Nintendo has finally revealed the price and release date for its much-anticipated – Nintendo Switch gaming console. The company confirmed that the Switch will be launching on March 3rd worldwide, and in North America, the console will be made available at a price of $299.99.
It’ll be launching alongside a new minigame collection called 1-2 Switch, which aims to show off some of the unique features of the Switch’s controllers. The device also won’t feature region-locking for software, so you can play games from any region no matter where you buy your console.
About the Nintendo Switch Gaming Console
The Switch was officially unveiled back in October with a teaser video. The Nintendo switch brings together the home console and portable sides of Nintendo’s business. The Switch is a tablet-sized device that can be used anywhere but also connects to TVs and can be played with a wireless controller. As a portable gadget, the device sports a screen, attachable joysticks and battery.
Nintendo is betting that the ability to play the same titles indoors and outdoors will appeal to gamers who now play one set of games at home and a different collection on their smartphones when out and about. According to Nintendo, the tablet has a battery life ranging from 2.5 to 6 hours depending on the game. The console also features a distinctly Nintendo control scheme, with detachable controllers that can either snap onto the tablet or be used on their own.
The device, of course, will be home to a number of notable Nintendo games, including the long-in-development Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, as well as a brand-new 3D Super Mario title. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. listed the new device on its Canadian website at a price that was above analysts’ estimates and slightly more than rival gadgets, and Nintendo shares fell as much as 3.9%.
Can Nintendo cover up its lost credibility with the recent Super Mario’s flop?
The Kyoto-based company’s long-awaited foray into mobile gaming got off to a rough start, with last month’s debut of Super Mario Run on iPhones disappointing fans and investors alike. That fueled concerns it was losing its ability to deliver hit entertainment products.
Pricing Nintendo Switch more than Xbox One and Sony Playstation A Smart Strategy or Not?
While the connectivity is new for Nintendo, the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 console have had the feature for years. Still, the higher-than-anticipated price cast a cloud over the announcement. At $300, the Switch would cost more than Sony Corp.’s $260 PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Corp.’s $240 Xbox One, based on current US retail pricing.
It seems like, the company hasn’t learnt anything from their past’s mistakes as Nintendo had botched the launch of its 3DS handheld console in 2011 by overpricing it at $250. Then followed by the poor sales, it slashed the price to $170 five months later.
