From Nintendo; “Introducing Nintendo Switch! In addition to providing single and multiplayer thrills at home, the Nintendo Switch system also enables gamers to play the same title wherever, whenever and with whomever they choose. The mobility of a handheld is now added to the power of a home gaming system to enable unprecedented new video game play styles.”
This was the mysterious Nintendo device that only had the code-name “Nintendo NX”. What is unique about this device is that it allows the user to use it as a tradition console platform and then switch (see what they did there?) to portable and mobile devices seamlessly. It also allows for the networking of multiple Switch devices for multiplayer game play. The video above describes exactly what this new console is and how to maximize its potential.
The platform utilized the same technology found in the NVIDIA SHIELD line of gaming products. In fact, it is the same processor in both devices, a custom Tegra processor. The launch video, above, indicates that this platform will be able to handle data-heavy games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. But what will that do to the battery life? And how big is the drive to take this game with you on the go?
Initial reactions and signs are – for the majority – positive. That said, hands-on details are yet to come such as screen resolution, battery life, game quantity, compatibility with 1080P or 4K televisions and how do the “Joy-Con” controllers feel. If you look at the image below you can see that there are many buttons, joysticks and a touchpad = lots of options and customization abilities.
“It gives game developers new abilities to bring their creative visions to life by opening up the concept of gaming without boundaries.” Reggie Fils-Aime, the President of Nintendo of America declared. The tablet-inspired screen is flanked by the split controller that enables the user to immediately transition between the two device layouts. Now, you don’t have to switch from your Wii U to your 3DS to continue games like Mario Kart, you can just pop out the controller and go.
The exact release date for Nintendo Switch has yet to be revealed but should be some time around March 2017. Nintendo has not announced what the price point for this will be at launch.
