Personally, I’m more of what you could call a “retro gamer” or a “casual gamer.” I played video games much more often when I was younger, although I definitely still play on a very consistent basis. My favorite games and consoles are all older generations (talk to me about the Sega Dreamcast), and thanks to that, it definitely takes a lot nowadays to get me excited and amped up for a video game… even more so a new gaming system. That’s why I am surprised to be writing this with such excitement now that Nintendo has finally revealed what we’ve all been guessing and speculating about for months but under its assumed name, the Nintendo NX. Today, speculation has finally been shattered and the Nintendo NX was revealed instead as the Nintendo Switch. 

Home Console to Portable Handheld

Mere moments after the trailer premiered, the video and commentary flooded social media. The majority of the posts and comments share my surprise and excitement, and it all sparks up conversation of what’s to come. And then there’s the big question: Could this be Nintendo’s dazzling return to greatness in the world of console gaming?

One of the  biggest takeaways about the system is its versatility. Of course, its focus is it being a home console: play in your living room, your room, your gaming room, wherever. However, when it’s time to be on the go, the fun doesn’t need to stop. By sliding out the sides of the Switch’s controller and attaching them to the sides of the console itself, it becomes a large screen handheld that you can pick up and carry with you wirelessly. It has a small kickstand in the back that you can use to put it down, and with one side of the controller in each hand, you can continue to play in living room-like comfort. That’s a blessing for long commutes, especially plane rides – which they demonstrated in their trailer video.

Controller Options

I’m a fan of the Switch’s compact size. It won’t overshadow anything else in your entertainment system. It doesn’t take up much space despite how much it offers and how it can adjust and change for on the go usage.

The handheld version is clearly a play off the Wii U’s device, but gives me the feel of a smaller-sized tablet as well. I am a big fan of how the controller pieces (called Joy-Cons) can separate so you can set the screen down; that was a brilliant design move.  Players of the Wii and Wii U will find it similar to the remote and nunchuck in the sense of holding a part of the controller in each hand.

Their video trailer displays two different types of controller offered: the one you can slide on and off for portability (Joy-Cons), and a regular console-style controller for at home use (the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller). The Pro Controller matches the design of the Wii U controller, with the directional-pad being in-between the two analog sticks. For me, someone who is more of s PS4 player, that will take a little getting used to.

Exciting New Games

The game cards match those of the 3DS instead of the Wii and Wii U’s discs. This leads me to question: will the Switch take over Nintendo’s handheld role? Are those game cards the same size as 3DS cards? If so, will there be some sort of future compatibility between 3DS games and the Switch? It’s lot to take in and think about. And speaking of games, Nintendo presented a beautiful array of genres and games that would make any gamer, casual or otherwise, excited. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was demoed gorgeously on a TV screen and on the portable screen. As someone who has never played a single Zelda game (I know…I know; I’m sorry), this made me want to play one. The color and animation were sparkling, bright, and alluring.

Nintendo didn’t stop there. Mario Kart 8, Skyrim (what?!), Super Mario, NBA Live, Splatoon… All demonstrated for us in clear animation in solo or multi-player formats. I really appreciated that Nintendo took the time to showcase multiple types of games, not twelve different games of the same genre. I’m also happy that they made an effort to showcase their games in all the formats the Switch is capable of.

Nintendo Switch: Final Thoughts

This system has so much potential. As mentioned earlier, it takes a lot for me to be excited about a gaming console…but Nintendo, you have my attention. I’ve never been much of a first person shooter gamer with the exception of Overwatch, but Skyrim looks amazing. Their presentation of multiplayer looks like a lot of fun, and they chose wisely in presenting Mario Kart to showcase it. It’s a different way to play even though it’s what we already know and are fans of. The presentation is what has sold the Switch to me, but at the end of the day what I’m waiting for the most will be their game library. That’s a make it or break it move for any gaming system, but if today’s trailer says anything about the Switch’s, I don’t think there’s much to worry about.

The Nintendo Switch will be in stores March 2017, but until then – find out more information through Nintendo’s trailer below, or through their website. Be sure to check those out and share your thoughts in the comments.

What do you think about the Switch? What are you excited for, or what are you hoping for? Myself…I’ll be patiently waiting for March and the off chance that there will be a Skies of Arcadia remaster. A player can dream.