News
Nintendo Switch Launch Date and Price
TOKYO--(January 13, in the year of our Lord 2017)--
Nintendo announced today that the new Nintendo Switch system
will launch worldwide on March 3, 2017 at a suggested retail
price of $299.99 in the United States.
The system will include the main console, Joy-Con (L) and
Joy-Con (R) controllers, a Joy-Con grip (to which two Joy-Con
are attached and used as one controller), a set of Joy-Con wrist
straps, a Nintendo Switch dock (which holds the main console and
connects it to a TV), an HDMI cable and an AC adapter. Two
stylish versions of the system will be released: a version with
a set of gray Joy-Con, and a version with one neon blue and one
neon red Joy-Con. Both versions will be the same price.
“Nintendo Switch is a brand-new kind of home gaming system that
offers a wide variety of play modes,” said Nintendo President
Tatsumi Kimishima. “We will introduce the world to new
experiences made possible by the unique characteristics of the
Nintendo Switch hardware and the Joy-Con.”
Nintendo Switch is a breakthrough home video game system. It not
only connects to a TV at home, but it also instantly transforms
into an on-the-go handheld using its 6.2-inch screen. For the
first time, players can enjoy a full home-console experience
anytime, anywhere. The screen includes capacitive multi-touch
capabilities for compatible games. Battery life can last for
more than six hours, but will vary depending on the software and
usage conditions. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of
the Wild can be played for roughly three hours on a single
charge. While away from home, Nintendo Switch can be charged by
plugging the AC adapter into the console’s USB Type-C connector.
The versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for
players to have fun. Two Joy-Con can be used independently in
each hand, or together as one game controller when attached to
the Joy-Con grip. They can also attach to the main console for
use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy
two-player action in supported games. Each Joy-Con has a full
set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each
includes an accelerometer and gyro-sensor, making independent
left and right motion control possible.
Nintendo Switch also contains a number of built-in features that
make it more interactive. The left Joy-Con has a Capture Button
that players can press to take instant screenshots of gameplay
to share with friends on social media. The right Joy-Con
includes an NFC touchpoint for interaction with amiibo figures,
as well as an IR Motion Camera that can detect the distance,
shape and motion of nearby objects in specially designed games.
For example, it can tell how far away a player’s hand is, and
even if the hand is forming a rock, paper or scissors shape.
Both Joy-Con include advanced HD Rumble, which can provide
compatible games with subtle vibrations that are much more
realistic than before. The effect is so detailed that a player
could, for example, feel the sensation of individual ice cubes
colliding inside a glass when shaking a Joy-Con. With HD Rumble
players can experience a level of realism not possible through
sights and sounds alone.
Nintendo Switch makes it easy for players to stay connected. Up
to eight systems can be connected for local wireless play. The
player can place the system upright anywhere by using the
built-in stand, then easily share Joy-Con for multiplayer fun
away from the TV. The system will support online Wi-Fi
multiplayer gaming. Nintendo also unveiled a new online
subscription service that will begin with a free trial at
launch. The service includes a smart-device application
available in Summer 2017 that will let users invite friends to
play online, set play appointments and chat with one another as
they play compatible games. The fully featured paid service will
be available in the fall.
Nintendo Switch will be supported by world-class third-party
publishers including Activision Publishing Inc., Electronic
Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive
Entertainment and major Japanese publishers. Some publishers,
such as Bethesda Softworks, are joining Nintendo for the first
time. Players can look forward to major franchises on Nintendo
Switch such as EA SPORTS FIFA, NBA 2K, Minecraft and more.
Nintendo Switch software will not be region locked.
The unique capabilities of the console and Joy-Con have combined
with innovations from past systems to create Nintendo’s most
flexible, feature-packed video game system ever. This is
demonstrated by the wide variety of unique games that were
announced for launch day, this summer and into the 2017
Christmas season, from both Nintendo and its third-party
partners. From the engrossing open-air experience of The Legend
of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the party fun of 1-2-Switch,
Nintendo Switch offers something for everyone.
Select First-Party Games
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Prepare for the biggest
Legend of Zelda adventure yet, with an open-air style that
breaks new boundaries while honoring the origins of the
acclaimed series. Explore a world of unprecedented size and
discover more than 100 puzzle-filled Shrines of Trials, plus a
wide variety of weapons, outfits and gear. Players won’t want to
stop playing, and they won’t have to since Nintendo Switch
allows them to continue the adventure anywhere, anytime.
