Everything We Know About Nintendo Switch Launch

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Nintendo has unveiled the official release date, pricing and games ready at launch for the Nintendo Switch - so what are they?

Release Date

Nintendo Switch launches globally March 3rd, 2017.

Pricing

UK - £279.99

US - $299.99

EU - €329.99

Region-Free Games

Unlike previous Nintendo consoles, Switch is region-free and so imported foreign titles will work with language now being the only barrier.

Nintendo officially recommend you stick to buying games within your region for full service and support.

Up to eight user accounts can be created for a single Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo eShop will go to the corresponding region your account lists the user as being from. This means you could create accounts specifically to access the eShop in other regions such as Japan, unless you're locked to the first user's choice of region for all subsequent accounts. Further clarification is needed from Nintendo.

Backwards Compatibility & Video Streaming

There is no support for backward compatibility for any of Nintendo's library from other platforms, such as the Wii, Wii U or 3DS. Switch also won't support any of the other peripheral controllers although future updates could add support for them.

"We have nothing to announce regarding Virtual Console or other types of digital purchases at this time," state Nintendo.

At launch there will be no support either for any video streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Go or others. They claim to have focused on the new console as a "dedicated video game platform" first, with any video streaming support possible later through updates.

Multiplayer / Online Services

Multiplayer gaming for Nintendo Switch will also be available at launch as a "free trial period" until Fall 2017 when the paid service will come online.

"This service lets Nintendo Switch owners enjoy online multiplayer gaming as well as a dedicated smartphone app that connects to your Nintendo Switch system and helps you connect with friends for online play sessions."

A Nintendo Account is required to access online services.

Planned online services to start this fall include an online lobby and voice chat through a smartphone app - a "free, limited version of this app" will be available this summer. They will also include a monthly download of a NES or SNES title (updated to include online play) for free for a month. Exclusive deals will be offered on select games and content.

You can learn more about Online Services by visiting the official Nintendo Switch website.

Pre-Order Switch

If you've got that itch in your wallet already for Nintendo Switch then pre-orders are now going live. Some limitations are being placed depending on the retailer, such as one unit per customer per address due to stock allocations.

The pre-order links below are for the Nintendo Switch console with Gray Joy-Con, unless otherwise stated - no games included.

Amazon UK - £279.99 All stock allocated

GAME (UK) - £279.99

Gamestop (UK/EU) - €329.99

Gamestop (US) - $299.99

Amazon US - $299.99 All stock allocated

Walmart (US) - $299.96

What's In The Box

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• Nintendo Switch Console

• Nintendo Switch Dock

• Joy-Con (L and R)

• Joy-Con Grip

• Joy-Con Straps

• AC Adapter

• HDMI Cable

Battery, Storage and Installs

As for battery life, Nintendo claims the Switch can operate between two-and-a-half and six-and-a-half hours of gameplay depending on the game being played. You'd get three hours of on-the-go play if you were enjoying The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, as an example.

The Nintendo Switch also features an internal 32GB flash memory but can also support expanded storage using microSD (up to 2TB), as well as external storage through USB (2x USB 2.0/1x USB 3.0) connection - although USB connections are restricted to the Switch being plugged into its Dock station.

Should you buy games digitally through Nintendo eShop then be aware of the storage troubles you'll likely run across without purchasing a microSD expansion card. As an example, installing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will take up half of Switch's internal 32GB memory weighing in around 13.4GB. Unless you plan to expand the Switch's available storage it's best to stick with physical cartridge releases.

Nintendo Switch Launch Titles - March 3rd

1-2 Switch
This is the first Nintendo video game in which players compete in fun activities while staring into each other’s eyes...
Release Dates
3 Mar 2017-Switch
21

