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Nintendo Switch
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Nintendo Switch ニンテンドースイッチ Nintendō Suitchi | |||||||||
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The Nintendo Switch is Nintendo's seventh major home console platform[5][6], following the Wii U. The system is described as being a hybrid handheld and home console device, allowing players to take the system and play home console games on the go.[7] Officially unveiled in October 2016, the Nintendo Switch launched worldwide simultaneously in March 2017[8][9][3].
Contents
Production
Development on the Nintendo Switch began in 2013.[10][11] Satoru Iwata, Tatsumi Kimishima, Genyo Takeda, and Shigeru Miyamoto created a strategy to revitalize Nintendo's business, including entering the mobile market, creating new dedicated gaming hardware, and "maximizing" the company's intellectual property.[11] According to Tatsumi Kimishima, development began with the question, "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.[11] The system designers initially struggled to come up with a concept for the system, until looking back at the company's history and seeing that "[Nintendo's] really been an amusement provider."[10] Afterward, the concept of playing games anywhere with anyone came about.[10] With the overall concept set, many of the basic features of the system came about quickly afterward; according to designer Yoshiaki Koizumi, the concept of having two controllers that could attach to the console was one of the first decisions to be made.[10] The name "Switch" refers not only to the console's ability to swap between portable and TV modes, 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."[12]
To show that Nintendo would continue in the dedicated gaming hardware business after announcing a partnership with DeNA to enter the mobile market, Satoru Iwata announced that a new Nintendo platform "with a brand-new concept" was in development during an investor's briefing in March 2015, referred to under the codename "NX".[13] 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.[14] 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[15], and reconfirmed that the device is based around a new concept.[15][13] 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".[16] During an investor's meeting in April 2016, Kimishima stated that the hardware would be priced to not sell at a loss at launch[17], later stating in July that the company plans on the Nintendo Switch making up for declining Wii U sales.[18]
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.[19] 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.[20][21] In spite of this, however, according to Bethesda's Todd Howard, the system was still demoed in private at the event.[22]
The console was finally revealed as the Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2016.[7] 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."[23] 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.[24]
Tatsumi Kimishima stated that two million units were shipped for the console's launch.[25] Reggie Fils-Amie has said that the Nintendo Switch will not face any supply issues, which happened with the Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition.[26] Kimishima has also stated that he expects the console's lifetime sales to match those of the Wii (which sold over 101 million units in its lifetime).[27] Following the launch, Nintendo is reportedly planning to manufacture at least 16 million Nintendo Switch units by the end of March 2018, doubling the original forecast of 8 million.[28]
Features
The main feature of the Nintendo Switch is its ability to be played both at home and on the go[7], immediately transitioning from displaying on the television to the system's built-in screen.[9] The Nintendo Switch itself features a tablet-like screen with a 6.2-inch capacitive multi-touch screen with a display resolution of 720p.[29] The device 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[9] with a microSD card slot underneath.[29] The system's battery life is officially stated to be between 2.5–6.5 hours, varying by software and usage[3]; Nintendo have commented that the system is designed to allow users to play for as long as possible "comfortably".[30] The system can be recharged using a USB Type-C cable[29], the type used for the system's AC Adapter (HAC-002). Finally, the system's screen uses Immersion Corporation's Touch Sense technology, providing haptic feedback when the touch screen is used.[31]
The Nintendo Switch has three "play styles". In "TV Mode", the Nintendo Switch is connected to the Nintendo Switch Dock (HAC-007), allowing players to play on a television screen.[3] The dock features two USB ports on the front, and an LED indicating when the system is outputting to the television.[29] Opening up the back of the dock reveals an additional USB port, an HDMI port, and an AC Adapter port for charging the system while it is docked. The dock's USB ports will support USB 2.0 at launch, while USB 3.0 support will be added in a system update.[32] In "Tabletop Mode", the Nintendo Switch is stood up using its kickstand while the Joy-Con are used separately, either for single-player or multiplayer.[3] Finally, in "Handheld Mode", the Joy-Con are attached to both sides of the Nintendo Switch in a form factor similar to the Wii U GamePad.[3] Up to eight systems can be connected for local play.[3]
