
March 3rd is hurtling towards us and with it comes that most tantalising of promises: fresh Nintendo hardware. The Switch is just a matter of days away but we've been lucky enough to spend a substantial amount of time with the new hybrid console, putting it through its paces to give you - our dear readers - an early glimpse of exactly what this unique system is all about.
As we all know, the big USP for Switch is the fact that it's a home console that you can effectively take anywhere with you; it fits into a dock which outputs a 1080p signal to your TV, but you can remove it from this dock and play it out of the house, picking up where you left off. The system's Joy-Con controllers slide off the side of the console and can be used in a variety of ways; they can be docked in a special grip to create a more traditional joypad interface, or they can be used individually as pads. Games come on tiny cards and a wide range of accessories are available, including a Pro Controller and fancy Joy-Con grip which charges the controllers (the one included in the box sadly doesn't).
We've put together a series of videos which give you a tour of the console and should hopefully answer some of your pre-release questions. Ready? Let's begin.
Nintendo Switch: System Settings & User Interface
It's actually quite striking how slick the Switch's UI is, at least when compared to the rather sluggish interface we were presented with when the Wii U launched. Everything looks clean and attractive, while moving around the UI is a silky-smooth affair - something which is helped massively by that capacitive touchscreen, a first for a Nintendo console. There's still a lot of the UI which is off-limited at present and won't come live until launch, but what we've seen so far has filled us with confidence; this is easily the best UI on any Nintendo console.
Nintendo Switch: Just How Big Is It?
It's amazing how small the Switch is - expect to be very surprised the first time you open up that box. The unit without any Joy-Cons attached is smaller than your typical 7-inch Android tablet and while it's not quite pocket-sized, it's still eminently portable. You can check out some size comparisons - of both the unit itself and those gorgeous Joy-Cons - in the video above.
Nintendo Switch: Mii Maker & amiibo Tour
Nintendo has already stated that Mii characters aren't a requirement for the Switch - in fact, the first time you boot up the console you won't even be prompted to make one - but there's still a Mii Maker option included just in case you're not ready to totally embrace the more traditional user account system. amiibo figures are still very much part of Nintendo's plans though, with an NFC reader / writer being included in the Joy-Cons.
Nintendo Switch: Expanding Memory with Micro SD Cards
With only 32GB of on-board storage available - of which a fair slab is taken up by the console's OS and other files - memory is going to be of prime concern for all Switch owners. A Micro SD card is virtually a requirement if you intend to download any content from the eShop, but thankfully Nintendo has included a Micro SD card slot, which is neatly concealed underneath the kickstand. Speaking of which, the kickstand feels a little flimsy and delicate, but if it does pop off for whatever reason (such as docking the console without closing it) then it can be reconnected; Nintendo has designed the stand to "snap off" to avoid any serious damage.
Nintendo Switch: Unlock Screen Easter Egg
Finally, we have this cool little Easter Egg which we discovering during our time with the console. To unlock it from sleep you have to press the same button three times, but we found that different buttons generate different sounds - quite a cool little feature.
Nintendo Switch: So Far, So Good
We'll be delivering the full verdict on Nintendo Switch in a future review, where we'll really dig into built quality, performance and other elements. Hopefully this little teaser has given you enough info to either make you feel confident about your purchase, or perhaps even convince you that you need one of these consoles in your life. Let us know by posting a comment below.
Comments 95
OMG !!!
#Excited
Is there an Activity Log that tracks time played for each game?
So much info to take in. I imagine I will be watching these preview videos from everyone all night long.
It's a shame that there isn't a internet browser at launch but hopefully future updates will deliver the goods.
Give me one !
But I want White Nintendo Switch...
1) Take screenshot of menu
2) View screenshot
3) Confusion
Geraldine for Nintendo Life mascot ! lol
Zed-L and Zed-R?
@JasonLee99
That is the most important question to me as well. It was my favourite OS function on 3DS!
