So, the big old Switch press event happened last night (with a Treehouse Stream happening as I type this). Here's what we learned:-The Switch will launch March 3rd, 2017.
-The MSRP will be $299.99 USD.
-There is a revamped online service that will have a paid subscription this time. When the console launches, it'll be free, but the payment plan will be put into effect in the Fall. The online service makes use of smart devices to connect with friends and schedule play times and voice chat.
-Region-locking is GONE! The Switch is Region Free.
-The Joy-Cons have gyro controls.
-The Right Joy-Con has an IR sensor, which can scan amiibo and also register objects such as your hand.
-The new HD Rumble feature has more adaptive rumble capabilities. One example is being able to feel ice cubes sliding around in a glass, and how much "lighter" the controller feels when you empty it.
-The L and R buttons on the Joy-Cons connect directly to the console/grip.
-There is a share button. At first, you can only take screenshots, but you will eventually be able to save videos too. These can be posted directly to social media.
-There is a wrist strap for both Joy-Cons that feel firm and snug and help push the L and R buttons out further.
-At launch, there will be two different coloured sets of Joy-Cons: The standard Grey ones we've seen, and a Blue+Red combo.
-First announced title is 1-2 Switch, which looks to be a reaction based game where you don't even look at the screen. Let's two people play. Available at launch.
-Next new title is ARMS, a long reaching fighting game that uses the Joy-Cons as boxing gloves to hit far reaching opponents as if you were Mr. Fantastic. Comes out Spring.
-Splatoon 2 officially revealed. Direct sequel. New and updated maps, brand new weapons (such as duel splatters), new super weapons, and more to be revealed. Comes out Summer.
-Super Mario Odyssey revealed. Brand new 3D Mario adventure more like Super Mario 64 and Sunshine. Has Mario traversing strange new worlds and can use his cap to solve puzzles and reach out of reach areas. Comes out this Holiday season.
-Xenoblade Chronicles 2, a direct sequel to the original Wii game, announced. Slated to arrive in Japan in 2017.
-Fire Emblem Warriors also announced, though no date yet. We do get a glimpse of the Fire Emblem from Awakening and what appears to be Chrom in the teaser.
-Dragon Quest X and XI both coming to the Switch, as well as both Dragon Quest Heroes titles.
-A new Shin Megami Tensei game has been announced for Switch.
-Project Octopath Traveller, a new RPG from the Bravely Default devs, announced.
-Skyrim officially announced for Switch, coming this Fall.
-A new game starring Travis Touchdown of No More Heroes fame is to be in development by Suda51.
-FIFA is coming to Switch. Woo.
-Switch boxes come with the console, two Joy-Cons, Joy-Con Grip, the dock, an AC Adapter, and an HDMI Cable. The Pro Controller and USB-C cables sold separately.
-Final Switch Trailer is for Zelda, which concludes by confirming that it is a launch title. It will also be on Wii U on the same day.
Things announced NOT shown in the presentation include:-The console has 32GB of internal storage but can be expanded useing Micro SD cards. However, games are pretty beefy (Zelda alone takes about 14 GB). But it has been confirmed that it can support up to 256 GB Micro SD cards.
-The paid online service is only required to play online. You don't need it for the share button or to go to the eShop or manage friends. However, having a subscription does give benefits, such as a monthly free VC game from NES or SNES and special discounts on the eShop.
-Virtual Console games will actually have online multiplayer, shockingly enough.
-Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an updated version of the Wii U game, with 4 new characters (Inkling Girl/Boy, King Boo, Bowser Jr. Dry Bones) and an improved Battle Mode.
-Arcade Archive is a small collection of NEO-GEO games, including King of Fighters '97 and Metal Slug 3.
-Disgaea 5 Complete will arrive on the system not too long after launch.
-Puyo Puyo Tetris will get an English release on the Switch for the very first time (as well as PS4).
-I Am Setsuna will launch with the console.
-Sonic Mania is, in fact, coming to Switch along with the new Sonic title coming later in 2017.
-Bomberman is still alive with Super Bomberman R coming out at launch.
-Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers will arrive onto Switch as well.