The Nintendo Switch Looked Cool, but the Games Stole the Show

Yesterday Nintendo came out and presented the features of the Nintendo Switch. There were many rumors around the Switch – like how the docking works? What are Joy-Cons and how does it work? Now that everything is out, surprisingly a lot of it were correct.

As we all know, the Nintendo Switch is a hybrid home console with a 6.2-inch, 720p display, where you can play on the big screen or on the go. Using a new form of controllers called, “Joy-Cons”. These controllers are removable from the console to be held on each hand, or you can turn it side-ways to play multiplayer. This was everything that was presented in the reveal trailer.

Let’s Get into It!

Battery

One of the main concern was about how long the switch will last while in handheld mode? Well, it depends on the games played. The battery life is between 2.5 - 6 hours, Nintendo states that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be played for about 3 hours in handheld mode. That’s not much if you’re out with it during long periods of time, but there is a charging port that supports USB type-C, which can be used during gameplay.

Memory Storage

The Nintendo Switch won’t come in two forms – which was predicted with multiple internal storage. Each Switch will have 32GB of internal storage, which isn’t enough for games these day, but don’t worry you will be able to add external storage using microSDXC cards.

Joy-Cons (Controllers)

The Joy-Cons are the gimmick of the system – just like any new Nintendo console. These detachable controllers can be bought separately. Each Joy-Con will cost $49.99 USD, for both it will go for $79.99 USD, and the Pro Controller will come in at $69.99 USD. These controllers cost more than a game!

For the multiplayer, the controllers will have the same layout with four face buttons, a joy stick, home or capture button, and two small L and R buttons on top.

The left Joy-Con works just as a controller, while the right Joy-Con has many hidden features. Yesterday at the Switch event, they showed off the right Joy-Con and how the AR camera can read hand movements – on stage they showed the hand movements of rock, paper, and scissors, they also showed how it senses the distance of your hand.

One interesting feature on the right Joy-Con is something Nintendo calls, “HD Rumble”. This made everyone think about HD rumble and how a rumble feature can become HD. On Stage, there was a video where they tried to show the fans how it would feel like – for example they explained that you will be able to feel ice drop into a cup or water being poured in to a cup. This creates some interesting gameplay mechanics for Nintendo, but it’s up to them if they want this feature to be realized.

At launch, there will be two colors the regular grey and neon red and blue Joy-Cons

Online

Nintendo has never closed the gap with online support, everything they try doesn’t seem to work. They took notes this time around and will now be using a subscription based online service. This may be difficult to adjust to but is for the best. Just like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live every month Nintendo will give out free games if you are subscribed.

This event was to show off the Switch and they did exactly that, but that wasn’t the selling point. Everything that got fans excited were the games, and it’s one heck of a line-up. I’m sure there will be more announcements and information about the upcoming games in the foreseeable future.

2017 Nintendo Switch Line-up

Switch Games  

Mini-games are a staple of new Nintendo Consoles. Like Wii sports there will be a collection of mini-games such as wild-west quickdraw, magic casting, sword fighting, and much more. All this combine to create a game called, “1 2 Switch.”

With motion controls, it makes sense to make a fighting game, but this game is a little more complicated than using punching motions. The characters in the game move around while punching – that’s a bit weird because there aren’t any body movement components in the system, this is a game that can be great for the Switch.

Wii U’s biggest game was Splatoon it was just a matter of time for a sequel and now we know it will release for the Switch. This multiplayer shooter will work with every switch controller and will support gyro controls.

What’s a Nintendo console without Mario. This Mario game is more of a 3D platform with a realistic setting. This is one of the most beautiful games I’ve seen on a Nintendo console. Nintendo has said that this game will be more of a sandbox-style game, which is amazing. Going to anyplace at any time during the game seems to me like it’s a working recipe.

At the end of the show Nintendo showed of a gorgeous trailer of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and announced that the game will release alongside of the launch of the Switch – what more can you ask?

Mariokart 8 will be getting ported over to the Switch with a couple of new additions that includes, splatoon characters, King Boo, Dry Bones, Bowers Jr., and a revamped battle mode. Unlike the Wii U version, you will be able to connect between 8 players with the Switch. Mariokart 8 Deluxe will release April 28.

The Nintendo Switch seems like an interesting and new way to play games. Nintendo did a good job at give the fans visual representation of the Switch, but that didn’t do much to make me excited for it. It was the games that made me ecstatic for the Switch. Super Mario Odyssey looks like Mario 64, the open world seems cool and big enough for me to find new things and explore. The Legend of Zelda is more in my wheel house, with an engaging narrative, action-packed combat, and crazy dungeon puzzles. My hype level of the Switch is over the top right now, but over time it might change. Just from the games I’m going to try to get the Switch.