Note: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the blog author and does not reflect those of ADTC Productions or Dynasty Network, LLC. In addition, Nintendo does not promote, sponsor or endorse this blog. (Which is basically the whole point even if it meant stating the obvious, but I'm trying to cover my ass here, okay?)
Given the irony my father despise video games, Nintendo has finally unveiled "Project NX" in the form of its latest game system, the "Nintendo Switch," three days ago on my old man's birthday. Jokes aside, after a missed opportunity at E3 this past year, I finally saw what the buzz its about in the trailer seen below...
The Reveal Trailer...
Source: Nintendo Official YouTube Channel
So Here's What We Know So Far...
Now contrary to initial speculations, the Nintendo Switch is a handheld gaming system. According to the press release from Nintendo's official website, the "Switch" provides not only both single and multiplayer gaming experience, but also enables gamers to play the same title anywhere, if not, everywhere. The console itself connects to the TV via the Switch Dock, but when removed, the system automatically switches (hence the name) to portable mode which allows you to play on the go. Additionally, the Joy-Con controller can attach to and detach from the system while playing on the go, or slip into the Joy-Con Grip accessory when playing at home.
Also in its press releases, 48 confirmed third-party companies annonced their support for Nintendo Switch.
Source: Nintendo Everything via Nintendo of America on Twitter
On the day it's reveal, NVIDIA Co., the California-based technology, has confirmed it's custom graphic processing unit "Tegra" will power the Nintendo Switch according to NVIDIA's blog. "The high-efficiency scalable processor includes an NVIDIA GPU based on the same architecture as the world’s top-performing GeForce gaming graphics cards," stated Ashish Karandikar, NVIDIA's VP of Hardware Engineering. Karandikar added to the blog, "NVIDIA additionally created new gaming APIs to fully harness this performance. The newest API, NVN, was built specifically to bring lightweight, fast gaming to the masses."
In addition, Nintendo Switch will also support Unreal Engine 4, as confirm by Unreal Engine via Twitter.
Several games have been confirmed for the upcoming console including (but not limited to) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (originally a Wii U exclusive) and potentially a new Super Mario, Splatoon and Mario Kart games. (Actually titles for the upcoming games are yet to be announced.) Also, Just Dance 2017 and the yet-to-be-titled Sonic the Hedgehog game slated for 2017, has also been confirmed for the Switch, according to Eurogamer and Gamasutra respectively. Despite showing support as one of many third-party developers for the Switch, Bethesda, along with Nintendo, was at the center of controversy after gameplay footage of "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" was featured on the reveal trailer for the Switch. Shortly after, it was confirmed by a Bethesda spokeperson on GameIndustry.biz that Skyrim is not confirmed for the Switch "just yet," but rather showing support for Nintendo's new console which explains the gameplay footage.
Unfortunely, it's been reported from several gaming sites, will not be backwards compatible with the Wii U software or 3Ds game cards. Instead, the Switch will use the game card media much like the 3Ds. The Nintendo Switch is set to release on March 2017. While not officially confirmed by Nintento, the rumored MSRP is $299.99 USD (unless stated otherwise). My Two Cents on Nintendo Switch
Despite the fact that Nintendo is one of the longest-endured companies in all of gaming, their previous home console hardware throughout the last 20 years has been hit and miss at best. The Nintendo Wii U, in which I own, got hit the hardest by being outsold by the Sony PlayStation 4, Microsoft XBox One, and even its predecessor the original Wii. However giving it's success of Nintendo's current-gen handheld, the 3DS, and recent jump into the mobile gaming market, the ever stubborn "Big N" is not throwing in the towel in this current console war.
Now whether or not that Nintendo's new "hybrid" console is the successor to the Wii U and/or 3DS is entirely up for debate. One thing's for sure, regardless of Nintendo's risky and innovated decisions, I like here this is going. The Wii U was the first Nintendo console I ever bought with my own money. While imperfect, it has it's perks. While I see some similarities with the Wii U design, the Switch really shows it's "take gaming anywhere, everywhere," concept. Given its GPUs and mass third-party support from publishers and developers compare to its predecessor, I will say its an improvement. I'm impressed with the knowledge I researched so far. Of course, something as promising never comes without its speculation and concerns. One being very obvious is the lack of backward compatibly, which is a standard for nostalgic gamers in today's era. While their's no doubt that classic games of Nintendo's past to be available digitally for the Switch, nothing can compare to the physical copy of the previous generation game. While I like the concept, I'm iffy on the Joy-Con controller features, even though it allows the players to control the game wireless. The "switching and gaming on the go" feature is innovative, I can not help but to repressed about the Wii U's gaming pad battery life. Given what the trailer above was selling, the Switch's mobile mode look like it'll use a vast amount of power. The fast-draining battery was the biggest issue for the Wii U's gaming pad, but I hope that Nintendo doesn't make the same mistake with its upcoming console. Enclosing...
Concerns aside, I applaud Nintendo for staying the innovation route even with the negative feedback they received since the original Wii. While the Nintendo Switch has been announced, it's too soon to say what will the outcome will be upon its March 2017 release. It definitely capture my interest, but I won't get it on day one. Not at least, until there several exclusive games that get my attention. Here's no doubt there will be more info on the Nintedo Switch in the coming months.
Also, on the side note, I don't mind the name which match the concept, but "NX" sounded more suited for the console, in my honest opinion. So what are your thoughts on the Nintendo Switch? Let me know in the comments. Until next time, keep it lock!
1 Comment
Unclewich
10/24/2016 02:13:51 pm
Nice write up, bro. You're right, NX is a great name for a "next-gen" console; but we know Nintendo! Had to keep it clever and playful...
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