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Nintendo Switch

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Nintendo Switch
ニンテンドースイッチ Nintendō Suitchi
Nintendo Switch logo.png
Nintendo Switch.png
The Nintendo Switch inside the Nintendo Switch Dock, with Joy-Con controllers.
Technical details
Media Nintendo Switch Game Card
Storage capacity
CPU Nvidia Tegra[1]
Model no.
Time
Launch date WW: March 2017[2]
Discontinue date
Units sold
Lineage
Predecessor Successor
Wii U N/A

The Nintendo Switch[3] is Nintendo's upcoming home console platform[4][5], following the Wii U. The system is described as being a hybrid of handheld and home console devices, allowing players to play home console games on the go.[6] Officially unveiled in October 2016, the Nintendo Switch is currently set to launch in March 2017 worldwide[2][3].

Production

According to Tatsumi Kimishima, development for the Nintendo Switch began with the concept of, "What kind of new experience can we create?", as Nintendo did not simply wish to create a follow-up to the Nintendo 3DS family or Wii U.[7] The name "Switch" refers not only to the console's ability to act as both a home console and handheld device, but also to the idea that it will be a "‘switch’ that will flip, and change the way people experience entertainment in their daily lives."[8]

The development of a new platform was initially confirmed by Satoru Iwata during an investor's briefing in March 2015, revealing the new hardware under the codename "NX".[9] During a later investor's meeting in May 2015, Iwata stated that the company would not give specific details or reveal the NX until 2016.[10] Succeeding Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima would later state that the new hardware would not be a successor to either the Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family[11], and that the device is based around a new concept.[11][9] The Pokémon Company president Tsunekazu Ishihara also stated that the console "is trying to change what it means to be a home console device or a hand-held device".[12] During an investor's meeting in April 2016, Kimishima stated that the hardware would be priced to not sell at a loss at launch[13], later stating in July that the company plans on the Nintendo Switch making up for declining Wii U sales.[14]

Over time, rumors began to surface about the new console. One such rumor was that the device would run on a version of the Android operating system, which was later debunked by Nintendo.[15] According to Shigeru Miyamoto at a June 2016 investor's meeting, the NX was not showcased at E3 2016 as the company was worried about potential imitators if info was released too early.[16][17] In spite of this, however, according to Bethesda's Todd Howard, the system was still demoed in private at the event.[18]

The console was finally revealed as the Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2016.[6] When asked if the system would impact sales of the Nintendo 3DS due to its portable nature, a Nintendo representative answered that, "Nintendo Switch is a home gaming system first and foremost."[19] The company has also announced a "Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017" event on January 12, 2017, in Tokyo (livestreamed worldwide) to reveal more about the system, including its launch date, launch titles, and price, as well as announcing a number of hands-on events worldwide to take place pre-launch.[20]

Features

The Nintendo Switch is a tablet-like screen with a high-definition display that can be played both on a television as a home console device and using the Switch's high-definition display like a portable device.[6] The system attaches to the "Nintendo Switch Dock" when playing on the television[6], which charges the system for portable play and outputs the video signal from the Nintendo Switch to the television through HDMI.[21][22] When removed from the dock, the Nintendo Switch immediately transitions from displaying on the television to the system's built-in screen.[3][21] The Nintendo Switch itself features a power button, volume buttons, a 3.5mm headphone port, a covered Game Card slot, and on the back of the device is a kickstand.[3] While the system's battery life has not been confirmed, Nintendo have commented that the system is designed to allow users to play for as long as possible "comfortably".[23] Nintendo have stated that, when asked if the console would return the second-screen functionality of the Wii U and it's GamePad controller, that, "Nintendo Switch is dedicated to deliver a single-screen experience, on whatever screen you might choose."[24]

The primary controller for the device is composed of two individual detachable controllers, the Joy-Con controllers, which can be attached to the Nintendo Switch itself on both sides, providing a similar form factor to the Wii U GamePad, or to the Joy-Con Grip accessory which allows the two controllers to be used in a manner similar to a normal controller. The JoyCon controllers can also be used in each hand without needing to be attached to the main device, or as individual controllers for two players.[6][3] Multiple Nintendo Switch units can also be connected for wireless local play.[3]

System specs

Although the device's full specifications have not been revealed, it is known that the system will be powered by Nvidia Tegra. The system will use an Nvidia GPU "based on the same architecture as the world’s top-performing GeForce gaming graphics cards", and a brand-new "NVN" API "built specifically to bring lightweight, fast gaming to the masses."[1] According to Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang, the Nintendo Switch GPU is similar to those found in the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and modern PCs.[25]

Games

The Nintendo Switch will be the first Nintendo console after the Nintendo GameCube to not use a variant of the Game Disc format for physical releases, instead opting for the Game Card format similar to those used with Nintendo's handheld devices since the Nintendo DS.[26]

