Editing Nintendo Switch

{{Infobox information appliance
| name         = Nintendo Switch
| title        = Nintendo Switch
| aka          = NX <small>(code name)</small> 
                 <!-- Do not change this. The console's codename is officially known as "NX", not "Project NX". -->
| logo         = [[File:NintendoSwitchLogo.svg|frameless|upright=0.40|center|Switch logo]] 
                 <!-- please consult talk page discussion topic on the logo before any change is made -->
| image        = <div style="white-space: nowrap; border: #dadada solid 1px;">[[File:Nintendo-Switch-Console-Docked-wJoyConRB.jpg|link=File:Nintendo-Switch-Console-Docked-wJoyConRB.jpg|frameless|250px]]<br />[[File:Nintendo-Switch-wJoyCons-BlRd-Standing-FL.jpg|link=File:Nintendo-Switch-wJoyCons-BlRd-Standing-FL.jpg|frameless|250px]]</div>
| caption      = A ''Nintendo Switch'' console in docked mode <small>(above)</small> and portable mode <small>(below)</small>
| developer    = [[Nintendo Platform Technology Development|Nintendo PTD]]
| manufacturer = [[Foxconn]], [[Hosiden]]<ref name="digitimes oct2017"/>
| family       = 
| type         = [[Hybrid video game console]]
| generation   = [[Eighth generation of video game consoles|Eighth generation]]
| releasedate  = WW: March 3, 2017
| lifespan     = 2017–present
| price        = [[United States dollar|US$]]299.99<br />[[Japanese yen|JP¥]]29,980<r />[[Pound sterling|£]]279.99<br />[[Euro|€]]329.99
                 <!-- Please do not add prices from any additional regions. This field should only represent major markets. -->
| discontinued = 
| unitssold    = 
| unitsshipped = 22.86 million <small>(2018-09-30)</small>
| media        = [[Nintendo Switch game card]]<br />[[Digital distribution in video games|Digital distribution]] <small>([[Nintendo eShop]])</small>
| os           = [[Nintendo Switch system software]]
| power        = 4,310 [[Milliampere-hour|mAh]], 3.7 [[Volt|V]] [[lithium-ion battery]]
| soc          = [[Nvidia]] [[Tegra X1]]
| cpu          = Octa-core <small>(4×[[ARM Cortex-A57]] & 4×[[ARM Cortex-A53]])</small> @ 1.020 [[Gigahertz|GHz]]
| memory       = 4 [[Gigabyte|GB]] [[LPDDR4]]
| storage      = Internal [[flash memory]]: 32 [[Gigabyte|GB]]
| memory card  = [[microSD]]/[[microSDHC]]/[[microSDXC]] <small>(up to 2 [[Terabyte|TB]])</small>
| display      = 6.2-[[inch]], 1280 × [[720p]] [[Liquid-crystal display|LCD]] <small>(237 [[Pixel density|ppi]])</small><br />Up to [[1080p]] via [[HDMI]] while docked
| graphics     = Nvidia GM20B [[Maxwell (microarchitecture)|Maxwell]]-based GPU @ 307.2-384 MHz <small>(while undocked)</small> or 307.2-768 MHz <small>(while docked)</small>
| sound        = [[Linear PCM]] 5.1ch (via HDMI)<br />[[Stereo speakers]]<br />[[Headphone jack]]
| controllers  = [[Joy-Con]]<br />[[Nintendo Switch Pro Controller|Pro controller]]<br />[[GameCube controller]] <small>(via GameCube Adapter)</small>
| camera       = 
| touchpad     = [[Capacitive touchscreen|Capacitive]]
| connectivity = 2.4/5 GHz [[IEEE 802.11ac|802.11ac]] [[Wi-Fi]]<br />[[Bluetooth 4.1]]<br />1 × [[USB 3.0]] <small>(on dock)</small><br />2 × [[USB 2.0]] <small>(on dock)</small><br />1 × [[USB-C|USB Type-C]] <small>(on unit)</small>
| currentfw    = 6.2.0 <small>(2018-11-19>)</small>
| platform     = 
| service      = [[Nintendo Switch Online]], [[Nintendo eShop|Nintendo eShop]]
| dimensions   = {{Convert|203.1 x 102 x 13.9|mm|in|abbr=on}} <small>(Console only)</small><br />{{Convert|239 x 102 x 13.9|mm|in|abbr=on}} <small>(Joy-Con attached)</small>
| weight       = {{convert|297|g|oz|abbr=on}} <small>(Console only)</small><br />{{convert|398|g|oz|abbr=on}} <small>(Joy-Con attached)</small>
| topgame      = ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', 12.17 million <small>(2018-09-30)</small>
| compatibility= [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] <small>(via [[Software emulation|emulation]])</small>
| predecessor  = [[Wii U]] 
                 <!-- Do not add 3DS as a predecessor. Any changes to this WILL be reverted UNLESS a reliable source is provided ON THE TALK PAGE so we can gather consensus. -->
| successor    = <!-- Do not add any Nintendo console as a successor. Any changes to this WILL be reverted UNLESS a reliable source is provided ON THE TALK PAGE so we can gather consensus. -->
| related      = 
