Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch

A Nintendo Switch console in docked mode Template:Small and portable mode Template:Small
Also known as	NX Template:Small
Developer	Nintendo PTD
Manufacturer	Foxconn, Hosiden<ref name="digitimes oct2017"/>
Type	Hybrid video game console
Generation	Eighth generation
Release date	Template:Video game release
Retail availability	2017–present
Introductory price	Template:Unbulleted list
Units shipped	22.86 million Template:Small
Media	Template:Unbulleted list
Operating system	Nintendo Switch system software
System-on-chip used	Nvidia Tegra X1
CPU	Octa-core Template:Small @ 1.020 GHz
Memory	4 GB LPDDR4
Storage	Internal flash memory: 32 GB
Removable storage	microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC Template:Small
Display	Template:Unbulleted list
Graphics	Nvidia GM20B Maxwell-based GPU @ 307.2-384 MHz Template:Small or 307.2-768 MHz Template:Small
Sound	Template:Unbulleted list
Controller input	Template:Unbulleted list
Touchpad	Capacitive
Connectivity	Template:Unbulleted list
Power	4,310 mAh, 3.7 V lithium-ion battery
Current firmware	6.2.0 Template:Small
Online services	Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo eShop
Dimensions	Template:Unbulleted list
Mass	Template:Unbulleted list
Best-selling game	Super Mario Odyssey, 12.17 million Template:Small
Backward compatibility	Nintendo Entertainment System Template:Small
Predecessor	Wii U
Website	www.nintendo.com/switch

Introduction

The Nintendo Switch, commonly abbreviated as the Switch, is a video game console developed by Nintendo and was released on March 3, 2017. It is a hybrid console that can be used in both stationary and portable settings. In the home console mode, the main unit is inserted onto a docking station to connect to a television screen or monitor. Alternatively, for portable use, it can be removed from the dock and operated similarly to a tablet computer through its LCD touchscreen. It can also be placed in a standalone tabletop mode visible to several players. Its wireless Joy-Con controllers, which include standard buttons and directional analog sticks for user input, motion sensing, and high-definition tactile feedback, can attach to both sides of the console to support handheld-style play. They can also connect to a Grip accessory to provide a traditional home console gamepad form, or be used individually in the hand like the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, supporting local multiplayer modes. The Nintendo Switch's software supports online gaming through standard Internet connectivity, as well as local wireless ad hoc connectivity with other Switch consoles. Nintendo Switch games and software are available on both physical flash-based ROM cartridges and digital distribution via Nintendo eShop; the system does not use region locking. The Nintendo Switch competes on the console gaming market with contemporaries being Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.

Known in development by its codename NX, the concept of the Switch came about as Nintendo's reaction to several quarters of financial losses into 2014, attributed to poor sales of its previous console, the Wii U, and market competition from mobile gaming. Nintendo's then-president Satoru Iwata pushed the company towards mobile gaming and novel hardware. The Nintendo Switch's design is aimed at a wide demographic of video game players through the multiple modes of use. Nintendo opted to use more standard electronic components, such as a chipset based on Nvidia's Tegra line, to make development for the console easier for programmers and more compatible with existing game engines. As the Wii U had struggled to gain external support, leaving it with a weak software library, Nintendo preemptively sought the support of many third-party developers and publishers to help build out the Switch's game library alongside Nintendo's own first-party titles, including many independent video game studios. While Nintendo initially anticipated around 100 titles for its first year, over 320 titles from first-party, third-party, and independent developers were released by the end of 2017.

The Nintendo Switch was unveiled in October 2016 and was released in most areas worldwide on March 3, 2017. the Nintendo Switch has not yet been released in India, China, and other regions. The console shipped nearly three million in the first month of its launch, exceeding Nintendo's initial projection of two million, and within a year of release achieved over 14 million units sold worldwide, outselling total lifetime sales of the Wii U. Template:As of, it has sold 22.86 million units. It is the fastest-selling console of all time in Japan as of December 24, 2017 and in the United States as of January 4, 2018. Nintendo Switch sales were heavily tied to the critically acclaimed titles The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Mario Odyssey, which became best-sellers for the system, with over ten, eleven, and twelve million copies sold respectively by September 2018.

Specifications

Hardware

The back of the Nintendo Switch (without the controllers), showing the kickstand, MicroSD slot, charging port and intake vents

The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid video game console, with the main system comprising the "Switch Console", the "Switch Dock", and the "Joy-Con" controllers. Although it is a hybrid console, Fils-Aimé stated that the Switch is "a home console that you can take with you on the go". Fils-Aimé said that the Switch and their primary handheld console, the Nintendo 3DS, are meant to co-exist, with Kimishima considering the 3DS an entry-level product for younger players. The company had planned to diminish production of the Wii U in anticipation of the Switch's release, and formally announced the end of its production on January 31, 2017.

Console and Dock

The main unit of the Switch is the Console, a battery-powered tablet-like monitor that comprises an LCD screen measuring 6.2 inches (160 mm) on its diagonal, the same as the Wii U GamePad. The unit itself measures 203.1 by 102 by 13.9 millimetres (8.00 in × 4.02 in × 0.55 in) and weighs 297 grams (10.5 oz). The screen supports ten-point multi-touch capacitive sensing and includes haptic technology from Immersion Corporation. The LCD screen supports resolutions up to 720p (1280×720 px). The Console includes a 3.5 mm audio jack, stereo speakers on the bottom face of the unit below the screen, a USB-C port for charging, and a kickstand on the back side. The unit also includes slots for a game card (cartridge-based media) and a microSD card slot located under the kickstand. The Switch Console itself includes three buttons, all on the top of the device, Volume +/- and Power. The Console has rails on the side, into which the Joy-Con controllers can be slid into to attach them to the Switch unit. An ambient light sensor on the front of the Console adjusts the screen's brightness automatically. The Console's model number is "HAC-001".

