The Nintendo Switch will hit stores March 3rd! With an impressive software lineup and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as a launch title things are looking relatively positive after a successful live event last night. The hardware specs look about what everyone expected, take a look at them below...
- 32 GB internal memory + additional memory for cartridge SD cards
- 6.2 inch screen with 1280x720 resolution
- Around 3 hours of battery life when playing Zelda...battery will range anywhere from 2-6 hours.
- USB-C charger for fast charging that's compatible with most smartphone chargers.
- $299 price point
As for other big features, it appears that the Joycon controllers will not only feature sensor motion controls, but also a new technology "HD Rumble". It sounds dumb, but the potential of it can be game changing.
This new HD rumble was advertised to be so dynamic and sensitive that it will register the feeling of an ice cube dropping into a cup you're holding in game, a sword fight, and more. It sounds silly but Nintendo appears to be on the right track to effectively creating the "touch" sensation of VR...which may be bigger than seeing it visually.
The software lineup is strong and steeped with Nintendo and 3rd party titles alike. I saw a lot of RPG's which is my preferred game of choice when I'm traveling so I'm definitely excited for that. It seems like this game is trying to be a marriage of the 3DS and Wii-U and I'm not at all upset about that.
The only real downside of the presentation was the online announcement. Nintendo is going paid subscription...but requiring a smartphone to sign in and chat with friends? They're also offering free games from their library...for one month at a time and then they're gone. Nintendo didn't jump into the online game until years after the fact and it's really apparent now that they're making an honest grab at it. Luckily, I don't see myself doing a lot of online gaming on this console.
What I do see myself doing is LAN...and that looks to be the easiest it's ever been across the board! Provided playing with 8 players simultaneously is as easy as it sounds...I'm all for it!
I hit all the highlights, but if you feel I wasn't thorough enough you can find all that I summarized on their website...
Personally, I think this console is a big seller for Nintendo. They didn't do everything right (COUGH ONLINE) but besides that glaring mark there's a lot to be excited for when it comes to this console! Will you be picking one up now that you have the details?
