Nintendo is no longer deciding to sit around and take a beating from competitors, and as such, the company officially announced its newest video game system known as the Nintendo Switch.
The Nintendo Switch is exactly what we have come to expect due to several leaks over the past couple months. This was when the system was known as the Nintendo NX.
For those who are wondering, the Nintendo Switch brings to the table a video game console that can also be used as a handheld system similar to the 3DS. As it stands right now, Nintendo is moving in a direction where it no longer has to release two devices to tend to the needs of its fans.
The Nintendo Switch should be able to grab the attention of 3DS and Wii U owners, so no longer will players require having two Nintendo systems to experience the best games the consoles have to offer.
Let's Talk About The Design
This isn't a traditional video game console when compared to the Wii U, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. From what we can tell, it would seem to be a handheld system first and a home console second. This is because the central unit needs to be connected to a dock for TV play.
When users want to play on the go, they only need to remove the unit, which is the screen, from the dock and continue playing the game. Two controller modules will be required for attachment to the screen before players can have their fun.
What About Physical Media?
Well, the Nintendo Switch doesn't use discs, and that's a good thing. Discs in a mobile system usually cause for low battery life. Just look at the PlayStation Vita for the perfect example of this.
Instead of discs, Nintendo will use cartridges, according to Polygon. We have no idea of the size of the cartridges or how much they will cost. Still, we doubt these games will cost $60, but time will tell when Nintendo releases more information. Furthermore, the cartridges resemble the ones found in the Nintendo 3DS, which begs the question, can 3DS games work in the Nintendo Switch?
Are The Games And Third-Party Support There?
Yes, they are. Several studios are onboard to support the Nintendo Switch video game system, but didn't they do the same thing when the Wii U was announced? Yes, they did. Early support doesn't mean much unless Nintendo is able to shift millions of these systems quickly.
As for the games, the trailer shows Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Splatoon 2, Mario Go Kart, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim and much more. So far, so good, but we can only hope third-party support continues throughout the system's lifespan.
How Will The Nintendo Switch Stack Up Against The Competition?
Nintendo will have a lot of work to do if it wants to compete effectively with Sony and Microsoft. The PlayStation 4 is way ahead of the field, and Sony is preparing to bring the PS4 Pro to market in November. Nintendo has a problem here, so it will need to convince gamers they need a dual system.
Furthermore, Microsoft is doing well with the Xbox One S, and the company is working to launch Project Scorpio by the end of 2017.
To compete effectively, Nintendo needs to have the right games, and the system also needs to be priced right. For us, $299 is the perfect starting point because nothing will beat the PS4 Pro at $399 or over.
