Why I’m Excited for Nintendo Switch

Previews, Switch 6 Minutes

Switching it Up

It finally happened. Nintendo revealed their upcoming system, Nintendo Switch. The trailer was under four minutes long, but it was enough to get me hyped up for it. Here are five reasons why I’m excited for the Nintendo Switch.

 

1. Hybrid System

I love handhelds. The Nintendo 3DS is one of my favorite gaming systems as was the Nintendo DS before it. I appreciate the ability to play games wherever I want, especially while I’m commuting or traveling. Even at home, I actually prefer the 3DS or Wii U’s off-TV play because I can play in any room.

Thus, I was thrilled to hear that the Nintendo Switch would be a hybrid system, allowing for both home console and handheld capabilities. While playing on the TV, the “Joy-Grip” controller looks like a standard huge controller with two removable sides, lovingly called the “Joy-Con.” When the Joy-Con sides come off and attach to the Switch’s tablet-like screen, it suddenly functions like a handheld that continues the game where you left off. This mirrors the Wii U’s off-TV play, effectively making the new controller a logical progression of the Wii U’s GamePad. Since the system appears to use game cards similarly to the 3DS, we’ll be able to take games on-the-go, which is great news for handheld gamers. If the system can replicate the awesome experiences I’ve had with the 3DS, then I’m already on board.

Nintendo Switch.jpg
The Nintendo Switch and puppy-face controller (can’t unsee it)

2. Unification

We may also finally be looking at a unified system. Instead of having to buy two separate systems, we may only have to buy one, and all of the new titles will ideally be streamlined into it. We could be looking at a built-in cross-buy, which would fix the existing issue of having to buy the same game on both systems. This move benefits Nintendo as well. The Wii U didn’t do as well this generation, while the 3DS sold like hotcakes. Its handhelds have performed traditionally well, so it would be wise for Nintendo to play to its strengths. In the best-case scenario, the Nintendo Switch could have the sales and lasting power of the 3DS and the larger-scale game experiences of the Wii U.

Of course, in the worst-case scenario, we could get neither. It will depend on several factors. First, if the cost is on the upper end, then it might actually lose sales from those who are used to the cheaper handhelds. After all, the 3DS struggled when originally launched (also in March) with its $249.99 price point. The Switch will need a price that will sell its new hybrid vision while still remaining profitable. Also, we’d need more information on the handheld. For instance, what is the battery life, and how will the video quality be? Is it online-enabled? It’s hard to tell much without physically having the controller. At the very least, if the DS line ends here, I’d miss the dual-screen and clamshell features. It’s still up in the air how exactly Nintendo will handle the handheld situation.

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I look forward to both console and handheld titles on the Nintendo Switch.

Of course, if the handheld line continues with Nintendo Switch, we could be looking at the next version of Pokémon on a console/handheld. In fact, just having PokémonPokémon on the Switch would do wonders, since it’s a big system-seller already. It’d also be great to see big recent handheld games such as Monster Hunter and Yo-kai Watch on the system. I’d love for many handheld franchises to be on a console while still maintaining portable functionality. Likewise, I’d be ecstatic to take all of the big console games wherever I want.

3. Sleek Design

I usually don’t care how a system looks when I play it. After all, I played with the Nintendo 64 controller, the original DS, and the GameCube (Disclaimer: I love all three). That said, I love how the Nintendo Switch looks. The transformation into a tablet surrounded by two slide-on Joy-Cons works so much better than I could have imagined. The end result resembles a flatter, cleaner, sleeker GamePad.

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I adore how the sides slide onto the tablet screen.

The Joy-Con controllers are surprisingly versatile. Not only can you connect them to the tablet, but you can also detach and use them like miniature Wii remotes. It’s unclear whether they have motion control, but you can play with one on each hand or even sideways like an NES controller (à la the Wii remote). With a kickstand and headphone jack, the Switch is already looking more user-friendly than some phones. Finally, I found the traditional pro controller’s design to be one of the best since the GameCube’s. The right control stick is finally on the bottom right, and it just looks comfortable to hold.

