
On this day in 2017, Nintendo finally lifted the lid on a little console called the Nintendo Switch, revealing the hybrid's technical specs, price and all-important release date to the world. Eight years on, we're desperate to see 'Switch 2' get the same treatment.
To be clear, the 2017 presentation wasn't the first time we had laid eyes on the Switch — that came in the now-iconic rooftop-party trailer a few months earlier — but it was where all the information dropped. With a Treehouse steam arriving the next day and revealing the launch line-up, the console would land in stores a mere seven weeks later (which is wild, when you think about it), beginning the era of the Switch.
That very same day, Nintendo hosted the console's UK premiere at the Hammersmith Apollo in London, which we were lucky enough to attend and go hands-on with our beloved hybrid for the very first time. It's strange looking back on our coverage of the event eight years on — remember when the very act of docking and undocking the Switch felt novel? — but gosh, what a trip down memory lane!
To get involved with the nostalgia, you can check out some photos of the UK event in the following gallery:
Much like last year, several familiar faces have taken to social media to share their memories of the Switch's 2017 showcase. Mr. Video Games himself, Geoff Keighley, shared some snaps of the event, which were reposed with a succinct Reggie Fils-Amié message, "Time flies!".
But, as one glance at the above thread confirms, all eyes (and we mean all eyes) are on Nintendo's next hardware presentation. We're talking, of course, about the 'Switch 2' and its impending reveal — which has never felt closer thanks to a week of rumours, leaks and replicas.
We know that a 'Switch 2' announcement is coming "this fiscal year". We know the console will be backwards compatible. But that's it. If the 2017 presentation was the hot spot for all Switch-related information, we'd wager that the Big N has something similar planned for its successor. After an inevitable slightly cringy reveal trailer gives us our first peek at it, that is.
Thinking back to the initial Switch showcase, we can only imagine that its sequel will be huge. Let's not forget that this was where we got our first in-depth look at Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, ARMS, 1-2-Switch and a bunch of other titles that would go on to arrive in the Switch's first year. Square Enix revealed its HD-2D visuals with the announcement of Octopath Traveler. Heck, ATLUS even gave us a look at Shin Megami Tensei V and we had to wait until 2021 for that one.
If 'Switch 2' is packing a launch line-up comparable to its predecessor (and we're predicting that it probably will), then the grand showcase could be one to remember.
Happy anniversary, Switch Presentation! Here's to the next one!
What are your fondest memories of the 2017 Switch showcase? Do you have any big hopes for the 'Switch 2' one? Let us know in the comments.
Comments 26
8 years, I've had a switch longer than I've had a wife
How about you wait just like the rest of us? eh?
Everyday it feels like we could get a presentation announced for the successor for the following day - so excited.
This presentation is what makes me think we could still have a Switch 2 reveal in January and a launch as soon as March. Yes back then we had the October reveal but the little tri-brid console that could was an entirely unique concept - handheld, home and tabletop - so Nintendo needed to show the concept off. (Plus, they were still smarting from the Wii U fiasco and needed to show they weren’t entirely getting out of the home console market after their foray into mobile.) But now, 8 years later, with Switch 2 looking like little more than a Switch Pro, how much time do they need? How much time do customers need? 8 weeks seems plenty.
And really, it’s all about the games, isn’t it? You have Mario Kart 9 day one and they can’t launch with enough stock, even if they announced it the day before launch.
Not saying they will, just saying it’s all about the games, and only about the games, not the lead time.
As a non-press commoner, the Switch is the only console I have had the good fortune of playing prior to launch.
SCRAP ran the "Defenders of the Triforce" Zelda escape game in early 2017, and teams that finished in a timely fashion were given the opportunity to play BotW on Switch in a bonus room.
That was cool.
I wish there was some similar event running nowadays, that was a fun day.
I remember hearing about it from my classmates back in the 6th grade, but I had just got an Xbox One S, so I didn't care. Now, my Series X collects dust while my Switch Lite gets all the attention.
Making daily articles about it isn't gonna make it come out any sooner. Just be glad you might get another year with switch. Then you can chuck that sucker in the trash like i know you all can't wait to do!
Enjoy the initial launch period of mostly PS4 ports that switch couldn't handle last gen. Looking forward to Mario galaxy 3! Zelda Tears of my wallet and Donkey kong going Bananas!
@Truegamer79 geez this is hilariously cynical
Truegamer79's comments have been attributed to an overly tight necktie.
Its been a fun ride
I was pretty disappointed by Switch specs tbh, I was expecting a huge leap from WiiU. Looks like it'll finally happen with the successor.
What a ride Switch has been and while luckily it hasn't ended yet (there are still so many upcoming games for it) I can't wait to see what the successor will bring us - so looking forward to the announcement and we're getting closer and closer to it!
@N00BiSH
Oh I'm excited sure! Maybe this coming gen Nintendo gamers won't have to feel like they're barely getting by while everyone else is leaving them looking like chumps.
I never get too hyped for a system until it's got more than 10 or so games I'm dying to play and i find out if i can afford it. 😏
I'm saying it again. There's no way Nintendo's next console is going to be a Switch 2 or anything like the Switch. That will only repeat the WiiU's mistake.
@harrystein I disagree. With a PS4-like performance, the importance of multi-platform releases and the appeal of portable gaming (even Sony and Microsoft seem to work on that), Switch 2 could be THE place for playing the best titles of the past decade and even some newer ones.
If it runs at a decent framerate, Switch 2 will be my platform to play Elden Ring for the first time!
I’m sure if and when it is finally revealed, it will be unique, unexpected and memorable. I’m curious about the specs and the design but most importantly- I am curious how it will improve on the previous systems and how it will move forward in the days ahead. Also hoping the Ui will be improved, a stronger file management system, genuine virtual console and better internal memory/storage. Also- could we please get more information on Metroid Prime: Beyond???
I remember how exciting it was. Now that was an amazing presentation. Even Snipperclips stole the show - such a great launch line-up.
I don't have much to say other then the classic "time flies" and "what a ride it has been".😌
Oh, the Switch reveal and hands-on event... Still remember that. Staying up all night to watch the presentation, then heading down to London from Stoke early on Saturday morning to get a first play with Nintendo's future machine. Hoping a similar thing can happen for this successor.
Though maybe not having the UK time for the presentation be 4 in the morning. Don't think I could manage staying awake for that long. Or getting up early for it feeling awake.
“remember when the very act of docking and undocking the Switch felt novel?”
I still to this day find myself thinking “this is cool as hell” when I undock the console and keep playing handheld, especially when it’s something visually impressive.
I really can't believe how long it has been. The Switch is the only console I've ever gotten on day one and with prices these days seems like it may be the only one I ever get on day one. I bet even with switch 2 we'll see the switch still get support for 2 more years (albeit not as much as we're seeing now).
8 years. 8 years. I've barely done any work... for 8 years. Thanks Switch, I luvs ya 😘
I still listen frequently to Ken Ishii's brilliant DJ mix from the opening.
Goodness. If it takes 8 more years for a Switch 3 I'll be an almost- 60 year old gamer by then!?!?
I can remember the Wii U launch with a bit more emotion as in-store stuff was still big then. By the time the Switch rolled around there weren't any lines; I picked up my pre-order on my lunch and that was that.
A kid in first grade could have gotten a Switch for Christmas in 2017. That kid will be going to high school this September.
Big N be all: Why stop? Let's make it an even 10!
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