The Nintendo Switch launches on Friday, March 3, 2017, for $299 / ¥29,980.
The controller, or JoyCon, features motion control, Amiibo support, force feedback (rumble), and a "capture" button similar to the PlayStation 4's "Share" button. JoyCons come in various color combinations, including neon blue and red — and, similar to the Wiimote, JoyCons come with wrist straps.
The screen uses a capacitive touch panel, and up to eight Switches can be wirelessly connected for local multiplayer. Its online service will be free for the first six months before becoming a paid service (akin to PlayStation Network or Xbox Live) in Fall 2017.
Launch titles include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild; 1-2 Switch, a collection of minigames; and ARMS, a fighting game. Splatoon 2, a sequel to the popular third-person shooter game, will follow in Summer 2017, and Super Mario Odyssey by December. The system will not be region locked, allowing games to be exported and imported from various territories.
These details were announced tonight in a presentation livestreamed from Japan featuring NCL president Tatsumi Kimishima, Splatoon 2 producer Hisashi Nogami, Yoshiaki Koizumi, and other key players on the Switch team.
