We’ve speculated for months on what the NX would look like, Nintendo has come forward and given us a look at it’s ‘Next Gen’ console.
Officially called the Nintendo Switch, the hardware is a hybrid between the Wii U and 3DS with players able to ‘Switch’ it from TV playback to handheld.
From the video description, “In addition to providing single and multiplayer thrills at home, the Nintendo Switch system also enables gamers to play the same title wherever, whenever and with whomever they choose,”
You can watch the trailer here.
The modular console features removable controllers called ‘Joy-Cons’, each with several buttons and a joystick. The teaser shows the Joy-Cons being switched between a regular gamepad mode and a portable console mode that makes the Switch look like a Wii U gamepad. Each of the two segments can be used wireless, one in each hand, or can function as two individual mini controllers for two-player games.
The trailer also shows off a traditional, non-modular pad called the Switch Pro Controller. Notably this is different from the current Wii U pro controller and it’s unclear if older controllers will be compatible.
Nintendo’s focus appears to be taking the Switch to many different locations, including at home, walking the dog in the park, catching a flight, in a hotel, at a party, and on stage at an eSports event. The consoles may be able to communicate wirelessly with each other like the 3DS, as players are shown taking part in four-player games using two Switch consoles. Though this could be over the Nintendo network.
“I hope this first glimpse at Nintendo Switch has made our fans as excited as we are, and has captured their imagination with the possibilities and freedom of play it offers,” said Kamon Yoshimura, Managing Director of Nintendo Australia.
Games will be on cartridges instead of discs which may be a step backward, though it works well enough for the Nintendo 3DS. In the trailer we see games running on the Switch including: Splatoon, Mario Kart 8, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, NBA 2k, and an unnanounced Super Mario title. Seen in the background of the living room are Nintendo’s amiibo toys so we can assume they’ll be compatible with the Switch.
From the official release on the Nintendo Switch,
At home, Nintendo Switch rests in the Nintendo Switch Dock that connects the system to the TV and lets you play with family and friends in the comfort of your living room. By simply lifting Nintendo Switch from the dock, the system will instantly transition to portable mode, and the same great gaming experience that was being enjoyed at home now travels with you.
The portability of Nintendo Switch is enhanced by its bright high-definition display. It brings the full home gaming system experience with you to the park, on an airplane, in a car, or to a friend’s apartment.
Gaming springs into action by removing detachable Joy-Con controllers from either side of Nintendo Switch. One player can use a Joy-Con controller in each hand; two players can each take one; or multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options.
They can easily click back into place or be slipped into a Joy-Con Grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, if preferred, the gamer can select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to use instead of the Joy-Con controllers.
Furthermore, it is possible for numerous people to bring their Nintendo Switch systems together to enjoy local multiplayer face-to-face competition.
There are still a few questions unanswered by the footage and press release. No mention of backward compatibility or any touchscreen capabilities for the screen itself. More information about the console, including launch titles and price, will be announced leading up to the Switch release in March 2017.
What do you think of the Nintendo Switch at first glance? We’re pretty excited, though as with any console it’ll be important to see what first and third party games will be in that launch lineup.
I think the console looks pretty interesting. I don’t know if it will be a Day 1 thing for me like the XBOX One or the PS4. But I do enjoy the Wii U something about playing Super Mario Maker while the wife is watching Hulu on the XBOX. I wonder if it will have streetpass functionality like the 3DS does. It has me wondering especially if those pull of controllers will work well with big hands.