I want to see official proof.
If someone can translate a lot of this stuff that would be nice. I think "enhanced port" of BIG for Switch might be the best move here, since it maintains compatibility with other releases. Plus the future of SB remains otherwise uncertain.
How they will handle two-screen stuff is yet to be seen, and I expect to see a specific Switch mode as well.
Sorry for the double post, I just have some more things on my mind.
If they do go the same route as BIG and do "same SmileBASIC but tailored for a specific platform" then I personally can't justify the price of buying it again (unless they provide a discount or it's pretty cheap,) but it's still the best move for the entire ecosystem I think. So long as they sort out the compatibility stuff a bit better and try as hard as possible to keep the core portable as they are now, we will still have the "write once, run anywhere" advantage that most programs have, and some programs can even dynamically tweak/enhance themselves based on the host machine. It doesn't take owning a Switch to do this, only to test it, so I'll probably remain using my N2DS and getting some support from other users in "enhancing" my programs for other targets, hopefully automatically. I'm confident enough in my ability that I could write a game on my DS that upscales itself when it runs on a Wii U, so buying a secondary platform for development isn't really in my interest (until some really baller Switch-exclusive programs come out, of course.)
I hope they don't just wholesale port BIG over, though. It's in their best interest to, quite honestly, leave BIG behind, and only maintain basic compatibility with 3.5.2 for all future versions. The Wii U is dead, and I don't even think Nintendo lets third parties push updates anymore. They should make a new "Switch" version with new Switch features, as the Switch and the Wii U are fundamentally very different systems to develop for.
Now, I'm interested in how portable mode will work. I assume it will be like typing on the Wii U gamepad in BIG off-TV mode. Since the Switch has a larger screen and more comfortable form factor than the gamepad, as well as a fairly regular capacitive touch screen (so multitouch is a given) I wouldn't mind too much to set the Switch down flat (or propped up slightly with something) and start pecking away at its on-screen keyboard, if I really need to. Of course, I'd much prefer TV mode and a real keyboard. Unless there's some kind of portable "dock" that acts as a USB hub.
Switch and SmileBASIC?
I might honestly try to buy a Switch just for this.
(And then I'd end up with Mario Kart at some point as well, but that's secondary.)
My main two arguments about not needing a switch have always been 'isn't hacked' and 'doesn't have SmileBASIC.' Suddenly one or both of those may be solved. :D
Just another reason for me to buy a Switch.
This is honestly the only reason I would buy a Switch
Does anybody have the release date for this?