Well, it's finally been revealed - the Nintendo Switch has been shown off in a flashy three minute trailer. In many ways it reinforced plenty of the more reputable rumours from earlier in the year, though naturally a lot of doubt has been replaced by clarity. It's also possible, just from those three minutes, to learn a lot about the system.
We've been analysing the reveal and previously announced details and put them all into this guide. We've tried to be fully comprehensive, but will update this as more information emerges.
Let's break it down into clear categories:
Nintendo Switch Release Date
This one's easy - in the regional variations of the reveal video for North America, Europe and Japan, all had a March 2017 release window.
Nintendo Switch Dock - For TV Play
- The docking unit is used to deliver the system's image onto a TV screen.
- It appears to have 2x USB sockets on the side.
- Includes a charging/power indicator light and is confirmed to charge the console when docked.
- Appears to have little function without the tablet console, with the portable aspect powering the device.
- We're making an assumption that there's a HDMI port to connect with the TV.
Nintendo Switch Console
- Has a "Game Card" slot, looks SD Card size but chunky like a 3DS cartridge.
- Headphone port at the top.
- A clear cooling vent / fan at the top.
- Power button is located top left.
- Volume up/down buttons are next to the power button.
- Includes a flip-down stand on the right hand side.
- At this stage there is no indication that the screen is a touchscreen. There's no mention of the feature in initial press releases, and that functionality wasn't shown in the reveal.
- Nintendo describes the screen as a "bright high-definition display".
- The system does not support backward compatibility of physical media for Wii U or 3DS games.
Joy-Con Controller
- This consists of two detachable controller parts, which can clip in either side of a special 'Grip' or the Switch Console itself.
- These two parts are included with the core system.
- Each includes 1x Analogue stick + 4 face buttons (ABXY/UDLR).
- Each includes a Trigger button + Shoulder button.
- Very small "release" button for the detachable mechanism.
- Due to games confirmed we believe there should be motion controls, but this was not demonstrated clearly in the reveal.
- Home button is found on the right.
- Non-descript circle button found on the left - rumours from earlier in the year indicate this could be a 'social' button.
- Plus button to the right, Minus button to the left.
- Joy-Con looks perfect for selling in different colours / limited edition designs.
Joy-Con Grip
- Left and Right controllers slide on.
- Charging or playing indicator lights are visible.
- It's unclear whether there's additional functionality to charge Joy-Con controllers, however.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- We believe there may be motion support (from the Splatoon footage), but we are not 100% certain.
- Dual Analogue controls.
- D-Pad.
- ABXY face buttons.
- Shoulder buttons + Triggers seen, same as the Wii U equivalent.
Features (and some Assumptions)
- Four people can play on two consoles. The basketball segment shows four people playing on two screens.
- Standardised car mount - a section in a van showed the device clipped to a front seat.
- We do not believe there's a camera on the device, based on available footage and assets.
- No 3D effect on the screen, at least no indication that's a feature.
- No suggestion of 3G / 4G connectivity.
- No mention of GPS (for titles such as Pokémon GO).
- No mention of NFC, though that could come later.
- amiibo support is confirmed, though the method for scanning figures and cards is yet to be revealed.
Powered by Nvidia
Nvidia is supplying the GPU capabilities for the Nintendo Switch; the following is from an official announcement:
Nintendo Switch is powered by the performance of the custom Tegra processor. The high-efficiency scalable processor includes an NVIDIA GPU based on the same architecture as the world's top-performing GeForce gaming graphics cards.
The Nintendo Switch's gaming experience is also supported by fully custom software, including a revamped physics engine, new libraries, advanced game tools and libraries. NVIDIA additionally created new gaming APIs to fully harness this performance. The newest API, NVN, was built specifically to bring lightweight, fast gaming to the masses.
Gameplay is further enhanced by hardware-accelerated video playback and custom software for audio effects and rendering.
We've optimized the full suite of hardware and software for gaming and mobile use cases. This includes custom operating system integration with the GPU to increase both performance and efficiency.
NVIDIA gaming technology is integrated into all aspects of the new Nintendo Switch home gaming system, which promises to deliver a great experience to gamers.
Confirmed Development Partners
- 505 Games
- LEVEL-5 Inc.
- Activision Publishing, Inc.
- Marvelous Inc.
- ARC SYSTEM WORKS Co., Ltd.
- Maximum Games, LLC
- ATLUS CO., LTD.
- Nippon Ichi Software, Inc.
- Audiokinetic Inc.
- Parity Bit Inc.
- Autodesk, Inc.
- PlatinumGames Inc.
- BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
- RAD Game Tools, Inc.
- Bethesda
- RecoChoku Co., Ltd.
- CAPCOM CO., LTD.
- SEGA Games Co., Ltd.
- Codemasters®
- Silicon Studio Corporation
- CRI Middleware Co., Ltd.
- Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
- DeNA Co., Ltd.
- SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
- Electronic Arts
- Starbreeze Studios
- Epic Games Inc.
- Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
- Firelight Technologies
- Telltale Games
- FromSoftware, Inc.
- THQ Nordic
- Frozenbyte
- Tokyo RPG Factory Co., Ltd.
- GameTrust
- TT Games
- GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.
- UBISOFT
- Gungho Online Entertainment, Inc.
- Ubitus Inc.
- HAMSTER Corporation
- Unity Technologies, Inc.
- Havok
- Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
- INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
- Web Technology Corp
- KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
- Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
- Image & Form
Confirmed Games
- 3D Mario Game (no name as yet)
- Mario Kart
- Splatoon
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Pikmin 4 (speculative, but likely based on reports)
- Project Sonic 2017
- Elder Scrolls: Skyrim
- Unnamed Basketball (NBA) Game
- Dragon Quest X
- Dragon Quest XI (requires updated confirmation)
- Just Dance 2017
- Unnamed Image & Form Project
Those are some key details that are now clear about the Nintendo Switch. Let us know of anything we've missed in the comments, and let us know what you think of how the system's shaping up so far.
Comments 207
And now we play the waiting game...
The Joy-Con controllers also appear to have a set of small shoulder buttons on the inside edge that attaches to the main Switch unit; they are found closer into the centre than normal "shoulder" buttons but are actually quite easy to see in any close-up images where you see the two girls playing together in the trailer. So, that's good because it basically means you have two little detachable controllers that can at least play up to SNES-level games with little hassle (in terms of control).
