AndiC.uk

At long last, Nintendo finally lifted the curtain on its codenamed console, the NX, as the Nintendo Switch. Rumours had been circulating for months about what to expect with this new console, especially with it's expected release of only March next year. Apparently it was both a home console and a portable, had detachable controllers, and used old-school game cartridges... All turned out to be true! And Nintendo kept their word on the release window, the Nintendo Switch does indeed launch in March 2017.

The reveal trailer was posted at 3pm BST today, and shows just about everything.

First of the all, the name and logo. Nintendo have put together one clever concept here. Switch is distinct, short and snappy, and even describes the console. The logo is spot on, showing the two detachable controllers, and even looks Japanese. And the icing on the cake is the animation - attaching a controller - with the sound of a classic movie clapperboard. Top work Nintendo.

Now for the new hardware, and firstly a new standalone controller - for use when the Switch is docked and connected to a TV. This looks almost identical to an Xbox controller, but another smart move from Nintendo. Nothing gimmicky, something any gamer can sit back, relax, and play with.

The trailer shows a guy playing the launch title, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, on his living room TV, and I do wonder how much processing power this thing has, especially as a home console. It must be closer to the Wii U than the PS4 or Xbox One, but luckily for Nintendo games, realism isn't a factor. Zelda, Splatoon, and inevitably Mario, will (or should) look fantastic on this device.

As for how these games will be played? The answer is cartridges. Although I doubt they really differ that much from 3DS games and camera SD cards. Still it was nice to see the cartridge insert in the trailer, which makes the Switch and its games easily portable.

Speaking of which, it looks incredibly fast to take the console on the go from it being docked in a living room. Put away the standalone controller, snap on the dual mini controllers to the sides of the console, and you have a gamepad that resembles the Wii U. This does have a stand but it looks super flimsy and destined to break. I'd be happy to keep the gamepad in this tablet form for playing games on the move.

Then the detachable controllers were fully revealed. They un-clip from the Switch's tablet form, and can be effectively used as a small tv remote in each hand. I have no idea how easy it would be to play a typical game with a split controller in each hand. The trailer shows a guy doing this on a plane... I think it would be a miracle not to knock the people beside you.

Next up was multiplayer, and by this I mean local multiplayer. It's good to see that it's possible, but with two players having a side controller each? It looks ridiculous to gather around a small tablet screen, clutching a tiny tv remote-esque controller. I don't see this catching on, especially outdoors.

Back to the games, and it's clear that a big new Mario game is coming to the Nintendo Switch, no details on a title or release date though. The bigger reveal some would say was seeing Skyrim played. A huge game from the last generation, and a remastered version coming this month to PS4 and Xbox One. This clearly shows big third party developers are backing the Switch. And lastly it seems favourites from the Wii U are also being ported across (potentially upgraded), including Mario Kart and Splatoon.

The final moments of the trailer showed that Nintendo is trying to push Switch into the eSports scene too, initially with Splatoon. It seems any console manufacturer not associated with eSports would be making a big mistake.

So after all that was revealed, we only have to wait another 5 months for its release, in March 2017 (hopefully it doesn't fall victim to a delay). Which is crazy for a brand new console. Although everyone in gaming media was sick of hearing the term NX for years before today.

The general consensus on the Nintendo Switch is certainly positive for now. It's typical Nintendo trying something different yet again, which should be appreciated by all, and who knows if this will take off like the Nintendo Wii did. I don't believe the local mutliplayer will catch on, but the safety net for Nintendo is Zelda - playable on a new home console with a regular looking controller. This will attract just about every Nintendo fan, and is the biggest temptation for me after the amazing reception this game received at E3. We still don't know the price yet, but I'm hoping for close to £200. Surely it has to undercut the new PS4.

The NX is Finally Revealed as the Nintendo Switch