The Nintendo Switch will not feature Miiverse, nor will it have StreetPass capabilities.[33] Using the Joy-Con L's Capture button, the player can capture a screenshot of their gameplay, which automatically saves the shot to the system's album. From the album, players are able to edit the image by adding text with a variety of colors, positions, and sizes, and post it onto social media sites.[34] Images can also be saved to an SD card or deleted.[35] The ability to capture and post video footage is planned for a future update.[3]
The system will not be backwards compatible controllers and accessories with any previous systems. However, compatibility with some controllers may be considered as an addition in a future update.[34]
Memory
The Nintendo Switch features 32 GB of internal NAND memory.[29][1][34] The total memory for the system can be expanded with microSD cards of up to 2 TB in size[1][36] While the system will not support USB-based storage options at launch, the company is considering whether or not to add this feature in a future update, as being unable to take USB save data on the go conflicts with the portable aspect of the system.[36][34] While using a microSD card, game save data will be saved to the system's internal memory, while redownloadable data (digital games, updates, downloadable content, etc.) will be saved to the microSD card.[34]
Online
For the first time, the Nintendo Switch will use a paid online service, based around the Nintendo Account service.[37] Under the paid subscription service, users will be able to play online with each other, as well as use the online lobby and voice chat application on smart devices.[37] Users will also be given exclusive deals, as well as being able to download and play a Nintendo Entertainment System or Super Nintendo Entertainment System title with added online play each month (the game will only be available to players for that month).[37]
Other internet-based services, such as the Nintendo eShop, sharing images, and adding and managing friends can be accessed without requiring a paid subscription; however, a Nintendo Account is still required to access any online features.[37] The Nintendo eShop region available to the user depends on the country they have selected for their Nintendo Account.[34]
System specs
Although the device's full specifications have not been revealed, it is known that the system is powered by a custom, "high-efficiency scalable" Nvidia Tegra processor. The system uses 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."[2] 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.[38]
Games
Main article: Category:Nintendo Switch games |
The Nintendo Switch is 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.[39] Basic Game Cards are said to be able to hold 16 GB, and are non-rewriteable.[36] In addition, the Nintendo Switch is the first Nintendo home console to be region free, allowing users who purchase a game in another region to play that copy of the game on any Nintendo Switch system.[3]
In Japan, the hardware launched with twenty titles, of which nine were released at retail, while the other eleven were released digitally on the Nintendo eShop. In other territories, the system launched with five retail titles. In North America, five games were released on the Nintendo eShop at launch for a total of ten games at launch, while in Europe thirteen titles were released for a total of eighteen games. According to Nintendo, over 100 games for the system are currently in development.[25]
The Nintendo Switch is not backwards compatible with games for any previous systems.[30][34]
The Nintendo Switch will feature a Virtual Console service, though it will not be available at launch.[40]
Accessories
Joy-Con
Main article: Joy-Con |
The Joy-Con (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.[9] Both Joy-Con feature an analog stick, four face buttons (the d-pad on Joy-Con L and the standard face buttons on Joy-Con R), standard shoulder buttons and triggers, and a pair of "SL" and "SR" shoulder buttons on the rail.[29] Joy-Con L also features a Minus button and a Capture button[29][3], while Joy-Con R has a Plus button, a Power button, and NFC functionality.[29][3]
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Main article: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller |
Similar to the Wii U, a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, resembling a more traditional controller, has been announced.[7] The controller can be used with the Nintendo Switch regardless of whether or not it is attached to the dock.
amiibo
Main article: amiibo |
amiibo are compatible with the Nintendo Switch. Both the Joy-Con L and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller feature a built-in NFC reader/writer.[3]
Joy-Con Wheel
Main article: Joy-Con Wheel |
The Joy-Con Wheel is an accessory to be released alongside Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Similar to the Wii Wheel, the Joy-Con Wheel is a wheel-shaped shell that a Joy-Con can be fitted into, giving it the form factor of a steering wheen. The Joy-Con Wheel also features plus and minus buttons as well as two triggers on the back.