(Feel free to zoom in real close and check for yourselves.)
Now I will wait for a price and game lineup
Intriguing.
I'll be curious to see if you'll be able to buy the screen or dock on it's own so you can move it around tells or share one dock for 2 different handhelds, and I wonder if the Wimotes/pro controller will be compatible- I really do prefer my pro c's button set up.
But overall really excited!
I just set back $500 for this. Whatever it costs, I'm looking to be first in line!
The battery life better be good on this thing!
Oh man this looks,.... this looks terrible
Need to see more 3D Mario. That bullet bill level part looked great
anyone else getting a ibm/lenovo thinkpad vibe from that design? it's so stylish
I'm in. Just need more details as to whether it's day one or down the line. But tax return season is around that time so maybe day one.
As for the "NS", it looks slick and I like the multiple control options and games line up so far. More details and previews and I should be sold.
I will wait for the holiday cheaper version of the Mario bundle
@Equinox Rumours say region free. I really hope so.
@Hordak Madam Razz has already started queuing up outside Whispering Woods' branch of Bestbuy.. better hurry up, dude
I just re-watched the part they are playing Mario Kart in the van, how is it clipped/attacked to the back of the front seat? There's a pic of it on side of page for different article, the one labeled, "Parent Trap".
I think you guys might have missed one small thing. When you see the joy con controllers played individually, they look like they are all got there hands placed on it like there is two very small shoulder buttons on them beside where the connector connects to the Switch console screen. It could be me just seeing something that isn't there, but it really does look like there is two shoulder buttons.
I'm really excited for the system, and will definitely get this day one. Hopefully, I will be able to get the new Mario game, Zelda, Skyrim, and (please announce it) Watch Dogs 2 for the system at launch.
The "no camera" thing surprises me, I was hoping for a little perfected AR. Nonetheless, possible peripheral later and keeps the cost down now.
Also, is there any reason that the screen couldn't be segmented into dual screens for DS backwards compatability? That cartridge looks awfully familiar.
It is, after all, a touch screen. If it isn't I'll eat my hat!
The only things we know are as follows:
the hardware specs (forgive me, non techy people) is two Wiis taped together, plus a Wii U Gamepad with a PlayStation Move wand taped to each end.
Switch is a second working title - it's actually called Wii U+Me.
Half Life 3 a launch title
I really hope they have some sorta cross-buy for those of us with big 3DS/WiiU libraries, and also bluetooth for wireless headphones...also it's lame that when using it as a portable console you don't get a real d-pad, only the 4 buttons that are basically like c-buttons under the left stick :-
This is what the Wii U should have been. And it's so cool that the controllers can be used on the tv, on the tablet, and by themselves for local multiplayer.
When can we find out more?!?!??!?!?!?!
Really sucks how we have to wait a YEAR for this! Oh well, fresh year, fresh start I suppose.
I like what I've seen so far. Backwards compatibility will be interesting. If it can play 3DS games, will they be viewable on a television. Maybe the visuals would suffer too much or maybe they could be displayed in good quality without taking up the full screen.
Aww finally , let me get a good look at this thing brb.
@TossedLlama Backwards compatibility was a huge stretch anyway, Switch only has one screen, that would be a bit of an issue for DS/3DS games...
Ahhh I love everything about it! Everything I wanted and more! There's so much to say but I'll probably bore you and my twitter is Switch filled aha. The games look great and I can't wait to learn more! Thanks for the article NL! Really helps put all the info in one sane place, that's not all over the web and isn't rumours or speculation either. Now if only we'd get DQ here too...
I absolutely love it
I hope it has VC.
@hYdeks
I think you're right, we'd need more confirmation but I also think that the Joy con also have shoulder buttons that act as the attachment to the screen.
It would be two full controllers inside the main control...
Will you have to re-re-pay for your Virtual Console games again?
Will it be Region Lock?
@MysticX They could segment the screen into two. Remember how Pokemon Stadium allowed you to play GB games onyour television without utilizing the entire screen. I wouldn't rule anything out yet. We know so little.
The third party line up makes it a decent proposition. Nintendo games and everybody else's games has been a dream of mine for a while .
I really hope that thing is a touch screen or they've shot themselves in the foot. The lack of it in this video, however, doesn't shock me as it's just a concept preview. I think touchscreens are so commonplace these days that Nintendo didn't even think it was worth highlighting.
Getting it day one. I'd gladly trade in my PS4 for this, in fact. I'm just so excited for this - didn't think Nintendo could innovate as well as they have with this, but I'm glad they did. I definitely wasn't interested in VR, but this, THIS is something I can get on board with. I can't wait to see all the games we'll get for it too! March is going to be the best month ever!
It seems that despite a delayed departure, the Hype Train could still reach the final March destination with full force... If Nintendo remembers to fuel the engines.
Just so you guys know...
That unnamed NBA game is extremely characteristic of the NBA 2k series, specifically NBA 2k17, the latest installment. The brief voice clip "that's in there..." is Kevin Harlan as he is one of the prime commentators in the game. You can also take a look at the similarities by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCg1EE0LTf4.
Why you care: the NBA 2k series immediately jumped to the next gen platform (Xbox One and PS4) as soon as they came out, pretty much leaving the previous gen versions barebones. The amount of detail and power that is required by the console for these games is intense. You can see the similarities of the game and graphics just by watching NBA 2k17 gameplay video for the Xbox One or PS4. This shows that the Switch is going to be pretty powerful!
Just a perspective from a NBA 2k fanatic! I would be ecstatic to stop having to buy other consoles just to play NBA 2k other than Nintendo consoles!!
I wish people wouldn't regard the games showcased in the trailer as 'confirmed'. They might be for illustrative purposes only.
@Mogster I've seen one rumour that states the screen is multi touch.
@Dark-Luigi Umm, March is like 5 months away...
@Shiryu I see what you did there...
Now we need specs/details!
I'm so excited!!! But I have some deal breakers! It better have a good battery, 3rd party support, and a Metroid game soon!
Also... online and voice chat is a must
If they'd shown touchscreen capabilities everyone would be saying "huh. It's just a tablet with controllers blu-tacked to the side".