| website      = [https://www.nintendo.com/switch https://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 video game console|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 game console|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|Wii Remote and Nunchuk]], supporting local multiplayer modes. The Nintendo Switch's software supports [[online game|online gaming]] through standard Internet connectivity, as well as local [[Wireless ad hoc network|wireless ad hoc]] connectivity with other Switch consoles. Nintendo Switch games and software are available on both physical [[flash storage|flash]]-based [[Nintendo game card|ROM cartridges]] and [[digital distribution]] via [[Nintendo eShop]]; the system does not use [[Regional lockout|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 engine]]s. As the Wii U had struggled to gain external support, leaving it with a weak software library, Nintendo preemptively sought the support of many [[Video game developer#Third-party developers|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]], [[People's Republic of China|China]], and other regions. <!-- Do not add 8th or 9th generation until sources verify its status AND there's a consensus on the talk page. --> 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. As of 2018 September, 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=

== History ==

=== Background ===
Nintendo had seen record revenues, net sales and profits in 2009 as a result of the release of the [[Wii]] and [[Nintendo DS]] in 2006 and 2004 respectively,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/nintendo-defies-recession-with-record-profits-20090507-awdo.html|title=Nintendo defies recession with record profits|date=May 7, 2009|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=September 9, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/09/21/official-nintendo-ds-launch-details|title=Official Nintendo DS Launch Details|last=Harris|first=Craig|date=September 20, 2004|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=September 9, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Finances2009">{{cite report|publisher=Nintendo|year=2009|accessdate=September 3, 2015|title=2009 Annual Financial Report: Financial Section|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2009/annual0903e.pdf|page=17}}</ref> but in Nintendo's subsequent years, its revenues had declined.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} With the release of the [[Wii U]] in 2012, the company had posted its first loss as a video game company.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/technology/nintendos-wii-u-takes-aim-at-a-changed-video-game-world.html|title=Nintendo’s Wii U Takes Aim at a Changed Video Game World|last=Wingfield|first=Nick|access-date=November 21, 2018|language=en}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' attributed Nintendo lowering financial forecasts in 2014 to weak hardware sales against [[mobile gaming]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/18/technology/resisting-mobile-hurts-nintendos-bottom-line.html?_r=0 | title = Resisting Mobile Hurts Nintendo's Bottom Line | first = Nick | last = Wingfield | date = January 18, 2014 | accessdate = December 9, 2016 | website = [[New York Times]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170728200642/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/18/technology/resisting-mobile-hurts-nintendos-bottom-line.html?_r=0 | archivedate = July 28, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Previously, the company had been hesitant about this market, with then-president [[Satoru Iwata]] considering that they would "cease to be Nintendo" and lose their identity if they attempted to enter it.<ref>{{cite web|first=Lucas M.|last=Thomas|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=September 13, 2011|accessdate=September 3, 2015|title=Nintendo + Smartphones? Iwata Says "Absolutely Not"|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/14/nintendo-smartphones-iwata-says-absolutely-not|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730121534/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/14/nintendo-smartphones-iwata-says-absolutely-not|archivedate=July 30, 2017}}</ref> About three years prior to the Switch's announcement, Iwata, [[Tatsumi Kimishima]], [[Genyo Takeda]], and [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] crafted a strategy for revitalizing Nintendo's business model, which included approaching the mobile market, creating new hardware, and "maximizing [their] intellectual property".<ref name="bloomberg"/> Prior to his death, Iwata was able to secure a business alliance with Japanese mobile provider [[DeNA]] to develop mobile titles based on Nintendo's first-party franchises, believing this approach would not compromise their integrity.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://time.com/3748920/nintendo-mobile-games/|title=Exclusive: Nintendo CEO Reveals Plans for Smartphones|last=Peckham|first=Matt|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|publisher=[[Time Inc.]]