From NX to Switch: Nintendo’s New Console Unveiled

Nintendo finally released, through a video trailer, details on its much anticipated next-generation console, codenamed: NX. Unfortunately, specific details such as tech specs and price still eludes us.

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However, what we do know about the Switch is that it is a hybrid gaming device that can be played on a TV or, removed from its dock, played on the go. The Switch has two removable controllers called the Joy-Con is reminiscent of the Wii controller that can be used either connected to the Switch itself, wirelessly like the Wii controller, or on their own dock that acts like a normal joypad. If you think that the Joy-Con feels uncomfortable, there is the Switch pro controller which looks just like an Xbox controller – including the layout.

As for the dock, Nintendo has confirmed that the dock is used only to connect the Switch to the TV. This means that the whole system is built into the tablet.

Other features shown in the teaser is that each piece of the Joy-Con can be used as individual controllers which makes it possible for local, two-player gaming using the same screen. It is also possible to connect other Switch devices wirelessly to add more players depending on the game.

In terms of specs, there really isn’t much to talk about yet except that Nvidia is involved with making creating the Switch. In fact, Nvidia itself released a press release through its blog that the Nintendo Switch is powered by a custom Tegra processor. And while some readers might think that Nintendo Switch is Nvidia’s rebranded Shield Android tablet, think again.

“The Nintendo Switch’s gaming experience is also supported by fully custom software, including a revamped physics engine, new libraries, advanced game tools and libraries. 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.”

If you’ve seen the video, might notice one thing that the people in it didn’t do. They never once touched the screen on the Switch. However, this doesn’t confirm that the Nintendo Switch lacks is a touchscreen. They might reveal this feature in the future…or they just might say that the screen really isn’t touchscreen-capable.

As for the games, Nintendo has confirmed that the latest Legend of Zelda game, Breath of the Wild as well as a new Mario game. With regards to third party games, Nintendo also announced that games studios and publishers such as Activision, Bethesda, EA Games, Sega, Ubisoft and Warner Brothers had signed up to produce software.

There are still a lot of questions that the trailer hasn’t answered. Full specs have yet to be revealed as well as the price. What games will be available at launch? Doesn’t it really have a touchscreen? What is the battery life of the Switch? Do you prefer Switch or should they have stayed with NX? Has the video announcement whet your gaming appetite? It’s safe to say that all these questions will be answered before the Switch’s release in March 2017.