A just-published FCC filing has now shed a little more light onto Nintendo's forthcoming hybrid console, the Switch, which will be the sole focus of an event come Jan. 12, 2017.
Nintendo dropped the system's reveal video this past October, depicting a number of scenarios that articulately communicated what the device is — a home and a handheld in one, with a seamless shifting between the two. It's still holding essential metrics, however, but at least the FCC filing in question has now pointed to lesser-discussed details about the system.
No 3G Or LTE For The Switch
According to the documents, the Nintendo Switch will have Bluetooth technology built-in, but it won't support 3G or LTE connectivity, an unsurprising move for Nintendo, since it has never released devices in the past capable of mobile data connectivity.
Additionally, the filing reveals Wi-Fi on the system, with the Switch capable of speeds of up to 5 Ghz. For comparison, the Wii U, Nintendo's soon-to-be-replaced home console, connected to the internet via a Wi-Fi b/g/n connection, but the Switch has been upgraded with a much faster Wi-Fi ac connectivity.
The Switch's Battery
The same FCC filing was also able to point to a non-removable battery for the Switch, which at first may seem as a trivial detail, but could definitely be a problem for those who have prospects of replacing their system's battery for a beefier one. What's more, a non-removable battery configuration will toughen up repairs for the Switch.
Other Nintendo Switch Rumors
Also churned out from the Switch rumor mill is the possibility of GameCube emulation via the system's virtual console platform, much like Nintendo's previous consoles. Apparently, three GameCube games — Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, and Super Smash Bros. Melee — have already been successfully tested to run on the system. Pricing details, if GameCube emulation is indeed slated for virtual console, have yet to be disclosed.
A recent EuroGamer report has also shed light on the capabilities of the Switch in terms of power. When in portable mode, the system is capable of 307.2 MHz GPU speeds. When rested on its dock, the clock can shoot up to 768 MHz. The figures detailed by EuroGamer came as an overwhelming disappointment for many expecting the Switch to be a powerhouse system.
Still, rumors are rumors, and until Nintendo itself officially reveals metrics come Jan. 12, everything else should be given thought before running amok with pessimism about the forthcoming console.
The Nintendo Switch comes out March 2017.
