Nintendo’s Next Generation: Switch

Nintendo has finally revealed the rumored Nintendo NX console, now named the Nintendo Switch.

A trailer was released Thursday October 20th for the Nintendo Switch showing its portability and functionality. From Competitive to Casual, the trailer shows how practical the Switch can be in many different scenarios.

The Switch is a hybrid gaming system designed to be played at home or on the go. It carries two Joy-Con controllers that can be attached to the console itself for portable gaming, or onto an accessory called the Joy-Con Grip to mirror a traditional controller. The console will also support a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller that can be used instead of the detachable Joy-Con controllers. The Joy-Con Grip and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller are intended for at home gaming. The Switch comes with a dock which connects to a television for the intended home gaming.

Portable gaming is also capable by disconnecting the Switch from the dock. By attaching the Joy-Con controllers to either side of the console, the Switch can be played as a tablet style console. Games played while docked can also be continued after you disconnect the Switch from the dock. The trailer shows the Switch casually being played in a park. It also shows the Switch being played on an airplane showcasing a stand attached to the console to hold itself up. The Joy-Con controllers can be used connected or disconnected to the Switch showing a tablet style console or a portable home style console.

The trailer also boasts of multiplayer portability as you can use each Joy-Con controllers independently, splitting between two players. The Switch can also connect to with other owners of the console for even more multiplayer functionality.

In a competitive environment, many Switch owners can gather and strategize for a competition in any scenario. The trailer shows 2 competitive teams planning before an event with their consoles as they map their plans on paper and in-game.

The portability of the Switch seems to be the focal point of the console. The hybrid capabilities gives this device a lot of versatility in the real world.

The Switch is getting a lot of support from many gaming companies for at home gaming such as Bethesda, and mobile gaming such as Gungho. The trailer also features highly anticipated games as well as games that still hold popularity today such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim.

Exclusive titles such as Zelda and Pokemon games will be made specifically for the Switch. The possibility of mobile style games to also be made exclusively for the Switch does peak curiosity.

All games designed for the Switch will be played through cartridge form called GameCards. This cartridge style of gaming seems to be a trend in the mobile realm of Nintendo. The early days of consoles also boasted a cartridge style of holding games.

As time closes to the release date more will be revealed, but this innovative idea could bring a new generation of gaming.