Few understood the Wii U at launch so I think Nintendo got it right, focusing on it being a games machine.
I am very sad that this is the death of the portability of the 3DS, the dual screen, the streetpasses - but I absolutely think Nintendo have done what they needed to.
It's a reboot for games machines, a new line and it can only grow and improve.
Camera? Switch XL? The potential is astounding. Imagine the hype if Apple had launched this thing.
I don't know much about Skyrim other than it's a biggie - the fact it's being ported gives me hope that the Switch is going to be an attractive device for developers, with no 3D or second screen to worry about and not too alien a 'backroom'.
Real Racing 3 please?
We know almost nothing, but after the long wait these few confirms feel like so much XD
Now let's just relax a bit at the station before jumping on the next hype train focused on the system and games' details ^_^
Now i have reason to buy a new Nintendo console. WII U just didn't work for me. First day buy for sure! Can't wait!
@Dark-Luigi It's five months.
Nice break down guys!!
@PanurgeJr @strongest_link I knew that. I ment the entire year itself. Because that's what March is: next year. But whatever...just forget it and drop it.
This is easily the most amazing console Nintendo has ever put forth, and dare I say the most amazing console anyone has ever put forth.
It's future remains uncertain (granted it's looking pretty bright at this juncture), but be that as it may, the concept and execution alone stands above anything else I've ever seen.
Looks way better than rumors suggested. I think it will be backwards compatible with the DS and 3DS just not the Wii U (it's N64 to GameCube all over again). I wonder if the home port is so tiny because it only has storage for downloaded stuff and the games have all of their memory built in. This seems to have good games already, I just hope they are comparable ports to the PS4 and Xbone ports. Happily surprised at what the NX is!
@M_Schirminator Agreed there's been a lack of sports sims on Nintendo.
I am definitely in day one . Love the chunky controller ! Still love my Wii U and 2 3ds units and will keep playing them after Switch is out .. but man am I excited for this . In my opinion they pulled it off and then some . Love the design .
I think this might be a next gen console with retro concepts (like games holding their memory) and that's awesome. Also if you want to see how it would be like to play the Switch try playing a Wii game on your Wii U but use the gamepad as a monitor instead of the TV and play with the Wii remote sideways (like NSMB).
i think that, even if it can't run a full mario maker, this and every nintendo console forever should come with a mario player with access to the millions of levels made by the users. that's easily enough content for people to be enjoying on whatever hardware they use in 60 years
If the Switch is where Nintendo is going with both handheld and console markets (not that it would replace the 3DS immediately, but it might happen in the future), does that mean that eventually we'll have a real Pokémon game on a console?
These are the important questions you need to ask about a new console.
But seriously, this idea is crazy and seems like it works well. Hopefully it does better than the Wii U.
It looks like a gamers console. The name Switch is kind of snazzy and cool. Nintendo are going to be the new cool. This could be a good generation, it's defiantly a new generation at Nintendo since Iwata (RIP) passed away.
I hope we see the old Nintendo that made the greatest games of all time. They're have the talent.
I can see a GPS dongle sold separately, since it's a feature few games would use, including it by default wouldn't make sense. Although, given that Pokemon Go does exist on mobile, maybe there's no need at all for GPS, since that market is covered.
You think the dpad will be good for 2d platformers??
It's pretty much everything I personally wanted out of the next Nintendo machine, but not convinced it's got anything to appeal to anyone outside the usual Nintendo crowd. 3rd party support will be there at launch, but the Gamecube had good 3rd party support too. If those 3rd party games don't sell, they'll dry up just like the Wii U.
Amiibo support was confirmed by IGN in an interview with a Nintendo Representative. They said it would be available both locally and on the go. I imagine there's an NFC in either one of the Joy-Con's, or in the screen and joy-con controller dock, and maybe on the Pro.
Dissapointing. Old hardware, less portable than 3DS. Flagship smartphones kick this thing in the balls with full force with octa cores and similar or better gpu processing power. On movie if you look carefully games seems to struggle because of low processing power when there is more action (zelda when he walks the dog when the huge monster gets up, and skyrim when trying to hit dragon). And as always it will be overpriced. Also docking stations seems to do nothing I did hope it would boost performance due to build in additional ram, processor and gpu. Also if it will not have touchscreen then I predict they will release version 2.0 about year later with touchscreen and a bit better gpu or cpu. Hopefull y games will be less childish. The only good thing I can tell about this console is that region restriction was lifted for it.
hopefully it costs $300 thats the onley way il get it
it be nice if they use nintendo network
hope mario game is galaxy 3
the nba is probably nba live 17 not 2k
It would be awesome if 3DS mains chargers fit the Switch
Looks better than expected. A decent WiiU replacement, though still inferior.
Of course this is no 3DS replacement, not unless you want to die of laughter. Considering the utter perfection of the latest iteration of that portable, I see it being in play for a long time still (decades even) with slight improvements.
I spotted a camera in the lower-left in the trailer.
@mantisghost But how much do flagship cellphones cost? Twice as much.
@Eksarahn I noticed the trailer was shot with a camera.
This is exactly what I wanted, and I want it ASAP. It looks sleek, slick, well-made, and not like a toy. I love the Wii U Gamepad, but this makes it look like a sad toy. I love the concept, and it looks like it's being executed masterfully. Love the instant removal of the system at any time.
My one lingering hope is that it'll have some basic tablet features/apps built into/for it. It's likely almost impossible, but I'd love to have things like Google Apps on it (Drive, Gmail, SMS/Hangouts, system-wide notifications like Android), and if I did, I'd never want another tablet again.
We need to keep in mind that March is far away still and that Nintendo, if its smart, should slowly reveal more features as we get closer to the release date. So we could have a touch screen, perhaps some backwards compatibility with 3DS games, hopefully a full VC, and perhaps the use of the new Mini NES's old school controller for the VC.
Nintendo should have different features announced over time, to build up the hype and I expect that is the case.
No mention of touchscreen...
@LemonSlice https://youtu.be/f5uik5fgIaI?t=1m46s you can see the camera below the screen to the left.
There is no way this is replacing the 3ds, right? Can you imagine carrying that around with you? Maybe there is a tablet style case for it that makes it manageable.
