Nintendo has finally decided to show off their new "home gaming system", code-name NX. It's time to see what Nintendo has up their sleeves and put all the rumors to rest.
GBAtemp will covering the announcement and the OP will be updated as new information rolls in from the preview. Remember, the video starts at 9AM Central Standard Time, so be sure to watch, and discuss your thoughts here!

Nintendo Official Site

Trailer

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It's called the Nintendo Switch. Rumors are true, it's a tablet with connectable buttons that you can play at home and on the go. Console Controller looks similar to the Xbox One's. Has small little remotes and supports multiplayer. NBA game being shown. 3D Mario title. When you connect the portable controllers the system goes from console to portable. Skyrim and Splatoon shown. Still coming March next year.

Press Release​

Detachable Controllers Reinvent Gaming

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In an introductory video released today, Nintendo provided the first glimpse of its new home gaming system and revealed that it is called Nintendo Switch. In addition to providing single and multiplayer thrills at home, the Nintendo Switch system also enables gamers to play the same title wherever, whenever and with whomever they choose. The mobility of a handheld is now added to the power of a home gaming system to enable unprecedented new video game play styles.

At home, Nintendo Switch rests in the Nintendo Switch Dock that connects the system to the TV and lets you play with family and friends in the comfort of your living room. By simply lifting Nintendo Switch from the dock, the system will instantly transition to portable mode, and the same great gaming experience that was being enjoyed at home now travels with you. The portability of Nintendo Switch is enhanced by its bright high-definition display. It brings the full home gaming system experience with you to the park, on an airplane, in a car, or to a friend’s apartment.

Gaming springs into action by removing detachable Joy-Con controllers from either side of Nintendo Switch. One player can use a Joy-Con controller in each hand; two players can each take one; or multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options. They can easily click back into place or be slipped into a Joy-Con Grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, if preferred, the gamer can select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to use instead of the Joy-Con controllers. Furthermore, it is possible for numerous people to bring their Nintendo Switch systems together to enjoy local multiplayer face-to-face competition.

“Nintendo Switch allows gamers the freedom to play however they like,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, President and COO, Nintendo of America. “It gives game developers new abilities to bring their creative visions to life by opening up the concept of gaming without boundaries.”

Developers can design their games supporting a variety of play styles, which gives gamers the freedom to choose an experience that best suits them. Some of the publishers, developers and middleware partners announcing support for Nintendo Switch are as follows:

Companies that will support the Switch
505 Games
• LEVEL-5 Inc.
• Activision Publishing, Inc.
• Marvelous Inc.
• ARC SYSTEM WORKS Co., Ltd.
• Maximum Games, LLC
• ATLUS CO., LTD.
• Nippon Ichi Software, Inc.
• Audiokinetic Inc.
• Parity Bit Inc.
• Autodesk, Inc.
• PlatinumGames Inc.
• BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
• RAD Game Tools, Inc.
• Bethesda
• RecoChoku Co., Ltd.
• CAPCOM CO., LTD.
• SEGA Games Co., Ltd.
• Codemasters®
• Silicon Studio Corporation
• CRI Middleware Co., Ltd.
• Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
• DeNA Co., Ltd.
• SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
• Electronic Arts
• Starbreeze Studios
• Epic Games Inc.
• Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
• Firelight Technologies
• Telltale Games
• FromSoftware, Inc.
• THQ Nordic
• Frozenbyte
• Tokyo RPG Factory Co., Ltd.
• GameTrust
• TT Games
• GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.


• UBISOFT
• Gungho Online Entertainment, Inc.
• Ubitus Inc.
• HAMSTER Corporation
• Unity Technologies, Inc.
• Havok
• Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• INTI CREATES CO., LTD.
• Web Technology Corp

Screens





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It will be powered by a custom Nvidia Tegra chip.

Nintendo Switch is powered by the performance of the custom Tegra processor. The high-efficiency scalable processor includes an NVIDIA GPU based on the same architecture as the world’s top-performing GeForce gaming graphics cards.

Nvidia Blog

Nintendo Switch Site

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Nintendo First Look​

The detachable controllers are called Joy-Con controllers.