Currently, eleven games have been confirmed to be released for the Nintendo Switch. Titles from major development studios include Just Dance 2017, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild[27], Template:Dqw[28], Template:Dqw[29], a game in the Nobunaga's Ambition series[30], a port of LEGO City Undercover[31], and the tentatively-named Project Sonic 2017[32]. Breath of the Wild and LEGO City Undercover are the only games to be published by Nintendo that have been confirmed so far. Other titles coming to the system include Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, Tank It!, Riverside, and RISE: Race to the Future. The complete lineup of games currently in development for Nintendo Switch will be released during the Nintendo Switch Presentation in January 2017.[33]

Also shown during the premiere trailer was footage of a 3D Super Mario game, a basketball game by 2K Sports[34], a game by Bethesda Softworks, and games similar to the Wii U titles Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon.[3] None of these games, however, have been confirmed for release on the console.

The Nintendo Switch will not be backwards compatible with either Wii U Game Discs or Nintendo 3DS Game Cards.[23]

Accessories

Joy-Con

NintendoWiki logo.png  Main article: Joy-Con 

The Joy-Cons (Joy-Con L and Joy-Con R) are the main controllers for the Nintendo Switch. They can either be attached to the Nintendo Switch on both sides of the system, detached from the system to use without holding the screen or as two individual controllers, or attached to the Joy-Con Grip for a form factor more similar to a standard controller.[3] Both Joy-Cons feature an analog stick, four face buttons (the d-pad on Joy-Con L and the standard face buttons on Joy-Con R), and shoulder buttons and triggers. Joy-Con L also features a Minus button and a button with unknown functionality, while Joy-Con R has a Plus button and a Power button.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

NintendoWiki logo.png  Main article: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller 

Similar to the Wii U, a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, resembling a more traditional controller, has been announced.[6] The controller can be used with the Nintendo Switch regardless of whether or not it is attached to the dock.

amiibo

NintendoWiki logo.png  Main article: amiibo 

Nintendo have confirmed that amiibo will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch.[21]

Reception

Announcement / Post-announcement

At its reveal, many of Nintendo's announced partners showed their interest in and praised the Nintendo Switch. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said that the Nintendo Switch "could again redefine the way we play games."[34] Bethesda announced that they were "trilled" to be a partner for Nintendo Switch, stating that the console "presents exciting opportunities for our studios & fans."[35]

When asked about his thoughts on the Nintendo Switch on Twitter, Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft's Xbox division, replied by stating, "I'm always impressed with [Nintendo's] ability to state a bold vision and build a product that delivers on that vision."[36] Xbox marketing boss Aaron Greenberg also commented that the Nintendo Switch, "looks like fun!" and praised Nintendo's innovation in the industry.[36] Shuhei Yoshida, the head of Sony's Worldwide Studios, has said that the Nintendo Switch is "a very unique system," and that it will be "good for core gamers."[37]

Business analysts, however, were more skeptical of the device and Nintendo's direction with the console, many citing its main gimmick and target audience. Dr. Serkan Toto questioned the console's level of innovation and whether or not the Nintendo Switch's hybrid concept would be able to attract a wide enough audience, stating, "who else but die-hard Nintendo fans will buy the Switch?"[38][39] Others were also concerned with other aspects of the console, such as the device's battery life, its price point, and third-party support.[40]

Within twenty-four hours of its posting, the "First Look at Nintendo Switch" trailer became the most-viewed video on Nintendo of America's YouTube channel[41] and the top trending video on YouTube overall[42], surpassing 10 million views. In an investor's briefing on October 26, the company revealed that the trailer had been viewed more than 23 million times on its official YouTube channels alone, and that reactions were more than 95% positive.[43][44]

Gallery

  • The Nintendo Switch detached from the Nintendo Switch Dock, with Joy-Con controllers attached.

  • Separating the Nintendo Switch from the Nintendo Switch Dock.

  • Using the Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer with two Nintendo Switch units.

  • The various hardware and functions of the Nintendo Switch.

