Nintendo Switch: Everything You Need to Know About the New Console

Nintendo Switch: Everything You Need to Know About the New Console

The triumphant success of the original Wii console was always going to be hard to follow. The Wii U tried to emulate the magic and take gaming away from the TV. Like many ambitious ideas, it never really caught on. In contrast, the upcoming Nintendo Switch may change the home console market forever. Here is everything you need to know about the new console.

– Nintendo Switch console combines 6.2-inch tablet device with home docking station

– Allows seamless switching between TV and mobile gaming

– Two-part controller can be slotted onto the tablet or used for multiplayer

– Ships on March 3rd; launch titles include Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

A Radical New Console

The brains of the Nintendo Switch are all packed into a tablet. At home, the 6.2-inch touchscreen device stays nestled in the provided dock. It plays just like a regular home console, with high-definition gameplay on your TV. When the time comes to travel, you simply pick up the tablet and keep playing on the smaller screen.

new console Nintendo Switch

[tweet_box]Nintendo Switch: “When the time comes to travel, you simply pick up the tablet and keep playing on the smaller screen”[/tweet_box]

Nintendo has used some clever technology to make this possible. First, the controller actually comprises two separate halves. For home gaming, they come together as one. Alternatively, you can use them like individual Wiimotes. For mobile gaming, they pull apart and slot onto the tablet. Furthermore, they can be used separately as mini multiplayer controllers.

new console Nintendo Switch

In addition, Nintendo has called on some serious computing power. Based on the new Nvidia Tegra X1 chipset, the Switch has an octa-core processor. This tablet might look like an iPad, but it is something far more powerful underneath. Unconfirmed rumors suggest that the docked console will get a speed boost, sufficient to support 4K gameplay. On the move, players will probably get regular 1080p or 720p.

new console Nintendo Switch

The Switch is also designed to be social. The tablet has an integrated kickstand, so you can prop it up as a small monitor. Using one half of the controller each, players can vie for Mario Kart glory on the train or in the park. In summary, this console offers something very new.

What We Like

new console Nintendo Switch

Playing Legend of Zelda on the way to work, and being able to take the console to your friends, not the other way around.

Room for Improvement

Apart from two major franchises, Nintendo is yet to tease us with any more launch titles. Retailing at $60, the games are not going to be wallet-friendly, either.

new console

Availability and Price

The Nintendo Switch is already available to pre-order at some retailers, but the first units will ship to 32 countries on March 3rd.

Gamers will pay $299.99 in the US, £279.99 in the UK and 29,980 Yen ($260) in Japan for the new console. The launch titles will be priced at around $50–$60. Finally, extra controllers will set you back upwards of $80.

Are you excited for the Nintendo Switch? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Mark is best known for writing about apps, but he also loves the tactile, hardware side of technology. Being a professional photographer, he's pretty handy with a camera, and he's a self-confessed tweetaholic.
1
Join the Discussion

You Might Also Like

MWC Barcelona 2024: flying taxis, bendable phones & so much more

MWC Barcelona 2024: flying taxis, bendable phones & so much more

As chief business development officer (CBDO) of Gadget Flow, I love witnessing new tech releases to the consumer market. At MWC 2024, I got the chance to experience firsthand some of the latest ideas and innovations that will impact our..
These 6 technologies give your business 5-star customer service ratings

These 6 technologies give your business 5-star customer service ratings

Years ago, all it took to run a successful business was an innovative product that customers wanted. After that, everything else was secondary. You could succeed with relatively high prices. You could even get by with subpar customer service technologies...
A guide to roaming: how to stay connected without overpaying

A guide to roaming: how to stay connected without overpaying

Staying connected to your friends and loved ones you travel is important. Doing so will improve communication, navigation, and safety. It also helps you get important information and share experiences in real time. And that’s why we’re presenting you with..
The Crowdfunding Formula review: amplifying innovation through strategic collaboration with Gadget Flow

The Crowdfunding Formula review: amplifying innovation through strategic collaboration with Gadget Flow

Crowdfunding has revolutionized how innovators bring their products to market. The Crowdfunding Formula (TCF) is an ally in this financial renaissance. At Gadget Flow, a platform with a keen eye for groundbreaking technology, we’ve observed firsthand the significant impact of..
Best of MWC 2024: HONOR AI phones, Lenovo transparent laptop, and more

Best of MWC 2024: HONOR AI phones, Lenovo transparent laptop, and more

MWC 2024 is well underway in Barcelona. My team members are on the floor, scouting the latest products and tech innovations to share with you. And you won’t be disappointed. Tech companies have had some pretty big announcements this week...
Coming up at MWC 2024: Honor’s futuristic eye-tracking tech in the Magic6 Pro

Coming up at MWC 2024: Honor’s futuristic eye-tracking tech in the Magic6 Pro

Ahead of the Honor Magic6 Pro launch at MWC 2024, Honor shows off its futuristic eye-tracking tech with Autocar in a video released earlier this week. The video demonstrates how Honor’s new technology can start and move a car. Sounds..