Tokyo Event Reveals Nintendo Switch Details

The Nintendo Switch has finally been unveiled. After an official presentation event by the Japanese company, we now know almost everything about the new home/portable hybrid console, including its release date, price, some more hardware specs, and forthcoming games.

Release date and price

The Nintendo Switch is hitting stores on 3^rd March and is priced US$299.99/£279.99, which is more expensive than many analysts predicted. The cost of accessories for the console verges on extortionate: the Pro Controller will cost US$69.99, additional Joy Con controllers are priced at $79.99, while an additional dock will set you back $89.99.

Hardware

While NVIDIA has confirmed that the Switch will contain one of its Tegra processors, we still don’t know the specific SoC, though Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry swears it’s an NVIDIA Tegra X1 Maxwell. There’s also no word on how much RAM the console has. Details that have been confirmed, though, include the Switch’s screen size and resolution, battery life, storage, and power:

• Contrary to recent reports, which suggested that the Switch could boast a 1080p screen and 1440p TV output, Nintendo has confirmed the 6.2-inch touchscreen to be 720p with 1080p TV output.
• The console has 32GB NAND onboard storage, plus a MicroSDXC slot for memory expansion.
• Battery life is anywhere between 2.5 hours and 6.5 hours.
• Power comes from a USB Type-C connector, eschewing Nintendo’s previous trend which required proprietary connectors.
• The Joy Con controllers feature motion control, advanced haptic feedback, a Capture (record) button, and wrist straps.
• Games will not be region-locked, so you can fill your boots with as many obscure JRPGs as you’re able to import.

Games

The most exciting reveal was arguably Nintendo’s new Mario game. Dubbed Super Mario Odyssey, the 3D sandbox platformer takes Mario into real-world locations and gives our hero plumber an anthropomorphic hat.

Nintendo also unveiled a new IP – a third-person arena boxing game called Arms – four new Dragon Quest titles, and sequels to Splatoon, Xenoblade Chronicles, and Shin Megami Tensei. Other titles coming to the Switch include Sonic Mania, Minecraft, Mario Kart 8: Deluxe, and, of course, Skyrim.

Nintendo promises that 80 games are currently in development for the Switch.