The Nintendo Switch Dock

The back of the dock, opened

The Console, with or without Joy-Con attached, can be placed into the Switch Dock, a docking station with electrical connectors to connect the Console to a power supply to charge its battery, and to a television via an HDMI connection for video/audio output. The Dock also includes two USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0 port. While docked, the unit can support resolutions up to 1080p and a maximum frame rate of 60 frames per second, though the maximum resolution varies depending on the game. As an example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild runs at a maximum 900p and 30 frames per second while the Switch is docked. The Dock measures 173 by 104 by 54 millimetres (6.8 in × 4.1 in × 2.1 in) and weighs 327 grams (11.5 oz).

There are three gameplay modes that can be used with the Switch; "TV Mode" with the Console slid into the Dock to support play on a television, "Tabletop Mode" with the Console placed on a table or other flat surface using its kickstand for shared gaming away from a dedicated screen, or in "Handheld Mode" as a standard portable tablet device. Users can switch between these modes simply by placing the Console in the Dock or removing it, extending or retracting the kickstand, and detaching or connecting the Joy-Con. Games may be designed to play only in specific modes; for example, Voez initially could not be played in TV Mode and relied on touchscreen controls. Support for controllers and TV Mode was later added to Voez in January 2018 via an update for the game. Another example is Super Mario Party, which does not support Handheld Mode.

Nintendo stated that the Switch is a "single-screen experience", in that the player either sees the content on the Console when it is out of the Dock, or on the screen attached to the Dock when the Console is docked. The Switch cannot feature dual-screen functionality that was offered through the Wii U via its GamePad.

Nintendo patented a means of using multiple Switch consoles to create a multi-monitor configuration, by arranging them on a flat surface and spanning a single gameplay environment across their screens. This technology was first seen in Super Mario Party.

Joy-Con

The gray Joy-Con L and Joy-Con R controllers

The neon red and blue Joy-Con attached to the Joy-Con Grip controller

The Nintendo Switch comes with controllers collectively called Joy-Con, individually called the "Joy-Con L" and "Joy-Con R".<ref name="poly detail specs"/> The controllers are attached to the Switch Console via side rails using a locking mechanism, with a small release button on their rear face to allow them to be detached. When detached, they can be used as a pair by a single player, attached to a grip that emulates a gamepad form factor, or used as separate controllers by two individual players. A single Switch console can support up to eight Joy-Con connections.<ref name="eurogamer joycon">Yin-Poole, Wesley (January 13, 2017). "A pair of Nintendo Switch Joy-con controllers costs £75". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on January 14, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2017.</ref> Straps can be attached to the sides of Joy-Con when they are detached.<ref name="poly detail specs"/><ref name="polygon specs"/>

Each Joy-Con includes four front-facing action buttons (Joy-Con R featuring Nintendo's signature ABXY buttons, and Joy-Con L featuring directional buttons), an analog stick which can be pressed down as a fifth button, a plus (+) or minus (-) button, a shoulder button (L/R), a trigger button (ZL/ZR), and a system function button (Joy-Con R houses the Home button and Joy-Con L the Screenshot button). Within the rail are two additional buttons (SL and SR buttons) which can act like left-and-right shoulder buttons when the Joy-Con is held horizontally.<ref name="eurogamer joycon"/><ref name="arstech tonightshow"/><ref>Kumparak, Greg (October 20, 2016). "Everything we suddenly know about Nintendo's crazy new console, the Switch". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on October 22, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2016.</ref> Each Joy-Con contains an accelerometer and gyroscope for motion control support,<ref name="polygon joy-con">McWhertor, Michael (January 13, 2017). "Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller does some amazing things". Polygon. Archived from the original on January 14, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2017.</ref> while Joy-Con R also contains an infrared depth sensor that can be used to identify objects and motion gestures.<ref name="polygon joy-con"/> Both Joy-Con contain a haptic feedback system known as "HD Rumble", which can generate fine tactile feedback.<ref name="techradar-hdrumble">"Meet the minds behind Nintendo Switch's HD Rumble tech". Techradar. Archived from the original on March 7, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2017.</ref><ref name="engadget-hdrumble">"Nintendo's HD Rumble will be the best unused Switch feature of 2017". Engadget. Archived from the original on February 1, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2017.</ref> Joy-Con R contains an NFC reader, allowing functionality with Nintendo's Amiibo line.<ref>"Nintendo Switch Patents Show Off Touchscreen, Alternate Joy Cons, NFC, SD Card Slot, and IR Camera | USgamer". December 17, 2016. Retrieved October 10, 2018.</ref><ref>"How to Scan amiibo on Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Support". en-americas-support.nintendo.com (in English). Retrieved October 10, 2018.</ref> Each Joy-Con measures 35.9 by 102 by 13.9 millimetres (1.41 in × 4.02 in × 0.55 in) and weighs 49 grams (1.7 oz) for Joy-Con L and 52.1 grams (1.84 oz) for Joy-Con R. When measured from the top of the analog stick to the tip of the ZL/ZR trigger it has an extreme depth of 28.4 millimetres (1.12 in).<ref name="Nintendo web tech specs"/>

Joy-Con can be obtained in several colors as part of the Switch bundle or through added purchases. In addition to the slate gray that the rest of the unit offers, consumers can opt to get Joy-Con in neon red and blue colors. In Early to Mid-2017, Nintendo introduced neon yellow Joy-Con, which launched alongside Arms on June 16, 2017,<ref name="verge yellow"/> as well as neon green, and neon pink Joy-Con, which launched alongside Splatoon 2 on July 21, 2017 in Japan and Europe and on September 8, 2017 in North America.<ref>"Nintendo is releasing neon pink-and-green Switch controllers for Splatoon 2". Archived from the original on September 13, 2017.</ref><ref name=":2" /> Joy-Con based on Eevee and Pikachu's color scheme were released alongside Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! on November 16, 2018, as part of the Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! Switch bundles.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" />