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 NVIDIA Technology Powers New Home Gaming System, Nintendo Switch. Nvidia (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Earnings Release: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2016. Nintendo (April 27, 2016). Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 First Look at Nintendo Switch. YouTube (Nintendo; October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  4. ↑ Reggie calls the Nintendo NX a home console. Wii U Daily (June 19, 2015). Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  5. ↑ PR - First Glimpse of Nintendo NX Coming Tomorrow at 7 a.m. PT. GoNintendo (October 19, 2016). Retrieved October 19, 2016.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Nintendo Switch world premier demonstrates new entertainment experiences from a home gaming system. Nintendo (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  7. ↑ Nintendo's Big Switch: Q&A With President Tatsumi Kimishima. Bloomberg (October 28, 2016). Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  8. ↑ Nintendo on Switch’s name, goal with the announcement trailer. Nintendo Everything (December 6, 2016). Retrieved December 7, 2016.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 March 17, Wed. 2015 Presentation Title. Nintendo (March 17, 2015). Retrieved June 16, 2015.
  10. ↑ No NX Reveal at E3, Nintendo Says. GameSpot (May 11, 2015). Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Nintendo President: NX Is Not the Successor "to the Wii U nor to the 3DS". IGN (May 16, 2016). Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  12. ↑ Nintendo NX Will "Change The Concept" Of Home Console And Handheld Gaming, Says Pokémon Company President. Nintendo Life (September 20, 2016). Retrieved September 20, 2016.
  13. ↑ Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ended March 2016 - Q & A. Nintendo (April 28, 2016). Retrieved October 24, 2016.
  14. ↑ Wii U was expected to sell 100 million units. GamesIndustry.biz (July 7, 2016). Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  15. ↑ No, Nintendo's NX Will Not Be Running On Android. Forbes (June 2, 2015). Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  16. ↑ Report: Nintendo's fear of imitators kept NX out of E3. Polygon (June 29, 2016). Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  17. ↑ Nintendo Didn't Show NX at E3 Because It Was Worried About Copycats, Says Miyamoto. GameSpot (June 29, 2016). Retrieved October 22, 2016).
  18. ↑ Q&A: 'Skyrim' Creator Todd Howard Talks Switch, VR and Why We'll Have to Wait for Another 'Elder Scrolls'. Glixel (November 21, 2016). Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  19. ↑ Nintendo: Switch is a home gaming system ‘first and foremost’. Polygon (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  20. ↑ Nintendo Switch event to reveal further details in mid-January. Polygon (October 26, 2016). Retrieved December 9, 2016.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Nintendo Confirms Amiibo Support for Nintendo Switch, Clarifies Additional Features. IGN (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  22. ↑ ニュースリリース : 2016年10月20日. Nintendo.co.jp (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Nintendo Switch: Nintendo confirms lack of retro-compatiblity… for physical media, note about battery life. Perfectly Nintendo (October 21, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  24. ↑ Nintendo’s Switch can’t serve as a second gameplay screen in your home. Polygon (October 21, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  25. ↑ Nvidia CEO Thinks That PS4, Xbox One, and PC Ports on Switch Will Be Simple Due To Tegra Chip. My Nintendo News (November 16, 2016). Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  26. ↑ Nintendo Switch - Official Website - Nintendo's New Video Game System. Nintendo. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  27. ↑ Nintendo Switch Games. IGN. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  28. ↑ Nintendo NX version of Dragon Quest X Confirmed in Development Alongside PS4 Version. DualShockers. Retrieved August 8, 2016.
  29. ↑ Dragon Quest 11 Adventures Toward Nintendo NX Release. Nintendo Insider (August 21, 2016). Retrieved August 21, 2016.
  30. ↑ Koei Tecmo Is Bringing Nobunaga’s Ambition To Nintendo Switch. Siliconera (October 27, 2016). Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  31. ↑ Lego City Undercover Is Coming To Nintendo Switch And Other Platforms Next Year. Nintendo Life (November 22, 2016). Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  32. ↑ Project Sonic 2017 Debut Trailer. YouTube (Sonic the Hedgehog; July 22, 2016). Retrieved July 23, 2016.
  33. ↑ Nintendo Switch Presentation announced for January 12. Nintendo Everything (October 26, 2016). Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Developers Respond to Nintendo Switch. IGN (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  35. ↑ Bethesda Bethesda says they're 'thrilled' to be working on Switch. GoNintendo (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Xbox Bosses Praise The "Bold Vision" Of Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Life (October 21, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  37. ↑ Sony says Switch is "unique" & "interesting", believe it to be "good for core gamers", talk Nintendo mobile efforts. GoNintendo (December 6, 2016). Retrieved December 7, 2016.
  38. ↑ Nintendo Stock Value Drops 6.5 Percent After Switch Reveal, Some Analysts Doubt Its Appeal. GameSpot (October 21, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  39. ↑ Nintendo Switch Console Is Met With Skepticism From Investors. The New York Times (October 21, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  40. ↑ "Who else but die-hard Nintendo fans will buy the Switch?" GamesIndustry.biz (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  41. ↑ Nintendo Switch preview trailer becomes most watched video on NoA YouTube, surpasses 10 million views. GoNintendo (October 21, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  42. ↑ The Nintendo Switch Reveal is the Top Trending YouTube Video With Over 10 Million Views in One Day. Gamenesia (October 21, 2016). Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  43. ↑ Switch reveal viewed by over 23 million people, reactions 95% positive. GoNintendo (October 26, 2016). Retrieved October 26, 2016.
  44. ↑ Semi-Annual Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2017. Nintendo (October 27, 2016). Retrieved October 27, 2016.


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