The Nintendo Switch will be launched in march 2017. – NINTENDO
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It is that one would be accustomed to the code name of ” NX “. But it going to be, the next Nintendo console is called the Switch. And if the japanese manufacturer has piqued our interest with a three-minute video and a concept of console transformable living/laptop, which can start its part of Zelda on his couch and continue in the subway, there was still a lot of questions. Here’s 10 to start, waiting for its release in march 2017.

1.What is the power of the beast ?

We have a few clues. Nvidia says that the chip is based on the same architecture as the GeForce graphics cards “. In practice, the console reproduces almost exactly the concept of the range Shield portable and tablet K1), which can connect to the tv. According to sources from Digital Foundry, the Switch embarquerait a chip Tegra X1 or X2. Without knowing the optimizations performed, one may expect a power probably slightly less than that of the PS4 or the Xbox One, which seems disturbing for a console expected to last five or six years. Not to mention that the PS4 Pro, and Project Scorpio from Microsoft to arrive in November 2017, and are expected to be respectively two and four times more powerful than their predecessors.

2.The screen is touch or not ?

The video does not give the answer, and with Nintendo no more. He will be able to use his fingers or a stylus ? This is only speculation, but one is tempted to say no. First, because Nintendo would have no doubt shown. And especially because it will simplify the life of developers, who will not have to juggle between a gameplay console and tablet. And then Nintendo, who has the potential to hit on a smartphone after Pokemon Gb, and the announcement of a Mario, has without doubt had the savvy to let the touch and the casual smartphone use.

3.What is the size of the screen, and its resolution ?

6.5-inch diagonal screen, according to a visual analysis of Ars Technica, which is based on the average size of an analog stick. For the resolution, we don’t know, but leaks summer spoke of 720p. This seems low compared to our current smartphones, but it is enough to play.

4.What is the range in portable mode ?

This is generally the weak point of the hybrid. But if the display is limited to 720p, this would save the battery and make it better than the three/four hours of the Shield K1.

5.The gestural control, it is finished ?

again, the video does not show anything. The two handles detachable, referred to as the ” Joy-Con “, however, are reminiscent of the Wiimote. But as for the touch, the gesture control really does not lend to the game on the go.

6.What about backward compatibility ?

It depends on with what. The console uses cartridges that seem to be different from those of the 3DS, but an ac adapter is not excluded. For games Wii/Wii U on the other hand, will have to see if Nintendo offers a solution via the virtual console.

7.The console will it serve as a media center ?

On paper, if it embeds a chip Tegra, the console can handle 4k video. Remains to be seen what system Nintendo has decided to install. For the moment, the manufacturer has denied that he was an Android.

8.The partners will support the console ?

The lack of support from publishers has killed the Wii U, and Gamecube in its time. The fifty partners announced Thursday, is encouraging. And under the leadership of its new president, Nintendo has shown more flexibility, particularly on the mobile.

9.And the fun ?

This is perhaps the most important question. The Wii offered a playful experience immediate, accessible to all. The Wii U, it, has caused confusion by its name and gameplay complex, asymmetric. With the Switch, Nintendo seems to want to go back to the basics, without artifice, with a promise simple and powerful : to play when you want, where you want, alone or with others.

10.How much will it cost ?

the consensus of The observers ? Between 299 and 349 euros. It may be set at the announcement of the quarterly results on October 26.

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