I also think the name Switch effectively describes its function with a single word. It might not be the hippest console name, but it’s at least a better name than Wii U. I do think there is a missed opportunity though. They really should have gone with Swiitch. Joking…

Nintendo Switch Mario.png
I want to know where in the Mushroom Kingdom this is.

4. 3D Mario

There were a few games teased during the reveal trailer, including possible updates or new games for Splatoon and Mario Kart. However, the one game that caught my attention most was the 3D Mario game. It only appeared for about five seconds, but I rewatched those five seconds over and over. I loved Super Mario 3D World, but I’ve always wanted to see another hub-world adventure more akin to Mario’s first 3D outings. What little we saw looks like it may be a return to form. It resembles Super Mario Sunshine combined with a Mexican-inspired world. The footage looks unlike anything we’ve seen in a Mario game, and it’s that freshness that has me craving more. I’m still excited for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but this potentially new 3D Mario is an easy second place.

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Impressive list of Nintendo Switch partners

5. Third-Party Support

Third-party support is crucial. The Wii U lacked it, which led to long game droughts. Exclusive Wii U owners also missed out on many games. While we don’t know exactly what will be on the system, we do know that the Nintendo Switch will have an extensive list of partners. Its usual partners Capcom, Platinum Games, and Sega are back. Some third parties are back like Electronic Arts, Activision, and Konami. It’s great to see Square Enix, who will hopefully bring Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts in addition to Dragon Quest. Support from DeNA (creators of Miitomo and upcoming mobile Nintendo games), SpikeChunsoft (Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, Zero Escape), and Level-5’s (Professor Layton, Yo-kai Watch) suggests that we’ll be seeing portable, and perhaps mobile, franchises on the Switch.

Some other interesting partners (and their notable series) are Bethesda (which we saw in the trailer with Skyrim), FromSoftware (Dark Souls series), Telltale Games (The Walking Dead adventure series), Tokyo RPG Factory (I Am Setsuna), and Take-Two Interactive (Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption). It would be amazing for the Nintendo Switch to finally become a melting pot of excellent game series that reach a variety of gamers. Wii U also started with a fair share of partners, but fizzled out with third-party support early on its life. If played right, we could finally see Nintendo standing tall with the big third-party properties.

Nintendo Switch Mario Curtain.jpg
What else are you hiding, Mario?

Conclusion

There is plenty to be excited about with the Nintendo Switch. At the same time, there is a lot we don’t know regarding the Joy-Con, the games, the release schedule, battery life, and cost, among other things. Regardless, I remain optimistic that Nintendo will learn from previous missteps and move forward with this sleek new hybrid system. I also hope that Nintendo can give the system broad appeal with a diverse line-up of games. Either way, for the above reasons, I am excited to make the switch to Nintendo Switch in March!

What did you think of the Nintendo Switch reveal trailer? What are you most excited about? What do you still want to see? What games would you like to see on the hybrid system? Finally, will you be getting the Switch? Please share any thoughts you have about the Nintendo Switch in the comments below!

Published by Mr. Panda

Mr. Panda is a lifelong fan of Nintendo. Having started playing video games at a very young age, he has since collected every major Nintendo console and handheld. He even had a video game themed wedding, which featured centerpieces based on Smash Bros. trophies before amiibo was even announced. He loves to share his opinions of games and wants to help you make informed decisions. You can follow him on Twitter @MrPanda2002 and check out his videos at http://www.youtube.com/mrpanda2002. Enjoy, leave feedback, and game on!

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86 thoughts on “Why I’m Excited for Nintendo Switch”

    1. Absolutely agree with you! Third-party support is huge! I’m very pleased that Nintendo has garnered so much support for the system so far. Hopefully, they will bring their A-game and not just watered down ports. If we can have a collection of excellent Nintendo games and AAA triple-party games, combined with the ability to play them on-the-go, many gamers would be excited! I look forward to hearing about the game line-up! Thanks for reading and commenting!

