Today’s launch of the Nintendo Switch video game console means that home console-quality gaming is no longer tethered exclusively to the living room TV. Nintendo Switch lets players enjoy their favourite games anytime, anywhere and with anyone. It comes in two colour options: a version with a set of grey Joy-Con controllers, and a version with one neon blue and one neon red Joy-Con controller.

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, includes all the same features (minus the IR Motion Camera) and comes in a more traditional form factor.

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 honouring the origins of the acclaimed series. The game is available for both Nintendo Switch and Wii U. New compatible amiibo launching today for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild include Link (Rider), Link (Archer), Zelda, and a Bokoblin amiibo. A massive new Guardian amiibo is also available today.

Also launching today is the head-to-head party game 1-2-Switch. From Wild West gunslinging to safecracking to competitive cow-milking, the 28 games in 1-2-Switch make creative use of a broad variety of Joy-Con features, such as motion controls, HD rumble and the IR Motion Camera. In a video game twist, the game asks players to look at each other instead of at the TV, creating a fun atmosphere that will liven up any party.

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 (28th April 2017), ARMS (autumn), Splatoon 2 (winter), Fire Emblem Warriors (spring), Super Mario Odyssey (the 2017 holiday season) and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (2017).

Nintendo eShop, Nintendo’s online storefront for downloadable games, will also be available from launch day. Both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and 1-2-Switch are available for purchase and download today.

Also available on Nintendo eShop today is Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!, exclusive to Nintendo eShop. Two players cut their paper characters into new shapes to solve dynamic puzzles in a wonderfully creative and imaginative world. Nintendo eShop also provides access to a constantly updated library of great games from independent developers and publishers. Some of the games available for purchase today include FAST RMX from Shin’en Multimedia, and both Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment and Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove from Yacht Club Games.

Nintendo Switch is supported by world-class third-party publishers, including Activision Publishing Inc., Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and major Japanese publishers. Some publishers, such as Bethesda Softworks, are joining Nintendo for the first time. Third-party launch titles include Skylanders Imaginators, Just Dance 2017 and Super Bomberman R, plus players can look forward to major franchises on Nintendo Switch such as EA SPORTS FIFA, The Elder Scrolls, NBA 2K, Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog and Street Fighter, with Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers releasing on May 26th, 2017. Nintendo Switch software is not region locked.

Nintendo Switch comes packaged with the main console, Joy-Con (L) and Joy-Con (R) controllers, a Joy-Con grip (to which two Joy-Con are attached and used as one controller), a set of Joy-Con straps, a Nintendo Switch dock (which holds the main console and connects it to a TV), a HDMI cable and an AC adapter.

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