Gaming springs into action by removing detachable Joy-Con controllers from either side of Nintendo Switch. One player can use a Joy-Con controller in each hand; two players can each take one; or multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options. They can easily click back into place or be slipped into a Joy-Con Grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, if preferred, the gamer can select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to use instead of the Joy-Con controllers. Furthermore, it is possible for numerous people to bring their Nintendo Switch systems together to enjoy local multiplayer face-to-face competition.

“Nintendo Switch allows gamers the freedom to play however they like,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, President and COO, Nintendo of America. “It gives game developers new abilities to bring their creative visions to life by opening up the concept of gaming without boundaries.”

Developers can design their games supporting a variety of play styles, which gives gamers the freedom to choose an experience that best suits them. Some of the publishers, developers and middleware partners announcing support for Nintendo Switch are as follows:

Nintendo Site

 

[Foxi4]

Could be. But I don't find it that thick.

Maybe it's made that way to support the weight of the tablet, so the entire thing doesn't fall forward.

That's entirely possible, I'm just speculating based on the rumours that we've seen so far, which mostly turned out to be true. The dock could very well be just the charger and an HDMI extension - we don't know. In fact, it's very unlikely that it features anything special, otherwise Nintendo wouldn't hesitate to mention that by now. If that's the case though, expect support for modern games to be nil. Skyrim Remastered is all nice and dandy, but Skyrim originally ran on the PS3/360, all the remaster does to "look better" is upping the resolution and texture detail. I have my reservations based on what I've seen, the system will not be competitive on the AAA stage, but it will introduce gamers to high performance mobile gaming, and I love that.

 

[Autz]

The dock is thick for balancing reasons. It is just plastic. It doesn't have to contain anything special, and knowing Nintendo, it won't. Stop those conspiracy theories. Also, stop hoping for it to be at the PS4 level. Won't happen. Nope. Zero chance.

At least is more powerfull than WiiU.

 

[osaka35]

Yeah, Sony could probably improve and learn from it with all the fancy bells and whistles... streaming not only at 4k but 8k. haha.

@Autz
I hope it'll be an old-school Metroid which is long overdue or Metroid Prime like game would do. I'd be satisfy. I just hunger for more Metroid games since they skipped this generation. I won't be surprised if they're going to do an HD remake of Metroid Prime though as it's an instant easy money, milking the franchise.

They should just hire the maker of metroid AM2R (another metroid 2 remake). That game is close to 2d metroid perfection.

 

[duffmmann]

The dock is thick for balancing reasons. It is just plastic. It doesn't have to contain anything special, and knowing Nintendo, it won't. Stop those conspiracy theories. Also, stop hoping for it to be at the PS4 level. Won't happen. Nope. Zero chance.

Its obviously not just plastic, there are components to it that recognize the handheld has been connected to play on your TV. Beyond that it sounds like handheld gaming is 900p while TV gaming is 1080p, so it does sound like there is at least something to the dock than just holding the screen and connecting to the TV. Also PS4 level or close to have been rumored for quite a while, and in with the rumors that have matched up with everything else revealed, so I wouldn't count that idea out at all.

 

[RaMon90]

I know it wont happen, gta v on nintento switch.
No idea if it can handle nvidia tegra, skyrim is old game but gold.

Fifa 18 would be awesome!!

 

[player594]

Pokemon: Gale of Darkness Sequel.
Pokemon: Gale of Darkness Sequel
Pokemon: Gale of Darkness Sequel

Pleeease.

Oh and metroid prime

Die pokemon Die!!!!!!!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[tarumbo83]

I know it wont happen, gta v on nintento switch.
No idea if it can handle nvidia tegra, skyrim is old game but gold.

Fifa 18 would be awesome!!

I want to get into the GTA series (always played very child-friendly first-party Nintendo games and the like, so I just want to play some more mature and complex stuff) but what's holding me back is my lack of a non-Nintendo console and my bad PC, GTA on Switch would be great for me. I'd also try Skyrim because of it too (which is confirmed I guess)

 

[TemplarGR]

There is no possibility that the dock enhances the graphics in any way. For that to happen, it has to have another similar tegra chip, with its own memory, and that means double the costs. Highly unlikely, this is Nintendo we are talking about, they sold 2005 tech 3DS for 250$... Not to mention it has to run in an SLI configuration, which means high costs for interconnection purposes, and i don't really think that is possible on a 6" tablet.