|date=March 18, 2015|accessdate=July 13, 2015|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423091350/http://time.com/3748920/nintendo-mobile-games/|archivedate=April 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|date=March 18, 2015|accessdate=July 21, 2015|title=Players More Important Than Money, Nintendo Pres. Says About Smartphone Deal|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/players-more-important-than-money-nintendo-pres-sa/1100-6426003/|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729002851/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/players-more-important-than-money-nintendo-pres-sa/1100-6426003/|archivedate=July 29, 2017}}</ref> Following Iwata's death in July 2015, Kimishima was named as [[president (corporate title)|president]] of Nintendo, while Miyamoto was promoted to the title of "Creative Fellow".<ref name="bloomberg"/>

=== Development ===
Initial conception for the Switch started shortly after the release of the Wii U in 2012.<ref name="glixel history">{{cite web | title = How the Polarization Of Video Games Spurred the Creation of the Switch | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/nintendo-talks-origins-and-development-of-the-switch-w514671 | first = Blake | last = Hester | date = December 26, 2017 | accessdate = December 26, 2017 | website = [[Glixel]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20171226184539/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/nintendo-talks-origins-and-development-of-the-switch-w514671 | archivedate = December 26, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Kimishima stated that when Nintendo was evaluating what new hardware they wanted to produce, they "didn't just want a successor" to either the [[Nintendo 3DS]] or Wii U, but instead asked "what kind of new experience can we create?"<ref name="bloomberg">{{cite web | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-28/nintendo-s-big-switch-q-a-with-president-tatsumi-kimishima | title = Nintendo's Big Switch: Q&A With President Tatsumi Kimishima | first1 = Yuji | last1 = Nakamura | first2 = Takashi | last2 = Amano | website = [[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]] | date = October 28, 2016 | accessdate = December 9, 2016 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20161220064153/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-28/nintendo-s-big-switch-q-a-with-president-tatsumi-kimishima | archivedate = December 20, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Asahi Shimbun]]'', Kimishima stated that the Switch was designed to provide a "new way to play" that would "have a larger impact than the Wii U".<ref name="vg247-nxsuccessor">{{cite web|title=Nintendo NX "is neither the successor to the Wii U nor to the 3DS"|url=https://www.vg247.com/2016/05/16/nintendo-nx-is-neither-the-successor-to-the-wii-u-nor-to-the-3ds/|first=Shabana|last=Arif|date=May 16, 2016|website=[[VG247]]|accessdate=May 17, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517101355/http://www.vg247.com/2016/05/16/nintendo-nx-is-neither-the-successor-to-the-wii-u-nor-to-the-3ds/|archivedate=May 17, 2016}}</ref><ref name=CnetNX>{{cite web|last1=Westaway|first1=Luke|title=Nintendo will make games for phones, new 'NX' system|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/mario-set-for-smartphones-as-nintendo-forges-new-mobile-deal/|website=CNET|accessdate=March 17, 2015|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318071603/http://www.cnet.com/news/mario-set-for-smartphones-as-nintendo-forges-new-mobile-deal/|archivedate=March 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/tech/gaming/555594/Nintendo-Switch-Sales|title=Nintendo Switch 'might struggle to keep pace with Xbox One, PS4'|last=Wright|first=James|publisher=[[Daily Star (British newspaper)|Daily Star]]|date=October 26, 2016|accessdate=January 17, 2017}}</ref> [[Nintendo of America]] president and [[Chief operating officer|COO]] [[Reggie Fils-Aimé]] emphasized the console's appeal as a device that would provide gamers the option to play at home or on the go, and noted that it would enable developers to create new types of games.<ref name="NYT new market">{{cite news|first=Nick|last=Wingfield|title=Nintendo Switch Reaches for a New Market With Home-and-Mobile Console|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/21/technology/nintendo-switch-game-console.html|work=[[The New York Times]]|location=Seattle|date=October 20, 2016|accessdate=October 23, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023154613/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/21/technology/nintendo-switch-game-console.html|archivedate=October 23, 2016}}</ref>

