New Nintendo Switch Launch Details Revealed

Details about the hardware and launch titles from The Nintendo Switch event.

During the Nintendo Switch event last night Nintendo shared new details about its new console and its game line up for 2017. We have broken down the details you need to know about the Nintendo Switch.

The Hardware

The Nintendo Switch has a 6.2-inch, 720p multi touch display which runs at a 1280 x 720 resolution when used in a handheld configuration. The Switch can be placed in a dock which will allow it to output in full 1080p through an HDMI connection to an attached TV. This allows the Switch to be a home console and a portable console. Games can be easily paused and continued in a different configuration. This is useful if you want to continue your game on the go or someone else co-opts your TV.

The Switch runs on a custom Nvidia Tegra processor although Nintendo did not get into specifics about its specifications. From the gameplay, we have seen the machine seems capable of some impressive graphics although you likely won’t be playing the next Battlefield on it. The system only includes 32GB of onboard memory however that is expandable with micro SD cards. It is a far cry from other consoles on the market boasting between 500 GB and 1 Tb hard drives but unlike those systems, games won’t have to eat too much of it up because they will come on cartridges.

For networking, the hardware includes an 802.11ac Wi-Fi connection. The Switch will also be able to connect using ethernet using a USB LAN adapter with the dock. Players can play online or be able to connect to up to eight Switch consoles at once for local multiplayer. Nintendo has always been good at making party games and plans on continuing that trend with the Switch. The mobility of the system and the ease of playing with others seems to have been a priority in the design.

If you are planning on taking your Switch on the go keep in mind the battery life is somewhat lacking. Nintendo says the switch will last six hours although does specify when playing more intensive games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild the console can be played for only about three hours on a single charge. The same is likely true for titles like Skyrim and Mario Odyssey.

The Switch has a few neat software features including a parental control system. Parents will be able to manage eShop purchases, limit sharing on social networks, restrict access to games based on ESRB ratings, and more through a free app. Players will also have the ability to take screenshots which are just a neat feature for gamers who love to share.

The Accessories

The controller, dubbed “Joy-Cons” will be removable and reconfigurable. You can use them as part of the console, as individual controllers, or in a controller grip which creates a more tradition controller look. The console will ship with one set of Joy-Cons and a grip but you will have to buy other peripherals separately.

There are already a number of extras you can purchase from different stores including screen protectors, covers, and various docks for the controllers. Among the official peripherals are extra Joy-Cons, which can be bought as a pair for $79.99 or separately as left and right for $49.99. You can also buy the “Pro” controller for $69.99 which resembles a regular controller design. Players will also be able to purchase extra Switch docks, a charging grip for Joy-Cons, or the Switch Wheel.

Launch Titles

First and foremost Nintendo confirmed that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be launching the same day as the Switch. Now that that’s out of the way the Switch will enjoy a range of launch titles from classic Nintendo franchises like Zelda to party games like the New 1-2-Switch. Just Dance 2017 and Skylanders Imaginators will also be available.

Many of the big titles for the Switch including Skyrim and FIFA17 will not be launching with the console but are expected sometime in 2017. In fact, one wonders why Nintendo is in such a rush to launch the console as many of the classic Nintendo franchises won’t even be available until the spring. Mario Kart 8, Splatoon2, and even the new IP Arms will also be out later this year. Super Mario Odyssey won’t be available until the holiday season. You can review the full list of games available for the system in our launch titles article.

When Can You Get It?

Nowhere, yet. The Switch is launching March 3, 2017, and will set you back $299.99.  For that, you will get the Switch Console, the dock, one set of Joy-Cons, the Joy Con grip, wrist straps, and an AC adapter. Pre-orders open today however given Nintendo’s history with supply and demand it may already be too late for the first wave. Call your local game shop to find out.

Will you be getting one, waiting until later in the year, or maybe skipping it altogether? Share with us in the comments below or talk to us on Facebook or Twitter.