Last night during the company’s scheduled event, Nintendo announced more extensive details regarding their new Switch console. Such things as specifications, games, and more were all discussed, so there’s definitely a lot to talk about.
Regarding the elephant in the room, the Switch’s specs are as follows:
- 6.2-inch 720p multi-touch display
- 32GB on-board storage (expandable via microSD card)
- 2.5-6 hours battery life depending on games played
- USB-C port
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi
- Ethernet LAN support
- 1080p HDMI output
We were expecting a roughly 7-inch display on the Switch alongside a pretty low resolution, so that first spec doesn’t seem out of place. However, only 32GB of storage in a world where dedicated gaming devices can have 500GB is a bit odd, but it’s forgivable thanks to that microSD card slot. In addition, it’s nice to see USB-C make its way to more devices (hey, it is 2017 after all), while AC Wi-Fi support is always great alongside Ethernet support.
That’s pretty much all the specs we’re currently aware of, but there’s much more to the Switch than that. In the box, you’ll get the gaming pad itself (a.k.a. a 6.2-inch touchscreen), two Joy-Con controllers (one for the left and one for the right), a Joy-Con grip that’ll hold the two controllers together while the screen is docked, a “set” of Joy-Con straps, the Switch dock for your TV, an HDMI cable, and an AC adapter for power. A tweet with images of the contents can be found below.
#NintendoSwitch arrives on March 3. Here’s what’s in the box. pic.twitter.com/ZGiz0y5QKd
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 13, 2017
Game wise, the Switch will launch with a number of mini-games developed to showcase the console’s controllers’ features called 1-2 Switch. And of course, the much-anticipated Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will also make its way to market.
Other first-party games will also reach the market in time, with probably the most anticipated out of Nintendo’s event being Super Mario Odyssey which allows players to interact with Mario in his own world, much like the case was with Super Mario 64 back in the day.
A full list of game titles and descriptions can be found below.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Prepare for the biggest Legend of Zelda adventure yet, with an open-air style that breaks new boundaries while honoring the origins of the acclaimed series. Explore a world of unprecedented size and discover more than 100 puzzle-filled Shrines of Trials, plus a wide variety of weapons, outfits and gear. Players won’t want to stop playing, and they won’t have to since Nintendo Switch allows them to continue the adventure anywhere, anytime.
The game is compatible with Zelda 30th Anniversary series amiibo, the Wolf Link amiibo (which will be re-issued as a standalone amiibo on Feb. 3) and the new Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild series amiibo. In addition to the previously announced Link (Rider), Link (Archer) and Guardian amiibo, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild series amiibo will also include new Zelda and Bokoblin amiibo. The amiibo in this series carry a suggested retail price of $15.99, except for the massive Guardian amiibo, which has a suggested retail price of $19.99.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will provide players with a landmark Nintendo Switch experience on the system’s launch day in March, and will be available as a standard edition, Special Edition and Master Edition. The Special Edition includes the game, a Nintendo Switch Sheikah Slate Carrying Case, Sheikah Eye Collectible Coin, Relic of Hyrule: Calamity Ganon Tapestry and Weather-Worn Map, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sound SelectionCD for a suggested retail price of $99.99. The Master Edition includes all of those items plus a Master Sword of Resurrection figure, and has a suggested retail price of $129.99.
1-2-Switch: This is the first Nintendo video game in which players compete in fun activities while staring into each other’s eyes instead of at the TV screen. From Wild West gunslinging to copying each other’s dance moves, the games in 1-2-Switch make creative use of a broad variety of Nintendo Switch features to liven up parties with anyone, anywhere, at any time. 1-2-Switch will be available alongside the Nintendo Switch system on its launch day in March.
