One of the most eagerly anticipated gadgets of 2017 now has an official release date, price and launch details. Nintendo Co., Ltd (ADR) (OTCMKTS:NTDOY) held a special event last night where it revealed details for its new game console, the Nintendo Switch. Here’s everything you need to know.
The two big questions everyone has been asking since the Nintendo Switch was first announced are now answered.
NTDOY’s new hybrid game console goes on sale in the U.S. starting Mar. 3 and it will have a $299.99 launch price. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch are already live through multiple online retailers, including GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME).
Nintendo Switch: Technical Details
We already knew the basics about the Nintendo Switch. It’s a hybrid gaming device, combining the portability of a mobile gaming system like the Nintendo 3DS and the power of a home gaming console that’s connected to a TV. During Nintendo’s event, more details were filled in.
- Switch display is a 6.2-inch, 720p, capacitive touchscreen
- When docked, output to TV using HDMI is 1080p HD
- Removable Joy-Con controllers are motion-sensing and have HD Rumble force feedback
- 32GB of internal storage, can be increased using Micro SD cards
- Battery life when used as a portable system will range from 2.5 to 6 hours, depending on the game being played
- Charger is USB-C
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Ethernet with ability to connect up to eight Nintendo Switch consoles for local multiplayer
- Games sold on cartridges called Game Cards (will not be able to play 3DS cartridges), no region locking on games
- Switch players will have access to Nintendo Online Services, for online gaming for a monthly fee (free to play until September 2017)
Nintendo Switch: Games
The Nintendo Switch price and release date were two of the big questions about NTDOY’s new console, but the third is games. A lack of compelling games hurt the Wii U at launch and with third party game developers more interested in Microsoft Corporation’s (NASDAQ:MSFT) Xbox One and the Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) PlayStation 4.
It appears that Nintendo has been working hard to ensure Switch buyers have plenty of titles to choose from. The biggest launch title will be the long-awaited Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Naturally, there will be a Mario title as well, Super Mario Odyssey. NTDOY is also showing off a range of third party games, including Minecraft and Arms.
And to make certain Nintendo Switch players have plenty of titles to choose from, a new subscription Nintendo Online Services will not only offer online multi-player gaming, but also the ability to play classic games from Nintendo’s back catalog of titles from vintage consoles like the NES.
Nintendo Switch: Will It Hit the Mark for NTDOY?
Nintendo has found itself in a tight position over the past year. Wii U sales went off a cliff, especially once the Nintendo Switch was announced — who wants to buy a console that lacks games and has been declared obsolete?
Sales of the 3DS handheld have also been down, as smartphones like Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone continue to draw mobile gamers. In the first six months of 2016, NTDOY sales were down by 33% compared to the previous year.
This year, it faces new versions of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One that offer 4K support, HDR graphics and the entry of virtual reality gaming. The Nintendo Switch seems like a previous generation console in comparison.
However, the Nintendo Switch price is inline with expectations. Its performance may not be on par with other game consoles, but it’s better than the Wii U and the Switch has an ace up its sleeve in its hybrid form factor. It can do what the Xbox One and PS4 can’t — seamlessly continue playing games in the car, at a friend’s house or while on vacation.
NTDOY is working with third party game developers, but also taking no chances by leveraging nostalgia for retro gaming and mining its catalog of classic games through Nintendo Online Services.
Combined with NTDOY’s new strategy of releasing games as paid, premium titles for smartphones —starting with Super Mario Run — the Nintendo Switch has a shot at reviving Nintendo’s fortunes. We’ll have a pretty good idea whether the Switch lives up to the hype and is a hit, or flops as another “weird” Nintendo console by March.
As of this writing, Brad Moon did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
