In an event live streamed today morning, Nintendo’s top brass delivered an up-close look at their upcoming console. There’s clearly reason to be excited.
When Nintendo first teased their all-new gaming console in October last year, the buzz generated around it was well-founded. Its ability to shapeshift, to transport the gaming experience from television to desktop to outdoors is clearly unprecedented. The device’s inherently modular construction, the detachable Joy-Con controllers, the screen that docks into a base, and motion control baked into the entire experience sparked everything ranging from piqued interest to all-out lust in eager gamers waiting to get their hands on it.
Today's livestream event only served to add fuel to the fire. From availability to pricing, here are some of the key takeaways from the presentation.
Nintendo Switch package variants, package contents
The Nintendo Switch will be sold in two variants: in the first the bundled ‘Joy-Con’ controllers will be Neon Blue and Neon Red, and in the second they will both be grey. The pricing of both will be the same, US$ 299.99 (approximately Rs 20,470.)
Besides the console itself, the package will contain the left and right Joy-Con controllers, bundled wrist straps, the controller grip, console dock, HDMI cable and AC Adapter.
The Joy-Con controllers
Most intriguing this gaming system is its all-new Joy-Con controller. These snap-on units seamlessly transpose the gaming experience from handheld to wireless, using NFC and a more sensitive force feedback mechanism the company calls 'HD rumble' to deliver better haptic feedback. Both controllers integrate an analog stick for more accurate gameplay, and have a motion IR camera that can sense the shape of objects in front of it and even distance, allowing for innovative gaming scenarios. One of the controllers also has a tiny square button that can be used to capture screenshots (and later videos,) and share these to social media.
Battery life and multiplayer gaming
The device’s battery life ranges from 2.5 to 6.5 hours depending on the game being played. It uses a USB Type-C port for charging and has a capacitive touch screen. Upto eight Nintendo Switch devices can connect over WiFi for a wireless multiplayer gaming experience.
Nintendo Switch Pro controller
Also available is the Nintendo Switch Pro controller for players who need a more full-fledged gaming controller. This accessory is sold separately.
Legend of Zelda - Breath of the Wild
Among the most significant gaming announcements was ‘Legend of Zelda - Breath of the Wild’, which will make its debut on the console’s launch day. This much-awaited title will simultaneously be available for the Wii U console.
Super Mario Odyssey
There’s a new Super Mario game on the horizon: Super Mario Odyssey. The title pits the famous plumber in a range of new environments from the realistic (downtown New York City) to the surreal (flower kingdoms rife with angry vegetation.) The game also features a ‘cap’ that makes special use of the console’s motion controllers to deploy unique capabilities. The game is slated to release at the end of this year.
Arms - a new fighting game that leverages the Joy-Con controllers
Another game called Arms looks like a hoot to play. Here the fighting characters have springy fists that are controlled by gripping the Joy-Con controllers in both hands and air punching. Tilting the controllers move the player, and you can also change the trajectory of your punch mid air, striking opponents way across the arena.
1-2 Switch: The game that has you eyeballing your opponent, not your TV screen
1-2 Switch is a unique game, in that doesn't need a screen -- instead you look into the eyes of your opponent while playing. It features a Wild West quick-draw type gunfight that uses the Joy-Con’s sensors to determine who’s faster, and also has a two-player table tennis game.
Nintendo Switch key details:
Launch date: 3 March 2017
Launch regions: Japan, US, Canada, Hong Kong, Europe
Price: US$ 299.99
Game in development: Over 80
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Super Mario Odyssey_2, Legend of Zelda - Breath of the Wild, Nintendo Switch Pro controller, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch pr")
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}