7 – How Many Switch Units Can be Connected for Multiplayer?
The trailer highlighted the two Switch units set up back to back, while the gamers played NBA 2K17. At the end of the trailer, we saw eight units in a competitive setting playing Splatoon. It’s possible the eight units were linked via online, but what if they weren’t? What if it was possible to have eight (or more) units connected for a new style of local multiplayer. And if this did happen, imagine the possibilities for a wide assortment of games. Imagine a poker game where each player had their own cards on their own screen. Or a first person shooter game (think N64 era Goldeneye or Perfect Dark) where each player has their own screen instead of sharing the TV screen.
Our Thoughts:
We know the minimum will be two units connecting. But honestly, this is a case where more is better. Finger’s crossed we’ll see at least eight units connectable. Remember PC LAN parties where you lugged your PC to your buddies house? Nintendo Switch would take LAN gaming to a new era. Let’s be honest, Switch LAN parties would be an absolute blast!
6 – What Will the Launch Titles Be?
The trailer highlighted Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, NBA 2K17, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition, Mario Kart 8, Splatoon and a brand new Super Mario game. Nintendo has promised Legend of Zelda at launch, and if the console features backward compatibility, Splatoon and Mario Kart 8 will be there too. If the system doesn’t have backward compatibility, then it’s possible they’ll release Switch versions of Wii U’s biggest hits within the first year. 3rd Party support has been a sore spot for Nintendo for the last few console cycles, so having big games like NBA 2K17 and Skyrim at launch would be a good start. Nintendo also released an image of all the companies releasing games for Switch, and the list is extensive. It’s safe to say games like Watch Dogs 2, Batman: The Telltale Series, Dark Souls 3, and Battlefield 1 will make an appearance at launch.
Our Thoughts:
Nintendo will have a stellar launch. They need to. The Wii U’s shortage in launch titles was likely the single biggest reason it never achieved the success of its competitors. However, Nintendo needs to have a consistent release schedule – so it’s likely the new Super Mario game will be a Fall/Holiday 2017 release. But don’t be discouraged – Nintendo will have at least a few more first-party titles available within the first couple months. And I think Nintendo knows how desperately fans want another Prime style Metroid game…
5 – How Long is the Switch Battery Life in Portable Mode?
The Wii U Gamepad had a battery life of about three to five hours of gameplay. Nintendo Switch will be very disappointing if the portable mode battery life is as poor as that.
Our Thoughts:
Nintendo would probably be safe if battery life exceeded ten hours per charge. Absolutely critical for traveling (or eight-hour shifts at work… sorry boss).
4 – Does the Display Have Touchscreen?
If the display is a touchscreen, then it’s more likely Wii U games will be backward compatible and there will be more control options available for games. On the flip side, touchscreen means finger prints and, even worse, crappy touch screen uses (of which there were many on the Wii U).
Our Thoughts:
Yes, the display will be a touchscreen. Yes, there will be finger prints. Yes, there will be some crappy uses of the touchscreen in some Switch games. Yes, we’ll shake our respective fists angrily at developers who use the touchscreen in lazy or non-creative ways. But… the possibility of backward compatibility with digital Wii U games is significant for the 88 million Wii U owners.
Click on thru to page three for our top 3 questions about the Nintendo Switch…