Nintendo Switch — New Home Video Game Console Out Now + Tour Event Photos

The newest video game system from Nintendo is available for purchase starting today! Nintendo Switch, as it is officially called, is a home video game console. But, it “switches” to a portable system for on-the-go play and multiplayer fun. Using removable controllers, you can play your favorite games at home, in the car (not while driving though), on the plane, at friends’ houses, etc. How does it work exactly? My family and I were able to find that out in person when the tour event stopped in San Francisco.

Nintendo Switch Home Video Game Console

Before I tell you about the event, I should explain Nintendo Switch in a bit more detail. The main console looks like a small screen. It has two controllers (left and right) called Joy-Con controllers which slide in and out of place. The Joy-Con controllers have motion control and HD Rumble, an advanced vibration feature. These come in gray or Neon Blue and Red.

You can place the console in the dock to play on your home television. To play elsewhere, attach the Joy-Con controllers for handheld play or use the kickstand to prop up the console and use the controllers separately for two-player games. For more more serious gaming, the Nintendo Switch Pro controller feels more sturdy and comfortable.

Nintendo Switch Preview Tour Event

At the event, several stations were setup for visitors to try the different playing modes and upcoming games. The main stage featured the four modes of gameplay: tabletop, TV, handheld, and multi-player. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was the demo game for these.

The floor was divided into playing areas for the different games. There were way too many photos to share individually so here’s a handy dandy slideshow for you. 🙂

The games that are already available with the launch of Nintendo Switch are:

• 1 2 Switch
• Just Dance 2017
• Super Bomberman R
• Snipperclips
• The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild

More games are on the way including:

• Puyo Puyo Tetris — Available 4/25
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — Available 4/28
• ARMS — Coming Spring 2017
• Sonic Mania — Coming Spring 2017
• Splatoon 2 — Coming Summer 2017
• Super Mario Odyssey — Coming Holiday 2017

1 2 Switch is a compilation of mini-games to show off the capabilities of Nintendo Switch. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is mostly the same but includes new characters and cars and you can have two power-ups now. Our favorite games to try were Splatoon 2 (compete to paint the area in your team’s color) and Snipperclips (cut paper characters in shapes to solve puzzles). The other games looks fun but it was pretty busy so we couldn’t play them all.

Nintendo Switch is out now and retails for $299.99. The system includes the Nintendo Switch console, dock, two Joy-Con controllers (one left, one right), two wrist straps, a grip accessory, AC adaptor, and an HDMI cable. Will you be making the “switch” by picking up this new system?

I was invited to attend a preview event with my family. All opinions are my own.