Nintendo has revealed their next generation gaming platform, codenamed NX, in a surprisingly unconventional manner. The Nintendo Switch was announced via a three-minute long trailer, confirming that it is indeed a hybrid device that works as, both, a handheld and a console.
It comes with a single high-resolution display with detachable Joy-Con controllers on either side. These controllers have Xbox-esque asymmetrical sticks and they can also be used to play local multiplayer games, with each player taking either the left or right Joy-Con. As an example, the video showed four friends sitting at a table playing NBA 2K17 on two Nintendo Switch devices, each using one half of the Joy-Con. Other games shown in the trailer included a new 3D Mario, Splatoon, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Mario Kart and Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
As a console, the screen goes into a docking station which is connected to a television, and those looking for a gamepad can use the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
There is not enough information on the specs of the machine and whether the docking station provides additional resources, just that it will be powered by a custom made Nvidia Tegra chipset. As a result of this hybrid nature, Nintendo no longer has to divide their first party studios into making different games for 2 platforms. All of their development can be concentrated on one game for one device, which prevents the drought faced by both the 3DS and the WiiU.
Nintendo has also showcased a list of third party developers that are making games for the Switch, including EA, Square Enix, Activision, Ubisoft and From Software. Though I don’t think this necessarily means that Nintendo Switch will get the latest AAA games, mainly due to the power requirement and the control scheme, among several other reasons. But almost all publishers release a wide variety of games so we should expect some of their less demanding titles to release on the platform.
While the direction Nintendo is taking was known beforehand, it’s encouraging to see a confirmation that they are seemingly on the right path. The Nintendo Switch is a device targeted at the widest market, trying to please handheld and console audiences. While Nintendo products do not officially release in India, imported versions of the Switch will be easily available at local retailers when it launches in March 2017.