So stop the conspiracy theories, this will just be a poor man's Xbox One, with Nintendo first party, niche japanese games, and portability.

 

[Deleted User]

Die pokemon Die!!!!!!!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

PFFFFFFFFFFT. Pokemon's not going to die, not for a long time.

 

[KingVamp]

From a portable standpoint, Nintendo Switch is like what, 2 or 3 generations ahead of the 3DS. Mass leap, using modern advance mobile chips, portable games like the next mainline Pokemon will see a massive graphical leal from the 3DS and play on the mainline Pokemon on TV.

That's gonna be insane. I'm looking forward to this.

Yeah, I can see this being a success just with the portable side. Strangely enough, this is like the Vita 2 some people wanted. Any stronger than this, the portable side will suffer too much or at least not be that much stronger.

 

[tarumbo83]

There is no possibility that the dock enhances the graphics in any way. For that to happen, it has to have another similar tegra chip, with its own memory, and that means double the costs. Highly unlikely, this is Nintendo we are talking about, they sold 2005 tech 3DS for 250$... Not to mention it has to run in an SLI configuration, which means high costs for interconnection purposes, and i don't really think that is possible on a 6" tablet.

So stop the conspiracy theories, this will just be a poor man's Xbox One, with Nintendo first party, niche japanese games, and portability.

How are you so sure? Really not much about the system is revealed yet, at least we know what it's called and the basic concept of what it is but most of the specs and stuff are just rumors so far. It could have a graphics-enhancing dock, based on the marketing strategy Nintendo seems to be trying to go a new way with the Switch.

 

[Xabring]

O MY!!!!!!!!!

GIMME GIMME GIMME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And it's powered by Nvidia, a tegra chip no less. Wich means cool looking graphs with portability, like nvidia shield. unlike shield, they WILL squeeze every ounce of power out of it(I guess). NO WONDER why developers love it. (cause Kronos's Vulkan, my bet, it makes sense)

Making it like a tablet it's certain it WILL atract the masses...again. But the screen is touchscreen?

CARTRIDGES FOREVER!

console/portable hybrid confirmed!

Detachable controllers confirmed too! o my! that's new. will be they be motion sensitive too? Also sporting classic controller just for the hardcore that refuses to take weeird controllers.

Are we going to see a resurfacing of the days people hook X360 to routers to play locally? and without the hassle to buy a TV for each 4 persons?


This is really exciting! Gonna get the NX! I mean, the Nintendo Switch! (they learned they lession form wii u HARD)!

 

[osaka35]

There is no possibility that the dock enhances the graphics in any way. For that to happen, it has to have another similar tegra chip, with its own memory, and that means double the costs. Highly unlikely, this is Nintendo we are talking about, they sold 2005 tech 3DS for 250$... Not to mention it has to run in an SLI configuration, which means high costs for interconnection purposes, and i don't really think that is possible on a 6" tablet.

So stop the conspiracy theories, this will just be a poor man's Xbox One, with Nintendo first party, niche japanese games, and portability.

It could easily allow for usage of all gpu cores/proper clocking, and mobile could limit gpu usage and underclock to maximize battery. I doubt it'll have extra graphical hardware oomph in the block there, but perhaps a cooling/power situation.

 

[6adget]

I'm typing this on my NVidia Shield tablet with a Tegra K1 processor and it easily handles 4k. I personally don't care if the switch does 4k or not, but if it is using the X1 64 bit (witch it does) then it will be able to play at 4k. The nvidia shield tablet, and tv rock. This tablet is crazy fast, and it is only 32 bit. I own a shit load of game systems, tablets, laptops, and computers. Out of all of them I use my shield all day because of how well it handles games, and web browsing. The Tegra is a very powerful cpu/gpu chip. This is a big move for Nintendo and im very excited that they are going with the nvidia mobile chip. It sips power, but is very powerful.

 

[Nah3DS]

That's entirely possible, I'm just speculating based on the rumours. The dock could very well be just the charger and an HDMI extension - we don't know. If that's the case though, expect support for modern games to be nil. Skyrim Remastered is all nice and dandy, but Skyrim originally ran on the PS3/360, all the remaster does to "look better" is upping the resolution and texture detail. I have my reservations based on what I've seen, the system will not be competitive on the AAA stage, but it will introduce gamers to high performance mobile gaming, and I love that.

