On Jan. 13via a live conference from Tokyo, Nintendo announced the new Nintendo Switch system would be available worldwide with a suggested retail price of $299 in the U.S.

The Switch will include the main console, Joy-Con controllers, a Joy-Con grip (to which two Joy-Con are attached and used as one controller), a set of Joy-Con wrist straps, an HDMI cable, an AC adapter and the Nintendo Switch dock, which holds the main console and connects to a television.  Nintendo also announced two versions would be available for purchase: a version with a set of grey Joy-Con controllers, and a version with one neon red and one neon blue Joy-Con controllers.  Both consoles will retail at the same price.

Nintendo Switch is looking to break the norm of what a home console is.  The Switch connects to a home television like other consoles but it also transforms into a portable handheld system with its 6.2-inch screen.  Gamers will be able to play full games on the go anywhere and anytime now.  Nintendo advised gamers that they could expect battery life between three and six hours, depending on the games played.  While on the go, gamers can charge the Switch by plugging the AC adapter into the console’s USB Type-C connector.

Nintendo also announced many ways for gamers to stay connected while gaming with the new console.  Up to eight systems can be connected for local wireless gameplay.  Online multiplayer Wi-Fi gaming is fully supported.  Also, Nintendo has join the ranks of Sony and Microsoft by adding a new online subscription based service for the Switch.  At launch the service will allow for a free trial.  The paid service, which was announced to begin this fall, will also present subscribers with a free SNES or NES game every month and discounts on Nintendo software digitally.  And Nintendo finally announced they will eliminate their practice of region-locking with Nintendo Switch software.

Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima announced that Nintendo is working with more than 50 companies with over 80 games in development.  Nintendo’s own store list the following games coming to the Switch:

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (March 3, 2017)
• Super Bomberman R (March 2017)
• Snipperclips - Cut it out, together(March 2017)
• Just Dance 2017 (March 2017)
• Has Been Heroes (March 2017)
• I Am Setsuna (March 2017)
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (April 28, 2017)
• Arms (Spring 2017)
• Lego City Undercover (Spring 2017)
• Sonic Mania (Spring 2017)
• Splatoon 2 (Summer 2017)
• NBA 2K18 (September 2017)
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Fall 2017)
• Super Mario Odyssey (Holiday 2017)
• Project Sonic 2017 (2017)
• 1, 2, Switch (TBD)
• FIFA (TBD)
• Arcade Archives (TBD)
• Disgaea 5 Complete (TBD)
• Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 (working title) (TBD)
• Farming Simulator (TBD)
• Fast RMX (TBD)
• Fire Emblem Warriors (TBD)
• Minecraft: Story Mode - The Complete Adventure (TBD)
• Minecraft (TBD)
• Puyo Puyo Tetris (TBD)
• Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition
• Rime (TBD)
• Shin Megami Tensi: Brand New Title (TBD)
• Skylanders Imaginators (TBD)
• Syberia 3 (TBD)
• Steep (TBD)
• NBA 2K18 (TBD)
• Lego City Undercover (TBD)
• Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers (TBD)

To keep with all the exciting news, Nintendo also announced that reservations could be made for the new console immediately after the announcement.  However, at press time, Nintendo Switch was already sold out at all major retailers like Gamestop, Best Buy, Amazon and Wal-Mart.  Hopefully more stock will be sent to the retailers before March 3 for gamers who weren’t lucky enough to reserve their copy yet.  I was quick enough to reserve a copy of the neon red and blue edition console and a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.  This year is already shaping up to be an exciting time for gamers.