Nintendo Switch Launches March 3 at $299.99
Nintendo Reveals Upcoming Games, New Hardware Features
TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nintendo announced today that the new Nintendo
Switch system will launch worldwide on March 3, 2017 at a suggested
retail price of $299.99 in the United States.
The system will include the main console, Joy-Con (L) and Joy-Con (R)
controllers, a Joy-Con grip (to which two Joy-Con are attached and used
as one controller), a set of Joy-Con wrist straps, a Nintendo Switch
dock (which holds the main console and connects it to a TV), an HDMI
cable and an AC adapter. Two stylish versions of the system will be
released: a version with a set of gray Joy-Con, and a version with one
neon blue and one neon red Joy-Con. Both versions will be the same price.
“Nintendo Switch is a brand-new kind of home gaming system that offers a
wide variety of play modes,” said Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima.
“We will introduce the world to new experiences made possible by the
unique characteristics of the Nintendo Switch hardware and the Joy-Con.”
Nintendo Switch is a breakthrough home video game system. It not only
connects to a TV at home, but it also instantly transforms into an
on-the-go handheld using its 6.2-inch screen. For the first time,
players can enjoy a full home-console experience anytime, anywhere. The
screen includes capacitive multi-touch capabilities for compatible
games. Battery life can last for more than six hours, but will vary
depending on the software and usage conditions. For example, The
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be played for roughly three
hours on a single charge. While away from home, Nintendo Switch can be
charged by plugging the AC adapter into the console’s USB Type-C
connector.
The versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for players to
have fun. Two Joy-Con can be used independently in each hand, or
together as one game controller when attached to the Joy-Con grip. They
can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be
shared with friends to enjoy two-player action in supported games. Each
Joy-Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone
controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro-sensor, making
independent left and right motion control possible.
Nintendo Switch also contains a number of built-in features that make it
more interactive. The left Joy-Con has a Capture Button that players can
press to take instant screenshots of gameplay to share with friends on
social media. The right Joy-Con includes an NFC touchpoint for
interaction with amiibo figures, as well as an IR Motion Camera that can
detect the distance, shape and motion of nearby objects in specially
designed games. For example, it can tell how far away a player’s hand
is, and even if the hand is forming a rock, paper or scissors shape.
Both Joy-Con include advanced HD Rumble, which can provide compatible
games with subtle vibrations that are much more realistic than before.
The effect is so detailed that a player could, for example, feel the
sensation of individual ice cubes colliding inside a glass when shaking
a Joy-Con. With HD Rumble players can experience a level of realism not
possible through sights and sounds alone.
Nintendo Switch makes it easy for players to stay connected. Up to eight
systems can be connected for local wireless play. The player can place
the system upright anywhere by using the built-in stand, then easily
share Joy-Con for multiplayer fun away from the TV. The system will
support online Wi-Fi multiplayer gaming. Nintendo also unveiled a new
online subscription service that will begin with a free trial at launch.
The service includes a smart-device application available in Summer 2017
that will let users invite friends to play online, set play appointments
and chat with one another as they play compatible games. The fully
featured paid service will be available in the fall.
Nintendo Switch will be supported by world-class third-party publishers
including Activision Publishing Inc., Electronic Arts, Take-Two
Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and major
Japanese publishers. Some publishers, such as Bethesda Softworks, are
joining Nintendo for the first time. Players can look forward to major
franchises on Nintendo Switch such as EA SPORTS FIFA, The
Elder Scrolls, NBA 2K, Minecraft and more. Nintendo
Switch software will not be region locked.
The unique capabilities of the console and Joy-Con have combined with
innovations from past systems to create Nintendo’s most flexible,
feature-packed video game system ever. This is demonstrated by the wide
variety of unique games that were announced for launch day, this summer
and into the 2017 holiday season, from both Nintendo and its third-party
partners. From the engrossing open-air experience of The Legend of
Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the party fun of 1-2-Switch,
Nintendo Switch offers something for everyone.
Select First-Party Games
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Prepare
for the biggest Legend of Zelda adventure yet, with an open-air
style that breaks new boundaries while honoring the origins of the
acclaimed series. Explore a world of unprecedented size and discover
more than 100 puzzle-filled Shrines of Trials, plus a wide variety of
weapons, outfits and gear. Players won’t want to stop playing, and they
won’t have to since Nintendo Switch allows them to continue the
adventure anywhere, anytime.
The game is compatible with Zelda 30th Anniversary series amiibo, the
Wolf Link amiibo (which will be re-issued as a standalone amiibo on Feb.
3) and the new Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild series amiibo.
