One of the most highly anticipated events from the world of video games played out last night (here in the States, anyway) as Nintendo brass unveiled an extensive look at their brand-new gaming system, the Nintendo Switch. For a little over an hour, the occasionally awkward presentation gave gaming fans a taste of what the new hardware has to offer and revealed some hard facts bout the Switch's price, release date, and titles. There was also a spotlight shone on the system's unique variety of play styles that prioritizes mobile gaming, social gaming, and sharing.
But to be honest, the presentation was a little underwhelming. Hardcore Nintendo fans will undoubtedly be pre-ordering this system ASAP (Nintendo is taking those orders now), but outside of the company's Zelda and Mario franchises, there wasn't a lot to be excited about. However, those two names alone--each of which is getting a new title on this system--will be enough to justify the cost for many. While Super Mario Odyssey, featuring the title hero and his newly animated hat romping through an urban landscape, isn't due out until this holiday season, the thing that really saved the March 3rd launch of Nintendo Switch is this: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be the system's launch title.
Here's what you need to know:
- The Nintendo Switch will retail for $299.99 U.S.
- It will include "the Nintendo Switch console and Nintendo Switch dock in black, and left and right Joy-Con controllers in a contrasting gray. It also includes all the extras you need to get started", like an AC adapter. How kind!
- There's a color variant of the same system for the same price, just with a red and a blue Joy-Con controller in place of the gray ones.
- Nintendo Switch will launch on March 3rd, along with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
- There are plenty of other accessories available for purchase, like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, extra Joy-Con controllers, and the Joy-Con Wheel for games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
- Nintendo will be launching an online gaming service this March. There will be a free trial through Fall 2017, but subscribers will have access to more features.
- The Nintendo Switch will be on display for hands-on testing at a number of live events starting this weekend.
- Software will not be region locked. There are 80 titles in active development, according to Nintendo.
Here's a selection of some of the highlights of the presentation, followed by all of the game trailers and a video playback of the full presentation itself:
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey sees Mario leave the Mushroom Kingdom to go on a new sandbox-style journey! Coming to Nintendo Switch Holiday 2017.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild comes to Nintendo Switch on 3/3! Pre-Order Now!
Forget everything you know about The Legend of Zelda games. Step into a world of discovery, exploration and adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a boundary-breaking new game in the acclaimed series. Travel across fields, through forests and to mountain peaks as you discover what has become of the ruined kingdom of Hyrule in this stunning open-air adventure.
1-2 Switch
Check out 1-2 Switch and get ready to challenge your friends in this new face-to-face party game for Nintendo Switch on 3/3.
ARMS
Introducing ARMS, a mix of boxing and shooting where you use extendable arms to battle your friends both locally and online! Take a Joy-Con in each hand and punch forward, twisting your fists to bend your attacks.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe races onto Nintendo Switch on April 28!
Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2 comes to Nintendo Switch this summer. Grab your splat roller… It's on!
Fire Emblem Warriors
Fire Emblem meets the Warriors series in Fire Emblem Warriors, coming to Nintendo Switch Holiday 2017!
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is coming to Nintendo Switch!
Sonic Mania
2D Sonic is back in an all-new adventure! Play as Sonic, Tails, & Knuckles as you race through all-new Zones and fully re-imagined classics, each filled with exciting surprises and powerful bosses. Harness Sonic’s new Drop Dash, Tails’ flight, and Knuckles’ climbing abilities to overcome the evil Dr. Eggman’s robots. Discover a myriad of never-before-seen hidden paths and secrets!
Super Bomberman R
Since its release in 1985, Bomberman has been a familiar party-battle game for many years. Now, Bomberman is coming back as “SUPER BOMBERMAN R” to Nintendo Switch.
Puyo Puyo Tetris
Two puzzle game juggernauts collide as Tetris®, one of the largest-selling and recognized brands in gaming history, and Puyo Puyo™ from SEGA have combined to create a fun-to-play, fast-paced, competitive party game like no other!
Full Nintendo Switch Presentation
