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Nintendo Switch: Everything You Need to Know

Everything we know about Nintendo's new console, including media support, launch games, available specs, and prices.

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Nintendo Switch's reveal last October gave us more questions than actual answers, but most of these issues were finally addressed during Nintendo's presentation on January 13th. With the information shared during the presentation, available on the official website, and via Nintendo representatives, we've compiled almost everything you need to know about Nintendo's new console.

So, what is it?

The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid of home and handheld console, allowing you to play on the television, or on the console's own screen, with a simple transition between the two states. Accompanied by two Joy-Con controllers, the central part of the console can be transported and played anywhere thanks to its internal battery and 6.2 inch screen.

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When is it coming out and how much will it cost?

Nintendo Switch will be launched simultaneously around the world on March 3rd, but the price varies depending on where you live. It will cost ¥29.960 in Japan, $299.99 in the US, €329.99 in most European countries, and £279.99 in the UK. The console will be available in two configurations: grey Joy-Cons or neon blue and neon red Joy-Cons.

What is included in the box?

- Nintendo Switch console.
- A dock for the console that allows it to connect to the TV.
- Left and right Joy-Cons.
- A grip to connect the Joy-Cons.
- Two Joy-Con wrist straps.
- HDMI cable
- AC adaptor for the dock.

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What's the size of the hard drive, and what options are there to expand the memory?

The Nintendo Switch does not include a hard drive, only 32 GB of internal memory that will be partially used for system files. However, storage space can be expanded by purchasing extra microSDXC cards, up to 2TB. Technically the base of the Switch is compatible with external disks via USB 2.0, but when it arrives on March 3rd, it will not support them. This is something that may change in the future through console updates, but for now it is impossible to know if support for external disks will arrive.

Do I have to pay for a online service? If so, what do I get out of it?

When the console arrives on March 3rd, the online service will be free to all players, but during the autumn Nintendo will launch a subscription plan that will be required to access most of the online features, including online play. Subscribers will also have access to digital content discounts and will receive a SNES or a NES game for free each month. Unlike similar free games offered through PS4 and Xbox One's subscription services, you'll only be able to play them during that month. Once the month ends, you will no longer be able to access them for free.

During the summer Nintendo plans to launch an app for smart devices that will allow for an online lobby and voice chat (a first for Nintendo systems). This, and other options like scheduling gaming sessions or sending friend invites, will be done through the application. Those who do not subscribe to the online service will only be able to access Nintendo eShop, register and manage friends, share pictures on social networks, and access parental controls.

The cost of the subscription has not yet been revealed.

Game Modes

TV mode: With the Switch inserted in its base, you can connect the console to the television and treat it like any other home console. The two Joy-Con parts can also be inserted into a holder or grip turning them into something more similar to a traditional controller.

Tabletop mode: This is the stationary mode of the console when it is not attached to the base. You can remove a rear bracket from the console that will allow to place it on a flat surface, then remove the Joy-Con to play with friends or use them as a traditional controller.

Handheld mode: In this mode the two Joy-Con controllers are attached to the sides of the console, literally turning it into a handheld. The transition between TV Mode and Handheld Mode is instantaneous, and does not interrupt the gaming experience.

What about controllers?

The Nintendo Switch's standard controllers are the Joy-Cons, available in with two parts: the left version and the right version, both bundled in with the console. The left version includes an analogue, four directional buttons, an image capture button, ZL button, L button, "-" button, SL button, SR button. The right version includes an analogue, four buttons, "Home" button, "+" button, ZR button, R button, SL button, SR button, IR camera sensor.

Both versions of Joy-Con support motion and vibration features and will be available in several colours, although Nintendo has only revealed grey, neon red, and neon blue.

The two Joy-Cons can serve as a single unit to function as a traditional controller. In this mode they can be used one in each hand, or attached in the grip that comes in the package. Some games can be played with a single Joy-Con, allowing you to hand the second Joy-Con to a friend for multiplayer sessions.

The Joy-Con motion sensor is superior to the Wiimote's, while the vibration offers more powerful and specific feedback, allowing for unprecedented vibration sensations throughout the entire Joy-Con. The Joy-Con IR camera can also detect shapes and distances to objects.
Each Joy-Con will have an internal battery that will last approximately 23 hours. To recharge the Joy-Con battery, you must fit the Joy-Con into the Switch, and the Switch must be connected either via a USB cable, or docked to the base. Alternatively you can buy a holder that will allow you to recharge the controls via USB, but they must be purchased separately. There is also a Charging Grip that both connects two Joy-Cons and allows for charging. However, the grip which comes bundled with the console does not charge the controllers.

