The Nintendo Switch release date, pricing, and game lineup have finally been announced during Nintendo’s live Switch Presentation from Tokyo overnight.

　　Nintendo’s hybrid platform will launch on March 3rd in the US, Japan, Canada, major European countries, Hong Kong and other territories. In the US, the Switch will retail for $299.99 USD. The exact price of the platform in Europe wasn’t revealed, but some European retailers have already adopted a €309,00 price point. Check out a recording from the Nintendo Switch live stream below:

　　The Switch platform will include the main console, left and right Joy-Con controllers, a Joy-Con grip, a set of Joy-Con wrist straps, a Nintendo Switch dock (which holds the main console and connects it to a TV), an HDMI cable and an AC adapter. Two stylish versions of the system will be released: a version with a set of gray Joy-Con, and a version with one neon blue and one neon red Joy-Con. Both versions will be the same price.

　　A new online subscription service that will begin with a free trial at launch was also revealed by Nintendo. The service will include a smart-device application available in Summer 2017 that will let users invite friends to play online, set play appointments and chat with one another as they play compatible games. The fully featured paid service will be available in the fall.

　　#NintendoSwitch arrives on March 3. Here’s what’s in the box. pic.twitter.com/ZGiz0y5QKd

　　— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 13, 2017

　　Nintendo Switch is a breakthrough home video game system. It not only connects to a TV at home, but it also instantly transforms into an on-the-go handheld using its 6.2-inch screen. For the first time, players can enjoy a full home-console experience anytime, anywhere. The screen includes capacitive multi-touch capabilities for compatible games. Battery life can last for more than six hours, but will vary depending on the software and usage conditions. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be played for roughly three hours on a single charge. While away from home, Nintendo Switch can be charged by plugging the AC adapter into the console’s USB Type-C connector.

　　The versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for players to have fun. Two Joy-Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as one game controller when attached to the Joy-Con grip. They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two-player action in supported games. Each Joy-Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro-sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible.

　　2 of 9

　　Nintendo Switch also contains a number of built-in features that make it more interactive. The left Joy-Con has a Capture Button that players can press to take instant screenshots of gameplay to share with friends on social media. The right Joy-Con includes an NFC touchpoint for interaction with amiibo figures, as well as an IR Motion Camera that can detect the distance, shape and motion of nearby objects in specially designed games. For example, it can tell how far away a player’s hand is, and even if the hand is forming a rock, paper or scissors shape. Both Joy-Con include advanced HD Rumble, which can provide compatible games with subtle vibrations that are much more realistic than before. The effect is so detailed that a player could, for example, feel the sensation of individual ice cubes colliding inside a glass when shaking a Joy-Con. With HD Rumble players can experience a level of realism not possible through sights and sounds alone.

　　“Nintendo Switch is a brand-new kind of home gaming system that offers a wide variety of play modes,” said Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima. “We will introduce the world to new experiences made possible by the unique characteristics of the Nintendo Switch hardware and the Joy-Con.”

　　Unlike the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, the Nintendo Switch won’t be region-locked allowing for games purchased in different regions to played on all Switch consoles. The following games will be made available on the Switch’s launch day:

　　- 1, 2 Switch

　　- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

　　- Just Dance 2017

　　- Has Been Heroes

　　- Snipperclips

　　- Super Bomberman R

　　- Disgaea 5 Complete

　　- Puyo Puyo Tetris

　　- Rayman Legends

　　- Steep

　　- Skylanders: Imaginators

　　- I Am Setsuna

　　Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will release in the Spring of 2017. As said, the Nintendo Switch will be available globally on March 3.