@gcunit they get cheaper every month als yo udo not know how much it will cost. Nintendo is known for its high prices so don't be surprised if it will cost as much as flagship smartphone
@BiasedSonyFan None because no one cares but it could run this games they use the same arm processor and there were phones wit tegra gpu before too. Still this does not change that they could use better hardware
I bet you it will be touch screen, given the IGN interview with Nintendo:
http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/20/nintendo-confirms-amiibo-support-for-nintendo-switch-clarifies-additional-features
Does anyone have any idea how many players the console supports? I mean, I know all we have is the trailer but it was a lot for me to take in and I've had some bad migraines so I can't easily analyze it... the best I saw was two people on one console, did anyone notice more than that? I mean a lack of four player support seems like stepping back 20 years for Nintendo and most of my local friends don't really bother buying new consoles these days...
Side note: I hope Nintendo doesn't get too ridiculous with attachments, I could see it getting pricey, people being locked out of games for not having the right controller attachments, and third party bailing soon.
First of all I think it looks great. Day 1 preorder for me.
But, I don't think this is a home console/portable hybrid most people thought about like combining the Wiiu and 3ds together. It's more like a portable home console. One you can take to friends homes/ parties/ work place lunchrooms. Reminds me of the days of LAN parties. Now if this is going to replace the 3ds I hope they make a nice travel case. It would be a shame to scratch that nice screen.
I was straining to see if the pro controller was motion controlling the sword in the Skyrim clip . . . hard to tell.
I really doubt it's a touch screen because the screen is not in use when docked (unless the Grip has touch sensitivity?!?). Frankly, with all the crummy cell phone to eShop games, I'm not sure if I'd care if it had a normal screen.
All in all, looks really promising.
There's still a tonne of unknown information. I need to hear more. I hope it's not just a portable Wii U. And I don't get why the screen has to be hidden when docked.
pretty nifty, 4 controllers in 1, plus the pro controller.
well done nintendo, well done
@Agent721 wait, so according to the interview the console does not come with the "dock" providing tv output? Oh boy, that doesn't sound good, sounds like the focus is handheld with tv play being an extra feature...
@ShadJV
The basketball game had 4 players.
@ShadJV
I didn't read that, I read this, which doesn't really say if it comes standard either way. I guess they could have a mobile only version, selling for less for this who don't play to game on the TV, and perhaps a premium version for those who want to game on the TV?
"The dock is not the main console unit of Nintendo Switch. The main unit of Nintendo Switch is the unit that has the LCD screen, which the two Joy-Con controllers can be attached to and detached from. The main function of the Nintendo Switch Dock is to provide an output to the TV, as well as charging and providing power to the system."
Nice write up guys, all the have and have nots.
Regarding the screen, from IGN -
"The main unit of Nintendo Switch is the unit that has the LCD screen, which the two Joy-Con controllers can be attached to and detached from."
Does anybody ever refer to a touchscreen as an "LCD" screen? I honestly don't know. Nintneod declined to comment about the touchscreen. Why freakin decline to comment. You show it, you take questions, then you decline to comment?!?!? It's a simple question, yes or no? You can decline to comment about mutiltuch, capacitve or resistive, but you can't decline to comment on touch or not. Buggers.
http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/20/nintendo-confirms-amiibo-support-for-nintendo-switch-clarifies-additional-features
Here's my guess. Yes, it's a touchscreen, but no NS games will support it, only mobile "apps". Or it's up to the devs, like the Gamepad screen - see DKC:TF for absolutely no use of the Gamepad screen.
"No comment" arrggghhhh
@mantisghost Flagship smartphones run $600-$750. This won't cost that.
Those joycon things big no no for me i can't play with that
Here is my hope:
1. Tablet and controller could be sold separately, so I could have 2 tablets and 1 dock (similarly, dock could be sold separately so I could connect one tablet to 2 TVs).
2. I hope there is a special vertical mount for controllers (sold separately) and thus you could play 3DS/DS games vertically for dual screens (which means it needs touchscreen).
3. I hope it's compatible with current Wii U pad so that you could play Wii U games (may need a separate DVD-ROM as well for physical version, maybe around $30~$50).
4. (For the future) if possible, dock could provide additional computation power so that after 3~4 years, I could pay around $150~$200 to upgrade dock and get 4k capability.
If a household has several Switches, you wouldn't want to pay for a dock every time you bought one for your kids or when your partner bought one would you?
I can see the dock as a separate buy, much like the 3DS charger.
@ShadJV I'd be surprised if it doesn't come with the dock. I think that article is just saying how it functions.
I take it if you loose or left the tablet part, then you can't play at all?
@Agent721 I know but that coupled with the next statement: "According to Nintendo, the Joy-Con controllers — named Joy-Con L and Joy-Con R — will be included alongside the Nintendo Switch system."
That to me implies that the Dock is sold separately - and if it's sold at a premium, well typically developers like to reach the broadest audience possible. If less than half of Switch owners have this Dock, it only encourages developers to create the game so it is optimized to the portable aspect - something I learned in my game design theory classes. Granted, maybe they worded it poorly and the Dock is included, or maybe it'll be cheap enough that most users will buy it... I mean the other side is they said the main functions of the Dock is to connect it TV, provide power to the system, and charge it. This implies all the internal hardware (CPU, graphics chip, etc) are in the mobile unit - and why would they include more tech than the handheld uses in the handheld unit? It's unnecessary weight and increases the price (if they do choose to sell the handheld unit separately, even if that's just one purchasing option and you can get all in one box too). Yes, there is some speculation here, but their wording still makes me worry.
As for the four player basketball game shown, they showed four players on TWO consoles (they confirmed the unit with the screen is the console). I'm talking about how many players can use one console.
@Mii_duck I feel Nintendo will sell the two separately at some point (odds are as different bundles). I mean they have owned the handheld game since the original Gameboy so odds are they already have a plan for people who want to own two or have a multiple person household.
@The_Dude_Abides - other makers of consoles are available; I really don't know why you're on a Nintendo forum.
I hope the docking systems does more than just connect to the TV! I expect that when it is in it you get the full power of the system; removing the screen/portable component you get a scaled down system. I think it's telling that NVIDIA are talking about scalability. Also I expect to see at least a full blown version and a stand alone portable option comprising just the game pad. This would be the obvious way to appeal to both their home console and portable markets.