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  3. Great article! Honestly, once more details of the 3D Mario come to light, it’s likely to be my most anticipated Switch title (I’ve always preferred Mario to Zelda). And let’s not forget a very important detail here…From Software is designing for the Switch!

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    1. Thank you very much! I appreciate it! I’m very excited about the new 3D Mario and want to hear more about it. It reminds me so much of some older 3D titles like 64 or Sunshine, and I would be ecstatic if that were true! I’m craving a new hub-world 3D platformer, especially with such finesse as the Mario series! Also, what about FromSoftware exactly and designing for the Switch? Do you mean making games, because I did mention them, haha.

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      1. Oh, I know you mentioned them. But for me, that’s one of the things I’m most looking forward to with Switch. They could be porting Dark Souls, or hopefully making another Souls-style game for the system. Just the fact that their name is on there has me excited!

        I would also like to see a hub-based 3D Mario, though hopefully one that incorporates elements from the Galaxy series (which, admittedly, are better games IMO). I loved 3D World, but I kind of don’t want that to be the standard for 3D Marios from here on out. I don’t know why Nintendo tried to make the 3D Marios more like the 2D ones, especially since the Galaxy games already found a great balance between the two styles.

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      2. That’s awesome! I think there’s at least a few companies that each person can get behind, which is why it’s so important for Nintendo have a vast array of partners. I haven’t yet played a Dark Souls game, but I would be eager to try it out on the Switch. Then, I’d be able to play a Souls game on-the-go! I’m excited for the prospects of all of these third parties and look forward to the launch release schedule!

        The Galaxy series was excellent and as you said, found a great balance between the two styles, though I still have a fondness for the slightly less linear Super Mario 64. As long as it provides a more in-depth 3D experience than 3D World, I’ll be happy. What little I’ve seen of the new areas already excites me! There are even tightropes that Mario may be able to walk on as he did in Sunshine. Out of all the Switch games, that’s the one I want to know most about right now!

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      3. I definitely agree that 3D Mario is what I’m looking most forward to, and with just like 7 seconds of footage!

        I’m also really excited for Mario Kart! I’ve heard it may be an enhanced port of Mario Kart 8, but oh well! As long as they add some meaningful new characters, and bring back classic Battle Mode, it would be one of the best Nintendo games ever.

        Oh, and definitely get to playing the Souls games if/when you can! And Blood Borne (which is still kind of part of the series) if you have/ever get a PS4. Who knows, maybe From Software can make a Switch exclusive Souls-style game like they did with Blood Borne on PS4.

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      4. Those were seconds of footage that I consumed, haha. I’m also excited for Mario Kart. I know I saw what looked like a double-item slot in the top right corner of those screens, so maybe we’re looking at elements from Double Dash. And I hope for a return to Battle Mode. We haven’t had a good Battle Mode since Mario Kart 64.

        I actually have Bloodborne and have delved into it. It’s a little hard to get into though, which I think is how the series is. I just need to get back into it. Thanks for the recommendations though! I want to try out the Dark Souls series proper, and if they brought it to the Switch, I’d like to pick it up! Even an exclusive Souls-style game would be nice on the Switch. Hyrule Souls? Mushroom Kingdom Souls? Animal Crossing Souls?

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      6. Sounds good! I have the game after all, so I will get through it as it’s on my backlog after all. Nintendo Souls – What a perfect Switch game it would be for FromSoftware to make!

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  4. Awesome work, Mr. Panda! I always love your opinion pieces on up and coming things! I was pleasantly surprised to see the Nintendo Switch. It looks like they’re heading toward a console-portable system hybrid, which is a very interesting concept. It’s pretty cool, but I do wonder about how portable a console like this will be. It can’t beat the compactness of the 3DS, but it would be nice to have HD graphics wherever I go. I’m curious about how they’re going to price the Switch. The cost could really make or break the sales of this system. I agree that the name is a bit unorthodox, being an actual word. It’s descriptive though, unlike Wii U. I was hoping for something more snazzy-sounding! I wouldn’t mind if it really was called the NX. Regardless, I know I’ll have it at home come March 2017! Couldn’t imagine it any other way!

