As the launch for the Nintendo Switch approaches, this is what we know so far and what I hope for the console.
Coming to a store near you (as well as online retailers) on March 3, it will sell for US, $299.99, AUS $469.95, 279.99 pounds sterling, and 29,980 yen. It is primarily a home console, but you can also use it has a handheld. Nintendo is not afraid to try something new and innovative. Whether it be the DS’s touch screen, the Wii’s motion controls, or the 3DS’s 3D features, Nintendo finds interesting ways to keep gaming fun and fresh. It certainly looks promising from the conferences and commercials that have displayed the Nintendo Switch. Over 90 games have been announced for the Nintendo Switch, including:
1-2-Switch (Launch)
Fire Emblem Warriors
Just Dance 2017 (Launch)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Launch)
Mario Kart 8: Deluxe
Minecraft: Switch Edition
Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Skylanders: Imaginators
Sonic Mania
Splatoon 2
Super Bomberman R (Launch)
Super Mario Odyssey
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
A lot of attention will be placed on this console due to the perceived failure its predecessor the Wii U was. The main issue with the Wii U was the lack of 3rd party support that made it lack a strong library of games similar to the GameCube and Wii before it. Nintendo seem to have sorted this issue out by making agreements with the like of Activision, Bandai, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Square Enix, and Ubisoft. Konami notably included among those third party companies. It’s nice to see Nintendo and Konami work together to some extent despite not coming to agreements on every occasion (such as the exclusion of Solid Snake in the newest Smash Bros game).
There is only one notable negative from my perspective: it is not compatible with any games from previous consoles excluding virtual console titles. I am disappointed by the lack of backwards compatibility, as I’m sure those who wished to sell their Wii to raise funds for the Switch were as well. If you still want to play Wii and Wii U games, hang on to those consoles.
My biggest hope is that the Nintendo Switch takes advantage of the versatility throughout its lifespan rather than leaning more towards the home console aspect, especially after the first year or so. Additionally, I hope the Switch will help the 3rd Party games on this system standout compared to Xbox and Playstation. Finally, I am hoping for a battle based or main story Pokemon game on this system similar to Pokemon Stadium, Pokemon Colosseum, and Pokemon Battle Revolution. Gamefreak have announced plans for a Pokemon game for the Switch but no further details have been released as of now.
I look forward to playing and eventually buying this console as long as it lives up to the hype. Nintendo almost always does.