Im guessing the parental control functions might help with this as well, already tracking playtime in the background.
I wonder if you'll be able to edit video too
@FernandoMachado Different countries have different letter pronunciations. Some pronounce Z as zee while other pronounce zed.
Any issues with the left Joy-Con de-synching? Seems a lot of people are reporting that issue.
No d-pad no sell, Nintendo
I keep playing on my lovely 3DS, where 2D games still are playable.
(..and yes.. I know the pro-controller has a d-pad, but it's not a real option for a portable gamer like myself )
The wait is killing me. Should be worth it in the end though.
@dres The 3DS dpad is hardly a feat in itself, hah. Still, I'd kill for a dpad joycon
Wasn't expecting a text generator for memes XD
Looks good so far roll on 3 March
@Azooooz I imagined it was a British thing! Funny
Huh, so the console has something fun to mess around with at boot up like the Gamecube? They weren't kidding when they said they were bringing stuff back from previous consoles =D
How can anybody hate Nintendo after that last video?
@FernandoMachado
We like to be different haha
Looks like a very streamlined and intuitive OS. Really liking it! Especially the Mii Maker!
My jaw is sore from the countless drops I've done
@nintendolifestaff
I notice in the first video that you can set the switch up with your region of choice. Can I ask if this means we can buy a switch anywhere and set it up with our region of choice? And then access that region's eshop?
I ask as I don't live in the UK currently, but want to set my switch up as if I was living in the UK still - as I'll be back at some point in the next few years. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
And still no word on UHS-II. Why am I the only one who cares about his. Now that you guys have one on hand, can you please check if the microSD slot has the 2nd row of pins required for UHS-II card speeds?
@FernandoMachado
It’s not just the British that pronounce “z” as “zed”. The vast majority of the English speaking world does this. The primary exception, of course, is in the United States where “z” is pronounced “zee”.
Also, in most European languages, like German, French or Scandinavian languages "Z" is pronounced "Zed" or "Zett", just like in proper "British" English. And in southern Europe it's more like "Zetta" or something.
So it is really US that is the odd one here. I have no idea where the weird "Zee" came from, because no European language have that pronunciation.
@amyr0se
Year I know... it is not the best d-pad, and the position is also not that good on the 3DS, but it is still much better than those buttons on the Joy-cons
@TME I saw in the vid that it did desync. where else did u see this at? I was concerned myself.
@derty Digital Chumps' preview mentions it. As well as few others while browsing on GAF. Not sure how widespread this is.
Well, I sure hope that day one patch for MicroSDXC really does come because that's the one I bought!
@TME well let's hope this will b fixed in the day 1 update
I need help guys. My birthday is very soon. I really really want this, but I am worried about the lack of launch games. Should I wait for a price drop, or should I get it for my birthday?
I guess gender neutral Miis were a bit too much to hope for.
@Miles_Edgeworth If you don't get it for your birthday then you'll have to wait until next year!
So, why is nobody asking the most important question these videos leave us with? Why exactly does Alex have a stash of US currency? And why is that the default currency he seems to have access to?
That aside the videos look really great. The UI and configuration really seem nice here, and the closeups of the system and size comparisons never cease to amaze! Is it normal that I can barely sleep in anticipation. It's like being 6 and waiting for Santa all over again
@TME Hmm, that's a distressing find. Hopefully it's just a software glitch to be fixed and not a hardware issue that will require RMAs!
All those color options... I'm going to be making Miis for hours. Lol
No Mii background music...
@NEStalgia That is exactly what I was thinking. Where is this US currency coming from?
@G-Boy I love the Mii Maker background music on Wii U
@dsiebert812 Maybe his DS really DID print money!?
I have always loved Nintendo's UI since they aren't digital billboards but this is really clean. Well done Nintendo.
@Ryu_Niiyama Why, whatever could you possibly mean?