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    1. Thanks so much for the kind words, crystaldragon! It means a lot to me, as always! I’m glad you had such a great impression of the trailer! I had my doubts at first, but after seeing the snazzy system, I was convinced I wanted that in my hands come March. I hope Nintendo can pull off the whole hybrid concept with the Joy-Con and Joy-Grip! There’s definitely more we need to know, like cost and video quality, as you said. I don’t know that we’ll get crisp HD graphics on the Switch. Games didn’t look super great on the Wii U’s GamePad (though I still loved playing on it). We’ll have to see. I hope the price is reasonable, although I certainly understand that they need to be profitable. It may depend on how they handle the whole handheld situation. I want to know soon so I can pre-order though! The name is okay, but I did get so used to the NX too. It’s certainly descriptive though! I think we’ll get used to it, like we did Wii and Wii U, haha. Thanks so much again for reading and commenting! I’m sure you’ll have a nice Nintendo Switch soon!

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    1. The exciting thing about the Switch is that you’ll have the option! It would be great if we got games from both Nintendo’s console and portable libraries, and could play it however we want. It’s so exciting to think about, which is why I can’t wait to know what games they have planned for launch! And also, yes, a new Nintendo console is enough to get me on board, and I’m glad it’s something that I can be hyped for!

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      2. The 3DS has an excellent run, though I think it’s very possible that it will end soon. The question is will it have a true primarily handheld successor, or will Nintendo hone all of its efforts on the portable-enabled Switch? Perhaps they can please both parties and make a Half Switch (with a better name of course) that can play all of the Switch games but only has a handheld component. Seeing as the Switch “system” is primarily the screen, the Joy-Con, and the dock that connects it to the TV, I’m not sure if they would have that handheld component. But it would be an interesting endeavor to make a clamshell DS handheld version of the Switch!

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  7. I am SO hyped for this, and I’m not usually hyped for new systems though the last one I was excited for was the Nintendo Wii so the company does have a good track record with me. The marketing is already fantastic, but I need this.

    Great review! I’m a fan of lists 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m super excited about the Nintendo Switch too! Their trailer was excellent and has won me over. Hopefully, Nintendo can keep it up with its marketing as we get closer to the Switch’s launch. I’m still excited to learn more, especially about the games line-up! Boarding the hype train!

      I wouldn’t say that I was hyped for the Wii U, though I did get it on day one and enjoyed it a lot. I was also very excited for the Wii thanks to The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess! I think the most hype I’ve had before now for a system was actually the GameCube, which was the first time I waited in line to get a brand new console. I’m so excited for March! Thanks again for reading and commenting!

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      2. Indeed! It was so hard to find a Wii at launch! I felt so lucky to have a pre-order because I couldn’t imagine wanting a system so much but not be able to get it. I’ve felt similar hype for the amiibo because those impossible to find for a time! I’m glad we’re past that because I just want to collect the awesome figurines!

        Either way, the Wii was worth the hype, and I have enjoyed it through and through. Hopefully, the Nintendo Switch will find that kind of success, although I hope it’s not hard to find!

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  8. This system honestly is something I have wanted for years and years – and the fact Nintendo is making it makes it even better. My Vita and 3DS are the backbone of my gaming these days. A handheld with full console level power is a dream come true!

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    1. I’m exactly with you on this! I love handheld experiences. The games that have been coming out for them have been superb and still digestible. Nintendo has always been strong in the handheld market, and the Switch plays to their strengths. I hope it can build a huge library of both first- and third-party games! I agree that it’s a dream come true! Thanks for reading and commenting!

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  9. Such a great article, I am really hyped for this console. Its a shame that it doesn’t have backwards compatibility which means I will still need to keep the Wii U to play all my games or invest heavily in ported versions which may mean selling a few games that I’d essentially have doubles of, it is a shame in the way but it means Nintendo will be cutting all ties and connection to the Wii U. I can see a lot if faithful Wii U fans being a bit irritated about this and may want recompense for staying devoted to Nintendo during its hardest years with the Wii U.

