On October 20th, after a year or more of speculation of the "Nintendo NX", Nintendo released a short trailer unveiling their new console, the Nintendo Switch. A few days later, we here at Gintendo compiled the answers to all the questions one might have about it.
This morning, Nintendo presented a live broadcast to fans around the world with all the specifics and juicy details that were missing in that initial trailer, and Luke Summerhayes is back to fill you in all over again.
When Is It Out?
The Nintendo Switch will launch worldwide on March 3rd, 2017. That's a bit earlier than anyone expected or even hoped for- as my ex wife used to say!
What Will It Cost?
In Japan, it costs 2900 Yen, in America $299. Here in Brexit Britain, we're getting fucked by a solid £280. If I had kids, that might be an unthinkable amount. Alas, we never had kids before she left.
What Games Does It Have?
Hoo boy! Confirmed at the moment are:
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
1, 2, Switch!
ARMS
Super Mario Odyssey
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Spla2n
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Skyrim
Sonic Mania
Fire Emblem Warriors
Yooka Laylee
A whole bunch of JRPGs, Some kind of FIFA, lots of multiplayer and eshop bits and bobs . . .
Not yet confirmed, but hinted and rumoured at, are Monster Hunter XX and whatever Suda 51 is working on, possibly No More Heroes 3.
For the most extensive list you could wish for, our boy Chris Pengilly (hacker alias masofdas) has you covered.
What Games Are Out At Launch?
Ah. About that. Currently confirmed for 3/3/17 we have 1, 2, Switch! and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Considering Zelda looks like the Best Game of All Time, and 1, 2, Switch! looks like a fun multiplayer that will make good use of the machine, I'd call that a pretty solid start. By the end of the year, we'll have Mario Kart and Spla2n, and Mario. Nothing releases with games these days: you squirt it out early for the whales, and by Christmas there's a solid launch line-up and people have seen them in the hands of their techy friends.
How Can I Play It?
There are a number of configurations. The Switch can be played like a handheld. The sides, or "Joy-Cons" can slide off and be used as controllers while the screen stands up, and then divided between two people. They have motion controls and can flip on their sides and serve as mini pads.
The tablet-esque "body" of the Switch slides into a dock, connected to the TV, and can be played as a home console. In this configuration there are bespoke controllers, or the Joy Cons can be used, either free-hand or slotted onto the sides of a base to make another pro controller.
Would My Ex-Wife Have Liked Playing It With Me?
One of the launch games, 1, 2, Switch! looked a lot like popular multiplayer games from the Wii and Wii U. Think Wii Play, Wii Sports, Nintendoland or most accurately Spin The Bottle: Bumpie's Party. Bumpie's is the only "party" game I'd play at an actual party. 1, 2, Switch! looks as though it captures that magic. Nobody has to look at the screen, just into their opponents' eyes.
She can't make eye contact with me for a second any more.
Who's That Koizuma Guy?
He's producer of Super Mario Odyssey and head of firmware on the Nintendo Switch. I love it when he talks about "sharing the joy", or tells me to "press the button firmly." Press me, daddy.
Is He Single?
I don't know, I'm not like that, I just think he's cool. No homo.
Okay! I'm sorry! It was never your fault, Janet. I know I grew cold. It was never you, it was me. I'm gay, Janet! I love Yoshiaki Koizuma and I don't care who knows.