This is just a high-end portable console with an HDMI output. The GB-GBC-GBA-NDS-3DS didn't have AAA super games, and their libraries are awesome. This new portable will do just fine without those games, like every portable system Nintendo have made.
Nintendo is saying goodbye to the old home console business in the most clever way possible.

 

[Foxi4]

Its obviously not just plastic, there are components to it that recognize the handheld has been connected to play on your TV. Beyond that it sounds like handheld gaming is 900p while TV gaming is 1080p, so it does sound like there is at least something to the dock than just holding the screen and connecting to the TV. Also PS4 level or close to have been rumored for quite a while, and in with the rumors that have matched up with everything else revealed, so I wouldn't count that idea out at all.

It could very well be just a charger with an HDMI plug, no need for extra hardware beyond that. The reason why it's rumoured to be 900p on the internal screen might just mean that the internal screen *is* 900p, not that running at 1080p is impossible from the core hardware. It's all speculation at this point. The whole port could just amount to be a "very big HDMI cradle" for all we know, though additional hardware, however unlikely, seems to be a nice prospect to dream about.

 

[TemplarGR]

How are you so sure? Really not much about the system is revealed yet, at least we know what it's called and the basic concept of what it is but most of the specs and stuff are just rumors so far. It could have a graphics-enhancing dock, based on the marketing strategy Nintendo seems to be trying to go a new way with the Switch.

I am sure because i am a software engineer with proper hardware knowledge. And i know the limitations. Sure, the Switch uses custom Tegra chip, but some things just aren't feasible. This won't happen, this is just a dream for 12 year old kids.

 

[duffmmann]

That's entirely possible, I'm just speculating based on the rumours that we've seen so far, which mostly turned out to be true. The dock could very well be just the charger and an HDMI extension - we don't know. In fact, it's very unlikely that it features anything special, otherwise Nintendo wouldn't hesitate to mention that by now. If that's the case though, expect support for modern games to be nil. Skyrim Remastered is all nice and dandy, but Skyrim originally ran on the PS3/360, all the remaster does to "look better" is upping the resolution and texture detail. I have my reservations based on what I've seen, the system will not be competitive on the AAA stage, but it will introduce gamers to high performance mobile gaming, and I love that.

Man I dunno, when you have developers like TakeTwo on board, its kind of hard to think that a fair amount of AAA titles won't be coming to the system. I truly believe it will be close to on par with the PS4, lots of the rumors suggested as much, and those were coupled in with a lot of rumors that have now confirmed to be true (hybrid system, 2 detachable controllers, etc.)
Pretty sure they realized that if they wanted to get that 3rd party support they had to get on par or close to that of the standard PS4, and considering that Sony has required that any game made for the PS4 Pro must also be playable on a standard PS4, this would mean that third party support on the Switch may be sustained for quite a long while.

 

[tarumbo83]

I am sure because i am a software engineer with proper hardware knowledge. And i know the limitations. Sure, the Switch uses custom Tegra chip, but some things just aren't feasible. This won't happen, this is just a dream for 12 year old kids.

Still, I think you're being too pessimistic. Even if you are a software engineer, you still said there is "no" possibility that the Switch will have a dock or advanced graphics, which is a bit of a bold statement..

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

Man I dunno, when you have developers like TakeTwo on board, its kind of hard to think that a fair amount of AAA titles won't be coming to the system. I truly believe it will be close to on par with the PS4, lots of the rumors suggested as much, and those were coupled in with a lot of rumors that have now confirmed to be true (hybrid system, 2 detachable controllers, etc.)
Pretty sure they realized that if they wanted to get that 3rd party support they had to get on par or close to that of the standard PS4, and considering that Sony has required that any game made for the PS4 Pro must also be playable on a standard PS4, this would mean that third party support on the Switch may be sustained for quite a long while.

I think I saw a list of companies stated to be involved with Switch software (aka third party developers) from the Nintendo Japan site or somewhere like that earlier today, it was quite long. I'm pretty confident the Switch will have good third-party support, which in addition to the portable thing will really bring back the "hardcore" crowd.

 

[Deleted User]

You know what would be cool? If anyone could develop Unity games for the switch, without having to be a certified dev, and without having to purchase a devkit.