Technical specifications

The Switch uses a system-on-chip from the Tegra family of products, developed in partnership with Nvidia.<ref name="shacknews specs"/><ref name="vg247 updated specs">Nunneley, Stephany (January 27, 2017). "Nintendo Switch: Wireless LAN support, battery replacement, other specs outlined". VG247. Archived from the original on January 27, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2017.</ref> No specific details were revealed beyond that it is a "custom" Tegra chip "based on the same architecture as the world's top-performing GeForce gaming graphics cards" that are common in personal computers, and has a custom API known as "NVN", which is designed to "bring lightweight, fast gaming to the masses".<ref name="engadget-nxreveal2"/><ref name="polygon-nvidia">"Nintendo Switch confirmed to have Nvidia components". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on October 20, 2016. Retrieved October 20, 2016.</ref> Takeda described the Nvidia chipset as being critical for delivering gamers a level of performance similar to that which they experience on personal computers, helping to achieve "high performance but low power consumption" for the Switch.<ref>"Corporate Management Policy Briefing / Nine Months Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2017" (PDF). Nintendo. February 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2017.</ref> Pre-release reports, unconfirmed by either Nintendo or Nvidia, stated that the SoC would be an Nvidia Tegra X1 SoC with 4 ARM Cortex-A57 CPU cores and 4 ARM Cortex-A53 CPU cores along with 256 Maxwell based CUDA GPU cores.<ref>Walton, Mark (December 20, 2016). "Nintendo Switch uses Nvidia Tegra X1 SoC, clock speeds outed". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 20, 2016.</ref><ref>Humphreys, Matthew (March 20, 2017). "Nintendo Switch Uses a Standard Tegra X1 Processor". PC Magazine. Archived from the original on March 23, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2017.</ref> This was later corroborated by an analysis on the console done by Tech Insights in March 2017.<ref name="tegra">"Nintendo Switch Uses Stock NVIDIA Tegra X1 T210 CPU & GM20B Maxwell Core". wccftech.com. Archived from the original on March 16, 2017. Retrieved March 16, 2017.</ref><ref>Leadbetter, Richard (March 19, 2017). "Standard Tegra X1 'confirmed' as Switch's processor". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on March 19, 2017. Retrieved March 19, 2017.</ref> The CPU cores are clocked at 1.020 GHz, as revealed by DigitalFoundry. The GPU cores vary between 768 MHz and 307.2 MHz depending upon whether the device is docked; however, they can be boosted to 921 MHz and 384 MHz, respectively.<ref>Leadbetter, Richard (February 25, 2017). "New performance mode boosts Switch mobile clocks by 25 per cent". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on March 7, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2017.</ref> A later iFixIt teardown of the final product confirmed 4GB of LPDDR4.<ref>"Nintendo Switch Teardown". IFixIt. Archived from the original on March 6, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2017.</ref>

The Switch offers dual-band 802.11ac wireless connectivity and is compliant with 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac modes.<ref name="vg247 updated specs"/> Up to eight Switch consoles can be connected in a wireless ad hoc network for local multiplayer games, and multiple players can play on each of the connected Switch consoles.<ref>Gartenberg, Chaim (January 13, 2017). "Nintendo announces Switch specs: 720p screen, 32GB of storage, and more". The Verge. Archived from the original on January 13, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2017.</ref><ref name="engadget-nxreveal2" /><ref>Hernandez, Patricia. "Here's Your First Look At The Nintendo Switch, Nintendo's Next Console". Kotaku. Gizmodo Media Group. Archived from the original on October 20, 2016.</ref> In the case of at least one game, Splatoon 2, ten Switch consoles can connect in the ad hoc network, though only eight can play directly while the other two can watch as spectators.<ref>Gartenburg, Chaim (February 14, 2017). "The Nintendo Switch is bringing back the LAN party". The Verge. Archived from the original on February 15, 2017. Retrieved February 14, 2017.</ref> The Switch uses Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless communication between the console and its controllers.<ref name="poly detail specs">Sarkar, Samit (January 13, 2017). "Nintendo Switch has 32 GB storage, 720p touchscreen". Polygon. Archived from the original on January 14, 2017. Retrieved January 23, 2017.</ref><ref name="vg247 updated specs"/> Users can purchase a third-party USB LAN adapter for wired connectivity when the Console is docked for TV mode.<ref name="vg247 updated specs"/> Nintendo's Wii LAN adapter accessory is also compatible with the Switch via USB ports on the Switch dock.<ref name="NOA Store confirms LAN adapter for NS">"LAN Adapter (Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Wii)". Official NOA Nintendo Store. Archived from the original on June 21, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.</ref>

The Switch is primarily powered in portable mode by a non-removable 4310 mAh, 3.7 V Lithium-ion rechargeable battery.<ref name="anandtech specs"/><ref name="fixit">"Nintendo Switch Teardown". IiFixit.com. Retrieved March 5, 2017.</ref><ref>"You won't be able to upgrade the Nintendo Switch's battery". Engadget (in English). Retrieved November 21, 2018.</ref> The battery life is estimated to be between 2.5 and 6.5 hours, depending on the software being used. Nintendo gives the example of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild supporting approximately three hours of battery life.<ref name="shacknews specs"/> The battery can be charged either while in the Dock, or through a standard USB-C connector on the Console.<ref name="eurogamer jan17"/> The estimated recharge time while the unit is in sleep mode is about 3 hours.<ref name="ign ui"/> Nintendo offers the means for replacing batteries through its customer support.<ref name="vg247 updated specs"/> Each Joy-Con has its own non-removable 525 mAh, 3.7 V Lithium-ion battery separate from the Console, with an estimated twenty-hour lifespan.<ref name="poly detail specs"/> These batteries are automatically charged if they are attached to the Console while it is charging itself. Additional accessories have other means to charge the Joy-Con.<ref name="polygon joycon charge">Frank, Allegra (January 13, 2017). "Here's how to charge the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller". Polygon. Archived from the original on January 15, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2017.</ref> While the basic Joy-Con Grip that ships with the Switch does not offer charging capabilities, a separate premium Joy-Con Grip includes a USB-C connector port that can be used to charge the Joy-Con batteries while they are connected to this Grip.<ref>Phillips, Tom (January 16, 2017). "Nintendo Switch's bundled Joy-Con grip doesn't charge controllers". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on January 17, 2017. Retrieved January 16, 2017.</ref>

