Nintendo Switch’s event has concluded and so much is now known about the console. For starters, Switch will launch on March 3 in the United States, Canada, Japan and some “major European countries.” The system will be available for $299.99 at launch. Nintendo also went onto confirm a few other details about the system itself.

Switch will be featuring an online service that becomes a paid for program this coming fall. I assume before then it’ll be a trial period for all Switch users. “In general,” the system will not be region-locking its software, though I’m sure there are exceptions in there. Battery life of the system will range between 2.5 and 6.5 hours. Switch will have wi-fi capabilities and up to eight systems can be connected together for local multiplayer, plus the tablet possesses a 6.2-inch screen.

Joy Con controllers act as a traditional gaming controller for TV mode. They then rip apart with a left and right joy con, each with an analog stick. Stick with the A, B, Y and X buttons, plus home buttons and the right stick can read amiibo. The left joy con can capture screenshots to share and video capturing will be coming soon. Each joy con can function as a fully capable controller. Joy con colors include neon blue and neon red, each with a wrist strap. HD rumble is said to allow players feel sensations like never before.

Mario Kart 8 launches on Switch April 28, 2017 (Courtesy of Nintendo).
Mario Kart 8 launches on Switch April 28, 2017 (Courtesy of Nintendo).

The first game announced was 1, 2 Switch. This game uses the distance measuring feature of the joy con in activities like sword fighting and western gun draw battles. It is played by one person looking at the other, not necessarily on the console like a traditional game would be played. This will be a launch title for Switch. It is worth noting Mario Kart 8 is coming to the system on April 28.

Arms is the second game Nintendo revealed for the Switch. It is termed as a fighting-sports game. Players hold a joy con in one hand with a thumbs up stance and then the device reacts to your hand’s movements. Gamers will be able to use special attacks at some point in each match. Online multiplayer will be available as well local multiplayer via connecting Switch systems together. The game will release sometime during the Spring, but is not a launch title for Switch.

Splatoon, as was rumored prior to the event, is indeed coming to Nintendo Switch, however, it is coming in the form of Splatoon 2. This was a major surprise considering folks were expecting a simple port. This was the first game confirmed to be compatible with the Switch Pro controller. The game will be available this coming summer, complete with weapon and stage updates after the title is available.

The next game announced was the highly expected Mario title. It is called Super Mario Odyssey and will be a sandbox experience similar to Super Mario Sunshine. Mario’s cap will have abilities and in-game features to help players along their journey. The game is slated to be released sometime during the holiday period of this year.

Super Mario Odyssey launches this coming holiday for Switch (Courtesy of Nintendo).
Super Mario Odyssey launches this coming holiday for Switch (Courtesy of Nintendo).

Following Mario was the announcement of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, though no release date was given. Previous announcements had folks on stage speaking briefly about each game, but this one did not. Fire Emblem Warriors was shown off after Xenoblade as well.

Nintendo confirmed over 80 games are in development for Switch. Dragon Quest Heroes I and II are coming to Switch, though no dates were given. SEGA came on stage to share some nice thoughts about the Switch. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is indeed coming to the Nintendo Switch, as Todd Howard confirmed in a video of his own. Suda51 showed up next and announced a new game, though he did not share a name for it. He went onto compliment the system by mentioning its accessibility to indie devs.

EA’s Patrick Soderlund took the stage and spoke about what Nintendo has meant to him personally. He confirmed FIFA will be coming to Nintendo Switch later this year, most likely in the form of FIFA 18. There are a variety of third-party games coming to Nintendo Switch. Games include Minecraft, Skylanders Imaginators, Steep, Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition. Just Dance 2017 and more.

Nintendo confirmed the Pro controller will be sold separately, and isn’t coming standard in the system. Eventually, we got to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. After a quick trailer ran, its ending finally confirmed the game will launch on March 3, same day as Nintendo Switch.

“Nintendo Switch is a brand-new kind of home gaming system that offers a wide variety of play modes,” said Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima. “We will introduce the world to new experiences made possible by the unique characteristics of the Nintendo Switch hardware and the Joy-Con.”

That is all for the report of this evening’s show, but Nintendo will have a Treehouse event taking place early tomorrow morning. Stick around here at We Write Things for more on Nintendo Switch.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launches on March 3, 2017 (Courtesy of Nintendo).
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launches on March 3, 2017 (Courtesy of Nintendo).

About Steve Ruygrok

Gaming, Spirits, and Craft Beer enthusiast. If you say you don't like beer, then you just haven't had the right type yet. Great spirits keep away the bad ones. Video games are kind of amazing, just do it...or something like that.

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