Nintendo's much-anticipated Switch console has been fully unveiled at an internationally streamed event in Tokyo, and will be in shops on March 3rd in the UK, priced £279.99.
Several games were also revealed, including the first open-world Mario since Super Mario Sunshine, set in a sprawling city and titled Super Mario Odyssey.
Other Nintendo games shown were Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (again), Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and a new beat-em-up called Arms.
There was also a commitments from third-parties such as EA, Take-Two, Warner Bros and Bethesda for the likes of FIFA, NBA 2K and Elder Scrolls to make an appearance – not always guaranteed on a Nintendo console.
The hybrid home and handheld Switch console is priced competitively, at £70 cheaper than the PS4 when it launched, but is more expensive than both the more powerful but not-so-portable PS4 Slim and Xbox One S.
Most importantly, though, is that the rumours of a US and Japan-only release were unfounded, with a worldwide launch confirmed.
Some important details have been released about the machine – and yes, it does feature a 6.2" multi-touch screen as speculated.
But Nintendo has also confirmed up to six-hour battery life for gaming on the move (although something as intensive as Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will only last three) and the console will be chargeable via commonly available USB Type-C, which is nice.
The standard Switch package in the shops will include the console, two Joy-Con controllers, one Joy-Con grip (which turns the mini controls into one big joypad), the dock to plug it into the telly, and all the wires you need.
It comes in two colourways, too: a muted grey for minimalist style obsessives, or a more vibrant blue/red mix for fun fans.
[youtube ]https://youtu.be/j7p47TOmicQ[/youtube]
Up to eight Switch consoles can be connected for local multiplayer, while an upcoming game 1-2-Switch doesn't even require a screen to play, seemingly a modern take on Rock Paper Scissors just using the Joy-Cons, which suggests Nintendo is still trying to push gaming in new directions.
There's also Amiibo support, of course, because money doesn't print itself.
