Nintendo Switch Ushers in New Era of Console Gaming on the Go

Today’s launch of the Nintendo Switch video game system means that console-quality gaming is no longer tethered exclusively to the living room TV. Nintendo Switch lets people play their favourite games anytime, anywhere and with anyone. The system launches today at a SRP of $399.99 CDN. It comes in two colour options: a version with a set of gray Joy-Con controllers, and a version with one neon blue and one neon red Joy-Con controller.

Nintendo Switch comes with the main console, Joy-Con (L) and Joy-Con (R) controllers, a Joy-Con grip (to which two Joy-Con are attached and used as one controller), a set of Joy-Con straps, a Nintendo Switch dock (which holds the main console and connects it to a TV), an HDMI cable and an AC adapter.

Nintendo Switch connects to a TV at home and can instantly transform into an on-the-go handheld using its 6.2-inch high-definition screen. The screen includes capacitive multi-touch capabilities for compatible games. The left Joy-Con has a Capture Button that players can press to take instant screen shots of gameplay to share with friends on their social media pages. The right Joy-Con includes an NFC touchpoint for interaction with amiibo figures, as well as an IR Motion Camera that can approximate the distance, shape and motion of nearby objects in specially designed games. Both Joy-Con include motion controls and an advanced HD Rumble feature. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, sold separately at a SRP of $89.99 CDN, includes all the same features (minus the IR Motion Camera) and comes in a more traditional form factor.

Today also marks the launch of the Nintendo Switch game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The game is available for both Nintendo Switch and Wii U at a SRP of $79.99 CDN. New compatible amiibo launching today for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild include Link (Rider), Link (Archer), Zelda and a Bokoblin amiibo at a SRP of $21.99 CDN each. A massive new Guardian amiibo is also available at a SRP of $29.99 CDN.

Also launching today is the face-to-face party game 1-2-Switch. From Wild West gunslinging to safecracking to competitive cow milking, the 28 games in 1-2-Switch make use of a broad variety of Nintendo Switch features, such as motion controls and HD Rumble. In a video game twist, the game asks players to stare at one another instead of at the TV, creating a fun atmosphere that will liven up any party. Third-party games such as Skylanders Imaginators from Activision, Just Dance 2017 from Ubisoft and Super Bomberman R from Konami round out a launch-day lineup.

Nintendo eShop is ready to go on Nintendo Switch. Both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and 1-2-Switch are available for purchase and download today. Additionally, for $28.19 CDN, people can purchase the Snipperclips – Cut it out, together! game, which is exclusive to Nintendo eShop. In this game, two players cut paper characters into new shapes to solve puzzles. It is even possible for four players to solve puzzles as a team or compete against each other in various activities.

Some of the digital games available for purchase today from third-party partners include FAST RMX from Shin’en Multimedia, which is console-exclusive to Nintendo Switch, I Am Setsuna from Square Enix, and both Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove and Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment from Yacht Club Games, which are timed exclusives.