The Nintendo Switch will be $469.95 in Australia, out March 3rd
Nintendo Australia has announced that recommended retail price of the Nintendo Switch will be $469.95 in Australia. That’s the most expensive console Nintendo has ever launched in Australia.
The system will come in two configurations. One with normal grey Joycon controllers and one with Neon colours. Here’s a look at the two.
Prices for games, Joycon configurations, and other accessories were not revealed at this time.
What do you think of the price? Will you still pick one up at this price?
Nintendo announced today that the new Nintendo Switch console will launch worldwide on Friday 3rd March for a suggested retail price of AU$469.95.
The package will include the main console, Joy-Con (L) and Joy-Con (R) controllers, a Joy-Con grip (to which two Joy-Con are attached and used as one controller), a set of Joy-Con wrist straps, a Nintendo Switch dock (which holds the main console and connects it to a TV), a HDMI cable and an AC adapter. Two stylish versions of the console will be released: a version with a set of grey Joy-Con, and a version with one neon blue and one neon red Joy-Con.
“Nintendo Switch is a brand-new kind of home gaming system that offers a wide variety of play modes,” said Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima. “We will introduce the world to new experiences made possible by the unique characteristics of the Nintendo Switch hardware and the Joy-Con.”
Nintendo Switch is a breakthrough home video game console. It not only connects to a TV at home, but it also instantly transforms into an on-the-go handheld using its 6.2-inch screen. For the first time, players can enjoy a full home-console experience anytime, anywhere. The screen includes capacitive multi-touch capabilities for compatible games. Battery life can last for more than six hours, but will vary depending on the software and usage conditions. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be played for roughly three hours on a single charge. While away from home, Nintendo Switch can be charged by plugging the AC adapter into the console’s USB Type-C connector.
AdvertisementThe versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for players to have fun. Two Joy-Con can be used independently, one in each hand, or together as one game controller when attached to the Joy-Con grip. They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two-player action in supported games. Each Joy-Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyroscope motion sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible.
Nintendo Switch also contains a number of built-in features that make it more interactive. The left Joy-Con has a Capture Button that players can press to take instant screenshots of gameplay to share with friends on social media. The right Joy-Con includes an NFC touchpoint for interaction with amiibofigures, as well as an IR Motion Camera that can detect the distance, shape and motion of nearby objects in specially designed games. For example, it can tell how far away a player’s hand is, and even if the hand is forming a rock, paper or scissors shape. Both Joy-Con include advanced HD rumble, which can provide compatible games with subtle vibrations that are much more realistic than before. The effect is so detailed that a player could, for example, feel the vibration of individual ice cubes colliding inside a glass when shaking a Joy-Con. With HD rumble you can experience a level of realism not possible through sights and sounds alone.
Nintendo Switch makes it easy for players to stay connected. Up to 8 consoles can be connected for local wireless play. The player can place the console upright anywhere by using the built-in stand, then easily share Joy-Con for multiplayer fun away from the TV. The console will support online Wi-Fi multiplayer gaming. Nintendo also unveiled a new online subscription service that will begin with a free trial at launch. The service includes a smart-device application available in winter 2017 that will let users invite friends to play online, set play appointments, and chat with one another as the play compatible games. The fully featured paid service will be available in spring.
Nintendo Switch will be supported by world-class third-party publishers including Activision Publishing Inc., Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and major Japanese publishers. Some publishers, such as Bethesda Softworks, are joining Nintendo for the first time. Players can look forward to major franchises on Nintendo Switch such as EA Sports FIFA, The Elder Scrolls, NBA 2K, Minecraft and more. Nintendo Switch software will not be region locked.
The unique capabilities of the console and Joy-Con have combined with innovations from past systems to create Nintendo’s most flexible, feature-packed video game console ever. This is demonstrated by the wide variety of unique games that were announced for launch day, the winter, and into the 2017 holiday season, from both Nintendo and its third-party partners. From the engrossing open-air experience of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the party fun of 1-2-Switch, Nintendo Switch offers something for everyone.
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Prepare for the biggest The Legend of Zelda adventure yet, with an open-air style that breaks new boundaries while honouring the origins of the acclaimed series. Explore a world of unprecedented size and discover more than 100 puzzle-filled shrines, plus a wide variety of weapons, outfits, and gear. Players won’t want to stop playing, and they won’t have to, since Nintendo Switch allows them to continue the adventure anywhere, anytime.
The game is compatible with the series of The Legend of Zelda 30th Anniversary-themed amiibo, the Wolf Link amiibo, and the new The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild amiibo. In addition to the previously announced Link (Rider), Link (Archer), and Guardian amiibo, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild range of amiibo will also include new Zelda and Bokoblin amiibo. The amiibo in this series are larger and more detailed, particularly the Guardian amiibo with its extra articulation.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will provide players with a landmark Nintendo Switch experience on the console’s launch day on 3rd March, and will be available as a standard solus game and two bundles: The Limited Edition Bundle, which contains the game with an A3 poster, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sound Selection CD, a rolled map, collectible coin, and a Master Sword of Resurrection figure, and the Limited Collectable Bundle, which contains The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sound Selection CD, a rolled map, collectible coin, and a Master Sword of Resurrection figure. The Limited Collectable Bundle will be available via the Official Nintendo AU/NZ eBay Store.
1-2-Switch: This is the first Nintendo video game in which players compete in fun activities while staring into each other’s eyes instead of at the TV screen From Wild West gunslinging to copying each other’s dance moves, the games in 1-2-Switch make creative use of a broad variety of Nintendo Switch features to liven up parties with anyone, anywhere, at any time. 1-2-Switch will be available alongside the Nintendo Switch console on its launch day on 3rd March.
