Nintendo Switch release date, specs, news: latest Nintendo console unveiled as Nintendo Switch

A promotional image for the Nintendo Switch Nintendo

After months of rumors, Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo NX as the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo has released a brand new trailer showcasing the new features of the Switch as well as confirming that the console–handheld hybrid is indeed launching in March 2017.

The trailer reveals that the Switch is going to be a console that can be played at home. When used at home, the console is inserted into a dock called the Switch Dock. Gamers can use either a Pro Controller or the Switch's official controller known as the Joy-Con.

However, players can then detach the two sides of the Joy-Con and attach them to the Switch before taking it out of its dock. The Switch can then be played as a portable, handheld device. The Switch also has a retractable stand on its back, allowing players to prop the device on a table and then detach the Joy-Con to play.

Shown in the trailer is the feature that allows the Switch to wirelessly connect to other Switch consoles, enabling quick multiplayer options. The trailer also shows a game being played with a split-screen setup, meaning there will be instances which allow gamers to play competitively or cooperatively using just one Switch console.

Also shown in the trailer are physical cartridges. This confirms one of the long-running rumors that the Switch will be using cartridges similar to the 3DS instead of discs similar to the PS4 or Xbox One. It is uncertain if the Switch will also have digital downloads and if it will support the Virtual Console from the Wii U and 3DS devices.

It is still uncertain if the Switch's screen is also a touch panel, and not all of the games shown running on the Switch in the trailer are guaranteed to actually be released on it. Some of the games shown include "NBA 2K17," "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim," a new "Super Mario" game, a new "Mario Kart" game, and "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild."

Nintendo Switch is scheduled to launch in March 2017.

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