Nintendo Switch launch details announced

ⓘThis article was published on January 12, 2017 and could contain information that has since changed or become out-of-date.
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Official box art of the Nintendo Switch.

We now know more information about the Nintendo Switch, including price and release date thanks to an hour-long online video presentation hosted by the Japanese gaming giant. On March 3^rd, 2017, the Nintendo Switch will hit store shelves in Japan, Canada, the United States of America, much of Europe, and Hong Kong. In Japan, the console has a suggested retail price of ¥29,980 JPY, $299.99 USD in the United States and $399 CAD in Canada.

This second look at the Nintendo Switch hardware did not reveal any detailed technical specifications but focused more on the functionality, modes and controllers. Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima delved into this functionality, explaining its capabilities. He demonstrated the three modes: TV mode, with the Nintendo Switch in a dock, tabletop mode with the Nintendo Switch held up by a small kickstand, and handheld mode with the Joy-Con controllers mounted to the side of the console. Battery life is between 2 1/2 hours and 6 hours depending on the game being played. The device has a USB C port and comes with Wi-Fi connectivity. The Nintendo Switch will not include region locking, a feature which restricts the console to playing content in the region where the console was purchased.

Mario returns with an all new adventure in *Super Mario Odyssey*.

The Joy-Con Controllers are detachable and in three colours: grey, neon red and neon blue. Each Joy-Con controller comes with an analog stick which can function as a button, and has NFC capabilities to read and write data to or from an amiibo. An accelerometer and gyrometer allow the controllers to determine physical movement, similar to that of the original Wii Remote. On the controller, a square button can take screenshots in-game and share them across social media — future development will permit the capturing of video. Wrist straps allow the Joy-Con to be secured to a players wrist so they won’t slip from the hand during more vigorous activities. Additionally, the detachable controller can be used individually for two player titles. The right Joy-Con has a camera that discern certain hand movements and distance, while the left Joy-Con has a rumble function.

A number of titles were also mentioned.

1-2-Switch is a two player game where the objective is to look at your opponent rather than a screen. Using timing, different styles permit games like an old fashioned western shooting and more.
ARMS is a unique fighting game that requires use of both Joy-Con controllers in matches reminiscent of a boxing match but with extending arms. Tilting your arms and throwing punches make for combinations to stun and knock out your opponent.
Splatoon 2 is the action game to cover everything in bright neon paint. The cute squids return with all new weapons and stages. It’s expected to launch in the summer of 2017.
Super Mario Odyssey brings everyone’s favourite mustachioed plumber back into the real world… and then into a strange world. This new title is far more open and gives Mario a new companion hidden in his famous red cap. Super Mario Odyssey has a projected release in Winter 2017.
There are some 80 titles in development for the Nintendo Switch including Xenoblade Chronicles from Monolithsoft, Fire Emblem Warriors from Koei-Tecmo, Project Octopath Traveller, Dragon Quest 10, Dragon Quest 11 and Dragon Quest Heroes 1 and 2 from Square-Enix, Shin Megami Tensei from Atlus, Skyrim from Bethesda and EA Sports FIFA from Electronic Arts.

Link must defend Hyrule from a new evil in the wide open The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. — Link must defend Hyrule from a new evil in the wide open *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*.

Of course, Nintendo saved the best for last. Throughout the video, various managers and guests appeared on stage to introduce their products and noticeably absent was Shigeru Miyamoto. He waited to the end with Nintendo of America’s President, Reggie Fils-Aime, to give us what wanted to see the most: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. With a teaser like this, it’s obvious people are excited for this game and the endless adventure we expect it to provide. While there was some voice over present in the video, it’s unknown if any voice acting is expected in game. With each new video, we see action packed scenes deep in dense forests, on endless rivers, and over vast deserts. And it appears that the Princess herself will play an even bigger role in this title, too.
A deluxe bundle will include the game, but also a weathered map of Hyrule, a replica Master Sword, Sheikah coin and a copy of the soundtrack in an elegantly simple black box.