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    1. Thank you! Much appreciated, Mike! It’s certainly a shame that it’s not backwards compatible, but I can see why given the different nature of the system, and since it seems there’s no disc drive. I don’t mind keeping my Wii U around, since I had no intention to part with it. At the same time, it’s sad that Nintendo will be saying goodbye to the Wii U. To be fair though, it hasn’t really been alive for a while now. I love the Wii U and have been faithful, but I have no issue moving on. I got what I got, and I’m just pleased that it did have stellar games, even though not to a large extent. I’ll still have the Wii U around to catch up on any old titles too. I’m happy that Nintendo is also ready to move on and hopefully learn from their mistakes. The Switch looks like a step in the right direction, and I’m excited for it!

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  10. Awesome post! 🙂 I’m hyped for this thing. The controllers looks so sleek and I’m pleased to see a lot of 3rd party support. I really can’t wait to see more about it.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words! I ended up being more excited for its sleek design than I thought I’d ever be for a system! The whole thing looks simple, effective, and still unique. I love the concept of the Joy-Con and can’t wait to try it out! I’m excited for Nintendo to have so many third parties on board for this, and I can’t wait to hear what they have in store. I agree with you! I can’t wait to see more about it! Thanks again!

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  12. I’m definitely excited for this too. It seems like it’s going to have a lot of options and the fact that you can essentially play it three ways (At home with the Gamepad esque controller, at home with the All Pro, or outside with the TV remotish remote) is great. Now you can really play it your way and playing it on a flight would be awesome. I always bring my 3DS, but this would be the next level. It’s gimicky, but in a good way as it is something that actually looks fun and exciting. I’ll probably wait a bit before buying it day 1 to see what you guys think, but if they announce a Super Smash port day 1 with new characters and GC controller support…I’ll be the first person in line!

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    1. I agree with you! I love all the play options. Humorously enough, I’ve actually played Smash Bros. for GameCube in a car using a third-party portable accessory. I’m also one of those people that have brought the Wii U system and GamePad around just so I could play Wii U anywhere. So yes, I am excited for the Nintendo Switch! I would love an updated Super Smash Bros. with more characters to come out for the Switch!

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      1. Whoa, I didn’t know there was an accessory like that. That’s pretty awesome! Heh, I’m sure a lot of people would ask if they could have a turn on the Wii U. You’re definitely making the most out of the console that way so the Switch is really going to be perfect for you. It’ll be more convenient to bring around

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      2. I know, right? I’m so excited for a portable console system that I can easily bring around! If I’m going to do it with bulkier systems anyway, it might as well be convenient!

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      3. Definitely! Speaking of which, if you were able to choose which launch game you would want bundled with the console. Which would you pick? The new Mario game, a Smash port, Splatoon port, Skyrim, unannounced Metroid game, shocking F-Zero game, or Madden 17: Triple Receiving edition? (Or something else that you can picture being a launch title)

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      5. I forgot that Zelda’s getting so close! It absolutely counts. I’d definitely go for that as well unless we really do get a Smash port Day 1. Even then, the only way Smash will beat out Legend of Zelda is if it has some new characters or stages. Otherwise, LoZ’s gotta win this. The game’s really looking super promising and could maybe be the game to finally pass Wind Waker as my top game in the series. Just in case, I’m going to save up for when the Switch releases. If I do end up getting the console right away, maybe I could grab them both. I remember hearing that there is a chance some big RPGs like Kingdom Hearts 3 could also come to the switch which would be amazing. I have a feeling that KH 3 and LoZ will be fighting for best RPG of the gen.

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  13. Great article! I’m also looking forward to getting my hands on this and hopefully a sneak preview at PAX in Australia in two weeks time…a guy can dream.

    The controller looks so sleek and the system has an innate versatility on where and when you can play games which makes gaming more accessible anywhere you go. I think Nintendo have gone back to their roots with this one, that is their constant drive for innovation.

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    1. That’s so exciting! They’re really going to have the Switch in Australia? I’m very excited for you! Nintendo has done a solid job presenting the Switch so far, and I hope it pays off for them when it finally comes out! Thanks for your kind words and awesome comments! I appreciate it!