The Switch includes 32 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 2 TB using a microSD, a microSDHC or a microSDXC card.<ref name="shacknews specs"/><ref>Marchiafava, Jeff (January 14, 2017). "Nintendo Switch Supports Micro SDXC Memory Cards Up To 2TB". Game Informer. Archived from the original on January 15, 2017. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><ref name="vg247 updated specs"/> A microSD card slot is located under the Switch's kickstand, where a microSD card can be inserted.<ref>"How to Insert/Remove microSD Cards | Nintendo Support". en-americas-support.nintendo.com (in English). Retrieved September 15, 2018.</ref> If the microSD card is used, the Switch will only store game save data on the internal memory, leaving data that can be re-acquired on the microSD card.<ref name="kotaku questions"/> Save data will always be stored on the console, regardless if the source is a physical Game Card or a digital download copy. At launch, there was no way to transfer save files from the internal memory to the microSD card or another Switch console,<ref>Phillips, Tom (March 3, 2017). "Finally, we have answers to Nintendo Switch's digital game sharing questions". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on March 3, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2017.</ref><ref>"Supported microSD cards". Nintendo of Europe GmbH.</ref> though save game and profile transfers between Switch consoles were added in the 4.0.0 system update in October 2017.<ref name="eg 4.0">Phillips, Tom (October 18, 2017). "Nintendo Switch system update 4.0 adds video capture". Eurogamer. Retrieved October 18, 2017.</ref> While microSD and microSDHC support was available at launch, microSDXC card support was later added to the Switch's software via a system update.<ref name="ign ui"/><ref name="vg247 updated specs"/> SD cards and miniSD cards are not compatible with the Switch due to the size of the microSD card slot.<ref>"microSD Card FAQ | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Support". en-americas-support.nintendo.com (in English). Retrieved November 10, 2018.</ref> The Switch does not support external storage units at launch, but Nintendo stated that they were looking into adding this feature in the future.<ref name="kotaku questions"/>

The Switch console contains a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The unit does not directly support Bluetooth wireless headphones, though they can be connected with third-party wireless adapters via the headphone jack.<ref name="polygon-noheadphones">"Bluetooth, wireless headphones will not work with the Nintendo Switch". Polygon. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2017.</ref><ref>McFerran, Damien (May 16, 2017). "You Can Use Bluetooth Headphones On Your Switch, But There's A Catch". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on May 16, 2017. Retrieved May 30, 2017.</ref> A system update in October 2017 enabled support for wireless USB headphones when the receiver is connected to the USB port on the console when it's docked.<ref>Gartenberg, Chaim (October 20, 2017). "Nintendo quietly added wireless USB headphone support in the last Switch update". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 24, 2017. Retrieved October 24, 2017.</ref><ref>"Nintendo Switch now supports wireless USB headphones". Engadget (in English). Retrieved October 8, 2018.</ref>

Other controllers and accessories

The optional and more conventional Pro Controller

The top of the charging grip showing the USB-C port.

Though not revealed in the October 2016 reveal, the Nintendo Switch supports a wide array of additional accessories, according to Kimishima. Kimishima suggested that the Switch is part of a large ecosystem of devices, though the Switch unit remains the core console element.<ref name="bloomberg oct2016">Nakamura, Yuji; Amano, Takashi (October 27, 2016). "Nintendo President Hints of Bigger Hardware Plans for Switch". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on October 28, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2016.</ref> Takahashi suggested the possibility of other units besides the Joy-Con that could attach and/or connect to the Console to serve as alternate input devices and change how the Switch can be used.<ref name="time feb2017">Peckham, Matt (February 6, 2017). "The 8 Most Interesting Things Nintendo Told Us About Switch". Time. Archived from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017.</ref>

