Nintendo's upcoming console and handheld hybrid, the Switch, was revealed late October. Nintendo showed off a few scenarios depicting the device's gimmick alongside possible titles headed for the console. The company is still holding essential metrics, though, chief of them being the device's price, the launch games and the technical specifications.
Its secrecy will come to pass on Jan. 12, 2017, when Nintendo is set to hold a press event in Japan elaborating more on undisclosed tidbits. So far, the Switch has been tagged with a lot of rumors ranging from plausible to not-quite-likely. Let's take a look at the major Switch rumors likely to be revealed come Jan. 12.
Nintendo Switch Specs
Upon the console's reveal, it took no time for Nvidia to officially announce that a custom version of its Tegra chipset will power the Switch.
"The high-efficiency scalable processor includes an NVIDIA GPU based on the same architecture as the world's top-performing GeForce gaming graphics cards," Nvidia said.
Back when the console still bore the "NX" codename, a EuroGamer report had cited its processor being Nvidia's Tegra X1 chip, the same one used in the GPU manufacturer's own console, the Shield. However, other reports conflict with EuroGamer's, piping that the Switch might use the upcoming Tegra X2 chip, which will utilize the same Pascal architecture on the company's current flagship video cards.
The specific architecture used in the Nvidia GPU in the Switch has been hotly contested, with others arguing its use of either Maxwell or Pascal architecture. A few reports have noted that if the Switch turns out to be using a Maxwell-based Nvidia GPU, then it can't surpass the PlayStation 4 in terms of power, but that assumption remains questionable.
Launch Titles
Two new Mario games are included in the launch lineup for the Switch, one being a mainline 3D platformer in the same vein as Super Mario 64 or Super Mario Galaxy, and the other being a Mario and Raving Rabbids crossover, the latter being a popular franchise by Ubisoft.
A Splatoon port, which was showcased in the console's reveal trailer, may also coincide with the Switch's launch, alongside Skyrim, though this remains questionable among skeptics. Video game journalist Laura Kate Dale disagrees, however, saying that Skyrim will indeed be a launch title for the console in March.
There are other titles reported to make headway headway for the Switch, though they'll miss the console's launch. These titles include Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a Mario Kart 8 port, a Pokémon Sun and Moon port rumored to bear the "Stars" moniker, Dragon Quest X and XI, NBA 2K and Super Smash Bros.
GameCube Emulation In The Cards?
EuroGamer has reported that the Switch will feature emulated GameCube games via the virtual console platform. Apparently, three GameCube games have successfully been developed to run on the Switch. These games are Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion and Super Smash Bros. Melee.
Furthermore, Nintendo is also planning to bring Animal Crossing to the Switch, which at the time of the report was being tested for a possible release.
USB-C
A listing from Australian retailer EB Games semi-confirmed the Switch's USB-C support, which makes sense if it turns out to be true, considering that USB-C technology provides fast charging and transfer speeds, simultaneously. This marks the first time for Nintendo, who had always equipped proprietary charging ports on its consoles. Players are more than happy to welcome USB-C, however, since it translates to easier compatibility for third-party chargers or accessories, such as power banks.
Pricing
In November, Dale reported that the Switch was priced £199.99 in the UK, about $249, with a second package in tow, possibly one that's either bundled with a game and has more storage, priced at £250, about $311.
More will be revealed in the forthcoming Switch-focused event, and you can give this article another look for comparison's sake once all the details have been announced.
The Nintendo Switch launches March 2017. It is Nintendo's most recent console following the Wii U, which had struggled to compete with contemporaries Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