@Xaessya seems correct, the tablet like piece is stated to be the main unit.
Didn't see any dual screen action
Here's something I'm real interested to see: If and what attachments Nintendo has in store for the system other than the Joy-Cons. You've got to imagine there's a whole load of ideas it could come up with for extra bits and bobs you could attach to Switch for mixing up the game experience: A tilt-based steering wheel attachment, a tilt-based sensor for a WarioWare Twisted-like game, a love tester where you grip the sides and it measure whatever the hell love testers measure, simpler controller inputs for directly mimicking the controllers of older controls (such as a NES version with only a d-pad on the left and the A and B buttons on the right), a turn dial for play something like Pong and Breakout in classic arcade style, and so on.
@Mii_duck
Good point. And some simply can't play on TV most of the time. I think the option to have the TV cradle as a premium bundle makes more sense.
@The_Dude_Abides 'Home' console is meaningless. I can play PS3 anywhere I like provided I have a portable power unit and screen. Why this fixation on home and portable?
@Equinox I hope Nintendo gets rid of it and let's us and the Devi get on with it.
Is anyone here actually going to carry this around with them? How are you going to? Maybe I am just the outlier, but I don't see myself taking this with me on business trips and other places. Perhaps their is thought that it can be used without the joy-cons and then it might be small enough to take with.
Nintendo have been rocking touchscreens for 10 years. Every interactive device under the sun in 2016 has a touchscreen.
Switch will have a touchscreen.
I would love to know if the Triggers are analog or just regular buttons. If they are not then that is a huge oversight by Nintendo.
@ShadJV
I think more reveals will clear this all up. If it is limited to only two players, that's a big change as since the N64, we've had four player options across all home Nintendo consoles, if not more than 4. And as the ad starts with the Switch being used at home first, you have to believe that' something they'll focus and tailor too.
IMO, more features will be revealed, slowly over the next few months, to build up the hype. There's no reason to reveal it all now and not have anything saved for later.
"A clear cooling vent / fan at the top."
No way it has a fan. Just because something has vents doesn't mean there's a fan.
@ShadJV Nah, the dock will almost certainly come in the box. Otherwise it would be extremely bonkers of Nintendo to be pushing this thing primarily as its next home console in all it's marketing and press material:
http://www.gamespress.com/release.asp?c=77c923--142494
http://www.polygon.com/2016/10/20/13347910/nintendo-switch-home-gaming-system
Without the dock there's literally nothing home console about it.
Loved It!
Do you guys think I'll be able to redownload splatoon on the Nintendo Switch? I had it downloaded on my wiiu. I sure hope ill be able to download my wiiu games on there. I don't want to buy it again.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE this means no second screen for zelda when playing home.
Did anyone notice that the Pro controller has changed? The right analog stick switched places with the BAYX buttons. I wonder why they went with the Xbox layout. Maybe to appeal to Xbox users?
Touchscreen controls and motion controls were not gimmicks, they actually added a lot to certain genres.
Splatoon is the finest example of getting the combination of Gyro-, Touch-, and Dual Screen Gaming right. If any of these features is missing in Splatoon Switch, it would change the gameplay and pace (for worse imo).
Super Mario Maker without touch controls would be a terrible idea so at this point I'm pretty sure that touchscreen is going to be an obligatory feature on a Nintendo console that simply doesn't need to be demonstrated in a new reveal.
I think touchscreen and gyro are safe. But there needs to be a solution for Dual Screen Gaming. The second screen helps a lot in games such as Breath of the Wild, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Splatoon, and Pikmin 3. I would really miss that feature.
Breath of the Wild without second screen map and inventory management? If the Switch version is lacking all the best Wii U features then something's wrong.
@SKTTR Well, Breath of the Wild has already removed the second screen map/inventory from the Wi U version and just put that in a different menu via a button press. There's basically no essential information shown on the GamePad's screen now; it just used for off-TV play, from what I've heard. But I totally hear ya.
So no CoD?
@JohnBlackstar I've already written my friends and we will be traveling with these. I already travel with my camera and laptop, what is one mor device?
I'm especially stoked for this for trips.
@Rhydas
how exactly is this 'innovative'??
it's just (clunkily, imo) combined a handheld console with a home console. The Vita/Shield/Wii-U have all done this before, to varying degrees of success.
I can't imagine the parents who buy it will be thrilled with the idea that their children will be taking a $400 video game console with small removable components outside of the house either. It's a recipe for disaster for owners, but fantastic for Nintendo as they will be able to sell tens of thousands of replacement parts.
safe to assume the dock improves graphic quality? Also, I can't wait to see customizable/third-party joy-cons!
I believe in a Nintendo Nirvana and we have one. Now we just have to wait for it. I can speculate that it will cost about $300. I want to get a few games, memory, and a Con Joy controller(what ever that is). I'm looking to spend like $500 at launch.
Games I will get during launch/window if true:
Mario Kart: Gasp. Yippy Yeah Day 1
Splatoon: I like and will get.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Day 1
Pikmin 4 (speculative, but likely based on reports) I doubt this one.
Project Sonic 2017: Yuck
Elder Scrolls: Skyrim: Day 1 Salivating noises, but with Zelda probably window.
Unnamed Basketball (NBA) Game: I like it, but don't have anyone to play with anymore. Hope for online mode.
Dragon Quest X : Yes please.
Dragon Quest XI (requires updated confirmation) I hope so and I won't mind them skipping 10.
What Nintendo needs to get right:
Account Unity
Online Communication that you can converse to.
VC Day1 with a legit Library. I am talking to you Gamecube.
Region lock unlocked
MultiMedia experiences: Netflix, Hbo exc....
Backwards compatible: They did say it would unify WIIU/3DS: This is wishful thinking.
@JohnBlackstar
I travel often and never feel the need to take video games with me. A book and my iPod are all I need, if that.
If I end up getting this thing, it will very likely never leave my house. The whole 'portable' component is useless to me.
Apologies if anyone has already mentioned this - the Pro Controller appears to have some custom graphics on it in some of the shots - maybe this will be offered in different colors/themes?
Also, didn't one piece of footage show four player mario kart on the tablet? (Maybe I just mis-remembered it...)