A charging grip is available for the Joy-Con, which provides a means to attach a USB-C cable for power.<ref name="polygon joycon charge"/> Alongside that, Nintendo released a charging strap that allows players to charge an individual Joy-Con via embedded AA batteries on June 16, 2017.<ref name="verge yellow">Statt, Nick (April 12, 2017). "Nintendo introduces new neon yellow Joy-Con color and controller battery pack". The Verge. Archived from the original on April 13, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.</ref> Nintendo offers a Joy-Con Wheel, a small steering wheel-like unit that a Joy-Con can slot into, allowing it to be used for racing games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.<ref name="usgamer prices"/> The Switch supports a wireless Pro Controller, which has a more traditional design reminiscent of the Wii Classic Controller Pro and Wii U Pro Controller.<ref name="polygon-design2" /><ref name="verge-controller2">"A close look at the Nintendo Switch's wild modular controller: the Joy-Con". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on October 20, 2016. Retrieved October 20, 2016.</ref><ref>Hillier, Brenna (January 13, 2017). "Nintendo Switch Pro Controller will cost you $70, JoyCon and other peripherals priced". VG247. Archived from the original on January 13, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2017.</ref> A setting can be turned on to use the controller in wired USB mode; however, this will disable the NFC reader on the controller.<ref>"How to Enable/Disable Pro Controller Wired Communication | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Support". en-americas-support.nintendo.com (in English). Retrieved September 16, 2018.</ref> Standalone Docks are available, which include a power adapter and HDMI cable.<ref name="usgamer prices"/> Third parties also support the Switch with additional accessories, such as carrying cases and screen protectors.<ref>Crecente, Brian (January 4, 2016). "Nintendo Switch accessories unveiled at CES". Polygon. Archived from the original on January 4, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2016.</ref> The 4.0.0 system update enabled support for GameCube controllers attached via USB with the GameCube adapter that was available for the Wii U as well as the upcoming adapter for the Switch, allowing the user to play games with a GameCube controller with most games compatible with the Switch's Pro controller such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.<ref name="GC Adapter">"Nintendo GameCube Controller Adapter for Nintendo Switch".</ref><ref>Moon, Mariella (October 24, 2017). "Nintendo's Switch now supports your old GameCube controllers". Engadget. Archived from the original on October 24, 2017. Retrieved October 24, 2017.</ref><ref>"How To Connect And Use GameCube Controller With Nintendo Switch" (in English). Retrieved August 15, 2018.</ref><ref>Macy, Seth G. (August 10, 2018). "GameCube Controller, Adapter, and Everything Else You Need to Play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate". IGN (in English). Retrieved August 14, 2018.</ref>

In January 2018, Nintendo announced Nintendo Labo, a child-oriented platform that combines games coupled with do-it-yourself cardboard projects that attach or wrap around the Switch Console and Joy-Con, effectively creating toys around the Switch to interact with games. These cardboard units, which may also include string, rubber bands, and other pieces, are referred to as Toy-Con. The game software provides instructions for the Toy-Con construction and provides the interface to control the Toy-Con. Such examples given include a remote-controlled "car", where the two Joy-Con attach to the car and their vibration feedback provide the motion for the car, controlled from the Switch, a fishing rod where the Joy-Con are part of the reel and handle of the rod and their motion controls used to simulate the act of fishing in the mini-game, and a small toy piano.<ref>Webster, Andrew (January 17, 2018). "Nintendo is making a bunch of weird DIY cardboard toys for the Switch and they're awesome". The Verge. Archived from the original on January 17, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.</ref>

Amid complaints about the Switch's kickstand, Nintendo released an Adjustable Charging Stand for the Switch on July 13, 2018 after it was announced on May 9, 2018, which allows users to place the Console onto the stand as to play in Tabletop mode, providing better support than the Console's own built-in kickstand, and allowing the user to optionally charge the console.<ref>Byford, Sam (May 9, 2018). "Nintendo is fixing the Switch's bad kickstand with a $20 charging dock". The Verge. Retrieved May 11, 2018.</ref><ref>"Nintendo announces new adjustable charging stand for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Official Site". Nintendo.com (in English). Retrieved August 14, 2018.</ref>

Tatsumi Kimishima stated that Nintendo was investigating the possibility of offering a virtual reality headset for Switch in the future, "if we are able to resolve the issues with playing comfortably for long hours." Nintendo did submit design patent applications for a virtual reality accessory similar in design to those intended for smartphones, in which the device would be inserted into an enclosure, and its screen viewed through lenses to achieve a stereoscopic effect.<ref>Sarkar, Samit (February 1, 2017). "Nintendo 'studying' Switch VR support". Polygon. Archived from the original on February 1, 2017. Retrieved February 1, 2017.</ref>

A PC-specific USB keyboard is compatible with the Nintendo Switch in docked mode.<ref>"GameCube USB Keyboards Work with the Nintendo Switch". Nintendo Life. Retrieved November 9, 2018.</ref>

Production

The Nintendo Switch is produced between Taiwan-based Foxconn and Japan-based Hosiden, with Foxconn accounting for the largest volume.<ref name="digitimes oct2017"/> Nintendo did not plan to sell the Switch below manufacturing cost at launch,<ref>"Every Nintendo Switch will be sold at a profit from day one". TechnoBuffalo (in English). January 31, 2017. Retrieved September 6, 2018.</ref> as they had done for both the 3DS and Wii U at their respective launches;<ref>Savov, Vlad (October 25, 2012). "Nintendo will sell Wii U 'below cost' at launch". The Verge. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2016.</ref> Nintendo affirmed that the Switch would be profitable from launch during its 2016 fiscal year earnings report, as the company saw the console as a key earnings driver for 2017 and beyond.<ref name="bloomberg fy16">Nakamura, Yuji; Amano, Takashi (January 31, 2017). "Nintendo Beats Profit, Lifts Forecast on Pokemon Ahead of Switch". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on January 31, 2017. Retrieved January 31, 2017.</ref> Fomalhaut Techno Solutions, a Japanese product teardown firm, estimated that the Switch cost $257 to make compared to its $299 MSRP, with the Console and Dock at $167 while each Joy-Con cost $45.<ref>Hall, Charlie (April 5, 2017). "Japanese site estimates Nintendo spends $257 to make one Switch". Polygon. Archived from the original on April 5, 2017. Retrieved April 5, 2017.</ref> Kimishima said that they may be able to see further profitability on the Switch when they can achieve volume discounts on components once they reach a level of about 10 million Switch units.<ref name="gamasutra fy2016 qa">McAloon, Alissa (May 3, 2017). "4 interesting comments from Nintendo's Q&A session". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on May 4, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2017.</ref>