@NEStalgia yep. I am pretty close to exiting the console market for MS and Sony because I HATE their UI. Especially since so many games are going to PC. PS5 and Xbox Two are going to have to be amazing for me to buy. The mid cycle upgrades didn't help either.
Does anyone know if it comes charged out of the box? I'm trying to plan my Day One.
I don't think.more like the 3ds coming out of the box.little charge.enough to tease us lol
Good stuff NL not sure too watch the vids and know what I'm doing n can crack straight on when the Switch arrives or just discover for myself.
@Ryu_Niiyama I was starting to think I was the only one that hates the UI for those two. Every time I gripe about them I hear how awesome PS4's interface is since they allowed folders and how it's great and modern that it pre-loads videos every time you hover over an object. I really dislike trying to do anything in the PS4 UI as the shortest path between two points is a pentagram.
The XBox ONE UI is a little better because it's more customizable, but out of the box it's pretty dismal. The only thing that makes me angrier at MS is the fact that they decided that the very same horrible UI should also grace my productivity workstation...
Yeah, PS5, XBox 2. I guess they'll be one of 3 things. Little black plastic VCRs with HDMI out that are somewhat more powerful at doing the same thing as their predecessors, OR pure streaming boxes with no physical media at all (I'm not seeing that as reality yet), OR the Switch will do so well they'll be scrambling to bolt a console to a Surface/Vita in an attempt to clone it while puffing up their chests and declaring at E3 "The future of digital entertainment is mobile, and XBox/Playstation is at the forefront of tomorrow!"
Too excited ! I'm not going to watch the video or any more info. I want some surprises for Day One Purchase.
One comment I read over at Polygon did give me the first "uh oh" about the system is it doesn't do well outdoors, hard to see and very glossy screen. Not a deal breaker for me personally (couch gamer here) but I could see that being a detractor for many.
Anyway, roll on next week!
@johnodaz I'm the same way. I want at least some sense of discovery and I enjoy fiddling about with new hardware. No more videos for me 'n
@luke88 It was confirmed in the presentation that there will be no region locking, if that's what you mean.
I'm already convinced that I need a Switch, the question at this point is: When?
@Tyranexx The answer to that comes down to the following: Do you know any Ninja who can infiltrate a distributor to acquire one? Do you have any strong ties to the Yakuza? Do you have any blackmail over Reggie to use as collateral?
If the answer to all these questions is no, the answer is: In one year, or 3 months after you get an NES Mini Classic, whichever comes last.
I've been reading that some reviewers have had some issues with the left Joy Con getting out of sync. Have you guys had any issues?
@Tyranexx Me too. It's a case of when, not if!
I need the name of that song from Mario Strikers. My daughter and 6 month old rather enjoyed it.
Already waiting for my pre order. Everything at the launch sounds lousy, but the foundation seems solid enough to me.
@dres Zetta is actually pronounced as Zee-tah
8 days to go! I cannot wait! I'm loving the UI!
@NEStalgia You aren't alone. I remember favoring the 360 over the ps3 at first because of the simple UI but, no MS had trip all over themselves tacking more and more crap to the UI. Xbone imo takes the worst of win 8/win 10 and turns your system into a marketing box. I just want to play games, quickly. I enjoyed the WiiU UI just because the non warawara part (which was cute AND easily ignored) just gave me access to my games...no ads.
@Ryu_Niiyama Yep, the original dashboard was wonderful. Each update made it worse and worse until it was almost unusable. Most of it isn't even marketing. It's not like they're running ads for Count Chocula and Volvo...it's random junk they think is somehow desirable smeared all over the screen. It's like Real Player reborn as a video game console.