Part of the inspiration of the Switch's design was from feedback players had given Nintendo on the [[Wii Remote]], according to Shinya Takahashi. With the release of games like ''[[Wii Sports]]'' and ''[[Wii Fit]]'', players had asked Nintendo if they could make the Wii Remote in a smaller form factor, potentially strapped it to a part of their body. This led to Nintendo envisioning what a smaller form-factor controller could provide in both hardware and gameplay, and led to the idea of a console that was small enough with these new controllers to also be portable.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/314530/The_Nintendo_Switch_JoyCons_and_even_Labo_are_the_result_of_Wiiera_feedback.php | title = The Nintendo Switch, Joy-Cons, and even Labo are the result of Wii-era feedback | first = Alissa | last= McAloon | date = February 9, 2018 | accessdate = February 9, 2018 | website = [[Gamasutra]] }}</ref> Other concepts came out of consumer feedback that was critical of the Wii U. Fils-Aimé said that one common criticism they had for the Wii U was that while players did enjoy using the [[Wii U GamePad]] and would want to play games on it anywhere, it became functionless if they moved a distance away from the main console. This served for Nintendo to design a home console that the player could take with them anywhere.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/10/nintendo-president-our-future-is-as-an-entertainment-company/ | title = Nintendo president: “I compete for time,” not against Xbox, PlayStation | first = Sam | last= Mackovech  |date = October 3, 2018 | accessdate = October 8, 2018 | work = [[Ars Technica]] }}</ref>

One market area that Nintendo wanted the Switch to satisfy was to create a device that could play "leisurely" video games along games that are aimed to be played "deeply", attempting to bridge a polarization of the gaming market at the time, according to Shinya Takahashi and [[Yoshiaki Koizumi]], general manager and deputy general manager of Nintendo's [[Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development|Entertainment Planning & Development division]] (EPD), respectively.<ref name="glixel history"/> Takahashi considered that the Switch's design addresses the cultural differences between Western and Japanese gamers, particularly students; while Japanese students generally spend more time together after school and where gaming is integral to that social time, Western students tend to have busier schedules that limit this, making the portability features of the Switch capable of meeting both lifestyles.<ref name="time feb2017"/> In some cases, games for the Switch are designed to encourage social interactions in groups, such as ''[[1-2-Switch]]'' which requires players to look face-to-face rather than at the screen. Kimishima said that, as Nintendo is an entertainment company, they see games on the Switch that encourage enjoyable social interactions as supporting their ultimate goals.<ref name="time kimishima"/> Two key elements that were set to address the mixed market were the ability for the unit to play both on a television screen and while used as a portable, and the use of detachable controllers.<ref name="glixel history"/> The "Switch" name was selected not only to refer to the console's ability to switch from handheld to home console modes, but to present "the idea of being a 'switch' that will flip and change the way people experience entertainment in their daily lives".<ref name="siliconera naming">{{cite web | url = http://www.siliconera.com/2016/12/07/nintendo-explains-switch-got-name-goal-reveal-trailer/ | title = Nintendo Explains How The Switch Got Its Name And What Their Goal Was With Its Reveal Trailer | author = Casey | date = December 7, 2016 | accessdate = December 7, 2016 | website = [[Siliconera]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20161208125224/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/12/07/nintendo-explains-switch-got-name-goal-reveal-trailer/ | archivedate = December 8, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Koizumi served as the general producer of the Switch during development.<ref name="time feb2017"/> According to Miyamoto, the Switch's development within Nintendo was headed by younger employees, with him saying "...it's really been them that have put this forward and designed this system".