Kimishima recaps recent Switch announcement, strong pre-orders
Since our presentation on January 13, we have run Nintendo Switch demo events in regions across the world. These photos show some of those events. You can get a sense of the enthusiastic atmosphere and the enjoyment that the attendees felt.
Nintendo Switch will launch with the two sets pictured here on March 3, 2017 in Japan, the U.S., Canada, major European countries, Australia, Hong Kong and other regions. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price in Japan is 29,980 yen. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price in the U.S. is $299.99. As we have stated before, unlike Wii U, the Nintendo Switch price point was set to ensure that the hardware is not basically sold at a loss.
We are continuously producing in earnest, and there are no changes to our plans to ship two million hardware units worldwide by the end of March 2017. Pre-order sales have also begun across the globe. We have heard that many retailers have already closed pre-orders and have allocated remaining inventory for sale on launch day. This pre-order momentum is reassuring proof that the core gamer demographic understands the uniqueness of the Nintendo Switch and continues to support us. We are preparing our supply system to ensure that we will be able to make continued shipments after launch as well.
The most unique feature of Nintendo Switch is that, while it is a home console-type video game system, simply by removing the system from the Nintendo Switch Dock, you can enjoy the experience of a TV video game system in the play mode of your choice wherever you go even when you are away from a TV.
By switching between TV mode, tabletop mode and handheld mode, you can actively choose the play mode that fits your style.
The Joy-Con controllers are the keys.
In our recent presentation, we described the HD Rumble feature of the Joy-Con controllers, which lets you feel realistic tactile sensations, such as the number of ice cubes colliding in a glass.
We also introduced the Motion IR Camera that can recognize shape, motion and distance of hands or other objects.
These features of the Joy-Con controllers make the play experience of Nintendo Switch even further unique.The combination of two Joy-Con controllers that come with the system and the concept of a home gaming system that you can carry around with you inspired new games that you can enjoy with your friends anywhere and at any time.
One such game is 1-2-Switch. This title will release alongside the system on March 3.
1-2-Switch incorporates many different gameplay styles that take full advantage of the features of the Joy-Con.
These photos show consumers trying out 1-2-Switch for themselves at the recent hands-on event. You can see how not only the players themselves, but the people watching around them are also joining in on the fun. With Nintendo Switch and 1-2- Switch, by simply setting up the stand, detaching the Joy-Con controllers, and passing one to a friend, you can transform any space into the game world. We hope this will provide a spark for communication in all kinds of settings. We expect that people who enjoy 1-2-Switch themselves will pass the fun on, generating buzz across the world.
