feel to them than the ones made toward Nintendo’s new console. There is every indication that Nintendo chooses not to compete with Microsoft or Sony.

[Image by Nintendo of America]

In June, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime addressed Bloomberg about the approach Nintendo takes to releasing new hardware as compared to some other companies. While Sony and Microsoft strive for cutting-edge technology and the latest and greatest specs, Nintendo looks to leverage their properties and provide a fun gaming experience.

“You know for us it’s not about specs. It’s not about teraflops. It’s not about the horsepower of a particular system. For us, it’s about the content. Nintendo is a content focused company. We create entertainment that makes people smile… So for us, whatever Microsoft and Sony are doing in terms of talking about new systems, that’s for them to fight out in that red ocean.”

Nintendo seems to be sticking to that strategy with the introduction of the Switch. During the three-and-a-half-minute presentation, the power of the Switch was never mentioned. Even the press release following the announcement did not mention the specs.

[Image by Nintendo of America]

Some things can be deduced from the video. The system should have the capabilities of running games that are at least as powerful as the PlayStation 3 considering Bethesda’s Skyrim was shown. Others have speculated that the NBA title being seen in the video is NBA 2K17, which is also available for previous and next generation systems.

While Nintendo is calling the Switch a home system, the focus of the media has been on the portable aspect of the system. Questions have arisen as to what the battery power of the system could be if it is playing games that require the power of even the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360. Laura Kate Dale, who was pretty accurate with speculations concerning the Switch announcement, indicated that her sources suggested the system at the moment would have a maximum battery life of three hours, according to Nintendo Everything.

It should be noted that Nintendo has not mentioned anything about battery life. In fact, they declined to comment. However, things can change with a system between the initial preview and the final product. Nintendo could be working to extend the life of its battery.

In the meantime, it seems that Nintendo has a thumbs up from Xbox boss Phil Spencer. Only time will tell if the Switch will create a viable competitor to Microsoft as well as Sony. Do you plan on getting a Switch, or was the reveal not quite enough information for you to make an adequate decision?

[Feature Image by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images]

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