Prior to launch, Nintendo anticipated shipping two million Nintendo Switch units by the end of the console's first month, and assured that its supply chain would be able to meet demand following the launch period to avoid the shortage situation with the NES Classic Edition in late 2016.<ref>Kerr, Chris (October 26, 2016). "Nintendo expects Switch to initially ship 2 million units". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on October 27, 2016. Retrieved October 26, 2016.</ref><ref name="wired filsamie"/><ref name=":6" /> Kimishima anticipated that the Switch will have lifetime sales numbers similar to the Wii, which sold 101 million units by 2016.<ref name="gamasutra 100m">Kerr, Chris (February 2, 2017). "Nintendo president expects Switch sales to match the Wii". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on February 3, 2017. Retrieved February 2, 2017.</ref>

Following the initial sales report numbers in April 2017, the Financial Times reported that the company was seeking to produce 18 million Switch units in its 2017 financial year as to avoid "customer tantrums" with poor supply levels, particularly near the 2017 holiday season and the release of Super Mario Odyssey on October 27, 2017.<ref>Lewis, Leo; Inagaki, Kana (May 28, 2017). "Nintendo to ramp up production of Switch as demand soars". Financial Times. Archived from the original on June 4, 2017. Retrieved May 29, 2017.</ref> Fils-Aimé said in September 2017 that their 2017 production target for the Switch could be hampered by bottlenecks in individual components.<ref>Mochizuki, Takashi (May 30, 2017). "Nintendo Battles Apple for Parts as Switch Demand Rises". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on May 30, 2017. Retrieved May 30, 2017.</ref><ref>Bradshaw, Tim; Lewis, Leo (September 9, 2017). "Component bottlenecks hit Nintendo's Switch". Financial Times. Archived from the original on September 10, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2017.</ref> DigiTimes reported in October 2017 that Nintendo had further shifted the production rate for the Switch up to 2 million per month, with plans to ship 20 million units by the end of the year; the newspaper also stated that the production rate was limited by component availability, and not by other factors of Nintendo's production process.<ref name="digitimes oct2017">Lee, Aaron; Tsai, Joseph (October 5, 2017). "Nintendo ups Switch supply to 2 million a month". DigiTimes. Archived from the original on October 7, 2017. Retrieved October 9, 2017.</ref>

On the presentation of the 2017 fiscal year results to investors, Nintendo's newly-named president Shuntaro Furukawa stated that they anticipate producing 20 million Switch consoles over the 2018 fiscal year keeping the momentum of its sales in that year.<ref>"Nintendo switches president after forecasting best annual profit in nine years". Reuters. April 26, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2018.</ref>

Software

The main menu screen of the Switch console

The Switch's user interface features tile-based access to games that are either present in the game card slot or stored within the unit's storage devices. It includes quick access buttons for a News feed from Nintendo, eShop access, and a photo album for screenshots captured during gameplay;<ref name="ign ui" /> the 4.0 update to the software in October 2017 also enabled capturing and sharing video from select games.<ref name="eg 4.0" /> A single Switch console supports up to eight user profiles, which each can be tied to a Nintendo Account user ID.<ref name="kotaku questions" /> Profiles can be represented by either a pre-made avatar from an internal gallery, or using a Mii. The Mii creator was upgraded with increased color options for aspects such as hair styles; however, it is integrated into the system settings, rather than being an independent application.<ref name="eurogamer-miiswitch">"Nintendo Switch's updated Mii creator lets you turn your hair blue". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on March 3, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2017.</ref><ref name="kotaku questions">Schreier, Jason (January 19, 2017). "Nintendo Answers (And Avoids) Our Switch Questions". Kotaku. Archived from the original on January 20, 2017. Retrieved January 19, 2017.</ref><ref name="polygon-miicolors">"Nintendo Switch's Mii editor gets colorful". Polygon. Archived from the original on March 3, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2017.</ref><ref>Frank, Allegra (February 23, 2017). "Nintendo Switch's day-one patch adds online features". Polygon. Archived from the original on February 23, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.</ref>

Prior to the 4.0 update, players discovered that the Switch's firmware included an easter egg to allow players to play the NES Golf title via a built-in emulator. While Nintendo has not confirmed its presence, journalists and players believe this is a tribute to Nintendo's former president Satoru Iwata; Golf was programmed by Iwata, and the game can only be accessed if the system clock is set to July 11 – the day that Iwata died – and the Joy-Con are moved similarly to how Iwata would move his hands in his Nintendo Direct presentations. Some Japanese users referred to this as a omamori (charm) left by Iwata himself.<ref>Saed, Sherif (September 20, 2017). "The Golf game on every Nintendo Switch is actually a tribute to late Satoru Iwata". VG247. Archived from the original on September 21, 2017. Retrieved September 20, 2017.</ref> With the 4.0 update, the executable code for this Easter egg appears to have been wiped by Nintendo.<ref>Frank, Allegra (December 27, 2017). "Switch's hidden Iwata tribute removed in latest update". Polygon. Archived from the original on December 28, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2017.</ref>

In August 2018, a Twitter user found files on the Switch's firmware while reverse-engineering the console, which suggest that Nintendo was possibly testing VR functionality for the Switch. The Twitter user was able to activate the hidden "VR Mode", which split the screen into two displays.<ref>"Nintendo Switch may have secret VR support". Metro (in English). August 13, 2018. Retrieved August 13, 2018.</ref><ref name=":3">"Nintendo's Switch has been hiding a buried "VrMode" for over a year". Ars Technica (in English). Retrieved August 17, 2018.</ref> Hackers found that the code related to possible VR functionality had been hidden in the Switch for over a year.<ref name=":3" />

Security

Nintendo continued its white hat security program that it had with the Nintendo 3DS. With help of third-party website HackerOne, Nintendo will award up to $20,000 to the first user to identify any vulnerability that impacts piracy, cheating, or potential sending of inappropriate content to younger users, the amount based on the severity of the security flaw.<ref>Phillips, Tom (April 12, 2017). "Nintendo posts $20k bounty for info on Switch security vulnerabilities". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on April 13, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.</ref>

