Nintendo Switch launches on March 3

The Nintendo Switch hybrid game console is finally official and on its way for a global release that is scheduled to take place on March 3. Having a recommended price of $299.99 USD, this portable gaming console comes with a capacitive touchscreen, motion controls, a brand-new Splatoon and Mario, but Zelda: Breath of the Wild is also expected to be available in time for launch.

The console is powered by a custom NVIDIA Tegra SoC, next to 32 GB storage and microSD support. When used in tablet mode, the 6.2-inch display offers 1,280X720 pixels, but once docked and connected to an attached TV via HDMI, the Nintendo Switch can handle full HD visuals without breaking a sweat. Internet connection is possible via WiFi 802.11 ac, as well as using a USB LAN adapter with the dock.

Nintendo advertises a battery life between 2.5 and 6 hours, depending on the games being played (they mentioned 3 hours of continuous play time on a single charge for Zelda: Breath of the Wild). Local multiplayer is possible by connecting up to eight Nintendo Switch consoles, but multiple controllers can be used to play on a single Switch as well.

The Nintendo Switch with gray Joy-Con controllers and the one with neon blue and neon red controllers have both the same MSRP mentioned earlier. A Switch Pro controller has a price tag of $69.99 USD, $10 USD cheaper than a set of Joy-Cons. A single Joy-Con controller retails for $49.99 USD, a Nintendo Switch Dock Set has a price tag of $89.99 USD, and a Joy-Con Charging Grip can be acquired for $29.99 USD.