@iflywright
Maybe the games display in a higher resolution on your TV, but I doubt it will improve the performance of the games beyond that
@sanches12
I think you might be right, Nintendo could be appealing to xbox users with the button layout, perhaps to entice them to make, the switch.
@WilliamCalley - if you don't think your children can look after it why would you let them take it out of the house?
We didn't let our young 'un have a 3DS because we knew the hinge wouldn't last. If only Nintendo had thought about this sort of thing and invented, oh, I dunno, a 2DS or something.
So the whole streetpass thing isn't for you either as you don't travel with a handheld. Fair enough, but I'm getting a bit bored of people moaning because Switch doesn't meet their needs exactly.
It isn't perfect for me either by any stretch, but I'm still feeling positive about what it will do.
Has anyone seen this? Seems like we could have a discussion about it. Do you consider NS to be a copy of this? Its the Aikun Morphus X300 Gaming Tablet.
This video was released last year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr8SbLgHkzI
@TheBlurB
It's definitely the same concept. I think it will be interesting to see if there will be any copyright conflict.
No support from 2K? That kinda sucks, unless that basketball game is an NBA 2K game. Or is EA trying to bring back Live again?
Anyways, I really like what Nintendo had to offer here. Guess I have something to look forward to in March next year.
Monster Hunter will have to have updated graphics confirmed. Sad but that's the main thing I was hoping for out of all this.
@Dark-Luigi Half a year.
After all of the confirmed information and speculative information I've read, I'd love to know the weight of the system as a handheld.
All the hype and tbh, I'm just happy to see 2k on a nintendo console😀 AND PORTABLE AT THAT!
although the joy con controllers seem small...
Looks amazing so far! I was hooked as soon as they showed the Off-TV Play anywhere. Seeing King Boo was an added bonus.
I hope they show off some individual trailers soon! So hyped!
@iflywright you know how you can play two player with one joy-con each? I think the button layout change was made to suit that.. To have the joy stick on the left on both joy-cons when flipped horizontally
@WilliamCalley "how exactly is this 'innovative'??
it's just (clunkily, imo) combined a handheld console with a home console."
You literally just answered your own question. A handheld and home console hybrid has never been done before in the history of gaming - to my knowledge anyway.
"The term "innovation" can be defined as something original and more effective and, as a consequence, new, that "breaks into" the market or society."
This should explain things a little better than I could. Nintendo is trying to make it so that their hugely successful handheld market is joined together with their home console market to make it relevant... everywhere and anywhere. No matter what kind of gamer you are, Nintendo Switch should be able to cater to your individual playstyle and lifestyle. (I.e Constantly travelling, constantly sitting at home, always surrounded by friends, always alone). It goes without saying that this approach to gaming has been touched upon in the past in various ways, yes. But Switch has gone in a marginally different direction to bring it all together.
"I can't imagine the parents who buy it will be thrilled with the idea that their children will be taking a $400 video game console with small removable components outside of the house either. It's a recipe for disaster for owners, but fantastic for Nintendo as they will be able to sell tens of thousands of replacement parts."
Well that's the thing with Switch. Kids don't need to take it outside if parents don't want them to. All around the home, perhaps? Besides, portables have been around for awhile - this console is no different in the same vein. If a parent isn't going to allow their child to take their tablet out with them, then yeah, they're not gonna allow them to take Switch out with them either. Same with the 3DS series.
And yeah, I guess selling detachable controllers on their own will also put extra money in their pockets. But they're a company - that's kind of the point, I'd think.
The third party developers list looks insane. Looks, Konami returns to contribute their games after several years busy with mobile and Arcades.
That the console possibly cannot use both the TV screen and the Switch's tablet's screen simultaneously (making dual-screen/asymmetrical gameplay impossible), a possible lack of stereocopic 3D, the lack of a disc drive (most likely meaning no backwards compatibility with Wii U/Wii...; though that could be fixed by allowing for Switch to connect to an external disc drive), and a lack of cameras are all worrying issues up in the air. At this point, Nintendo shouldn't be discarding past innovations from their previous consoles in favor of accessibility, as the advanced technology (which I'm sure is no longer costly to maintain) allows for all those features in one device, now. Lack of VR support isn't an issue, though, as that could easily come later.
Other than that (and the semi-funky roundish-looking controller design), everything sounds fantastic! The console's name is hip and accessible. The two detachable controllers with a fully-standard amount of buttons on each are a big plus. It goes without saying that the portability options are awesome.
Now, hopefully we'll see developers both fully and consistently stick to the Switch, this time, unlike the absurd and often lazy teases from the Wii U's launch period. Also, it would be great if 3DS and DS games could natively work on the system (physically and/or digitally, considering the "Game Card" slot and the recent My Nintendo integration), but that's not a major want. It would be a bit ridiculous for Wii U and Wii controllers to not function on the Switch, however, so I hope they maintain some sort of Bluetooth connectivity through it.
The detachable two controllers included on the Joy-Con means that at least a Famicom-themed version of that is obviously waiting to be announced.
A clear cooling vent / fan at the top.
While it's not unusual for a home console to have a built in fan, a portable console having a built in fan is terrible.
In addition to being a battery drain, fans on a portable console will mean it makes unnecessary noise and might possibly cause the entire console to vibrate enough where you can feel it if you're holding it.
Yes, nothing is absolutely confirmed, but I'm stating why a fan on a console meant for portable use is a terrible idea.
Questions I have that I have not seen, Will the batteries be removable so that they can be replaced, How large is the system when using as a handheld? ( looks kinda small might cramp hands ) Will there be other colors and editions. ( more then likely yes )
I'm assuming amiibo will be scanned on the back of the console the same way most phones scan nfc tags. I also feel that the screen will be a capacitive touch screen because this would open it up to a lot more games and apps and could also let you type in social fields such as Miiverse which would be handy.
But that's all really just hopeful. We'll just have to see what happens. XD
I'm also hopeful that there will be white and red versions (red would be awesome)
Since DeNA is supporting the Switch, I assume the screen is a touch screen because all they do are phone games I think?
@Dark-Luigi uhh it launches in march, its October. Unless you mean wait for NEXT year
@ShadJV I think they will allow 4 player play on one screen while in tv mode.
