Nintendo revealed its latest gaming machine that doubles up as a portable device and home console.
The console was previously named NX, but now goes by the name Nintendo Switch.
The tablet-looking device has detachable two controllers attached to its sides and can be used on the go or via your big screen at home.
Despite Nintendo’s long history in the video gaming industry that dates back to the 70s, its last attempt at a console was regarded as a failure. Nintendo victim to its competitors – Sony’s PS4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One, which both rapidly outsold the Wii U.
Paul Jackson from Ovum consultancy said, “the Wii U was a car crash, basically. They fudged the communication and confused everybody with the controller and what the screen was for. As a result it sold about a tenth of what the original Wii sold.”
Games will come in the from of small cartridges, much like Nintendo’s Game Boy and N64.
“Two of the most successful consoles ever are Nintendo’s portable devices – both the Gameboy and DS sold more than 100 million each,” said Jackson.
Nintendo also revealed that gaming studios and publishers including Activision, Bethesda, EA Games, Sega, Ubisoft and Warner Brothers had signed up to produce software for the Nintendo Switch.
“On the software side, they need the big Mario game, the Zelda game, the Metroid game – front and centre, exclusive to Switch and available at the same time as the console. In the past they’ve got that wrong – and if you have a lousy launch, suddenly you’re in the wilderness for a few years.”
The highly-anticipated title Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be released on the Switch.
The device will be officially released in March 2017.
