Nintendo Switch Releases Early 2017
Nintendo has finally revealed their latest console, named the Nintendo Switch, and it is scheduled for release early 2017. In a short three minute long trailer, Nintendo showed what their console looks like, a handful of games, and most importantly, it’s core functionality.
The main takeaway is that the Nintendo Switch will be a hybrid console, allowing you to seamlessly play either at home connected to your TV, or on the go on its portable screen. The controller, called the Joy-Cons will slip off it’s base and slip on to the portable unit. Removing the portable unit from it’s dock will instantly switch displays, allowing you to resume your game on the go.
Additionally, the Joy-Cons can be split up into two separate controllers, allowing multiplayer action on the go.
A number of accessories were introduced in the video. The first is the docking unit. The docking unit will allow you to connect to your TV, and will subsequently charge your Switch console as well. The next is the Joy-Con controllers. These can be slipped onto the console, onto the controller grips, held individually, or be split up into two controllers. A Nintendo Switch Pro controller is also introduced, offering more traditional gameplay. And finally, it seems that a number of mounting accessories may be offered, including one that could clip to a pole or a headrest.
It seems that Nintendo is going away from disc based games, and moving to a cartridge solution, similar to their handheld units. As the cost of flash memory goes down and the demand for moving data at high speed rises, doing away with discs makes sense.
Finally, a number of games were teased. We know that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be available on the Switch. But we also saw a new Mario 3D platformer, Mario Kart, Splatoon, NBA 2K, and Skyrim. Nintendo also revealed that a number of third party developers will be supporting the platform, including EA Sports, Take 2, Square Enix, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft, and many more.
For more information, check out Nintendo.com, or keep an eye on the listing on the Nintendo Switch product page on Amazon.com for pre-ordering details.
