Nintendo Switch 2017 Conference Highlights
This has been the first official conference on the Nintendo Switch after the reveal trailer late last year.
Nintendo on this conference reveal quite a lot of information about the console, the functionalities, the pricing, and most importantly the games.
Introduction
The Nintendo Switch will release worldwide on March 3rd, 2017. It is priced at $299.99 (USD?).
Unlike the other Nintendo Products of the past, the Nintendo Switch will be region unlocked! Meaning you can purchase and play games from any country from anywhere around the world.
With the success of Xbox Live and PS+, the Nintendo Switch will be joining the paid online service strategy.
Nintendo Switch allows you to play the console in three modes:
- TV Mode
- Table Top Mode
- Handheld Mode
The TV Mode is when the Switch is docked and connected to a monitor/TV using a HDMI Cable.
The Table Top mode allows you to play the switch with the kickstand support keeping the Console up on the table.
Lastly, the handheld mode allows you to play the switch on the go.
Other hardware features include
- capacitive touch panels.
- 2.5 to 6.5 hours of battery life
- USB Type C charging port
- Connect using wifi to connect to other Switch Devices
Controller
The controllers for the Switch is called “Joy-Con”. These controller can be fitted into an external controller holder called “Joy-Con Grip”.
Each Switch device comes with 2 Joy-con controllers that can be connected to the left and right hand side of the controller.
On the Joy-Con, there are L and R buttons on the inside of the controller.
The left Joy-Con features a share button to take screenshots of games, and the right Joy-Con features a home button and also a NFC Amibo reader/writer.
The Joy-Con also comes with alternative colors. You can get either traditional grey or Neon blue and Red.
Joy-Con straps to hold the controller to your wrist.
The Joy-Con also features motion sensor similar to the Wii.
Games
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Technically, this was the last game shown at this conference. However, I believe that it is probably one of the most important game on the Nintendo Switch line-up. Breath of the Wild is an open-world Legend of Zelda game and it will be one of the two launch titles for the Nintendo Switch.
1–2 Switch
The first game shown is called 1–2 Switch. It takes advantage of the Switch and Joy-Con hardware for a collection of party games. Such as gun duel, sword showdown, dancing, wizard battle, yoga, etc.
The will be launched alongside the Switch on March 3rd, 2017.
Arms
The next game shown is called Arms. It features a boxing game that you control the boxer’s arms using the Joy-Con’s. What impressed me the most was the game running at a smooth 60 frames per second.
Arms will be launching Spring of 2017 (not a launch title).
Splatoon 2
The next game is the sequel to the critical acclaimed ‘Splatoon’! Splatoon 2 will be coming for the Switch with new weapons and new maps.
Splatoon 2 will be launching at Summer 2017.
Super Mario Odyssey
Another new 3D Mario game will be out for the switch called “Super Mario Odyssey”. This time Mario is not limited to the Mushroom kingdom but travels to many different interesting and unique worlds.
It looks like Mario’s hat will be a part of the core gameplay!
Other Games
Xenoblade 2
Fire Emblem Warriors
Square Enix Presents Dragon Quest X, Dragon Quest XI, and Dragon Quest Heroes I*II.
Shin Megami Tensei (Name unknown?)
Octopath Traveler
Another 2D Turn-based JRPG by Square Enix.
Skyrim
If the reveal trailer didn’t confirm it then here is Todd Howard confirming that Skyrim is coming to the Switch.
Suda51, the maker of crazy games like Let it Die, announced that he was working on another title for the switch.
EA
EA will bring sports games such as Fifa to the Switch.
Other Unannounced Games
Here are some screenshots of unannounced games. These are from the gaming montages and very well might not be planned for the Switch or very early in development.
New Mario Kart?
Product Configurations
So what is included when you buy a Nintendo Switch console?
Pro-controller as sold separately.
The console will come in two varieties:
- neon-blue and red Joy-Con Controllers
- Grey Controllers
They will retail at the same price mentioned above.