System updates
Version Number | Date Released | Description |
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2.0.0 | March 2, 2017 | Allows players to access the console's online features, adds the ability to register friends through friend codes[41], allows the console to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots that require authentication.[42] |
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."[43] Bethesda announced that they were "trilled" to be a partner for Nintendo Switch, stating that the console "presents exciting opportunities for our studios & fans."[44]
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."[45] Xbox marketing boss Aaron Greenberg also commented that the Nintendo Switch, "looks like fun!" and praised Nintendo's innovation in the industry.[45] 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."[46]
Business analysts were more skeptical of the device and Nintendo's direction with the console, with 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?"[47][48] Others were also concerned with other aspects of the console that had yet to be announced at the time, such as the device's battery life, its price point, and third-party support.[49]
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[50] and the top trending video on YouTube overall[51], 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.[52][53]
Launch
According to SuperData, the Nintendo Switch sold 1.5 million total units worldwide on its first week.[54]
In Japan, the Nintendo Switch sold 330,637 units over the weekend of its launch.[4] According to Dengeki, the system sold through 95% of its initial shipment.[55]
Without disclosing exact sales figures, Reggie Fils-Aimé has stated that, in North America, the Nintendo Switch had the highest two-day launch sales of any Nintendo console[56], and was still the best-selling after five days.[57] According to SuperData, exact US sales of the Nintendo Switch on its first week were around 500,000 units.[54]
The Nintendo Switch also became the best-selling Nintendo console at launch in Europe.[58] In the UK, the Nintendo Switch sold 80,000 units over the weekend of its launch.[59] In France, over 105,000 systems were sold at launch, selling better than any other console at launch.[60]
Gallery
External links
Nintendo Switch on other NIWA Wikis: | ||||||||||
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- Nintendo Switch on Wikipedia
- Official North American website
- Official Japanese website
- Official European / UK website
- Official Australian website
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Switch supports up to 256 GB microSD cards. Nintendo Everything (January 13, 2017). Retrieved January 13, 2017.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 NVIDIA Technology Powers New Home Gaming System, Nintendo Switch. Nvidia (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 20, 2016.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017. Nintendo (YouTube; January 12, 2017). Retrieved January 13, 2017.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Nintendo Switch、発売3日間で国内推定販売台数33.1万台を記録 『ゼルダの伝説 ブレス オブ ザ ワイルド』国内推定販売本数は19万3060本. Famitsu (March 7, 2017). Retrieved March 7, 2017.
- ↑ Reggie calls the Nintendo NX a home console. Wii U Daily (June 19, 2015). Retrieved June 16, 2016.
- ↑ PR - First Glimpse of Nintendo NX Coming Tomorrow at 7 a.m. PT. GoNintendo (October 19, 2016). Retrieved October 19, 2016.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Nintendo Switch world premier demonstrates new entertainment experiences from a home gaming system. Nintendo (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 20, 2016.
- ↑ Earnings Release: Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2016. Nintendo (April 27, 2016). Retrieved June 16, 2016.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 First Look at Nintendo Switch. YouTube (Nintendo; October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 20, 2016.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Nintendo to Gamers: Try Staring at Each Other, Not the Screen. The Wall Street Journal (January 16, 2017). Retrieved January 16, 2017.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Nintendo's Big Switch: Q&A With President Tatsumi Kimishima. Bloomberg (October 28, 2016). Retrieved October 28, 2016.
- ↑ Nintendo on Switch’s name, goal with the announcement trailer. Nintendo Everything (December 6, 2016). Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 March 17, Wed. 2015 Presentation Title. Nintendo (March 17, 2015). Retrieved June 16, 2015.
- ↑ No NX Reveal at E3, Nintendo Says. GameSpot (May 11, 2015). Retrieved October 22, 2016.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Nintendo President: NX Is Not the Successor "to the Wii U nor to the 3DS". IGN (May 16, 2016). Retrieved June 16, 2016.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ended March 2016 - Q & A. Nintendo (April 28, 2016). Retrieved October 24, 2016.
- ↑ Wii U was expected to sell 100 million units. GamesIndustry.biz (July 7, 2016). Retrieved January 10, 2017.
- ↑ No, Nintendo's NX Will Not Be Running On Android. Forbes (June 2, 2015). Retrieved October 22, 2016.
- ↑ Report: Nintendo's fear of imitators kept NX out of E3. Polygon (June 29, 2016). Retrieved October 22, 2016.
- ↑ Nintendo Didn't Show NX at E3 Because It Was Worried About Copycats, Says Miyamoto. GameSpot (June 29, 2016). Retrieved October 22, 2016).
