Nintendo, via GamesPress
Rumors have been circulating for quite some time about Nintendo's next console with all kinds of speculation as to just what exactly the project, codenamed the "NX," would be. As it turns out, some of those rumors were not as far-fetched as they originally seemed. Nintendo always strives to innovate even where it might confuse consumers - we're looking at you, Wii U - and they continue that pledge with their latest release announced today. It's part console, part portable, and 100% Nintendo in every sense. Introducing, Nintendo's newest console: The Nintendo Switch.
While our introduction is nothing but a mere tease, it still provided a lot of answers as to what Nintendo is planning to do. Truthfully, it's less of a new console and more of a new handheld with a dock that easily allows it to connect to your TV at home. Nintendo is referring to it as a "home gaming system," but it's so much more than that. It's a console, portable gaming device, and peripherals all rolled into one.
When it comes down to it, the "console" itself is actually a tablet. The tablet two removable controllers, known as "Joy-Con controllers," attached to either side of it. These controllers can be used simultaneously by one person holding the machine as a handheld unit or can both be removed and used as individual controllers for two separate people while the tablet props itself up as the screen. Alternatively, it can be docked at home and the two controllers can be attached to another accessory, making it look like a more traditional controller. There will even be a "Nintendo Switch Pro Controller" to use instead of the Joy-Con controllers. At any point, the console can seamlessly transition between the different configurations, giving you the option to play anywhere in any way you please.
"Nintendo Switch allows gamers the freedom to play however they like. It gives game developers new abilities to bring their creative visions to life by opening up the concept of gaming without boundaries," said Reggie Fils-Aime, President and COO of Nintendo of America.
Nintendo already has an impressive lineup of developers, publishers, and middleware partners on their side. This includes the likes of 505 Games, Activision, Bethesda, EA, Epic Games, Konami, Platinum Games, Square Enix, Ubisoft, and many more. Although no specific games have been announced, there was a new Zelda game and a new Mario game making an appearance (just representative gameplay) as well as an appearance by the NBA 2K series. Full game demonstrations and launch window titles will be announced along with a release date, price, product specifications will be shown prior to the March launch.