<ref name="glixel miyamoto">{{cite web | url = http://www.glixel.com/news/nintendos-shigeru-miyamoto-didnt-lead-switch-development-w460944 | title = Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto Didn't Lead Switch Development | first = John | last = Davidson | date = January 12, 2017 | accessdate = January 12, 2017 | website = [[Glixel]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170113170747/http://www.glixel.com/news/nintendos-shigeru-miyamoto-didnt-lead-switch-development-w460944 | archivedate = January 13, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="nytimes dec 2017"/> Miyamoto said of the younger employees: "I always look for designers who aren’t super-passionate game fans. I make it a point to ensure they're not just a gamer, but that they have a lot of different interests and skill sets."<ref name="nytimes dec 2017"/> Miyamoto, Takeda, and Iwata were less involved, but provided necessary oversight on the Switch's development principally around the cost of implementing new features that would make the Switch stand out.<ref name="time miyamoto">{{cite web | url = http://time.com/4668908/nintendo-switch-miyamoto-interview/ | title = 10 Things Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto Told Us About Switch and More | first = Matt | last = Peckham | date = February 13, 2017 | accessdate = February 13, 2017 | website = [[Time (magazine)|Time]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170213201103/http://time.com/4668908/nintendo-switch-miyamoto-interview/ | archivedate = February 13, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Around five different prototypes were developed for the Switch before they finalized on the released design. This included developing different methods of how the Joy-Con controllers would physically connect to the console, including using magnets to hold them in place.<ref name="glixel history"/> For Miyamoto, his limited involvement allowed him to spend more time on Nintendo's software titles being developed at the time, such as ''[[Super Mario Run]]''.<ref name="glixel miyamoto"/>

The development of the Switch continued Nintendo's [[Blue Ocean Strategy|blue ocean]] approach for the competitive console marketplace. Rather than trying to compete feature-for-feature with Microsoft or Sony's offerings, Fils-Aimé said that Nintendo's goal for the Switch was "creating products and experiences that are unique and really can't be copied by our competition".<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.fastcompany.com/3067343/innovation-agents/nintendo-switch | title = With Nintendo's Switch Game Console, New Ideas Create New Experiences | first = Kevin | last = Ohannessian | date = January 20, 2017 | accessdate = January 20, 2017 | website = [[Fast Company (magazine)|Fast Company]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170120150351/https://www.fastcompany.com/3067343/innovation-agents/nintendo-switch | archivedate = January 20, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Takahashi said that for Nintendo, "we feel like we're an entertainment company rather than necessarily a games or a graphics company", and described the Switch as "a system that really has the best balance of being able to create fun and new ways to play, but doing so with the graphic quality that's still good enough while also being one that's easy to develop for."<ref name="time feb2017"/> Miyamoto said that some broad concepts of the Switch extend from the "lateral thinking with seasoned technology" design philosophy of [[Gunpei Yokoi]] that Nintendo has used over the last couple of decades.<ref name="time miyamoto"/>

In addition to the form-factor design, Nintendo needed to balance the power and speed of the console's [[central processing unit]] with battery life and the unit's size, coupled with limited development resources and deadlines set by Nintendo's management. One choice made by the development team was to use an existing [[system on a chip]] (SOC) rather than creating their own as they had done on previous consoles. Koizumi said that this break from tradition was done to gain more third-party support for the console by using an SOC that developers could easily port to. Nintendo was not focused on raw processing power, but were instead looking to balance the overall features of the system, including battery life and size, as well as keeping in mind their limited development resources and timeline. Koizumi said "The most difficult part was on how to take an overall balance while we were getting entangled with all of those in complexity."<ref name="glixel history"/> To achieve this balance, they did not opt to use the more powerful hardware they could have used, instead using a middle-ground approach to achieve their vision of the Switch.