Nintendo Switch Presentation Recap: Key Announcements on Games, Launch, and Hardware Features

Nintendo’s January presentation for the Nintendo Switch delivered a comprehensive look at the company’s groundbreaking new hybrid console, alongside an extensive showcase of upcoming games and detailed hardware features.

The event marked a pivotal moment as Nintendo set the stage for its latest gaming platform, reaffirming its commitment to innovation in both software and hardware.

Here’s a complete recap of all the major reveals, including launch details, featured titles, and how fans can pre-order the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Launch Date, Price, and Pre-order Information Nintendo officially confirmed that the Nintendo Switch would launch worldwide—including Japan, the U.S., Canada, major European countries, Hong Kong, and other major territories—on March 3rd.

In the United States, the Switch is priced at $299.99, while pricing in Europe varies by region.

The system’s official Amazon placeholder page is now live, with pre-orders set to open following the presentation.

Nintendo of America’s President, Reggie Fils-Aimé, encouraged fans to secure their units early by attending upcoming demo events in select U.S.

cities, while Nintendo of Europe indicated additional opportunities would be announced via social media. Nintendo Switch Hardware Features and Configurations The Nintendo Switch boasts a versatile design catering to multiple play styles: TV Mode, Tabletop Mode with a built-in kickstand, and Handheld Mode.

Up to eight systems can connect locally for multiplayer gaming.

The system features a touch screen and battery life ranging from approximately 2.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on usage.

Each Nintendo Switch package includes the main console, left and right Joy-Con controllers, wrist straps, a Joy-Con Grip, a Nintendo Switch Dock, an HDMI cable, and an AC adapter.

Consumers can choose between two color configurations: one with gray Joy-Con controllers, and another featuring one Neon Blue and one Neon Red Joy-Con—both available at the same price.

The Pro Controller is sold separately. The Joy-Con controllers come equipped with advanced features such as individual motion controls, an NFC reader/writer, a screenshot capture button (with video capture support coming in the future), an IR Motion Camera, and HD Rumble for enhanced tactile feedback.

Strong emphasis was placed on sharing and local multiplayer, with the catchphrase “sharing the joy” exemplifying Nintendo's design philosophy.

Importantly, the Nintendo Switch will not feature region locking, providing greater flexibility for players worldwide. Major Game Announcements: Zelda, Mario, and More The Nintendo Switch launch lineup includes several highly anticipated games.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was unveiled as a launch title, releasing on March 3rd alongside the hardware.

New footage highlighted diverse environments such as tropical and snowy landscapes, while the trailer showcased multiple characters—including Zelda herself and members of the Gerudo—with extensive voice acting. Nintendo also debuted Super Mario Odyssey, setting Mario’s adventure within urban environments and featuring innovative mechanics such as a sentient, throwable hat.

Scheduled for a holiday 2017 release, the game promises to take Mario on a journey to unknown worlds, with his hat now acting as a character in its own right. Splatoon 2 was announced for a summer 2017 release, introducing new weapons, evolved battle stages and in-game fashions, and a focus on ongoing online and local multiplayer competitions.

Ongoing in-game events and updates were promised for the months following launch. Additional major titles showcased include Fire Emblem Warriors, Xenoblade 2, and Arms—a new fighting sports game leveraging the Joy-Con’s motion capabilities.

Third-party support was robust, with Bethesda announcing Skyrim for Switch and EA Games confirming a custom-built FIFA title to arrive later in the year.

Square Enix also offered a first look at Project Octopath Traveler, while Atlus previewed a new Shin Megami Tensei project powered by Unreal Engine 4.

Sega, meanwhile, expressed enthusiasm for developing new games for the platform. Nintendo Directs Future of Play With a launch date set, a robust selection of first- and third-party titles, and significant hardware innovation, the Nintendo Switch presentation underscored Nintendo’s commitment to shaping the future of portable and home console gaming.

Prospective buyers can visit the Amazon placeholder page to learn more and prepare for pre-orders.

Stay tuned to Nintendo Direct and the official eShop for ongoing updates as the launch approaches.

Nintendo Nintendo Switch Amazon The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Super Mario Odyssey Splatoon 2 Fire Emblem Warriors Xenoblade 2 Sega Bethesda EA Games FIFA Square Enix Project Octopath Traveler Shin Megami Tensei Dragon Quest Heroes I & II Mario Kart 8 Bowser Princess Peach Travis Touchdown Skyrim Reggie Fils-Aimé Kimishima Yoshiaki Koizumi Shinya Takahashi Joy-Con