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      1. I don’t know if they will be demonstrating it in Australia yet though I wouldn’t put it past them. But if they do, I’ll be looking to get my hands on it. Yes I definitely agree with on Nintendo’s solid presentation of the Switch so far. No worries buddy, it’s always a pleasure reading your content.

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  14. I like the whole portable or console concept. (I mean, I already love it thanks to the Vita/PS TV/PS3&4 interaction.) But I already upgraded to a Wii U and I hardly use it. Right now, there’s no exclusives I have to have that I wouldn’t be content with playing an older version.

    It hasn’t been confirmed to be region free, right? So hoping it is. That would get me more excited.

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    1. Hopefully, it will be region-free, but there has been no actual confirmation from Nintendo. Sony has done a good job with cross-buy and cross-save functionality. I wish Nintendo had done more like that for the 3DS and Wii U. Now that they’ll have a hybrid handheld/console, they can have automatic cross-buy! I have enjoyed Wii U’s exclusives, but it’s always nice to have a variety for all kinds of gamers to enjoy on a system. I hope the Switch will have many games from the third-party partners while still incorporating Nintendo’s own solid lineup of exclusives! Thanks for reading and commenting!

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  16. Great points! I’m really loving the look of the Switch, though I’m not a big fan of the name. I heard someone saying that Nintendo is finally getting rid of the plastic/toy look to their consoles, and I definitely think it’s a step in the right direction. One thing I do wonder if the center of the controller and the tablet is touch sensitive, would be cool to see some sort of feature like that implemented. This is honestly the first time I’ve been so excited for a Nintendo console. Can’t wait for March!

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    1. Thank you for your nice comments! I’m sure I’ll get used to the name Switch. It wasn’t as jarring as the first time I heard Wii or my initial disappointment with the name Wii U. If I could get used to those, I’m sure Switch will be fine for me. And yes, the Switch looks great. I also thought the Wii U, particularly the black model, looked pretty nice as well. I’ve also wondered about touch-screen functionality. We know that there won’t be backwards compatibility with Wii U games, but is part of that problem the lack of a touch screen. I will miss that about both the GamePad and the 3DS bottom screen among other things, so I’m glad you brought it up. I’m glad you’re excited as well! Thanks again!

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      1. I’m sure we all will get used to it. Xbox One was odd the first time I hear it too. Has it been confirmed that it won’t be backwards compatible? I thought they might do something like what Xbox One did and make it a downloadable thing since it would have any disc slot. Hopefully it will have touch screen 🙂

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      2. I believe they did confirm no physical backwards compatibility. So we’re not going to be inserting Wii U discs and 3DS carts in there, though to be fair, I don’t see any slots for those. However, perhaps we could see the ability to buy digital games like a Wii U/3DS Virtual Console on Switch? We don’t know whether or not it will have a touch screen, though we know that the Switch is a single-screen system. Regardless of what we know, it’s still up in the air if we can play those games digitally. I hope we can! I hope there’s some workarounds for games that require either dual-screens or touch-screen support!

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  18. I like the concept, even though the fact I live in a dangerous city means I won’t really take the system out for a walk. Plus, when I am out I like to be disconnected from all of those things. Still, I can’t ignore that its main feature will certainly appeal to many.

    What I really liked the most, though, was Nintendo’s shift in marketing approach. I am glad we seem to have stepped out of the era of cringe-worthy videos with terrible actors acting like brainless people and pretending to be having fun. Considering how important marketing is, that is a major evolution.

    I think the Switch is what the Wii U should have been in the first place. It is as if Nintendo started the Wii U’s development with this vision but could not materialize it due to technical / technological limitations.

    I will definitely buy it, but in order for me to get truly excited I need to see some new games!

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    1. Your situation’s understandable. For me, even if I’m at home, I love how handhelds work because I can play them anywhere at home looking in any direction I want. I enjoy being able to play while lying down, looking at a screen. That’s part of why Wii U’s off-TV play was big for me too.

