Honestly, it shouldn’t really be a surprise, but the Nintendo Switch reveal trailer wasn’t showing the demo units playing games live. Instead, they were demo units with the actors mimicking the actions of playing the games, with the video footage then overlaid on the screens using fancy video editing wizardry.
Eurogamer got an explanation out of Nintendo that said:
This video is all about explaining how the Nintendo Switch works. We wanted to convey in a self-contained video how Nintendo Switch represents a new era for video game systems enjoyed in front of a TV, by letting gamers play anywhere, anytime, with anyone they choose. It adds the mobility of a portable system to the power of a home gaming system.
At a later date, before the March launch, we’ll be talking about things like exact launch date, and of course, the games. You shouldn’t assume what you saw on the video represents actual game footage and further specifics on first-party games will be provided later.
This is almost certainly why 2K and Bethesda have been so cagey about saying whether or not NBA 2K17 and Skyrim would be heading to the system, despite having very prominent placement within the trailer.
I actually think the video did a very good job of getting across the core of what the Switch can do. Of course, there’s questions about whether or not it has a touchscreen, the exact hardware specs, the price, the release date, whether Reggie prefers boxers or briefs, and how Mario keeps his moustache so shapely, but we’ll learn the answers to most of those in due course.
Here’s that trailer again:
By way of comparison, here’s Sony showing how to do a demo of upcoming hardware that completely 100% uses live demo units and doesn’t have actors with exaggerated reactions to things they’re being told they just saw and experienced.*
Source: Eurogamer
*Give or take 100%
Kennykazey
No surprise there. It’s a natural way to make sure you get to show the right moments of gameplay with every take.
Actually trying to get the actors to play specific parts perfectly sounds like a nightmare. Imagine all the resetting and preparation between each take!
The Lone Steven
Kinda going to state the obvious but this is why you put disclaimers about it not being live gameplay! I mean, that is very misleading and creates confusion!
At least use first party games if you’re going to fake stuff before confirming or denying stuff!
Stefan L
They did, but it’s at the very end of the video.
Tuffcub
NBA 2K17 will be what, six months old by the time Switch is out? Not exactly a top tier launch title so I doubt it will ever make it out. Skyrim may have more of a chance.