Top 10 Things You Need to Know about the Nintendo Switch

Article by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 16 Jan 2017

Nintendo’s been tight-lipped about the Switch console so far, teasing us without actually presenting any meaningful information about it. This is no longer the case.

Nintendo recently held an event and, once again, unveiled the Nintendo Switch to the world. But this time, the Japanese gaming giant actually revealed a bunch of useful details about the Switch. I went over all the available information and picked the 10 most interesting things you need to know about the Nintendo Switch.

1. Development codename

When Nintedo was still working on the console, it wasn’t known as the Switch. While in development, it carried the codename NX.


2. Official unveiling

Nintendo unveiled its next generation video console back in October 2016. It was at that time that the company dropped the NX codename, choosing to go with Switch instead.



The name refers to the fact that you can use it at home and one the go; it works as a stationary and as a mobile gaming system.


3. Play wherever

The Switch is a hybrid console that you can use at home and on-the-go. When you’re at home, you can connect it to a TV. And when you’re on-the-go, you can use its 6.2-inch screen to get your gaming on.


4. Release date

Nintendo recently announced that the Switch console will be released worldwide on March 3, 2017.


5. Price

While the actual price may vary, Nintendo’s MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) for the Switch is $299.99.

So to recap, the Nintendo Switch will be released on March 3, 2017 at a suggested retail price of $299.99.


6. Confirmed games

Activision Publishing Inc., Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Bethesda Softworks and major Japanese developers are on board, ready to bring their games to Nintendo Switch.

Here’s a quick look at some of the titles that have been confirmed for the Nintendo Switch.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – the biggest Legend of Zelda adventure yet, with an open-air style that breaks new boundaries while honoring the origins of the acclaimed series.




1-2-Switch – the first Nintendo video game in which players compete in fun activities while staring into each other’s eyes instead of at the TV screen.




ARMS – a game that features elements of boxing and shooting games.




Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – play with up to 8 friends in local wireless multiplayer.




Splatoon 2 – a sequel that features new stages, new fashions and new weapons.




Super Mario Odyssey – a sandbox game where Mario jumps out of the Mushroom Kingdom and embarks on a journey through mysterious new places and new experiences




Sonic Mania – 2D Sonic is back in an all-new adventure! Play as Sonic, Tails, & Knuckles as you race through all-new Zones and fully re-imagined classics, each filled with exciting surprises and powerful bosses.



Click here to see all Nintendo Switch games.


7. Parental controls

Obviously, lots of parents are going to buy Nintento Switch consoles for their kids. That’s why Nintendo came up with a mobile app that parents can use to set up play time limits, set up age restrictions, and see what games their kids are playing.




8. Battery life

According to Nintendo, the Switch’s battery should last for about 6 hours, depending on the software and usage conditions. Also according to Nintendo, the Switch will run out of battery in about 3 hours if you’re playing "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild."


9. Online subscription service

The Nintendo Switch Online Service launches as a free trial in March and as a fully featured paid service in fall 2017. The service helps customers connect with friends for online play sessions, offers a monthly game download, and features special exclusive deals.


10. Components

Nintendo’s Switch console features 5 main components.

The Switch Console, which has a 6.2-inch 720p multitouch display, a custom Nvidia Tegra processor, and 32GB of storage (expandable with a microSDXC card).




The Nintendo Switch Dock. Place the Switch console into the Dock to play games on your TV.




The Joy-Con Controllers which can be used in 3 ways: attached to the Switch Console, removed from the console and held in hand, or attached to the Joy-Con Grip.




The Joy-Con Grip. Attach the Joy-Con Controllers to the Grip for a gamepad-like experience.




The Joy-Con Strap. Reminiscent of the Wii Remote strap, it lets players safely swing the Joy-Con Controllers and it even includes L and R buttons.



Learn more about the Nintendo Switch.



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