      I agree with you about Nintendo’s marketing approach. The Switch’s trailer was hip. It told its message without pointless fluff. The most important thing is that Nintendo conveyed what the Switch was. With Wii U, I think many people were confused. This trailer paints a pretty clear picture of what the Switch is and does. Your thoughts that the Switch is what the Wii U should have been are interesting. It’s quite possible, and there are similarities such as playing with a tablet controller and playing off the TV. Though it does appear that the Switch is a single-screen experience as opposed to a dual-screen, which could be considered a step in another direction. Nintendo wanted Wii U to be known for its asymmetric play (it ended up being known for its games and off-TV play). Perhaps once Nintendo saw that off-TV was a big picture, they decided that’s the direction they would go with their next console.

      I hope to be excited too once we see more of those new games! Thanks again for reading and commenting! It means a lot!

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  19. An interesting read. I’m personally not as convinced when it comes to the Nintendo Switch but I am biased due to my love of Playstation. I think the main problem I have is that I feel this concept would have worked better in the last generation. This is essentially what the Wii U should have been.
    I’m not a huge handheld gamer (unsurprising seeing as I feel weirdly embarrassed about the PS Vita and its lack of content.)
    I don’t think that the Switch is a bad idea, necessarily but I’m not sure about its marketing. That reveal trailer made me cringe at a level I didn’t know existed and the Skyrim reveal was very odd. I agree that Nintendo should be more open to third party titles and I’m happy to see big games like Skyrim make it to their line up but they are advertising a game that came out last generation.
    They would have been better to show a more recent third party RPG like Deus Ex (even though I don’t particularly like the new one.
    Still super exited for a new 3D Mario and Zelda though!

    Great article, as always!

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    1. Thanks for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts! Interesting. What made you cringe about the trailer exactly? I would have loved Wii U to be portable, but Nintendo seemed to want to go in a different direction with it, asymmetric gameplay. Off-TV play ended up being bigger than that, and they brushed the asymmetry aside for the most part. But I think the Switch is a good direction to continue one of Wii U’s popular features. Yes, they are advertising a game that came out last generation, but exclusive Nintendo fans have not had the opportunity to play it yet, and there are a good number of people like that. Ideally, more recent third party games would be great on the system. Otherwise, we might have the same problem Wii U had, too many ports leading to a lack of third-party sales. Anyway, it’s completely fair to not be sold on the Switch yet. We have to hear more about its game line-up for sure. However, just having a new 3D Mario and a portable way to play the new Zelda, not to mention any new surprises on the horizon, is enough to get me excited!

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      1. Definitely! I’m not totally averse to buying the console but just not wholly sold. What I found cringe worthy about the trailer was the fact of the cheesy acting of; “we’re all having a great time and buying this product would ensure the same response in you!” I would have preferred to have seen more of a focus on the titles rather than overstating the potability. Portability isn’t as revolutionary now due to the popularity of handhelds like the 3DS and the ever annoying mobile market.
        I really just want the new Zelda in pretty HD with a large open environment being rendered in front of my eyeballs.

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      2. Ah yes, I see what you’re talking about. I think that the trailer presentation fulfilled what their goal was, which was to show what the Switch could do. Their goal wasn’t necessarily to show games, and that’s something we don’t want to hear. The truth is that they didn’t have definitive console announcements, even for the footage they showed. We wanted to see the NX, and we got this Switch trailer, which did effectively help educate about the switch. Whether or not it was it was cringeworthy is up to the viewer, but the trailer did its job.

        Portability isn’t as revolutionary now, yes, but being able to play a singular system as both a console and handheld is. Even for Sony, it takes two systems, PS4 and Vita, to allow for portable gaming. It’s quite possible Nintendo took a few cues from Sony, but this is still very exciting for big Nintendo fans who love handhelds and would love for all of the franchises to also have portable options. The best part is that players will have the option to play console, handheld, or both.

        At the very least, the new Zelda will be in pretty HD. We have seen that much already, and it looks great so far!

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  20. Nice article! I’m ready to make the Switch! I’m really excited for the many traditionally handheld titles that could get big console treatment! And I hope that Mario game isn’t just demo.

