Nintendo finally told the world all about their upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch, live from Tokyo last evening. From a launch date and selling point to some upcoming titles, the Switch definitely has some potential.
The Console
Launch date: March 3, 2017
MSRP: $299.99
What it comes with: Switch console, dock, two joy con controllers (one model will have two grey joy cons, another will have on red and one blue), a joy con grip that converts the two into one controller, a set of joy con wrist straps, and an AC adapter.
The Switch’s main console screen will be a full touchscreen at 6.2 inches large. When away from the doc, depending on the game, battery life will be anywhere from 2.5 to 6.5 hours. The console can be played while it’s charging, and can be charged using the AC adapter or portable batteries.
The controllers: The real magic is actually here, and though they’re small, they pack a big punch. These two palm-sized joy con controllers are equipped with gyroscopes, accelerometers, and HD rumbles. These new rumbles are supposed to add another sense of realism to gaming; Nintendo claims they’re so good you can feel and hear the sensation of ice cubes and water being poured into a glass with them.
The left joy con has a button that will instantly capture screenshots of any game to share on social media. At a later date, this will record video as well. Alternatively, the right joy con will have a NFC reader for Amiibo and a IR Motion Camera that can detect shapes and motion for specific games.
How to play: The Switch is the first at-home console to ever have true portability – and three different ways of playing.
TV Mode: Switch is in dock; played as a standard at-home console.
Handheld Mode: Take the Switch out of the dock and attach the joy con controllers to the sides for on-the-go play.
Tabletop Mode: Similar to the handheld mode, the Switch must be removed from the dock. Use the kickstand on the back of the system and detach the joy con controllers and enjoy playing with friends.
Make sure not to lose these little puppies – they’re going for $80 a pair. Alternatively, the pro controller will cost $70.
Online Services
The Switch is a big step for multiplayer and party gaming from Nintendo. Every model will come equipped with Wi-Fi and up to eight consoles can be connected at once for play. Nintendo will also be introducing a new paid online gaming subscription exclusive to the Switch. Paid online gaming is hardly new for Nintendo; it’s been done in the past, and it failed. This time around however, they’re taking notes from their competitors.
Subscribers will have full access to online play, a mobile app, a free monthly download of a SNES or NES title, and exclusive deals. All players on the Switch will still be able to access the eShop, add and manage friends, share screenshots to social media and access parental controls.
At launch, every console will be able to try the online subscription for free. In the summer, a mobile app will be introduced for messaging and communication on the service, and the service will go fully paid in the fall. At launch, this service will only be available in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
The Games
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 3.3.17
Nintendo’s beautiful E3 title is indeed going to be a launch title for the Switch and will be dropping more Amiibo figures than initially expected. This open world, fully voiced reimagination of the franchise will use the Link Rider and Archer, Guardian, Zelda, Bokoblin and Wolf Link figures. There will be three editions of the game as well: Standard ($60), Special ($99.99) and Master ($129.99)
1-2-Switch – 3.3.17
Remember Wii Party? This might just be its spiritual cousin. Designed for party play, this new game provides several different mini-games to play with friends and family. Form what we’ve seen so far, there’s a western shoot-out and a few other unique twists and turns.
ARMS – Spring 2017
This new IP combines everything you love about Rock-em Sock-em Robots and combines it with the challenge of shooters and adds a new twist – slinky arms. It’s a typical fighter, and will have single player and local and online multiplayer.
Has Been Heroes – March 2017
Just Dance 2017 – March 2017
Skylanders Imaginators – March 2017
Snipperclips – Cut it out, Together! – March 2017
Super Bomberman R – March 2017
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – April 2017
Splatoon 2 – Summer 2017
Nintendo’s surprise IP is making a comeback on the Switch. It’s the same 4v4 play everyone fell in love with the first time around, with new maps, new weapons and new styles. It will support the mobile app for voice chat, and will most likely launch with the online feature.
Super Mario Odyssey – Holiday 2017
If “Super Mario 64” and “Super Mario Sunshine” had a baby, this game would be it. This sandbox Mario title will take him on brand new adventures outside of the Mushroom Kingdom, and Mario has a super cool hat, to boot.
Disgaea 5 Complete – TBA
Dragon Quest 10 and 11 - TBA
Dragon Quest Heroes 1 and 2 – TBA
EA Sports: FIFA – TBA
Fire Emblem Warriors – TBA
FST RMX – TBA
Project Octopath Traveller – TBA
Puyo Puyo Tetris – TBA
Shin Megumi Tensei – TBA
Skyrim – TBA
Sonic Mania - TBA
Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers – TBA
Untitled SUDA51 Title - TBA
Xenoblade 2 – TBA
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