In addition to the previously announced Link (Rider), Link (Archer) and
Guardian amiibo, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild series
amiibo will also include new Zelda and Bokoblin amiibo. The amiibo in
this series carry a suggested retail price of $15.99, except for the
massive Guardian amiibo, which has a suggested retail price of $19.99.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will provide players with
a landmark Nintendo Switch experience on the system’s launch day in
March, and will be available as a standard edition, Special Edition and
Master Edition. The Special Edition includes the game, a Nintendo Switch
Sheikah Slate Carrying Case, Sheikah Eye Collectible Coin, Relic of
Hyrule: Calamity Ganon Tapestry and Weather-Worn Map, and The Legend
of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sound Selection CD for a suggested
retail price of $99.99. The Master Edition includes all of those items
plus a Master Sword of Resurrection figure, and has a suggested retail
price of $129.99.
1-2-Switch: This is 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. From Wild West gunslinging to
copying each other’s dance moves, the games in 1-2-Switch make
creative use of a broad variety of Nintendo Switch features to liven up
parties with anyone, anywhere, at any time. 1-2-Switch will be
available alongside the Nintendo Switch system on its launch day in
March.
ARMS: Featuring a unique multiplayer fighting sport
that lets players trade blows using extendable arms, this game includes
elements of both boxing and shooting games, plus a new cast of
characters. After customizing a character with a variety of arms, the
player holds one Joy-Con in each hand and throws left and right punches
at the opponent. Characters can jump and dash, and players can bend
their punches by twisting their hands as they swing. As players learn
the game and improve their skills, they will discover a deeper level of
advanced tactics. Players can compete against the computer, against a
friend on a split screen using a second set of Joy-Con (sold
separately), against worldwide rivals online, or with two Nintendo
Switch systems over a local wireless connection. ARMS will be
available this Spring.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: With Nintendo Switch, fans can
enjoy the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 anywhere, anytime,
even with up to eight friends in local wireless multiplayer. All your
favorite tracks and characters return from the Wii U version, plus all
DLC tracks and characters, and new characters join the roster, too:
Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy from Splatoon, as well as King Boo,
Dry Bones and Bowser Jr.! Plus, Battle mode has been revamped and
includes Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast, with new courses such as
Urchin Underpass and Battle Stadium, and returning ones like GCN Luigi’s
Mansion and SNES Battle Course 1. Players can now carry two items at a
time, including new items returning from previous Mario Kart
games such as Boo (the item-stealing ghost) and the Feather, which gives
players a high jump in Battle mode. Players can even choose to use a new
Smart Steering feature, which makes driving and staying on the track
easy for novice players and kids, even at 200cc. Play in TV mode in up
to 1080p. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches in April.
Splatoon 2: Traditional 4-on-4 turf battles return
in this full sequel to the original breakout hit game, along with new
stages, new fashions and new weapons such as the two-handed Splat
Dualies. Players can compete on the TV or on the go. Whether they use
the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (sold separately) or Joy-Con, players
can aim their ink using gyro controls. Splatoon 2 supports both
local and online multiplayer matches. The game will also support voice
chat using the new Nintendo Switch smart device app (a free, limited
version of the app will be available this summer), and will add new
stages, fashions and weapons after launch, as the original game did. Splatoon
2 is scheduled to launch this summer.
Super Mario Odyssey: This is the first sandbox game
that allows Mario to fully explore his world since Super Mario 64
on Nintendo 64 and Super Mario Sunshine on Nintendo GameCube.
Mario jumps out of the Mushroom Kingdom and embarks on a journey through
mysterious new places and new experiences, such as sailing between
worlds aboard an airship and the ability to throw Mario’s cap. Super
Mario Odyssey is scheduled to launch during the 2017 holiday season.
Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!: In this
creative new kind of Action-Puzzle game, players communicate, cooperate
and use their imaginations to solve basic and advanced puzzles by
cutting paper characters into new shapes. People can play solo or with a
friend in the main game, then bring in a bigger group to solve up to
four-player dynamic puzzles or compete in other activities. Snipperclips
– Cut it out, together! will release in March exclusively in
Nintendo eShop.
For more information about Nintendo Switch, including a video of the
announcements, visit http://www.nintendo.com/switch.
About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of
interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan,
manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii U™
and Wii™ home consoles, and Nintendo 3DS™ and
Nintendo DS™ families of portable systems. Since 1983, when
it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has
sold more than 4.4 billion video games and more than 696 million
hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii U,
Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL, as well as the Game Boy™,
Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi
XL™, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™, Nintendo
GameCube™ and Wii systems. It has also created industry icons
that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™,
Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and
Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America
Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s
operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about
Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.
Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at http://press.nintendo.com,
a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please register on the
site.
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