Is Nintendo Switch The Console For You?

Last year, rumors swirled around Nintendo’s new console, codenamed NX, to replace the ailing Wii U. On October 2016, Nintendo officially unveiled the NX to the world, now named the Switch. The company showed off a slick video that showed how the Switch could transform from a home console connected to a TV, to a handheld console to be played on the go. It’s a logical evolution from the Wii U’s tablet controller that could stream games from the Wii U console to the controller. Earlier this month, Nintendo held a presentation that detailed more features that the Switch would have as well as a definitive launch date and price. The Nintendo Switch will be launching on March 3rd for $299. Nintendo looks to revolutionize how and where we play our games. With that said, here are three things you need to know about the Nintendo Switch

JoyCon Controllers

The JoyCon controllers are the key to the Switch’s versatility. The two small controllers slide onto either side of the Switch console, turning it into a mobile gaming console. The JoyCon can also slide out and be used independently as separate controllers, useful for split screen multiplayer games like Mario Kart. While playing single player games, the JoyCon can either be used in each hand similar to the original Wiimote and Nunchuk or they can slide into a separate JoyCon Grip for a more traditional gaming experience. If that wasn’t enough, Nintendo revealed during their January 12th press conference that the controllers are also motion controllers with gyroscopes and accelerometers. Nintendo showed off different games such as ARMS and 1-2 Switch, which make use of the motion controls for gameplay. The left JoyCon has a share button that allows you to share screenshots and videos. The right JoyCon has an NFC sensor for Amiibo figurines. Finally, both JoyCon have what Nintendo calls “HD Rumble” which just a marketing term to describe enhanced rumble features to detect more subtle and realistic vibrations. For those hardcore gamers out there who prefer the feel of a regular controller, Nintendo will also be selling a Pro controller for the Switch.

Switch Console

The main console itself is a tablet with a 6.2-inch capacitive touchscreen with a 720p resolution. It can connect to the Dock which enables gameplay on an TV and keeps the Switch charged. Speaking of charging, one welcome feature is the inclusion of a USB Type C connector. This allows other devices such as a battery pack to be connected…which is good because the battery life varies wildly depending on the game. Nintendo says battery life is anywhere from 2 ½ hours to 6 hours. Graphic intensive games like Splatoon or Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are likely to tax the battery heavily while lighter titles like NES/SNES games will last a bit longer. Spec-wise, little is still known about the Switch as Nintendo has been reticent to release any detailed information. The only confirmed hardware spec is the custom NVIDIA graphics processor. Most analysts believe it is the NVIDIA X1 Tegra chip using the Maxwell architecture instead of the latest Pascal architecture. This would mean that the Switch is more powerful than the Wii U but not nearly as powerful as the PS4 and Xbox One. On the positive side, the Switch can connect to other Switch consoles to engage in local multiplayer sessions (now you can trash talk in person instead of online!).

What About The Games?

Back in October, Nintendo announced a bevy of third party developers that would be creating games for the Switch. Unfortunately, the day one launch games doesn’t contain as many system selling games as one might expect. The games releasing on March 3rd are:

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• 1-2 Switch
• Just Dance 2017
• Skylanders Imaginators
• Super Bomberman R

As you can see, the major first party game on launch day is The Legend of Zelda. Fortunately, more hard hitting games will come out this year such as:

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• ARMS
• Splatoon 2
• Super Mario Odyssey
• Minecraft
• Sonic Mania
• Steep
• Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
• I Am Setsuna
• LEGO City Undercover
• NBA 2K18
• Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth

Nintendo also plans to release their online service to enable multiplayer online play. It will be a system like Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus where players can subscribe to the online service for a monthly or yearly price. Like Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus, Nintendo will allow subscribers to download a free NES or SNES game per month…with a HUGE caveat. While Xbox and PlayStation allow subscribers to keep their downloaded games, Nintendo will only allow subscribers to keep the downloaded game for the month it is available. Afterwards, the subscriber loses access to the game unless it is bought. The Switch is likely Nintendo’s last ditch effort to win back gamers after the failed Wii U. Business moves such as not allowing players to keep their free NES/SNES games may come back to haunt Nintendo as a potentially anti-consumer policy. Regardless, the Switch is an innovative and exciting entry into the gaming market. Time will tell if Nintendo is able to woo gamers (and third party developers) back to its platform. It will also be interesting to see how Nintendo will juggle the Switch with its other handheld offering, the 3DS. Nintendo is betting on mobility and based on their massive sales of the 3DS, it looks like they might just be onto something.