In April 2018, two separate groups discovered a means to use an exploit chain in the Tegra chip system that can be used to boot other software on the Switch, which could have both beneficial or malicious uses. The exploit is unpatchable as the necessary support to update the Tegra's ROM was not included on the Switch systems as shipped. Both groups had notified Nvidia and Nintendo of the exploit before public announcement of their findings.<ref>Orland, Kyle (April 23, 2018). "The "unpatchable" exploit that makes every current Nintendo Switch hackable". Ars Technica. Retrieved April 23, 2018.</ref> Users studying the hardware determined that Nintendo has the capacity to permanently ban specific Switch consoles used to obtain software via this exploit from the Nintendo Network, as the Switch console includes a unique device identification code used as part of the validation to the Network. As games downloaded from the Nintendo Network include encrypted information that ties the Nintendo ID to the console, which is transmitted to Nintendo when users start playing games, Nintendo can track unapproved software downloads and take action.<ref>Kidwell, Emma (June 20, 2018). "Following hardware exploit, Nintendo bans Switch consoles with pirated games". Gamasutra. Retrieved June 20, 2018.</ref> Nintendo has reportedly fixed the vulnerability in newer Switch units as of July 2018.<ref>"New Nintendo Switch consoles reportedly tweaked to remove homebrew bug". Digital Trends (in English). July 11, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.</ref>

In June 2018, two hackers found a way to be able to run the Switch system's developer software Devmenu on non-developer Switch units, allowing hackers to be able to directly load games onto SD cards or create custom avatars for their user profile, including pornographic and NSFW pictures, which violate Nintendo's terms of service. A Nintendo spokesperson responded to KotakuTemplate:'s article on the topic, saying that "Modified Nintendo Switch systems have been banned”.<ref>Gach, Ethan (June 25, 2018). "The Fight Between Switch Hackers And Nintendo Is Ramping Up". Kotaku (in English). Retrieved August 11, 2018.</ref>

Shortly after the release of Nintendo Switch Online in September 2018, hackers and modders were able to figure out how to run unauthorized ROMs on the Nintendo Switch NES emulator. A Switch hacker who goes by the name DevRin, was the first to discover the hack and posted his findings on YouTube, which prompted a modder who goes by the name KapuccinoHeck to investigate the matter with two others and their findings were later posted on KapuccinoHeck's Twitter account.<ref>"Nintendo Switch Online's NES emulator already hacked to allow more games". Polygon. Retrieved September 20, 2018.</ref><ref>Gach, Ethan. "Hackers Have Already Cracked Open The Switch Online's NES Library". Kotaku (in English). Retrieved September 20, 2018.</ref>

Online services and functionalities

Template:Main Nintendo Switch user profiles can be linked to a Nintendo Account, which enables access to online features and the ability to download and purchase software from Nintendo eShop. A Nintendo Account can be created with an account from a third-party social networking service or an existing Nintendo Network ID from a 3DS or Wii U. Nintendo does not plan to offer first-party social networking services on Switch, such as Miiverse or StreetPass, the latter owing to Nintendo's promotion of Switch as primarily being a home console. Instead, profiles can be linked to existing social networks such as Facebook and Twitter for social and sharing features.<ref>Clark, Willie (January 13, 2017). "Nintendo Switch won't have Miiverse or StreetPass". Venture Beat. Archived from the original on January 14, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2017.</ref><ref name="polygon-switchids">"All the Nintendo accounts you need for your Switch". Polygon. Retrieved December 1, 2018.</ref><ref>"Nintendo Account IDs now up for grabs". Polygon. Retrieved December 1, 2018.</ref>

Players can register friends through Friend Codes as with previous Nintendo systems, searching for friends in the local network, through past multiplayer interactions, or through Nintendo Account profiles registered as friends on Nintendo mobile apps such as Miitomo and Super Mario Run.<ref>Saed, Sharif (March 2, 2017). "Nintendo Switch day one update reintroduces friend codes". VG247. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2017.</ref> Nintendo said in March 2017 that they have plans to provide other methods for registering friends, including through third-party social media and via Nintendo Network IDs.<ref>Crecente, Brian (March 2, 2017). "Nintendo adding new friending methods for the Switch, post launch". Polygon. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2017.</ref> Support for registering friends on the Switch via Facebook and Twitter was added on March 13, 2018 as part of the 5.0.0 system update.<ref>"Add Friends Through Social Media With Latest Nintendo Switch Update | Digital Trends". Digital Trends (in English). March 13, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2018.</ref> The Switch has no native support for Nintendo Network IDs, but users can link their Nintendo Network ID credentials to a Nintendo Account profile, which enables the ability to add friends that they had already registered on their 3DS or Wii U, and share an eShop balance between all three platforms.<ref name="eurogamer link" />

In line with Microsoft and Sony consoles, a subscription is required to access online multiplayer on most games.<ref name="polygon-paidonline"/><ref name="cnet filsaime">Ng, Alfred; Stein, Scott (January 15, 2017). "Nintendo's Fils-Aime: The Switch won't oust the 3DS". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on January 15, 2017. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref> The Nintendo Switch Online subscription includes access to online play, voice chat, access to an ongoing library of Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) games, cloud storage for save data on most games, as well as other special offers and promotions.<ref>Bankhurst, Adam (September 13, 2018). "Update: Nintendo Switch 6.0.0 System Update Coming Alongside Online Service". IGN (in English). Retrieved September 13, 2018.</ref><ref>"Original Mario Bros. will support online co-op through Nintendo Switch Online". VG247 (in English). September 5, 2018. Retrieved September 6, 2018.</ref><ref>"Nintendo Switch Online service will launch with 20 NES games". Polygon. Retrieved September 9, 2018.</ref><ref>"Nintendo Switch Online service will launch with 20 NES games". Polygon. Retrieved September 14, 2018.</ref> Free-to-play games such as Fortnite Battle Royale and Warframe are exempt from the subscription requirement for online play.<ref>"Fortnite for Switch won't require Nintendo's premium online service for play". Polygon. Retrieved September 15, 2018.</ref><ref>"Nintendo Switch finally has a YouTube app, but Amazon and Netflix remain MIA". USA TODAY (in English). Retrieved November 12, 2018.</ref><ref>Fillari, Alessandro (November 20, 2018). "Warframe Out Now On Nintendo Switch -- An Impressive Port That Surprised Us". GameSpot (in English). Retrieved December 1, 2018.</ref><ref name="gamespot online may2018">Makuch, Eddie (May 7, 2018). "Nintendo Switch Online Service Introduces Cloud Saves, 20 Free NES Games For Subscribers". GameSpot. Retrieved May 7, 2018.</ref>

