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Nintendo NX announcement - What we learned as Nintendo flipped the Switch

Nintendo Switch will be whatever you want it to be

Nintendo NX announcement - What we learned as Nintendo flipped the Switch
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Nintendo has finally offered us a look at its new console, formerly known as the Nintendo NX. If you haven't seen the three minute preview video yet, check it out here.

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Watched it? Good. Then let's break down what we learned from it.

It's called the Nintendo Switch

Yep, Nintendo's next console will be called the Nintendo Switch. As the video went on to show, it's a reference to the console's ability to seamlessly switch between multiple modes and usage scenarios.

It's both a console and a handheld

The early reports and rumours were absolutely spot on - the Nintendo Switch is a handheld gaming machine that can hook up to a dock and become a home console.

When docked, it doesn't look too dissimilar to the Wii U or Wii consoles.

Away from the dock, the Switch effectively looks like a significantly slimmer, more compact Wii U remote - but with a larger and sharper widescreen display. The key difference is that the two sides containing the physical control elements (called Joy-Cons) can be removed and used as a separate controller(s), leaving what essentially looks like a small tablet behind.

Multiple control options

The video starts by showing a chap playing Zelda on his TV, with the Switch in docked mode. The two control sections are slotted into a small controller dock to form a rather square wireless controller, with four control buttons and an analogue stick on either. These can also be used one in each hand.

But elsewhere in the video we also see a dedicated controller being used (the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller), which looks much like something you'd use with your PS4 or Xbox One.

Another option shows the two Switch controller components flipped on their side and used as simple NES-like controllers for presumably local multiplayer gaming. Split-screen Mario Kart on the device looks like a hoot.

Cartridge based

Another pre-reveal rumour that has been confirmed by this video is that the Nintendo Switch will run on cartridges, which click into the top edge of the main screen section.

It comes with a stand (and a headphone jack)

The Nintendo Switch comes with a built-in kickstand, which allows you to game (or presumably watch videos) on the go. The example used is on an airplane, which also grants a nice look at the two shoulder buttons found on each controller sections.

Oh, and yes, it also has a headphone jack. I can't believe I even have to mention that. Blame Apple.

Stick around, Amiibo

Your eye was no doubt drawn to the super-sharp version of Mario being played here, but look below the TV. Those are Amiibo lined up alongside the Switch.

Of course, Nintendo was never going to abandon what has been a precious, lucrative source of income in recent years. But it's still nice to be able to confirm Amiibo support for the Switch.

Nintendo wants to get into the eSports scene

One of the last bits showed two pro eSports teams preparing for a massive Splatoon game in a packed stadium. They were all congregated with their Switches, before showing up and slotting their machines into place on stage for the match itself.

Nintendo evidently has its eye on the emerging eSports scene. Whether it has any solid plans to this end, we'll have to wait and see.

The games

Games spotted running on the Nintendo Switch in the video: Mario Kart, what looks like a new 3D Super Mario game, Splatoon, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Skyrim, and NBA 2K17.

The Developers

Nintendo separately released a list of the developers that are working on Switch software. Suffice to say, it's a fairly comprehensive list, though how much of this is original stuff and how much is straight ports we don't yet know.

Here's the full list:

It's still coming March 2017

We knew this before, but Nintendo closes out the video by confirming that the Nintendo Switch is still headed for March 2017. Which is nice to know.

What did you think of the Nintendo Switch launch? Are you excited, or is Nintendo on completely the wrong track here? Let us know in the comments.

Jon Mundy
Jon Mundy
Jon is a consummate expert in adventure, action, and sports games. Which is just as well, as in real life he's timid, lazy, and unfit. It's amazing how these things even themselves out.