The game is compatible with Zelda 30th Anniversary series
amiibo, the Wolf Link amiibo (which will be re-issued as a
standalone amiibo on Feb. 3) and the new Legend of Zelda: Breath
of the Wild series amiibo. In addition to the previously
announced Link (Rider), Link (Archer) and Guardian amiibo, The
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild series amiibo will also
include new Zelda and Bokoblin amiibo. The amiibo in this series
carry a suggested retail price of $15.99, except for the massive
Guardian amiibo, which has a suggested retail price of $19.99.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will provide players
with a landmark Nintendo Switch experience on the system’s
launch day in March, and will be available as a standard
edition, Special Edition and Master Edition. The Special Edition
includes the game, a Nintendo Switch Sheikah Slate Carrying
Case, Sheikah Eye Collectible Coin, Relic of Hyrule: Calamity
Ganon Tapestry and Weather-Worn Map, and The Legend of Zelda:
Breath of the Wild Sound Selection CD for a suggested retail
price of $99.99. The Master Edition includes all of those items
plus a Master Sword of Resurrection figure, and has a suggested
retail price of $129.99.
1-2-Switch: This is the first Nintendo video game in which
players compete in fun activities while staring into each
other’s eyes instead of at the TV screen. From Wild West
gunslinging to copying each other’s dance moves, the games in
1-2-Switch make creative use of a broad variety of Nintendo
Switch features to liven up parties with anyone, anywhere, at
any time. 1-2-Switch will be available alongside the Nintendo
Switch system on its launch day in March.
ARMS: Featuring a unique multiplayer fighting sport that lets
players trade blows using extendable arms, this game includes
elements of both boxing and shooting games, plus a new cast of
characters. After customizing a character with a variety of
arms, the player holds one Joy-Con in each hand and throws left
and right punches at the opponent. Characters can jump and dash,
and players can bend their punches by twisting their hands as
they swing. As players learn the game and improve their skills,
they will discover a deeper level of advanced tactics. Players
can compete against the computer, against a friend on a split
screen using a second set of Joy-Con (sold separately), against
worldwide rivals online, or with two Nintendo Switch systems
over a local wireless connection. ARMS will be available this
Spring.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: With Nintendo Switch, fans can enjoy the
definitive version of Mario Kart 8 anywhere, anytime, even with
up to eight friends in local wireless multiplayer. All your
favorite tracks and characters return from the Wii U version,
plus all DLC tracks and characters, and new characters join the
roster, too: Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy from Splatoon, as well
as King Boo, Dry Bones and Bowser Jr.! Plus, Battle mode has
been revamped and includes Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast,
with new courses such as Urchin Underpass and Battle Stadium,
and returning ones like GCN Luigi’s Mansion and SNES Battle
Course 1. Players can now carry two items at a time, including
new items returning from previous Mario Kart games such as Boo
(the item-stealing ghost) and the Feather, which gives players a
high jump in Battle mode. Players can even choose to use a new
Smart Steering feature, which makes driving and staying on the
track easy for novice players and kids, even at 200cc. Play in
TV mode in up to 1080p. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches in April.
Splatoon 2: Traditional 4-on-4 turf battles return in this full
sequel to the original breakout hit game, along with new stages,
new fashions and new weapons such as the two-handed Splat
Dualies. Players can compete on the TV or on the go. Whether
they use the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (sold separately) or
Joy-Con, players can aim their ink using gyro controls. Splatoon
2 supports both local and online multiplayer matches. The game
will also support voice chat using the new Nintendo Switch smart
device app (a free, limited version of the app will be available
this summer), and will add new stages, fashions and weapons
after launch, as the original game did. Splatoon 2 is scheduled
to launch this summer.
Super Mario Odyssey: This is the first sandbox game that allows
Mario to fully explore his world since Super Mario 64 on
Nintendo 64 and Super Mario Sunshine on Nintendo GameCube. Mario
jumps out of the Mushroom Kingdom and embarks on a journey
through mysterious new places and new experiences, such as
sailing between worlds aboard an airship and the ability to
throw Mario’s cap. Super Mario Odyssey is scheduled to launch
during the 2017 Christmas season.
Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!: In this creative new kind
of Action-Puzzle game, players communicate, cooperate and use
their imaginations to solve basic and advanced puzzles by
cutting paper characters into new shapes. People can play solo
or with a friend in the main game, then bring in a bigger group
to solve up to four-player dynamic puzzles or compete in other
activities. Snipperclips – Cut it out, together! will release in
March exclusively in Nintendo eShop.