The Nintendo Switch Online mobile app allows access to voice chat for Switch Online subscribers, as well as access to game-specific microsites. Unlike its competitors, voice chat is not supported via the console itself, requiring use of the app on a smartphone instead.<ref name="time kimishima"/><ref>Saed, Sharif (July 19, 2017). "The Nintendo Switch Online app has launched on iOS & Android". VG247. Archived from the original on August 2, 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2017.</ref> A separate app provides access to parental controls for the console.<ref name="polygon-paidonline">Grant, Christopher (January 12, 2017). "Nintendo Switch will have a paid online service starting this fall". Polygon. Archived from the original on January 13, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2017.</ref><ref>Schwartz, Terri (January 13, 2017). "Nintendo Reveals Parental Controls for Switch". IGN. Archived from the original on January 13, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2017.</ref>

Media support

The Switch did not initially launch with many multimedia-oriented features, such as a web browser or support for video streaming services.<ref>Miller, Ross (March 2, 2017). "The Nintendo Switch has a secret browser, but you can't use it for much". The Verge. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2017.</ref> Fils-Aimé said that because the Switch is geared as a gaming console that is far different from what their competitors offer, they had focused on achieving that goal first and foremost, and did not see media support as a differentiator from their competitors.<ref name="wapost filsamie mar2017">Tsukayama, Hayley (March 8, 2017). "Nintendo's U.S. chief responds to our biggest gripes about the company's new console". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 8, 2017. Retrieved March 8, 2017.</ref> Nintendo did not rule out providing a full web browser or apps for services in the future,<ref>Gilbert, Ben (January 18, 2017). "I played Nintendo's new game console, the Switch — this is what it's like". Business Insider. Archived from the original on January 17, 2017. Retrieved January 18, 2017.</ref><ref name="kotaku questions"/><ref name="time kimishima"/> and Fils-Aimé said that they are in discussions with providers like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon for such support.<ref name="wapost filsamie mar2017"/>

Niconico, a popular Japanese video service, launched for the Switch in Japan on July 13, 2017, and was the Switch's first third-party media app in any market.<ref>Frank, Allegra (July 12, 2017). "Nintendo Switch is getting its first streaming app". Polygon. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved July 12, 2017.</ref> Hulu was the first video streaming application released for the Switch in the United States on November 9, 2017.<ref>McWhertor, Michael (November 9, 2017). "Hulu coming to Nintendo Switch". Polygon. Archived from the original on November 9, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2017.</ref> A YouTube application was released on November 8, 2018.<ref>Welch, Chris (November 8, 2018). "YouTube arrives on Nintendo Switch today". The Verge. Retrieved November 8, 2018.</ref> As of January 2018, Netflix had stated it was looking into a Switch app for the service, but had no definitive plans yet.<ref>Sarkar, Samit (January 15, 2018). "Netflix 'still exploring' possibility of Nintendo Switch app". Polygon. Archived from the original on January 15, 2018. Retrieved January 15, 2018.</ref> Fils-Aimé said in June 2018 that conversations to bring Netflix to the Switch are "on-going".<ref>Craddock, Ryan (June 14, 2018). "Conversations To Bring YouTube And Netflix To Switch Are "On-Going"". Nintendo Life (in English). Retrieved September 1, 2018.</ref>

Korg Gadget, a music production app, was released for the Nintendo Switch on April 26, 2018.<ref>"Nintendo Switch eShop gets beloved music studio — but with some key changes". Polygon. Retrieved November 8, 2018.</ref> InkyPen, a comics and manga subscription app, launched exclusively on the Nintendo Switch worldwide on December 17, 2018.<ref>H, Henry St Leger 2018-12-17T10:08:21Z; helds. "InkyPen lets you read comic books on Nintendo Switch – and the app's gone live". TechRadar (in English). Retrieved 2018-12-17.</ref> FUZE4, a text-based programming language app, will be released on April 1, 2019.<ref>Craddock, Ryan (October 22, 2018). "FUZE4 Nintendo Switch Will Let You Code Your Own Games On Switch From April Next Year". Nintendo Life (in English). Retrieved October 24, 2018.</ref>

Despite the lack of an end-user web browser, a NetFront-based infrastructure is integrated into the Switch's UI, which allows the system menu to support several browser-like functions, such as authenticating for Wi-Fi hotspots.<ref name="NLcitesNetFrontNX">Whitehead, Thomas (March 6, 2017). "NetFront Browser NX by ACCESS — Powering the Switch 'WebKit' Online Services". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on March 7, 2017. Retrieved March 8, 2017.</ref> This lightweight browser was found to use a six-month-old version of WebKit containing a set of vulnerabilities collectively known as Trident that has the potential to allow the Switch to be hijacked by code execution in the browser.<ref>Cunningham, Andrew (March 13, 2017). "Nintendo Switch ships with unpatched 6-month-old WebKit vulnerabilities". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on March 13, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.</ref>