Digital Media Concepts/Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is a video game console that was released on March 3rd, 2017, developed by Nintendo. It's a unique type of gaming console that acts as both stationary and a portable device. In the first month of its launch, the console shipped nearly 4 million units more than the initial sale of the Wii U and more than 14 million units were sold worldwide. The Nintendo Switch was so popular that it competed in sales with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's Playstation 4.^[1]

Nintendo-Switch-Console-Docked-wJoyConRB

Development

In 2014, Nintendo was suffering from the repeated loss of Wii U sales and had to face every negative feedback consumers had about the Wii U. Nintendo promised them to release a new console that fixed everything wrong about it and were committed to get back on sales and to make customers satisfied. Satoru Iwata sets the plans into motion, aggressively pushing Nintendo's market strategy and to create hardware that would cover the loss of Wii U. When Iwata died on July 2015, Kimishima was left in charge of the project. He wanted the console to look different that didn't change the play style, but significantly differentiated from the Wii U and the 3ds. That was the game-changer he had in mind to greatly impact the market. Kirishima wanted to unite both the Eastern and Western cultures, wherein Japan students spend more time together after school, but students from the west have busy schedules and have to rely on socialization. That's where the idea of having both handheld and home console came into mind to meet the two lifestyles. That's where the name Switch came into place that reflects on splitting between handheld and home console. On March 2015, the Nintendo Switch made its first appearance, along with news that Nintendo and DeNA made a partnership on the console, codenamed NX. It made its announcement that it would be a console that is never seen before. On October 2016, Nintendo made a teaser trailer about the basic looks and features of the Nintendo Switch. Now in the present day, the Nintendo Switch is now one of the most popularized consoles that sprang Nintendo back to its former glory.^[2]

Console

Size	About 4 inches in length, 9.4 inches in width, and 0.55 inches deep (with Joy-Con attached)
Weight	About 0.66lbs without joy-cons attached and about 0.88lbs with joy-cons attached
Cpu/ Gpu	NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor
Storage	Main system storage has 32 GB, but additional storage can be added with MicroSD card that can hold up to 2 TB
Video Output	Up to 1080p on HDMI outputs and up to 720p on tablet screen
Audio Output	Compatible with 5.1ch Linear PCM output
USB	Has USB Type- C port
Battery Life	Estimating about 4.5- 9 hrs

^[3]

Dock

It has the size dimensions of 104mm x 173mm x 54mm. It weighs approximately about 0.72 lbs. It comes with 3 USB 2.0 ports that are located 2 on the side and 1 on the back, AC Adapter Port, and HDMI Port.^[3]

Controllers

There are many controllers that can be used for the Nintendo switch, however only going to talk about the joy-cons controllers that are included with the system. The console comes with 2 joy-cons that are located on both sides of the system. The most unique part of these controllers is that it's detachable. Has a battery life of 20 hrs, motion sensors, wireless 3.0 Bluetooth, and vibration functions.^[4]

Features

There are multiplayer gaming options such as local co-op, local wireless, and online play. Has Nintendo eShop that enables you to find and buy digital content. Has the news icon, which you can get the latest game updates, announcements, and up-to-date news feed. It also has the album icon that lets you add and capture screenshots and be able to use them for social networks.^[5]

Fun Facts

You can use your joy-con or pro controller to turn on or switch inputs on your tv. All you have to do is press the home button on the controller to do so. Another great trick on the Nintendo Switch is that you can pair joy-con controllers on your android phone, Mac, or Pc. You would need the app JoyToKey to map the controls and to be able to connect. All you have to do is hold down the sync button on top of the controller for a few seconds until you are able to see the lights blinking. That's how you know that it is paired.^[6]

The Downside of the Nintendo Switch

Battery life isn't that good, where you get about 3.5 hours of playtime with playing the game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The screen of the tablet has really bad glare, so playing it outside would be virtually impossible because of the fact that you wouldn't be able to see. The joy-con controllers seem to have a lag input when using the controller to play games. Replacing the joy-cons for a new one it wouldn't be a great idea as it retails around $70 in stores. The internal storage of the Nintendo Switch is incredibly small as games do take up a good amount of space. ^[7]