The Nintendo Switch presentation happened last night, and it was… a thing? I guess? Regardless, here are some of the important takeaways from the whole thing.
The Nintendo Switch
The Switch is going to launch March 3rd, 2017. Unlike the rumors have stated, it will cost US $300. Online will be a paid service in the Fall, though it will be free to try out before then. It will feature no region locking, so importers can bask in their wildest dreams of games they can’t understand.
The battery life varies from game to game while separated from the base, anywhere from 2-6 hours. Slightly disappointing, but battery technology is what it is right now. You can, however, charge it via AC adapter while playing. It will also accept portable chargers (USB Type-C) currently in use for phones and tablets, so they seem to have thought this through.
There will be two variations on the market at launch: the standard grey, and one with neon red and blue Joycon controllers. And no, the Pro Controller will not be packed in with either of them.
The Joycon Controller
The Joycon controller is highly adaptable to your needs at the time. Both feature gyroscopes and accelerometers, allowing them to be used for motion controls (personal takeaway: it’s possible the Wii catalogue could wind up on the eShop thanks to this). There will also be wrist straps for them, whose primary function for most gamers will be to allow them to be extra lazy.
Most of the goodies are in the Joycon Right, however. There is an IR sensor that is capable of differentiating hand signals. It also houses the reader for Amiibo figures, as well as the Home button.
Finally, both controllers have what is being marketed as “HD Rumble”. Supposedly, this will allow you to feel things in three dimensions. Their example focused on being able to feel three ice cubes in a cup. But this is something that could easily see the most use out of the many features displayed.
The Games
*Please note: I’m only going into details in regards to games presented in the video, as well as a few that stood out to me personally.
There are supposedly over 80 games in development for the Switch right now, from multiple developers, big and small. Nintendo always promises big 3rd party support, but it wanes once the console is on the market. Here’s hoping this is finally the one.
This is the one everybody’s been waiting for. The trailer showed off a bit of story and characters, previously unseen. Note that, along with 1 2 Switch, this <b> will be a launch title.
Imagine if Wii Sports didn’t require you to look at the screen. And also if it wasn’t a game. And really only served to enforce the rules for simple children’s games, rather than rely on Timmy to not lie about having “got you”. That seems to be 1 2 Switch in a nutshell.
1 v 1 fighting game. From the trailer, it might not look like much, but I’d give it reasonable odds at becoming a thing like Splatoon. Just, don’t be surprised if it doesn’t. Speaking of Splatoon…
Will feature dual weapons, new maps, new events, and new costume items. God only knows what else. Everyone’s wondering if one of the Squid Sisters died. Squid research guy came off awkward, because the interpreter had the charisma of a dead fish.
No More Heroes 3(?)
Just a guess, since it will feature Travis Touchdown. Almost no details right now. Suda 51 was incredibly bombastic onstage. The interpreter was not up to the challenge of conveying that. Christ, why didn’t they have a script?! Regardless, DOWNWARD FUCKING DOG!!!
Features Mario in the “real” world. Mario can throw his hat, used both as a weapon and a means of platforming. Mario is strangely “fun sized” compared to real people, somewhat off-putting.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was announced during the presentation. Little is known now, though they had a trailer. I haven’t played the previous games, but from what I understand of them, there’s little to worry about here quality-wise.
Shin MegamI Tensei game (currently untitled)
Atlus literally threw together a trailer for this for the presentation. Whatever the game winds up being, it seems to be using the original demon designs. More will probably be revealed later.
A Fire Emblem flavored Musou game, in the same vein as Hyrule Warriors. Only a teaser was shown.
Also worthy of note, Skyrim is confirmed for Switch. EA has promised FIFA will be on the system as well. Mariokart 8 Deluxe will release over a month after the Switch, featuring a few new characters. Other games form SquareEnix announced:
Dragon Quest 10 and 11
Dragon Quest Heroes 1 and 2
Project Octopath Traveller
Finally, there was a short trailer that crammed a bunch of games in, sans actual announcement. Many others are being revealed on the official site.
Well, aside from the fact that it left one of our Editors in Chief apoplectic, there was a lot to the presentation. I was relatively pleased for the most part. Then again, I remember the worst presentation Nintendo ever had. And how the only really good Wii game at launch was Twilight Princess. At least there seem to be some substantial games being released within the first few months for the Switch.
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