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/02/28/the-switchs-architect-on-why-nintendos-consoles-are-different.aspx | title = The Switch's Architect On Why Nintendo's Consoles Are Different | first = Ben | last = Reeves | date = February 26, 2017 | accessdate = March 1, 2017 | website = [[Game Informer]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170301082232/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/02/28/the-switchs-architect-on-why-nintendos-consoles-are-different.aspx | archivedate = March 1, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Speaking to investors in January 2018, about ten months after the Switch's release, Shinya Takahashi said that the Switch could have a lifecycle longer than the typical five-to-six years that current home consoles have. Nintendo has brought a number of "junior" developers within the company to help brainstorm ideas that would "create interesting products" using the Switch hardware that could further reach a wider audience, thus aiding in extending its lifecycle.<ref>{{cite web | last = Makuch | first = Eddie | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/switch-lifecycle-could-extend-beyond-the-typical-5/1100-6456717/ | title = Switch Lifecycle Could Extend Beyond The Typical 5-6 Year Window, Nintendo Says | date = February 11, 2018 | accessdate = February 13, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] }}</ref>

=== Announcements and release ===
The first public news of about the Switch's hardware happened alongside the announcement of Nintendo and DeNA's partnership on March 17, 2015. At this stage, Nintendo referred to the console under the codename "NX", and described it as a "brand new concept".<ref>{{citation| url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-17-nintendo-nx-is-new-hardware-with-a-brand-new-concept| title = Nintendo NX is "new hardware with a brand new concept"| first = Wesley| last = Yin-Poole| date = March 17, 2015| work = Eurogamer| deadurl = no| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20161020234649/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-17-nintendo-nx-is-new-hardware-with-a-brand-new-concept| archivedate = October 20, 2016| df = mdy-all}}</ref> At an investor's meeting in April 2016, Nintendo announced that it planned to release the NX worldwide in March 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/herocomplex/la-et-hc-nintendo-dates-its-successor-to-the-wii-u-the-nx-20160427-story.html|title=Nintendo dates its successor to the Wii U, the NX|website=Los Angeles Times|publisher=[[Tronc]]|first=Todd|last=Martens|date=April 27, 2016|accessdate=April 27, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428094932/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/herocomplex/la-et-hc-nintendo-dates-its-successor-to-the-wii-u-the-nx-20160427-story.html|archivedate=April 28, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Reilly|first1=Luke|title=Nintendo NX Will Launch In March 2017|url=http://ign.com/articles/2016/04/27/nintendo-nx-will-launch-in-march-2017/|website=[[IGN.com]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|accessdate=April 27, 2016|date=April 27, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428095149/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/04/27/nintendo-nx-will-launch-in-march-2017|archivedate=April 28, 2016}}</ref> While Nintendo did not unveil the NX's hardware at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2016]] in June, it did announce that ''The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'', which was originally announced as Wii U-exclusive, would also be released for the NX. At a Nintendo shareholders' meeting following the conference, Miyamoto stated that the company had concerns that competitors could copy ideas from the NX if they revealed it too soon.<ref name="geekcom-wontreplace"/><ref name="polygon-e3imitator">{{cite web|title=Report: Nintendo's fear of imitators kept NX out of E3|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/6/29/12059030/nintendo-nx-e3-no-show-virtual-reality-details|first=Allegra|last=Frank|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=June 29, 2016|accessdate=June 30, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629205851/http://www.polygon.com/2016/6/29/12059030/nintendo-nx-e3-no-show-virtual-reality-details|archivedate=June 29, 2016}}</ref> The following month, rumors began to surface surrounding the nature of the console, including its use of [[Nvidia Tegra]] hardware, being a "hybrid" device intended for both home and mobile use, controllers that can detach from the main device and be played separately, and that Nintendo would distribute games on the console via cartridges and digital downloads.