I never liked the XRoss interface on PS3 until I got a PS4. Then I learned to LOVE the XMB by comparison. To be fair to Sony, it isn't advertising things like Microsoft is. It's game related content. But it's flowing light shows and animations for DLC and trophies and socials and highlights like Fi is helping you choose your activities. "Are you sure you want to play Uncharted 4, master? Are you absolutely positive you wouldn't rather watch a trailer? Master you chose not to watch the trailer, are you really sure you wouldn't like to pre-order the DLC now? Ok, so you've selected to play the game, master. Please wait for the patch. It's 43GB. Master you don't have enough HDD space to perform this action! To open the save data and content management, please navigate 3 bars up, 23 blocks to the right, scroll down the list, and choose both inexplicably separate menus to see what's installed. You can delete the content by navigating 3 layers deep into the poorly labeled submenus and pressing triangle."
I have a love-hate relationship with the WiiU interface. I agree the layout was beautiful and perfect. And I'll slightly miss Warawara even though I also often ignored it. But it was so darned slow. I wouldn't mind if simple settings were fast to get to, but getting into the settings menu remains a chore just to adjust audio settings or network settings when my one router drops out. Great layout, the best of the bunch, but there was no reason for it to be so slow.
I think my favorite two interfaces pre-switch remain the Vita and the 3DS. It's sad to say, but I think the Vita nailed it. Best video game interface yet. It was a little iOS like with just an endless scrolling sea of icons, but it worked, it was customizable wherever you wanted them, and the bubbles made it cute while still functional, clean, and totally smooth. The 3D tabbed folio with a stack similar to Vista's "Flip" interface (Win+Tab) just handled so nicely on the touch screen and is so organized. No ads, no junk, beautiful organization and easy settings access.
3DS is #2. Not as fast as it could be, but similar organization as WiiU, and for some odd reason significantly more responsive.
Switch I think will be my new #1 though, going by this video. Even cleaner than 3DS/WiiU, as snappy as Vita, and as nicely laid out as WiiU. With the single row of big tiles it feels like what PS4's interface was trying to be before someone decided it needed more "stuff."
@NEStalgia You are going to get me fired. I just laughed out loud during a training class. I couldn't mention ps3/ps4...makes my eye tic.
March 3rd!! Can't wait!
The best thing for me was the fact I can change regions and maybe join the eshop of that region. Thats a win.
@dres Yeah, I'd like that, too. My guess is that while an optional Joy-Con with the cross pad will eventually arrive it will never be bundled in with the system.
Since I'm preordering it still gives me pause about getting a second set of Joy-cons like I've planned. If I wait long enough can I get one with a cross pad?
@Ryu_Niiyama Haha, oops!
I always expect bad interfaces from Sony. I mean other than the original Walkman when have they EVER designed a good interface for any product EVER, with the lone exception of the Vita.
But Microsoft really should have it right by now, considering designing UIs is basically the main thing they do! Well, that, and telling me that I have no choice but to reboot while in the middle of critical work and hitting the power for me.
Cortana vs. Fi.
@Miles_Edgeworth If you really like Nintendo's games then i would say buy it for your birthday, console's are a long term investment. Even with the launch games being a bit slim you know Nintendo will deliver with there own games, soon games will not be a problem as it builds up its library.
The unlocking sounds are pretty funny.
@NEStalgia Sony definitely has good UI for there console's, Microsoft on the other hand thinks there console is a smart phone hence having a UI that the same as there smart phone. Nintendo Switch UI is very much like sonys PS4 UI, obviously with some differences.
@NEStalgia Just disable the update service in windows 10. I turn it on at the end of the month to catch up and then turn it back off.
@Ryu_Niiyama
Agreed. I dug the Xbox 360's UI much better than the PS3. I don't like the Xbox One's but love the PS4's.
Never had an issue with Wii/Wii U's either since I can see and access games quickly which is the friggin' point.
I laugh so much with the last video and I really don't know why.
Also just wanted to say the UI looks really, that I'm making a Mii for sure and that if Nintendo puts themes for sale I would buy them.
This is a very good and helpful article for some, like i've said i'll be picking up a Switch towards the end of the year. By then we'll know a lot more about games, and Nintendo hopefully will have patched in gameplay recording by then. I hope thay make there own editing tools like Sonys, i love making my own gameplay video's straight from the console. Zelda BOTW & Mario Odyssey gameplay video's looking forwards to it.
