Back in October, I talked about Nintendo's brand new console, the Nintendo Switch. Early, early this morning, we finally got some new info on the console, along with the all important release date & price, and a small taste of the games that will be making their way to the new system. For those of you who missed it, here's a quick recap:
The Console
As with past consoles, Nintendo Switch will feature online services. However, they will no longer be free. People who buy the Switch at launch will be able to try out the online service for free for a few weeks, but then will have to pay to continue using the service. No word yet on how much Nintendo plans to charge yet, but this is kind of a bummer. Nintendo's online
On the plus side, however, it seems that region locking will be a thing of the past. Up until recently, if you purchased a game that was exclusive to Japan or Europe and took it back home to the states, chances are you wouldn't be able to play unless you had a system from that region, or you modded your own system. But the Switch will not be region locked, which is great news.
The event also went in-depth with the features of the new Joy Con controllers, which are quite a bit smaller than I had first predicted. Among the notable features are a share button, which will allow you to capture screenshots and eventually videos of gameplay to upload to social media, Amiibo support, vastly improved motion control and "HD Rumble" features, and a variety of colors.
The Games
Of course, a new system brings about new games. While the event had plenty of titles we were already hotly anticipating, such as Zelda, it also brought out some brand-new titles as well:
1,2 Switch
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You can't have a cool new controller without a collection of mini games to show it off, right? 1,2 Switch is essentially the Switch's version of Wii Sports, but with a much wider variety of games that aren't just sports. Interestingly, you don't even have to look at the screen to play the game, you instead watch your opponent and try to predict his or her moves, with prompting from the Switch, I assume. It will be a lunch title, and most likely a game that comes bundled with the system.
Arms
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Another game that highlights the Joy Con controllers specifically is Arms, which I can only describe as "boxing with stretchy arms." With a controller in each hand, you punch at your opponent while your arms stretch across the arena to your opponent. You can also dodge, dash and jump for a variety of different moves. It looks to be a blast when it comes out Spring of this year, and may give me a reason to pick up my martial arts training again.
Splatoon 2
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Splatoon is back on the Switch with Splatoon 2. The 4-vs-4, plaint splattered turf wars return, with brand new weapons like the Splat Duelies: a pair of dual-wielded, rapid fire paint guns. And, for the first time, you can play Splatoon either online and local multiplayer. Fans of the original have a lot to look forward to when Splatoon 2 arrives this summer.
Super Mario Odyssey
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We all knew a Mario game was coming, but I sure didn't expect this. Super Mario Odyssey is taking us back to the sandbox-style exploration of Super Mario 64, with tons of gorgeous, colorful new levels, including some that look veeeeeery similar to New York...although we don't have much on the game as of yet, this is probably the most excited I've been to play a Mario game is years. But we'll have to wait a while; it won't come out until Holiday 2017.
New Trailers & Teasers
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Along with these titles, several teasers and trailers were shown for Switch games whose release dates are, as of now, to be announced. The titles include: Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Fire Emblem Warriors, Dragon Quest X and XI, a new Shin Megami Tensei, Square Enix's Project Octopath Traveler, FIFA, No More Heroes 3, and Skyrim. I also caught glimpses of Dragonball Xenoverse, Minecraft, Lego City, Project Sonic 2017, Rayman, Street Fighter, and Mario Kart, among others. Overall, the Switch is shaping up to have a very impressive line-up.
Nintendo Switch launches worldwide on March 3rd, 2017 for an estimated price of $299.99.
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...did you really think this article would end without acknowledging Breath of the Wild? Just as we thought, it is indeed a launch title, and it looks sicker than ever. (And with so much voice acting! Will we finally hear Link's voice???)
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