The Nintendo Switch Ushers In a New Era of Gaming, But Who Is It For?

Today’s launch of the Nintendo Switch video game system means that console-quality gaming is no longer tethered exclusively to the living room TV. Well, at least for about three or so hours, but that's neither here nor there. Incidentally, here to there is about how long the console will last on the go. 

But who is the Nintendo Switch designed for? And who are gamers in this modern day and age? Chances are those kids that grew up with Nintendo in their prime (the NES and SNES) of which I fall into now have kids around the same age they were when they first played Super Mario Bros. (insert version here). Will the Switch become the Nintendo console that grabs a new generation of kids, and is there even a market for the same sort of kids with our world of modern warfare?

Critics are split on the Nintendo Switch so far, and while we've had our time with it at various events, we are comfortable saying people should take a wait and see approach on the Switch. The price seems right on the money, but it's hard to justify spending that much simply to play a Zelda game you can also play on the current Wii U. It also doesn't help that the Nintendo Switch seems a lot like what the Wii U wanted to be in the first place. 

The Nintendo Switch lets people play their games anytime, anywhere and with anyone. The system launches today at a suggested retail price of $299.99. It comes in two color options: a version with a set of gray Joy-Con controllers, and a version with one neon blue and one neon red Joy-Con controller.

Picking up a Switch will net you the main console, Joy-Con (L) and Joy-Con (P) controllers, a Joy-Con grip, a set of Joy-Con straps, a Nintendo Switch dock, an HDMI cable and an AC adapter. There is no game included which is a little disappointing, but what can you do. You'd figure a special Zelda bundle would sell like hotcakes

The Nintendo Switch connects to a TV at home and can instantly transform into an on-the-go handheld using its 6.2-inch high-definition screen. The screen includes capacitive multi-touch capabilities for compatible games. The left Joy-Con has a Capture Button that players can press to take instant screenshots of gameplay to share with friends on their social media pages.

The right Joy-Con includes an NFC touchpoint for interaction with amiibo figures, as well as an IR Motion Camera that can approximate the distance, shape and motion of nearby objects in specially designed games. Both Joy-Con include motion controls and an advanced HD Rumble feature.

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, sold separately at a suggested retail price of $69.99, includes all the same features (minus the IR Motion Camera) and comes in a more traditional form factor. The Pro Controller isn't required, but if you need that more traditional feel this might be something you might want down the road for games, especially of the fighting variety.

Today also marks the launch of the first epic Nintendo Switch game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which breaks new boundaries while honoring the origins of the acclaimed series. The game is available for both Nintendo Switch and Wii U* at a suggested retail price of $59.99. New compatible amiibo launching today for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild include Link (Rider), Link (Archer), Zelda and a Bokoblin amiibo at a suggested retail price of $15.99 each. A massive new Guardian amiibo is also available at a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Also launching today is the face-to-face party game 1-2-Switch. The 28 mini games in 1-2-Switch make use of a broad variety of Nintendo Switch features, such as motion controls and HD Rumble. Third-party games such as Skylanders Imaginators from Activision, Just Dance 2017 from Ubisoft and Super Bomberman R from Konami Digital Entertainment round out a launch-day lineup that has something for everyone.

It's not the greatest launch lineup, and to be fair without the inclusion of Zelda is would be one of the worst of any console in recent memory. The real question is going to be if Nintendo can keep the Switch in stock unlike they did for the NES Classic. I say this because people do have Wii U's, at least the serious Nintendo fans, and if they can't snag a Switch, they might just pick up Zelda on the Wii U and hold off on the Switch. 

But today is just the start. A steady supply of games will arrive for Nintendo Switch throughout the rest of the year. Other first-party Nintendo Switch games on the horizon include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (April 28), ARMS  (spring), Splatoon 2 (summer), Fire Emblem Warriors (fall), Super Mario Odyssey (the 2017 holiday season) and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (2017).