@Turbo857 I'm sort of the opposite: since they sorted out the Xbox One's interface to something much cleaner, my main screen is the last thing I did, three or four previous ones, and then my pinned games and apps. The PS4 one made me want to throw my controller out the window. So happy I sold that thing.
@Vineleaf
Really? I always have to scroll all the down to reach pinned apps on Xbox One. I'm still not completely used to it. Maybe I need more time but so far ain't feelin' it.
With PS4, everything's accessible from two rows of icons. I guess to each their own.
The placement of the microSD card slot is so much user friendly than on the New 3DS, which was a horrific decision on placement.
Reports are coming in that the joy cons constantly disconnect....sounds like an issue which needs coverage!
@Skunkfish hahaha very true!
@banacheck that's a fair point. And zelda does look really tempting....
@Reginald ah, yes, I know it was confirmed for carts, but is that going to apply to eshops? Can I buy a Switch in Japan and access the UK eshop with it? That's what I'm wondering Start-up videos seem to confirm that you can.
"This is easily the best UI on any Nintendo console."
Hell no.
"This is easily the worst UI on any Nintendo console."
Hell yes.
@nintendolifestaff Are you allowed to confirm or deny at this point (this is pretty sad 8 days out that I even have to ask it that way) if Bluetooth audio is indeed unsupported as is being reported elsewhere?
Koizumi said in an interview that it IS supported, and now Nintendo France has told the publication that did that interview that it was incorrect and BT audio is not supported.
Did you guys see any settings for BT/Wireless audio in the setup menus (it doesn't appear so by this video, sadly.)
That's a pretty big blow to a portable device in 2017 if so. And also sad that we have to find these things out by apologetically asking media outlets if what one of the top people in the company said in a promotional interview is false as his PR handlers say it is.
Not the end of the world, but a pretty unfortunate event if so. I can only guess if true that it has to do with the BT bandwidth being consumed by the two Joycon.
@Bread-Not-Toast Hopefully they won't do what they did at the start of the original Wii life and make you have to BUY the Internet browser (they made it free later on, but it was too late for Mii, little poopy Nintendo-related pun there that only works in text form)!
The plural of Joy-Con is Joy-Con. Why is this so hard?
I was hoping to see more facial features and hair styles, also the option to lengthen or shorten said hair would be nice.
this is so wack, i dont want to see articles on every game site about how these people get to enjoy it before me when im a day 1 buyer. cmon now.
@luke88 That one I have no idea, sorry. But I'm inclined to believe that the eShop will likely be region locked.
@Ryu_Niiyama Yeah, they don't let you turn off Windows updates "normally" but you can always disable the service. I have to be a bit more cautious of zero day attacks on my work machines so I have to try to keep it more up to date, unfortunately. I miss "Patch Tuesday!"
@luke88 I believe it should work the same in terms of region unlocking. Whichever region you select for the account you create to log in as, that's the region's eShop you'll get on that account. Of course it will likely count as an international transaction so you'll need to make sure your CC can do that (but Nintendo eShop cards probably work on any region's shop...that parts just a guess.)
Then again they said we'd get bluetooth audio, too
You missed the obvious comparison: Complete unit next to the WU game pad and next to an open 3DS and 3DS XL.
@JasonLee99
Activity Log is a must! I'm worried because I haven't seen anything about one yet.
@NEStalgia yeah I'm expecting/hoping things to be as you describe thanks for the reply.
And thanks to @reginald too!
@KIRO Definitely is good n fun discovery a new system layout by yourself .
We have heard tons about the Switch battery-life, but what about the joycon's battery life? They obviously drain when disconnected from the main-device.
Hopefully there will be a update where we can put the games in a raster, instead of just a long left-to-right list.
This video increased my excitement for the Nintendo Switch.
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