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    1. Thank you very much! Glad you’re excited too! It would really be something to get the Switch when it comes out! I hope that traditionally handheld titles get the big console treatment. It really depends on what Nintendo’s plan is concerning the future of the 3DS family as well as how the Switch eventually performs. If the Switch does continue the handheld line, we could see those handheld titles like mainline Pokemon finally reach consoles! I hope that we hear more about that new Mario game, and it’s not just demo! Thanks again for reading and commenting, as always!

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  21. As you know I totally agree with all of your reasons but it being a handheld is my primary one.
    I have a WiiU collecting dust as I’m so happy with my handheld systems! I can only hope we will be able to play digital bought 3ds games on it!

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    1. Agreed! I’ve been getting more mileage on my 3DS lately, thanks to all of the RPGs that have been coming out for it lately! I just knew you’d be excited for the Switch’s handheld functionality! Playing digital 3DS games is an excellent idea. I wonder if we’ll be able to transfer our old 3DS games, or at least be able to get them digitally on a Switch eShop. Either way, that would be a great way to have a big library from the start!

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      1. Problem here is Nintendo confirmed this is a single screen system, and it is unknown if the screen is touch (though I would be surprised if it isn’t). Sadly, without two screens, 3DS support seems unlikely (though they could put them both on one screen but…)

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      2. Well, they put the DS on Wii U Virtual Console… Haha… While we know that the Switch is a single screen system, there’s no word about what could happen if the system were, say, playing a 3DS or Wii U game, perhaps digitally. We also don’t know whether it’s a touch screen or not, but that means the idea’s not out of the water.

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  22. Great article! I am excited too and trying to keep my expectations in check – I honestly was quite excited with the Wii U’s potential and while a few games took advantage of that… well, we know how that story went. But Nintendo is trying for a clean slate (heck, it doesn’t even seem to be backwards compatible, though there is a lot we don’t know yet), and… well, I wanna give them the chance to prove they learned from their mistakes. So far there are only a few worried the little we know gave me, I mostly got good vibes. I just hope it had enough power to keep it relevant, battery power to make sense as a handheld (not to mention portability, it doesn’t look like it’ll fit in my pocket), and a price that isn’t asking too much – I’m getting it day one either way (if I can get a preorder, I realllllly hope I can), but for Nintendo to succeed they need more than just their usual fan base. March can’t come sooner!

    Also I’m ecstatic it’s still planned for my birthday month, been a long time since I was actually excited for my birthday!

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    1. Thanks a lot Jeff! I appreciate your kind words and comments! Wii U had potential, and it was unfortunately squandered, but that doesn’t mean it can’t change with the Switch. It’s too early to say, especially without a list of upcoming games. I hope its battery power is good, though the GamePad’s was admittedly not. As far as portability goes, it’s as portable as a tablet, as in of course it probably won’t fit in your pocket. My 3DS XL also doesn’t fit in my pocket, but that’s why I carry a small bag with it and its protective pouch. As for cost, well, we’ll see. I’m excited for March though, and I’m glad you are hyped too! I’m sure it’ll make a great birthday present for you!

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  23. Great post! I am excited for the Switch as well. I want to see it and play it first before I get TOO excited, but it does look very promising. Also, I laughed out loud when you said they should have named it “Swiitch.” 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m pretty excited, but I do want to know more about it too. Hopefully, we’ll find out everything during the January live event. Also, I’m glad I made you laugh out loud with that, haha! 🙂

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  26. The Switch certainly seems promising.Having a few weeks already passed by, and I still feel really confident about it.Your article, plus other news like, Todd Howard(from Bethesda) showering praises for the switch demo he saw, coupled with the rumours from Kate that, while full of updated ports of Wii U games, seems that the Switch will have a very good first year, makes me very optimistic about Nintendo new system.
    And great article by the way!

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    1. Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I’m excited to see what Nintendo has in store for the Switch in their upcoming presentation. I hope that the Switch will have a good year full of great games to play and talk about! Thank you again for your kind words and insight!

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