I Am Setsuna
I Am Setsuna tells the sorrowful story of Setsuna, a young woman of incredible inner strength, and the sacrifice she ...
Release Dates
19 Jul 2016-PC
19 Jul 2016-PS4
3 Mar 2017-Switch
50
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Step into a world of discovery, exploration and adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a boundary-brea...
Release Dates
3 Mar 2017-Wii U
3 Mar 2017-Switch
321
Skylanders Imaginators
Unleash your imagination and bring the Skylanders to life! Kaos has discovered the ancient power of Mind Magic and...
Release Dates
14 Oct 2016-Xbox 360
16 Oct 2016-PS3
14 Oct 2016-Wii U
32
Super Bomberman R
Have a Blast ! Bomberman is back, and stronger than ever! Get ready to battle in beloved classic arenas as well as un...
Release Dates
13 Jun 2018-PC
14 Jun 2018-Xbox One
14 Jun 2018-PS4
61
Just Dance 2017
Introducing Just Dance 2017 – more fun and easier to play than ever. Shake your hips and wave your hands with the Jus...
Release Dates
27 Oct 2016-PC
3 Mar 2017-Switch
25 Oct 2016-Xbox 360
35
World of Goo
A physics-based puzzle construction game creator by two indie developers. Drag and drop living globs of goo to con...
Release Dates
16 Dec 2010-iOS
13 Oct 2008-Wii
28 Nov 2011-Android
8
Human Resource Machine
Human Resource Machine is a puzzle game. In each level, your boss gives you a job. Automate it by programming your li...
Release Dates
15 Oct 2015-Mac
23 Mar 2017-Switch
15 Oct 2015-PC
6
Little Inferno
A game all about burning things in a fireplace. Throw logs of wood, batteries, screaming robots or even unstable n...
Release Dates
30 Nov 2012-Wii U
16 Mar 2017-Switch
3 Dec 2013-Android
4

Nintendo Switch Titles Due March - Post Launch

FAST RMX
Jump into the driver’s seat of your anti-gravity vehicle and put your skills to the test in high octane competitions....
Release Dates
3 Mar 2017-Switch
22
Has-Been Heroes
A rogue-like action strategy featuring a band of heroes charged with escorting the King's twin princesses to the Prin...
Release Dates
28 Mar 2017-Xbox One
4 Apr 2017-Switch
28 Mar 2017-PS4
41
Snipperclips - Cut it out, together!
A creative world where paper characters are cut into new shapes to solve puzzles. Tackle basic and advanced puzzles b...
Release Dates
3 Mar 2017-Switch
17

Nintendo Switch Titles Due Later In 2017

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
A special Nintendo Switch version of the original Mario 8 featuring all released content originally for the Nintendo ...
Release Dates
28 Apr 2017-Switch
107
ARMS
Nintendo has announced Arms for Switch, a fighting game that combines boxing and shooting, where you use extendable a...
Release Dates
16 Jun 2017-Switch
96
Disgaea 5 Complete
Disgaea 5 Complete is a strategy RPG that offers hundreds of hours of over-the-top, award-winning gameplay, and marks...
Release Dates
26 May 2017-Switch
22 Oct 2018-PC
47
Puyo Puyo Tetris
Puyo Puyo Tetris will be releasing only in physical format on the PlayStation 4, and will cost $29.99 at retail. The ...
Release Dates
28 Apr 2017-Switch
27 Feb 2018-PC
25 Apr 2017-PS4
27
Rime
Rime is the latest creation from the studio that brought gamers the unique downloadable title, Deadlight. Rime is thi...
Release Dates
26 May 2017-PC
14 Nov 2017-Switch
26 May 2017-Xbox One
239
Splatoon 2
Traditional 4-on-4 turf battles return in this full sequel to the original breakout hit game, along with new stages, ...
Release Dates
21 Jul 2017-Switch
112
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
One of the most beloved games of the seventh generation of consoles, Skyrim Special Edition brings the epic fantasy t...
Release Dates
28 Oct 2016-Xbox One
17 Nov 2017-Switch
28 Oct 2016-PC
259
Sonic Mania
2D Sonic is back in an all-new adventure! Play as Sonic, Tails, & Knuckles as you race through all-new Zones and f...
Release Dates
29 Aug 2017-PC
15 Aug 2017-Switch
15 Aug 2017-PS4
222
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 S...
Release Dates
27 Oct 2017-Switch
283
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
In the latest entry of the Xenoblade Chronicles series, a new hero will seek out Elysium on an immense journey throug...
Release Dates
1 Dec 2017-Switch
156
Ultra Street Fighter 2: The Final Challengers
Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers will be coming to Nintendo Switch! Street Fighter II, the game that de...
Release Dates
26 May 2017-Switch
33

Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a portable video games console. Supporting both single and multiplayer experiences, the new...
Release Dates
3 Mar 2017-Standard
237
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