ARMS: Featuring a unique multiplayer fighting sport that lets you trade blows using extendable arms, this game includes elements of both boxing and shooting games, plus an all-new cast of characters. After customising a character with a variety of arms, the player holds one Joy-Con in each hand and throws left and right punches at the opponent. Characters can jump and dash, and players can bend their punches by twisting their hands as they swing. As players learn the game and improve their skills, they will discover a deeper level of advanced tactics. Players can compete against the computer, against a friend on a split screen using a second set of Joy-Con (sold separately), against worldwide rivals online, or with two Nintendo Switch consoles over a local wireless connection. ARMS will be available this autumn.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: With Nintendo Switch, fans can enjoy the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 anywhere, anytime, even with up to 8 friends in local wireless multiplayer. All your favourite tracks and characters return from the Wii U version, plus all DLC tracks and characters, and new characters join the roster, too: Inkling Boy and Inkling Girl from Splatoon, King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.! Plus, Battle Mode has been revamped and includes Balloon Battle and Bob-omb Blast, with all-new courses such as Urchin Underpass and Battle Stadium, and returning ones like (GCN) Luigi’s Mansion and (SNES) Battle Course 1. Players can now carry two items at a time, including new items returning from previous Mario Kart games such as Boo, the item-stealing ghost, and the Feather, which gives you a high jump in battle mode. Players can even choose to use a new Smart Steering feature which makes driving and staying on the track easy for novice players and kids, even at 200cc. Play in TV mode in up to 1080p. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches on 28th April.
Splatoon 2: Traditional 4-on-4 turf battles return in this full sequel to the original breakout hit game, along with new stages, new fashions and new weapons such as the two-handed Splat Dualies. Players can compete on the TV or on the go. Whether they use the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (sold separately) or Joy-Con, players can aim their ink using gyro controls. Splatoon 2 supports both local and online multiplayer matches. The game will also support voice chat using the new Nintendo Switch smart device app (a free, limited version of the app will be available this winter), and will add new stages, fashions and weapons after launch, as the original game did. Splatoon 2 is scheduled to launch this winter.
Super Mario Odyssey: This is the first sandbox game that allows Mario to fully explore his world since Super Mario 64 on Nintendo 64 and Super Mario Sunshine on Nintendo GameCube. Mario jumps out of the Mushroom Kingdom and embarks on a journey through mysterious new places and new experiences, such as sailing between worlds aboard an airship and the ability to throw Mario’s cap. Super Mario Odyssey is scheduled to launch during the 2017 holiday season.
Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!: In this creative new kind of action-puzzle game, players communicate, cooperate, and use their imagination to solve basic and advanced puzzles by cutting paper characters into new shapes. Play by yourself or with a friend in the main game, then bring in a bigger group to solve up to four-player dynamic puzzles or compete in other activities. Snipperclips – Cut it out, together! will release in March in Nintendo eShop.
For more information about Nintendo Switch, visit http://www.nintendo.com.au/
The Switch network page at Nintendo.com says the paid network will initially be available in US, Canada and Mexico.
Is that a NoA announcement only or a worldwide thing?
Vook you do a better job then nintendo at selling the switch but at that price i say with disappointment that l will not be buying the switch and will be getting Zelda on the WiiU. At least we have that to look forward too now.
At that price (and with rumours of incredibly low stock at launch) I fear we’re gonna see the Wii U all over again. No units in houses means no publishers publishing games, an endless cycle. It might have been ok if there was a bunch of decent launch window titles; but the launch window is pretty lacking.
I’m probably a day one purchase (it’s what I do…), but for everyone else; surely a PS4 or XBone with a bundled games for less than this is a better deal.
That price is yuck ! I thought it would be $350 , think I’ll wait a few years . What a shame I hope they support 3DS longer
This price is making me reconsider my pre-order.
I thought this was going to be cheaper than the Wii U, but it appears not. Shame. There is quite a lot going on with the machine though, so I guess I can see why it’s pricey. I am pleased to see a sequel – not a port – of Splatoon!
A pack in game would be nice. price wise i was hoping sub $600 with game and pro controller factored in. a) this is nintendo and b) the australian dollar isn’t as great as it was when the wii u launched. but for $70 bucks more than what the wii was.
inflation adjusted it’s better than the wii (except the wii had the killer wii sports) but it’s a tough price point against the ps4 and xbox one entry level bundles that are everywhere and significantly cheaper. ninty are going to have to market the everyting out of the Switch.
But i’m in. Region free and usb charging means anyone can import the system in the for US$299 if they want (i wont be myself but i’ve been sitting on the tax return for a reason) with usb charging removing a massive power conversion obstacle. I don’t think it’s a great price but it’s one i’m prepared to make. Super Mario Odyssey, Kart, Xenoblade 2 and Splatoon 2is a really good year and some of the other titles look promising too. my daughter and nephew will spend enough time on ze;da alone to ensure it will get used regularly.
but for $70 bucks more than the wii was it’s not that bad.
300 US is before tax. So it’ll be more than 400 Au in America and then with shipping on top.
And that’s assuming anyone would even ship from overseas, given the batteries and such.
At that price i’m out.
Not worth the risk after the wiiu debacle.
My heart wants to buy the Switch, but my head says the ps4 is a better proposition.
I can buy a ps4 and a handful of games for the same price as a standalone Switch. And i know the ps4 will be supported with great 3rd party games in the future.
If the Swich was 350ish i might take the risk, but not at nearly 500.
Such a shame too.
Better off importing system since its regions free. Local pricing is unacceptable.
US$299 = AU$399
YEN29980 = AU$350
Man I don’t understand so many people being upset/surprised about the price! The Wii was what, $400 at launch? My PS4 was like $500ish? This seems pretty normal. Day One with Zelda baby – CANNOT WAIT!
Nope, not happening.