My thought on NFC is that it will be included through a reader behind the screen (same method as done on the New 3DS). With showing amiibo next to the console there is no way that amiibo support isn't available, and I would be very surprised if it was through an add-on device. As far as the console, I'm sold. As soon as pre-orders open up I'll buy it.
While I won't (can't) get it Day 1 most likely, I am still super excited for this. It's basically what I always wanted, modern games portable.
Now I hope there will be great ports from the third parties such as Dark Souls 3, Fallout 4, Final Fantasy XV and other stuff. A girl can dream, right?
In either case, super excited. Of course I will remain patient about more details of this intriguing system, especially the price.
One thing that wasn't mentioned in the article that's worth mentioning is that you can use the Pro Controller with the main device away from the dock (this is seen when the two teams are planning for their Splatoon match).
@Equinox
That is the one question I want to know at this point...
@IceClimbers Was there something in the trailer that led you to believe that the dock is in some way a part of the console or plays any role in its functionality? I thought it was clear that the tablet unit IS the console and the dock is just that: a dock, that charges the thing and sends video/audio out, possibly with some other media interfaces. Seem unremarkable and obvious to me that the pro controller works with just the tablet unit.
I have seen many people now thinking or expecting the dock to play some role in the function of the console and/or the peripherals. Maybe the trailer wasn't as clear as I thought?
@Sir_Deadly Yes, I did mean that. For the second time.
I assume no more installing games to the hdd since it uses flash cards, i want the internet broswer from the wii u and maybe a HD Goldeneye where everyone has their own screen and definetly needs voice/party chat.
Looks like there's no analogue shoulder buttons? :/
If LEVEL 5 Inc. is working with this does that mean Yo-kai watch Switch confirmed?
@WilliamCalley maybe portable will be useless to you on a large scale, but you coukd easily take it to all the rooms for your house or sit outside with it.
@LuffyD DeNA are mainly doing architecture and account stuff, yhey may be just one of the middle ware partners and not a game maker for Switch.
@BlastClaw I'm well aware that the tablet is the main device. The dock does have some features, including USB ports (GC Adapter, anyone?). The Pro Controller I assume connects through bluetooth, but some may have thought that the bluetooth connectivity was through the dock and not the main device itself.
@BiasedSonyFan going to be tough to get ps4 games and xbone games ported....
NOT GOOD!
Also, Swear word warning...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SaQ9kJV8w0
@Aangatang
that makes sense!
@iflywright
Appealing to Xbox users? Nintendo invented the damn thing. Xbox's own controller simply inverts X and Y and A and B.
I'm beyond stoked for this!! What an awesome idea, I will almost definitely buy! 10/10.
I have to say, I have a feeling I'll be really hoping for a Nintendo Switch XL... Those controllers look way too small for my hands... @_@
just revisiting this video for some reason. it's teh digitalfoundry vid about abckwards compatibility if the nx used tegra x1.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGdHM8AIhvw
The irony of that confirmed game list is that both 2K and Bethesda said that they have no active projects as of yet despite showing it during that trailer.
@Jayvir
They might not, but it's also likely that they're being vague to make people speculate. The more speculation that happens, the bigger the anticipation, and the bigger the anticipation, the bigger the sales.
@grimbldoo
"Xbox's own controller simply inverts X and Y and A and B."
We know ; )
we were talking about the inversion of the joy stick and abxy buttons from the wii u to the switch
@Jayvir yeah but maybe porting titles aren't considered 'active projects'. also note that nvidia themselves didn't mention this in their nvestor meeting. the veil of secrecy was probably required for all parties involved, whether hardware, software or even wetware. i bet those talents in the ad were sequestered at luigi's mansion until the ad was released.
@iflywright
Really? Because I was talking about the inversion of the stick and buttons from the Gamecube to the Wii U :^)
But I am glad for it, the asymmetric layout fits the hands better.
The system looks pretty neat! Can't wait to get my hands on it! Other than that, there's only a few things I want to know, and hopefully before the holiday season. Will it play DS and 3DS games? Is there a disc slot on the system itself, or is it all cartridge games? Will the virtual e-shop be up and running with all the games currently available on it? Can Wii Remotes be used on it? THE PRICE!!!! What bundles will be available? And last but not least...besides Zelda BOTW, what games will be available at launch, and I hope it's more than just 4 or 5?
Guess time will tell, but since this was just a video to show us what it is, I'm awaiting for more information from nintendo themselves. I'm hoping that they also have an achievement/trophy-type thing with it! They could do it like Smash does, or even where various amibos form with the game achievement you get! It would be a nice addition! It would also be nice if you could pop in a DVD to play on the go with it too, or even have street pass with it!
Switch is to Wii U as New 3DS is to Virtual Boy. Bravo. They actually made portable/home gaming serious. We don't have to use the gamepad tablet thing when playing at home (cough wii u), when it's at home, it's basically just a home console akin to Xbox One or PS4. No two screen gimmick. No touch screen (I think it's unnecessary and would drive the price up), hopefully no motion controls. When you take it with you, it doesn't feel like a portable like the 3DS, it feels like an entirely different breed. Kind of like you just brought your home console on the road, not like the 3DS which is very obviously designed from the ground up as a portable.
And to all the geniuses saying this will replace the 3DS, I challenge you to fit the SwitchPad with JoyCons in one pocket. I don't care how big your damn pockets are, this thing will not be a "oh let me just get my switch out" console. It will be more of a "let me just set up my switch" console. Better for car trips and things, but not NEARLY as portable as the 3DS, even the XL versions.
@Shiryu
Aw, the waiting game stinks.
Let's play Hungry Hungry Hippos!!!
@ottospooky I will crush any of the rebels who stand (in line) in the way of the Evil Horde!
am i the only one who already has one of these?
Love everything about it but wish it had a 4K option when connected to the TV.
@IceClimbers Thanks for clarifying. I've seen an unreasonable number of people complaining that you won't be able to take the thing very far from the "base station" like the Wii U, as if they totally missed the guy playing it on the plane in the trailer. That's why I asked.
@DarkKirby It is not only a portable. It likely runs faster and hotter when docked.
Am I right in assuming that the dock provides extra graphics processing to enable a higher resolution for the TV output?
looks like putting a case on it will make it not work in the dock
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love this. I but do lament the death of stereoscopic 3D. I would have loved for that feature to become a staple.
