Here's What We Know About The Nintendo Switch

So as you probably already know, the Nintendo Switch is being launched tomorrow. I feel like a kid at Christmas.

But what exactly is it? Well, it seems to be an amalgamation of pretty much every kind of game console going. The idea of a portable handheld one is nothing new, but one that also connects to your TV too? Pretty awesome.

I'll admit, I'm a little hesitant. It could be a revolution when it comes to gaming, it could be a complete flop.

In this case, the best thing to do is figure out what exactly we know about this brand-new console.

You Can Connect It To Your TV

So as we've already established, the Nintendo Switch can be played like your regular home gaming console. You connect your Switch tablet to the system through a dock.

You then have a controller (which looks pretty much standard), However, there's two detachable Joy-Con controllers - a left and a right.

When you unbox the console, the system is already up and running on the tablet itself. Once you dock it, it transfers over to the screen. Clever.

What Are These Joy-Con Things?!

The Joy-Cons are basically the bits that clip to the sides of the controller. They can be separated and used by different players for a kind of Wii-like gaming mode. They also include Gyroscope and Accelerometer technology - the former helping indicate orientation, while the latter measures linear acceleration based on vibration.

They also have a new HD Rumble feature which 'allows for HD vibration'. Sounds a bit kinky.

Nintendo is keen to stress that "it can reproduce sensations and experiences in entirely new ways." I guess we'll have to wait and see.

The right Joy-Con has an infrared motion camera - it's able to approximate the distance between an object and what shape it is. It also has NFC and reader/writer tech and supports Amiibo. You know, those little statues that you place on the gamepad? They have their own little IDs inside them which are scanned and unlock different characters and places in games. Although, you do have to buy this separately for Nintendo Switch.

The left Joy-Con has a capture button that allows you to snap screenshots.

Both Joy-Cons have clickable control sticks and SL/SR buttons for use when horizontal.

You Can Play It In 'Tabletop Mode'

This is a little different - you are now able to prop the tablet up with its kickstand. You can then use the controller yourself as normal, or split up the Joy-Con controllers and play against someone else. Sweet.

That would be particularly useful when you're on the train or generally anywhere away from your telly. The only thing is that you can't charge it at the same time due to the location of the charging port. This seems like something that could have been fixed when they were designing, but hey.

Of Course, There's Also 'Handheld Mode'

This is one of the selling points of the Nintendo Switch. It's taken the best aspects of portable consoles (the Nintendo DS, even Game Boy) and modernised it. You just attach the Joy-Cons to the console and away you go. In this mode, you can charge at the same time using the ac adapter. USB charging (and other USB certified portable charging devices) work too. Sweet.

The Games Are Physically Really Different

Gone are the discs that we've grown to love. And scratch. And generally break.

Now the games look more like SD cards.

The reason behind this is that if they'd gone down the traditional route, the console would have to be much bulkier. And when it comes to ease of transportation (and general portability), this isn't ideal.

But don't worry, despite the fact Nintendo is going back to cartridge-esque games, you won't have to blow on them.

Also, keep them out of your mouth...

Yes, this is legit.

Confirmed by a Nintendo spokesperson, the cartridges do taste disgusting. But why? They said: "To avoid the possibility of accidental ingestion, keep the game card away from young children,

"A bittering agent (Denatonium Benzoate) has also been applied to the game card. This bittering agent is non-toxic."

So don't shove them in your gob. Not that you would.

The Tablet Is Actually Really Cool

The tablet has a 6.2" screen, the slot for the game-card goes in the top right, while the headphone jack is situated at the top. If you require extra memory, don't you worry yourself - there's an SD card slot under the kickstand.

The Joy-Cons themselves attach to the sides.

You Can Connect To Others Over WiFi For Multiplayer Gaming

Pretty cool, right? Up to eight consoles can be connected for local wireless multiplayer.

via GIPHY

It's not just Nintendo which is excited about this launch, GAME has brought out the 'Switch Suit'. It's basically a onesie that you can wear to work and around the house.

I'm not even joking...

I got my editor, Patrick, to model it for me and I think you'll agree it looks fucking fantastic. Here he is ready for another day at the office...

And then for gaming at home...

Yeah he looks a bit like Barney the dinosaur, but it's all in the name of comfort.

If you want one (why wouldn't you?!) you can get it through the GAME app from tomorrow.

Topics: GAME, Nintendo

Mel Ramsay

Mel Ramsay has been a Senior Journalist for Tyla and LADbible since 2015. She started her career writing obituaries and funeral guides online. Since then, her work has been published in a wide variety of national and local news sites. She is part of the BBC's Generation project and has spoken about young people, politics and mental health on television, radio and online. Contact her - [email protected]

@melramsay_