Nintendo presents Switch, the new console
created on 13.1.2017
Early Friday morning, Nintendo unveiled the new console in a press conference broadcast worldwide on YouTube. Nintendo Switch is expected to be available from 3 March. In addition to details about the hardware, several games were also announced. A first overview.
Hardware
The console, a combination of home and portable console, can be played in three ways: In TV mode, the Switch is connected to the TV at home via the docking station and played in the classic way. Tabletop mode shows the game on the console's 6.2" screen and the game is then controlled via the decoupled Joy-con controllers. In handheld mode, the console is simply played on the move with the controllers attached. The battery life will be between 2.5 and 6.5 hours, depending on the game, and the console can be charged during the game via a USB-C port, for example using power banks.
Two Joy-con controllers with new "HD- are included with the console, in grey or, in another bundle, in red and blue. Other colours will be available to order separately, as will the new Pro controller. The docking station, wristbands for the controllers, an HDMI cable and the power cable are also included as standard.
Games
A variety of games from many publishers were shown this morning, with over 80 games currently in development. For example, EA has announced a "FIFA" for the Switch, Square Enix reported on "Dragon Quest X / XI" and Bethesda proudly announced "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" on this platform.
Of course, people were particularly excited about the classic Nintendo titles, and fans were not disappointed here either. Of course, "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" is no longer a big surprise, but it is now clear: this game will be available for the console launch on 3 March! Nintendo also showed the new edition of the colour action "Splatoon 2" and finally, to the delight of all Mario fans: "Super Mario Odyssey". However, the open world game will only be released later this year, as will "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" (on 28 April).
Accessories
Nintendo will also be offering matching accessories in time for the Switch launch. These are now also listed in full and can be (pre-)ordered at any time:
Game controller accessories
Quantity discount
CHF15.– per piece for 2 units
Nintendo Joy-Con wrist loop
Switch
This is what happens next
More Nintendo launch events are taking place in Europe and the USA later today. We expect more information on the items / specific bundles and exact prices for Switzerland shortly. The prices announced so far are just under 30,000 yen in Japan and just under $300 in the USA. No specific details have yet been given for Europe.
Update 09:50 am: The prices are now known and we have updated the articles and all pre-orders accordingly!
Next week, the product manager and I will finally bring more information to another launch event and share it with you in a timely manner. We're looking forward to the new console. Are you too?
Here you can find out more details about Nintendo's new console
Header image: Super Mario Odyssey
59 comments
later