Alternatively players can purchase the Pro Controller, which is a more traditional controller. Below you can see the UK and US prices for the accessories.

Joy-Con (left or right): $49.99 / £42.99
Joy-Con set: $79.99 / £74.99
Pro controller: $69.99 / £64.99
Joy-Con Charging Grip: $29.99 / £27.99

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Apps and media support

The Nintendo Switch will not support any media disc (DVD, CD, Blu-ray), nor will it support digital media files, at least in its first phase. This means you cannot listen to music, view photos, or enjoy videos on the Switch. Support for third-party apps, like YouTube, Netflix and Twitch, will also not be there, at least not for launch.

Players can take screenshots during gaming and share them with the community. Video sharing will arrive sometime after launch.

How will multiplayer work?

Multiplayer will be one of the most important functions of the Nintendo Switch, and it allows for both local and online gameplay. To play online you need to subscribe to the Nintendo service, but locally no subscription is required. Many games will not even require extra controllers, since you can just use the two Joy-Con parts. If you wish for a more intense local multiplayer experience, you can connect up to eight Nintendo Switch units in handheld mode.

Is the Switch backwards compatible?

The Nintendo Switch will not be backwards compatible with any previous console, but it will have games from previous consoles via Virtual Console. You will have to acquire them anew, regardless of whether you already own the games in question for previous consoles. The Nintendo Switch will also not be compatible with any accessories of the previous consoles, including controllers.

Nintendo Switch: Everything You Need to KnowNintendo Switch: Everything You Need to KnowNintendo Switch: Everything You Need to Know
The console

Technical Specifications

Screen: The Nintendo Switch's display is 6.2 inches, featuring a capacitive touchscreen with a maximum resolution of 1280x720p. When in TV mode, attached to the dock, the console will allow for connection to your television screen via HDMI, with a maximum resolution of 1920x1080p.

Battery: The internal battery of the Nintendo Switch can last between two-and-a-half to six-and-a-half hours, depending on the game you're playing, settings and so on. Nintendo used The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as an example, noting that a continuous game session uses up a full battery charge in three hours. The battery can be charged using a USB-C charger, or while docked to the base.

Audio: The Nintendo Switch will have two internal speakers, while also supporting a 3.5mm jack for headphones.

Connections: Nintendo Switch can connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, while the base also allows connections via Ethernet using a USB adapter.

Processor: The Nintendo Switch will use a custom Tegra X1 processor from Nvidia. Information about RAM or the graphics chip have not been shared by Nintendo at this point in time.

Nintendo Switch: Everything You Need to KnowNintendo Switch: Everything You Need to KnowNintendo Switch: Everything You Need to Know
The controllers

Software:

Launch Window Titles:
1-2 Switch (March 3)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (March 3)
Just Dance 2017 (March 3)
Super Bomberman R (March 3)
Skylanders Imaginators (March 3)
Fast RMX (March)
Has Been Heroes (March)
I Am Setsuna (March)
Snipperclips: Cut it out, together! (March)

Games with confirmed release dates/windows:
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (April 28)
ARMS (Spring)
Puyo Puyo Tetris (Spring)
Rime (May)
Splatoon 2 (Summer)
NBA 2K18 (September)
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Special Edition (Autumn)
Fire Emblem Warriors (Autumn)
Super Mario Odyssey (Holiday)
Fire Emblem for Nintendo Switch (2018) (working title)

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Games with no firm release dates:
Constructor HD
Disgaea 5
Dragonball Xenoverse 2
Dragon Quest X
Dragon Quest XI
Dragon Quest Heroes I & II
Farming Simulator
FIFA
Lego City Undercover
Minecraft Story Mode - The Complete Adventure
Minecraft: Switch Edition
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
Nobunaga's Ambition
Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas
Project Octopath Traveler
Project Sonic 2017
Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition
Redout
Rise: Race the Future
Riverside
Seasons of Heaven
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shin Megami Tensei (working title)
Sonic Mania
Steep
Stardew Valley
Syberia 3
Tank it!
Terraria
The Binding of Isaac Afterbirth +
The Secret Hero
Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers
Yooka-Laylee (Switch date yet to be confirmed)
Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Nintendo Switch: Everything You Need to KnowNintendo Switch: Everything You Need to KnowNintendo Switch: Everything You Need to Know
The games
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