Games, hardware, price: all the details about the Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch will be launched on 3 March. At a media conference in Tokyo on Friday morning, the Japanese games manufacturer finally revealed more details about the seventh generation of consoles (we're trying to oust the Virtual Boy). And there was a lot to see. More events will follow throughout the day in the USA and Europe. So there should be more news to come. There's a lot to celebrate for Nintendo fans, but two things leave a sour aftertaste.

The console

The Nintendo Switch comes in two colours. Completely grey or with red/blue controllers. Including docking station for 350 francs.

Game consoles

Nintendo Switch – Neon red / Neon blue

299

Game consoles

Nintendo Switch - Grey

299

Display and resolution

The rumours about the display have turned out to be true. The Nintendo Switch will only have a resolution of 1280x720 pixels with a display size of 6.2 inches. This corresponds exactly to the Wii U gamepad, which, however, only displayed 854x480 pixels. Still doesn't sound like much compared to your mobile, but it should ensure that all games run smoothly.

On the plus side, Nintendo has finally said goodbye to the pressure-sensitive touchscreen and has arrived in the age of capacitive multi-touch displays.

When docked (the dock is included), the Nintendo Switch can achieve a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, which it transmits to your TV via HDMI. As you already know from other consoles, the Switch cannot play all games at the maximum resolution. "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" is reportedly only running at 900p.

Battery life

Another downside is the battery life. It is said to vary from game to game (2.5 to 6.5 hours) and lasts just three hours in the new "Zelda". That's a far cry from a 3DS, but you get real console games in return. Charging is via a USB-C port.

Storage

The Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of memory - not really much. But at least it can be expanded with microSD cards.

The controllers

Joy Con is the name of the new controllers, which are very reminiscent of the Wiimote. They can be docked to the left and right of the display, i.e. the actual console, to use the Nintendo Switch in tablet mode. If you plug the console into your docking station, you can remove the Joy Cons and use them like the old Wii controllers. The included strap bands, which you can attach to the Joy Cons, allow you to use the controllers with two hands or prevent them from flying away.

They have infrared motion sensors (only in the right controller) to enable particularly precise movements. A sensor bar is apparently no longer required for this. In addition, the Joy Cons have the so-called "HD Rumble" - a particularly precise vibration feedback. According to Nintendo, it should be possible to simulate the feeling of a glass of ice cubes. You should even feel when water is poured into the glass.

The right Joy Con also has NFC so that it can be used in combination with the Amiibo figures.

With the capture button you can take screenshots and in future also record videos.

The games

Nintendo announced that more than 50 developers are working on over 80 games. They come in the form of so-called game cards, which look like SD memory cards or 3DS games. You can already pre-order various titles here
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New for Nintendo is that the online service will be chargeable. So if you want to game with others, you will have to pay extra, just like on the PS4 or Xbox One. In return, you will be able to play NES and SNES games for free (with new online elements). The service will still be free at launch.

"Super Mario Odyssey"

In the first trailer for the Nintendo Switch, you could already catch a brief glimpse of the new "Super Mario". "Super Mario Odyssey" is the official title of the upcoming open-world game - the first since "Super Mario Sunshine". The latest instalment promises to be colourful, innovative and fun. To be released at the end of the year.

"Splatoon 2"

With the first instalment, Nintendo has created a really great multiplayer shooter that, for once, doesn't rely on violence. Instead, each team tries to paint the level in its own colour. Part 2 still looks just as quirky and fun. Comes out in the summer.

"1, 2, Switch"

The typical party game that comes with every console launch. It makes use of the motion control of the Joy-Con controllers and focuses on multiplayer. For example, you can milk cows in a mini-game. Yep.

"ARMS"

Another game that relies on motion control. You use - surprise surprise - your arms. It is a combination of fighting and shooting game and will be released in spring.

"The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild"

Guaranteed to be one of the most eagerly awaited games for Nintendo Switch. And as hoped, it will actually be released at launch in March, including new Amiibos.

"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe"

Unfortunately not a completely new "Mario Kart", but at least a remastered version with new race tracks and characters. To be released on 28 April.

"Xenoblade Chronicles 2"

The action-adventure game with a fantasy setting was already a hit in the first instalment and is likely to delight numerous players again with the new part. No date yet

"Fire Emblem Warriors"

It's in the same vein as "Xenoblade Chronicles 2" and also has no release date yet.

"Project Octopath Traveler"

"Project Octopath Traveler", the latest title from Square Enix. The graphic style is something very special and mixes 2D characters with 3D elements. Otherwise, you can also expect a fantasy spectacle here. Without a date.

Super Bomberman R

Since its first release in 1985, "Bomberman" has been one of the most popular party games and now the explosive fun continues. To be released in March.

"The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim"

As the first trailer already revealed, the remastered version of the popular open-world role-playing game is also coming to the Nintendo Switch. To be released in autumn.

Here are the rest of the games confirmed so far:

• Arcade Archives
• The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth
• Cube Life: Island Survival
• Disgaea 5 Complete
• Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
• Dragon Quest X: The Five Awakening Races Online
• Dragon Quest XI
• Dragon Quest Heroes 1 & 2
• Farming Simulator
• Fast RMX
• FIFA
• Fire Emblem Warriors
• Has Been Heroes
• I Am Setsuna
• Just Dance 2017
• Lego City Undercover
• Minecraft: Switch Edition
• Minecraft: Story Mode - The Complete Edition
• Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
• NBA 2K18
• No More Heroes
• Project Sonic 2017
• Puyo Puyo Tetris
• Rayman Legends Definitive Edition
• Redout
• Rime
• Shin Megami Tensei
• Shovel Knight
• Skylanders Imaginators
• Sonic Mania
• Snipperclips - Cut it out, together!
• Stardew Valley
• Steep
• Syberia 3
• Untitled Steamworld Game
• Untitled "Tales of" Game
• Ultra Street Fighter 2: The Final Challengers
• Xenoblade 2
• Yooka-Laylee

The accessories

There's another damper here. While the console is sold at a fair price in my opinion, you have to dig deep into your pockets for additional accessories.

An additional docking station, if you want to use the Nintendo Switch in another room, costs 90 dollars.

The controllers cost $50 each or $80 in a bundle.

Then there's the Pro Controller, for people who prefer to play with classic controllers. Nintendo wants 70 dollars from you for this.

The Joy Con Charging Grip is designed to allow you to plug in the two Joy Con controllers and use them as a larger, traditional controller - which also serves as a charging station via cable. Cost point: 30 dollars.

"Mario Kart" fans can look forward to the return of the steering wheel. As with the Wii, this time you can insert the Joy Con into the wheel and race around the tracks. Price: 15 dollars.

The prices and products will be adjusted as soon as we know more.

Here you can find the bundles, games etc.

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