Nintendo Switch: Facts and Rumors

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Yesterday Nintendo swept the internet of its feet when they unveiled the Nintendo Switch. Well most of the Internet anyways, because there will always be some negative people out there. But from what brief look we got, it seems as if Nintendo has learned from the mistakes they made with the Wii-U. The Switch has a clear and understandable vision behind it and the video explained it very good. Yesterday I already wrote down my initial thoughts about the switch and today I want to give you a overview about all known facts and rumors surrounding the Nintendo Switch.

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The Announcement has generated lots of positivity and many people seem excited for the newest Nintendo Console. So let us jump right in an start with some of the facts.

The Facts:

Nintendo sees the Switch as a home console and it should be treated as such. Source

The Switch supports Unreal Engine 4. Source

The Nintendo Switch is powered by custom made nvidia technology. It uses a customized Tegra processor and includes the same technology as the current top graphic cards. It also has a completely new physics engine and easier tools for developers to use. Source

The Switch uses cartridges as medium.Source

Because of that there won't be any physical backwards compatibility. To play Wii-U or 3DS Games you'll still need the respective console. However Nintendo didn't specify if there will be a digital backwards compatibility. So maybe you'll be able to at least transfer your downloaded games onto the Switch. Source

Nintendo didn't specify if the Switch will be able to play Smartphone games.Source

Nintendo didn't specify how long the battery life of the Switch is, but they stressed that it will be as long as possible and it should not be a problem while gaming on the go. Source

The Switch will support Amiibos. Source

The Docking Station only serves as a means to bring the picture fast and seamlessly to the TV-Screen. It doesn't contain any GPU or Processor. All processing and such is done inside the portable unit. Source

A lot of developers have already pledged their support for the Switch. The comments are positive throughout and several big publishers already announced that they have games in the works. Source

The Rumors:

The Nintendo Switch will be the first Nintendo console without a region lock. Source

There won't be anymore announcements this year. Source

The Switch won't have a lot of build in space for digital games, but it can be easily expanded via SD-Cards. You'll also be able to increase the space by using a portable harddrive with the Docking Station. This will, however, limit your range of playing those games. 

The Verdict:

The Nintendo Switch proves to be a bold new step, but I think it's a step in the right direction. By breaking up the line between handheld and console gaming Nintendo takes a big load of its shoulders. Instead of trying to keep two healthy systems afloat they can now concentrate on one.

The move back to cartridges also makes sense. They don't take as much space as disks, and in today day and age they are faster, more reliable and offer a bigger space. This should keep load times on the Switch low and also keep mandatory installations at a minimum.

The Switchs message is play how you want, anywhere you want.

Of course it remains to be seen if the Switch can truly capitalize on the promising outlook it presented so far. The price will be a huge factor. As well as battery life and power.

I think it's safe to assume that the Switch won't be more powerful than the PS4 or Xbox One, but if the specs are at least competitive I think it has a good chance of becoming successful.

In my opinion the biggest weaknesses of the Switch will be the limited storage. Have you seen how flat the actual console is? I can't imagine that there is a 500GB harddrive hidden inside.

The Switch seems to be aimed at the more casual players, as well as Nintendo fans. That is why I think the price point of the console will be the deciding factor. If it's competitive the Switch may warrant a purchase as secondary console for ''Hardcore'' Gamers, which mostly use the PC or Sony/Microsoft Systems, as well as be attractive for the more casual audience, who are drawn in by the promise to easily play on the go.

So what are your first thoughts about the Nintendo Switch? Are you excited or let down? Maybe tomorrows Trailer Watch, where we'll dig into the announcement and see if we can find hidden details, will help you with your decision. Anyways let me know your opinion in the comments.

And as always

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