Nintendo Switch: Price, Release Date, Specs, Games & Everything Else You Need To Know

Confirmed Games Line-Up – 1st Party Games

There are over 80 games being developed for the Nintendo Switch pre-launch, but as usual, the premier titles are 1st Party games created internally by Nintendo. Before checking out the 3rd Party roster, let’s cover all the brand new announcements out of Nintendo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7p47TOmicQ

1-2-Switch

Release Date: March 3rd, 2017

A two-player party game with the suggested retail price of $49.99 ($10 less than the standard Switch game price) — instead of looking at the screen, this game is all about interacting with your opponent. 1-2-Switch is a dueling mini-game that takes advantage of the Joy-Con’s HD Rumble technology.

Shown in the trailer, you’ll be able to play quick-draw with revolvers, strike a pose, mimic an action, or strike with a katana. It’s all in your imagination, and the simple motion controls means anyone can play without instructions. Each player uses one Joy-Con Controller, and can be played both indoors or outdoors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7s3UB_8dFM

ARMS

Release Date: Spring, 2017

A new Nintendo IP — this boxing / fighting game hybrid pits two players against each other. Instead of unleashing combos, you’ll be throwing punches with extendable boxing gloves. The game requires both Joy-Con Controllers to play, one in each hand. Punching motions translate into in-game strikes, and a twist of the Joy-Con launches a curve punch you can guide toward your opponent. Because of the distance involved, ARMS mixes boxing with shooting gameplay styles.

This is a fighting game, so you can still block, dodge, and unleash special moves. Each character has his or her own strengths or weaknesses, although only two fighters have been shown so far. Similar to Mario Kart, after selecting a character, you’ll get to choose items in three distinct gear slots to change your stats. Battle alone, versus a friend or online. You can also combine Switch Consoles to battle locally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN4w5D2tzME

Splatoon 2

Release Date: Summer, 2017

Not much is known about Splatoon 2, but more Splatoon is a good thing. The trailer features new weapon, maps, gear, and customization options. Noticeably, your custom player Inklings can get unique hairstyles and pants — two oft-requested add-ons from fans.

The ominous images of Octolings suggest a new singleplayer campaign, and the city environment looks like a new, expanded social area. One of the interesting weapons shown was the Splat Dualies — dual-wielded splatter guns that come with a jet-pack nuzzle that allows the player to hover over opponents.

Turf War, the 4 vs. 4 battle to control territory by spraying the most ground with your team’s ink returns. Because the Switch Controllers don’t come with a separate touchscreen, you’ll need to hold-down a button to bring up the map, then tap a button assigned to your teammates to leap to their position.

Online battles return, but you can also connect Switch consoles and battle locally with up to eight Switch consoles at once. Splatoon 2 is set to receive free extra stages and weapons post-launch, and will feature on-going in-game events, similar to Splatfest from the original.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kcdRBHM7kM

Super Mario Odyssey

Release Date: Holiday, 2017

Mario visits new dimensions in Super Mario Odyssey. Joined by a sentient red hat, Mario gains new hat-based mobility powers. Instead of distinct (and short) levels, Odyssey’s trailer calls to mind Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, returning our red-capped plumber to sandbox maps filled with puzzles and challenges to complete. There are also varied alternate dimensions to explore — including a world based on the Day of the Dead. Then there’s Candy World, a spooky forest, and a large city with noticeably human-looking occupants.

No longer set in the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario and his hat (complete with two large googly-eyes) will take advantage of the Nintendo Switch’s unique features.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw47_q9wbBE

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Release Date: March, 3rd 2017

Set in a massive open-world, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is Nintendo’s premier launch title for the Switch. As Link, you’ll go on a quest to free Hyrule from the clutches of a suspiciously Ganon-shaped dark cloud. As usual, you’ll travel to dungeons, unlock items, and solve puzzles while battling enemies and bosses. It’s the next epic step forward for the Zelda franchise, and Pricess Zelda herself joins in on the adventure.

Breath of the Wild looks like Nintendo’s most ambitious project to date. Mark this one on your calendar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKlRN2YpxRE

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Release Date: April, 28th 2017

Instead of an all-new installment, the already excellent Mario Kart 8 gets a big upgrade — new tracks, new racers, new power-ups, and an improved Battle Mode. The biggest request from Mario Kart fans, the Battle Mode is back to its original self, sporting larger specialized tracks made specifically to match the old version of Battle Mode found in games like Mario Kart 64.

Once again, you’ll find yourself with 3-5 balloons, with the goal to pop all your opponent’s balloons in an open-ended combat arena. The Inklings from Splatoon make a big splash, and King Boo scares the competition as he enters the packed roster. All the maps from Mario Kart 8, including the DLC, look to feature in Deluxe.