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Nintendo: Switch is a home gaming system ‘first and foremost’. Polygon (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ↑ Nintendo Switch event to reveal further details in mid-January. Polygon (October 26, 2016). Retrieved December 9, 2016.
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Nine Months Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2017. Nintendo (January 31, 2017). Retrieved January 31, 2017.
- ↑ Nintendo’s Boss Promises the Switch Won’t Have the NES Classic’s Supply Issues. Wired (January 13, 2017). Retrieved February 27, 2017.
- ↑ Nintendo president expects Switch sales to match the Wii. Gamasutra (February 2, 2017). Retrieved February 27, 2017.
- ↑ Nintendo to Double Production of Switch Console
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 29.5 29.6 29.7 Features on the official Nintendo Switch website. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 Nintendo Switch: Nintendo confirms lack of retro-compatiblity… for physical media, note about battery life. Perfectly Nintendo (October 21, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ↑ Immersion and Nintendo Enter into Agreement to Bring Immersion's TouchSense Technology to the Nintendo Switch System. GoNintendo (January 13, 2017). Retrieved January 15, 2017.
- ↑ Specifications on the official UK Nintendo Switch website. Retrieved January 27, 2017.
- ↑ Nintendo Switch won’t have Miiverse or StreetPass. VentureBeat (January 13, 2017). Retrieved January 15, 2017.
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 34.4 34.5 34.6 Nintendo Answers (And Avoids) Our Switch Questions. Kotaku (January 19, 2017). Retrieved January 19, 2017.
- ↑ Here’s how you can take and share screenshots on the Nintendo Switch. VG247 (February 23, 2017). Retrieved February 23, 2017.
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 Nintendo Switch's storage could be expanded with USB drives. Gamereactor UK (January 13, 2017). Retrieved January 14, 2017.
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 37.3 Nintendo Switch online service on the official Nintendo Switch website. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Nintendo Switch - Official Website - Nintendo's New Video Game System. Nintendo. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
- ↑ Virtual Console Will Not Be Ready For Nintendo Switch Launch. Nintendo Life (February 23, 2017). Retrieved February 23, 2017.
- ↑ Nintendo Switch day-one update takes less than a minute to download. Polygon (March 2, 2017). Retrieved March 2, 2017.
- ↑ What to expect from Switch’s day one update. Nintendo Everything (February 25, 2017). Retrieved February 25, 2017.
- ↑ Developers Respond to Nintendo Switch. IGN (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ↑ Bethesda Bethesda says they're 'thrilled' to be working on Switch. GoNintendo (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ↑ 45.0 45.1 Xbox Bosses Praise The "Bold Vision" Of Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Life (October 21, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Nintendo Stock Value Drops 6.5 Percent After Switch Reveal, Some Analysts Doubt Its Appeal. GameSpot (October 21, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ↑ Nintendo Switch Console Is Met With Skepticism From Investors. The New York Times (October 21, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ↑ "Who else but die-hard Nintendo fans will buy the Switch?" GamesIndustry.biz (October 20, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ↑ Nintendo Switch preview trailer becomes most watched video on NoA YouTube, surpasses 10 million views. GoNintendo (October 21, 2016). Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Switch reveal viewed by over 23 million people, reactions 95% positive. GoNintendo (October 26, 2016). Retrieved October 26, 2016.
- ↑ Semi-Annual Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2017. Nintendo (October 27, 2016). Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ↑ 54.0 54.1 Nintendo Switch has sold 1.5m worldwide - SuperData. GamesIndustry.biz (March 14, 2017). Retrieved March 14, 2017.
- ↑ 週間ソフト販売ランキング TOP50(集計期間:2017年2月27日~3月5日). Dengeki (March 9, 2017). Retrieved March 11, 2017.
- ↑ Nick Wingfield on Twitter (March 6, 2017). Retrieved March 6, 2017.
- ↑ Nintendo on Facebook (March 9, 2017). Retrieved March 9, 2017.
- ↑ Europe: Switch sells more in its launch weekend than any other Nintendo hardware in history. Nintendo Everything (March 7, 2017). Retrieved March 7, 2017.
- ↑ Nintendo Switch UK launch sales hit 80,000. GamesIndustry.biz (March 6, 2016). Retrieved March 6, 2017.
- ↑ La Nintendo Switch bat tous les records de ventes en France. Le Fiargo (March 7, 2017). Retrieved March 7, 2017.
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