Nintendo Switch: Release Date, Price, Upcoming RPGs - everything you need to know
Nintendo's long-awaited unveil of the Switch has come and gone and there are a lot of details to digest. Most importantly, Nintendo has announced that Nintendo Switch will launch worldwide on March 3, 2017. The launch price has been set to ¥29,980 in Japan and $299.99 in the United States. In Europe the price will vary slightly, but as a base line UK folk can expect to get their hands on the machine for £279.99, while on the mainland it'll be €349.99.
Additionally, NCL president president Tatsumi Kimishima announced that Nintendo Switch will not be region locked in the same manner as Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, meaning users will be able to play games from any region easily.
Further, Nintendo Switch's online service will require a subscription. The service includes online multiplayer with the ability to connect to a smart device for friend and chat functionality. This new online service is set to launch in Fall 2017, but a trial period is planned near launch. More details will be revealed at a future date. You can find Nintendo's information page here.
The presentation also went into detail about the Joy-Con controllers included with Nintendo Switch. The system comes with two Joy-Con controllers, each with a full set of buttons. These can be used independently or together as one game controller when attached to the center Joy-Con grip. These dual controllers can also attach to the main console screen for use in handheld mode. The Joy-Con controllers also include an accelerometer/gyro-sensor, a capture button to take instant screenshots, an NFC touchpoint for amiibo functionality, and an IR Motion Camera.
Following the event, Nintendo shared the specifications and ports featured on the Nintendo Switch. The system itself boasts a 6.2" multi-touch capacitive screen running at 1280x720 resolution. Inside, it will have 32GB of internal storage that you can expand using a microSDXC card up to 2TB in size.
The device features two speakers on the bottom and a 3.5mm headphone jack at the top, with a USB-C connection located underneath the unit. For battery life, the Switch will last 2 1/2 hours - 5 1/2 hours depending on the game (Nintendo has said Zelda: Breath of the Wild will last roughly 3 hours), and has a non-removable battery that takes about 3 hours to charge from a dead state.
Here's everything that is included in the box when you purchase a Nintendo Switch
Of course, there are also many additional controllers and accessories you can purchase independently from the main console.
Announced RPG Titles for the Nintendo Switch
As RPG specialists, there were certainly several announcements that caught our attention during the presentation. From more details about Breath of the Wild, to unexpected Square Enix and Atlus announcements, there were certainly several treats for RPG fans. Click the links to find all the relevant information and media.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild releases alongside Nintendo Switch on March 3 as a launch title. Nintendo also released a slew of screenshots and a lengthy trailer, including a healthy glimpse at the game's voice-acting. Nintendo also revealed two Collector's Edition options available for purchase.
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is in development at MonolithSoft, and we have the first trailer and screenshots. While this new title seems to star a new cast of characters, the trailer definitely gives the same Xenoblade vibes we've seen in previous games. Nintendo currently has the game set for a 2017 release, we'll see if that is an actuality.
- Fire Emblem Warriors is the next title in the partnership between Nintendo and Koei Tecmo - following in the footsteps of Hyrule Warriors. This Fire Emblem spinoff is set to release Holiday 2017.
- Atlus has announced a new Shin Megami Tensei (Working Title) for Nintendo Switch. While not labeled as "Shin Megami Tensei V" specifically, this entry seems to be considered in the main-line of SMT titles, and is a part of the series' 25th anniversary projects. There are no localization details at this time.
- Square Enix announced Project Octopath Traveler (Working Title), developed by Silicon Studio (Bravely Default). This project looks to be a sort of call back to more classic RPGs, featuring a 2D sprite style.
- I Am Setsuna is heading to Nintendo Switch. Released last year on PlayStation 4 and PC, here's another platform where players can try out Tokyo RPG Factory's debut title.
- Disgaea 5: Complete is coming to Switch, courtesy of Nippon Ichi and NIS America. This new port includes all the DLC from PlayStation 4 version.
- Dragon Quest Heroes I & II has been announced for Japan as a bundle offering for the Nintendo Switch launch. With Dragon Quest X and XI also coming to Switch, there certainly will be plenty of Dragon Quest love on Nintendo's newest console. No localization details at the moment, as the west is still waiting for the PlayStation release of Dragon Quest Heroes II.
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is also headed to Nintendo Switch, set to release in Fall 2017.
- While to are no details to speak of, the Japanese Switch website indicates that an Unannounced "Tales of" Title is also heading to Nintendo Switch.