The Nintendo NX was finally unveiled as the Nintendo Switch, a hybrid console that lets gamers take their games on the go.
The Nintendo Switch trailer released on Oct. 20 showed off what the new console is supposedly capable of, including the aforementioned taking your games on the go and third-party support , but it didn’t give a lot of information regarding specs and the hardware’s limitations.
Thankfully, we do know some information regarding the specs, thanks to Nvidia, but there are plenty of questions surrounding the Nintendo Switch that we hope Nintendo answers soon.
HOW LONG IS THE BATTERY LIFE?
As with every mobile/handheld device, the discussion about battery life will be a main source of concern. Out of its dock, the Switch seems larger than the Nintendo 3DS XL so that should mean the battery is larger.
However, with the graphical output of the games shown may drain the battery even faster.
With a huge focus on the “play anywhere” aspect of the Nintendo Switch, hopefully the battery life can keep up with industry standards and last longer than the current iteration of the 3DS, which clocks out at around 3-5 hours.
WHAT’S THE FATE OF THE 3DS
Speaking of the 3DS, with any new handheld console the fate of the previous console will be in question. While there is no question that the Wii U is now officially “dead” and fans should make way for the Nintendo Switch, the same can’t be said about the Nintendo 3DS.
Will fans of the 3DS expect to replace their console for the Switch? Will games moving forward be produced for the Switch and not the 3DS?
Thankfully, Nintendo has already come out and said that the Switch is a “home system first and foremost” so that fans of the 3DS will not have to worry anytime soon. But how long will that be the case?
WHAT’S THE PRICE?
The Nintendo Switch is bringing two consoles in one (essentially) and that leads to the question of how much will Nintendo charge?
It’s hard to tell what the price point will be, considering a few factors. Honestly, the console seems “small” in size in comparison to the PS4 and Xbox One. However, the many parts of the Switch may bring the price up to par with those consoles.
The Wii U was priced at $299 when it was first released while the PS4 was priced at $399 while the Xbox One was priced at $499. The Nintendo 3DS XL was priced at $199 when it was introduced but the Switch won’t go down that low.
So what’s the right price for the Switch? That’s the question Nintendo needs to get right if they want to bring in casual and hardcore gamers.
WHAT ARE THE LAUNCH TITLES?
Alright, we know the Switch will release in March 2017 and the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild won’t be released until after that, so what games will be available when the Nintendo Switch does come out?
There were a lot of games shown in the trailer, including a possible new Mario Kart and Mario Galaxy games. Not to mention some ports for NBA 2K17 and what looks to be a Skyrim game, but what and how many games will be available at launch?
It will be a huge selling point for the Nintendo Switch and possibly justify the price Nintendo ultimately gives it.
BESIDES PLAY GAMES WHAT ELSE CAN IT DO?
Gaming will be the bread and butter of the Nintendo Switch many home consoles nowadays also function as entertainment systems, able to play Blu-rays and stream movies/television shows through various apps.
Will the Nintendo Switch be able to do that? Obviously, it doesn’t seem like the Switch will be playing DVDs and Blu-rays, but what about apps? And, equally important, will I be able to open apps when the Switch is off its dock?
If the Switch can do this, it can again justify a price point when Nintendo announces one.
So what do you want to know about the Nintendo Switch? Let us know in the comments section below.