ARMS: Featuring a unique multiplayer fighting sport that lets players trade blows using extendable arms, this game includes elements of both boxing and shooting games, plus a new cast of characters. After customizing a character with a variety of arms, the player holds one Joy-Con in each hand and throws left and right punches at the opponent. Characters can jump and dash, and players can bend their punches by twisting their hands as they swing. As players learn the game and improve their skills, they will discover a deeper level of advanced tactics. Players can compete against the computer, against a friend on a split screen using a second set of Joy-Con (sold separately), against worldwide rivals online, or with two Nintendo Switch systems over a local wireless connection. ARMS will be available this Spring.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: With Nintendo Switch, fans can enjoy the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 anywhere, anytime, even with up to eight friends in local wireless multiplayer. All your favorite tracks and characters return from the Wii U version, plus all DLC tracks and characters, and new characters join the roster, too: Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy from Splatoon, as well as King Boo, Dry Bones and Bowser Jr.! Plus, Battle mode has been revamped and includes Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast, with new courses such as Urchin Underpass and Battle Stadium, and returning ones like GCN Luigi’s Mansion and SNES Battle Course 1. Players can now carry two items at a time, including new items returning from previous Mario Kart games such as Boo (the item-stealing ghost) and the Feather, which gives players a high jump in Battle mode. Players can even choose to use a new Smart Steering feature, which makes driving and staying on the track easy for novice players and kids, even at 200cc. Play in TV mode in up to 1080p. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches in April.
Splatoon 2: Traditional 4-on-4 turf battles return in this full sequel to the original breakout hit game, along with new stages, new fashions and new weapons such as the two-handed Splat Dualies. Players can compete on the TV or on the go. Whether they use the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (sold separately) or Joy-Con, players can aim their ink using gyro controls. Splatoon 2 supports both local and online multiplayer matches. The game will also support voice chat using the new Nintendo Switch smart device app (a free, limited version of the app will be available this summer), and will add new stages, fashions and weapons after launch, as the original game did. Splatoon 2 is scheduled to launch this summer.
Super Mario Odyssey: This is the first sandbox game that allows Mario to fully explore his world since Super Mario 64 on Nintendo 64 and Super Mario Sunshine on Nintendo GameCube. Mario jumps out of the Mushroom Kingdom and embarks on a journey through mysterious new places and new experiences, such as sailing between worlds aboard an airship and the ability to throw Mario’s cap. Super Mario Odyssey is scheduled to launch during the 2017 holiday season.
Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!: In this creative new kind of Action-Puzzle game, players communicate, cooperate and use their imaginations to solve basic and advanced puzzles by cutting paper characters into new shapes. People can play solo or with a friend in the main game, then bring in a bigger group to solve up to four-player dynamic puzzles or compete in other activities. Snipperclips – Cut it out, together! will release in March exclusively in Nintendo eShop.
In addition, a gaming subscription service will also be launched for Switch players which will no longer allow users to play in multiplayer mode for free any longer. This is similar to what Microsoft and Sony are doing with the Xbox and PlayStation. A free NES or SNES will be offered to subscribers each month, and while details remain scarce, we expect the price of the service to be around $60/month as that’s what Microsoft and Sony charge for their services.
Of course, there’s plenty more to talk about regarding the Switch including just how everything works, so if you’re interested, check out Nintendo’s full post on the subject here. For those wondering, the Switch is available for pre-order starting today from Best Buy and Target for a relatively hefty $299. It’s available in both a gray option and a special ‘Neon’ edition which will give you red and blue Joy-Con controllers. Each are the same price and will begin shipping March 3rd.
Amazon has a listing for the device on their site, but they currently aren’t offering pre-orders. On the bright side, the online retailer is offering new Joy-Con controllers (both in gray and ‘Neon‘) for pre-order alongside new Joy-Con straps, AC adapters, and even the new Legend of Zelda game for Wii U. All of these accessories will also begin shipping March 3rd, however the new Zelda title won’t until March 31st according to the site.
Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima released a statement regarding the company’s excitement about the new console which you can read below.
“Nintendo Switch is a brand-new kind of home gaming system that offers a wide variety of play modes,” said Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima. “We will introduce the world to new experiences made possible by the unique characteristics of the Nintendo Switch hardware and the Joy-Con.”
You must log in to post a comment.