@Dark-Luigi More like half a year and if you don't really think about it. It'll feel like 3 months and you'll be like " wow, time has certainly flew bye. I can't believe it's been 6 months already! That random internet dude was right!"
@SNESuperior Stereoscopic 3D has always been a gimmick ever since the 1800s. It's been around for almost 200 years. Just check the wiki.
Did anyone notice a sensor bar. I assume because just dance is coming to the switch there must be a sensor some where. It would be great if a better detection system has been developed. The sensor bar is so old tech.
Also I hope just as much design thought has been put into the power pack so it looks part of the switch's cool look.
@LemonSlice That looks to be the case, seeing how beefy the dock system is.
If the dock would only provide Connectivity and charging, then it could have a much much smaller form factor.
@Clockwerk YEY! Someone else thinks the same as I do, thank god it was not just me
Pikmin as confirmed? Can you show me more information on this as it wasn't in the trailer.
Surly it can only be confirmed it Nintendo says it is coming to the system.
@mantisghost How can it be old if it is not even out yet? We don't know what specs the switch has. It is some kind of tegra yeah but that's it.
Wait for real showcases not trailer material before you judge...
Also i don't recall Nintendo being the one overpricing things (cough sony *cough). Of course we don't know the price but measured on the current price range of consoles it won't be above 399. If they want to be really competitive Nintendo will sell it for about 250 to 300. Then it will be a better product than the PS4 Pro for a lower price
They missed the pokemon game, it's reported on serebii that they have confirmed they are making a game for the switch.
You'll miss me "3D effect" !
The sensor bar for the Wii was used with the Wii u that is what I mean by old tech. So I am so hoping they have addressed this and like Jeronan said if the connectivity is in the docking station itself that could address the problems the sensor bar had when trying to detect the controllers.
@gizmor I get's ya. lol
@speedracer216 A regular diet of GameCube until March 2017 for me. Coupled with FAST Racing Neo and Paper Mario Color Splash on wii U.
Think I will stop buying off the e shop incase there is a run of ports to the switch.
The thing will never leave my house, so the big screen is no selling point for me. I seemed to notice that the graphics looked worse (and with low frame rate) when it was portable.
Day one purchase for me though, since this is NIntendo's latest console after all.
@SKTTR I think Nintendo is going to allow GamePad support for dual screen action. Or they'll release some sort of controller for the Switch that has a screen.... but really, that option sounds unlikely at this point.
But yeah, I do agree Nintendo can't abandon dual screen gaming yet. What would that mean for our DS VC purchases, for example?
@mantisghost I don't think you can judge how games will run on the system from a trailer - games are unlikely to be finished and also I doubt this is actually footage. My understanding is that the system is at least up to Xbone/PS4 power
Sorry if someone else said this already, but Pokemon has also stated that they are working on something for the Switch too. That goes without saying, cause it's Pokemon, but it's been confirmed.
The new Pikmin was announced for 3DS, remember?
Thomas, excellent job by you and the NL staff during the last 24 hours . . . which I can only imagine was a blizzard at the NL offices.
Everyone is so hyped about it, I'm reserving my hype for when I get specs and confirmation the damn thing isn't region locked.
I just can't resist that design. It's so classy and can't wait. It will probably have an over-priced launch but when it's affordable, it's mine!
Is the site stuck in desktop on anyone else's mobile?
I really like the concept of the Switch. Back in 2008 I bought a TV out cable for my PSP and I thought it was neat that I could play PSP games on my TV, but I wished that I could use a docking station and play with a real controller when I was at home. I am surprised that it has taken this long for one of the big manufacturers to do something so obvious. It should be said that PSP games did not look very good blown up in HD so maybe they needed to wait for the handheld to be powerful enough to actually look good on a big screen.
I fully expect that if the Switch is a big hit then it will not take long for Sony to announce a portable version of the PS4 with a docking station that allows it to broadcast to a TV and use a dual shock 4 controller.
@gaga64 Nintendo has said they won't give out any more info until 2017
Pleasantly surprised by this thing, love the idea of the unclippable sides that turn into controllers themselves for local 2-player on the go, I think that's genius. The key questions are still unanswered which is battery life, region locking, and how they plan to transfer the virtual console purchases. VC is key for me if they try and re-charge us again they can kiss my business goodbye.
@grimbldoo
lol
You missed that those Joy-Con controllers also appear to have 2 shoulder buttons each when held sideways. Look at each picture of someone using these controllers. Notice their index fingers are resting where should buttons would be. If there were no shoulder buttons, that would be an uncomfortable way to hold it.
@happylittlepigs
The Switch most likely has motion control and supports motion control enabled devices (cough, Just Dance 2017). Many people use gyro for Splatoon, many people use a the Wii remote to steer in Mario Kart. Even if you don't use these features, why would you hope the Switch would omit these?
@Gio32k I'm aware of the history of 3D. And I don't think dismissing 3D as a gimmick is fair. That word gets thrown around too much these days. It's gotten to the point that any innovation beyond traditional gaming layouts are labeled as gimmicks That kind of attitude towards innovation doesn't encourage new ideas.
I really like the stereoscopic 3D and I play every 3DS game with the slider pushed to max. I find it really helps me feel immersed in the game world.
So yeah, I'm sad to see this feature dropped.
@KingofSaiyanZ
As long as it's only team members that are on your friends list.
We also had confirmation of RISE: Race to the Future months back from IronFall. How many times does Dragon Quest XI need to be confirmed?!!
List I've been keeping:
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Just Dance 2017
RISE: Race To The Future
Dragon Quest X
Dragon Quest XI
Unnamed Zoink Game
Mario Kart 8 Switch (Working Title)
Elder Scrolls: Skyrim Switch (Working Title)
Super Mario Switch (Working Title)
Splatoon Switch (Working Title)
Basketball Switch (Working Title)
Unnamed Blizzard Game
Unnamed Image & Form Game
Guys I just wanna say apparently according to this page in gamestop Irelands website that it costs 500 euro which probably translates to 500 dollars or 500 pounds as well. You can check it out now at https://www.gamestop.ie/Nintendo%203DS/Games/51568/nintendo-switch or if you don't trust this link search nintendo switch at gamestop.ie
@impurekind wow, great catch!
Tap here to load 207 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...