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-26-nx-is-a-portable-console-with-detachable-controllers | title = Nintendo NX is a portable console with detachable controllers | first = Tom | last = Philips | date = July 26, 2016 | accessdate = July 26, 2016 | website = [[Eurogamer]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20160726135100/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-07-26-nx-is-a-portable-console-with-detachable-controllers | archivedate = July 26, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2016-nintendo-nx-mobile-games-machine-powered-by-nvidia-tegra | title = Nintendo NX is powered by Nvidia Tegra technology | first = Richard | last = Leadbetter | date = July 26, 2016 | accessdate = July 26, 2016 | website = [[Eurogamer]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20160727134615/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2016-nintendo-nx-mobile-games-machine-powered-by-nvidia-tegra | archivedate = July 27, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendos-nx-controller-could-have-detachable-d-pa/1100-6442713/ | title = Nintendo's NX Controller Could Have Detachable D-Pad, According To Updated Patents | first = Zorine | last = Te | date = August 16, 2016 | accessdate = October 20, 2016 | website = [[GameSpot]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20161022053809/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendos-nx-controller-could-have-detachable-d-pa/1100-6442713/ | archivedate = October 22, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

On October 20, 2016, Nintendo officially announced the console under the name Nintendo Switch, alongside a trailer that demonstrated the hardware's nature as a hybrid device.<ref name="engadget-nxreveal2">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/20/switch-is-nintendos-next-game-console/|title='Switch' is Nintendo's next game console|website=Engadget|publisher=AOL Inc.|accessdate=October 20, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020141148/https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/20/switch-is-nintendos-next-game-console/|archivedate=October 20, 2016}}</ref> At the time of the trailer's release, Nintendo did not provide many details on features of the platform, though they planned to have events in 2017 to provide more details about the console. The company did state that there are additional features that were not presented in the introductory trailer.<ref name="nytimes">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/22/business/international/nintendo-stock-switch-console.html|title=Nintendo Switch Console Is Met With Skepticism From Investors|last=Soble|first=Jonathan|date=October 21, 2016|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|issn=0362-4331|location=Tokyo|access-date=October 22, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024102600/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/22/business/international/nintendo-stock-switch-console.html|archivedate=October 24, 2016}}</ref><ref name="wsj">{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/nintendos-new-switch-console-fails-to-turn-on-investors-1477034448|title=Nintendo's New Switch Console Fails to Turn On Investors|last=Mochizuki|first=Takashi|date=October 21, 2016|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|issn=0099-9660|access-date=October 22, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021141043/http://www.wsj.com/articles/nintendos-new-switch-console-fails-to-turn-on-investors-1477034448|archivedate=October 21, 2016}}</ref> Miyamoto and Fils-Aimé presented the Switch to host [[Jimmy Fallon]] on a broadcast of ''[[The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon]]'' in December 2016. In addition to showing more of the console's hardware and functionality, Fallon was given the opportunity to play part of ''Breath of the Wild'' live.<ref name="arstech tonightshow">{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/12/miyamoto-lands-on-late-night-tv-with-nintendo-switch-reveal-and-guitar-riffs/ | title = Miyamoto lands on late-night TV with Nintendo Switch reveal—and guitar riffs | first = Sam | last = Markovech | date = December 8, 2016 | accessdate = December 8, 2016 | website = [[Ars Technica]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20161208072302/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/12/miyamoto-lands-on-late-night-tv-with-nintendo-switch-reveal-and-guitar-riffs/ | archivedate = December 8, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Nintendo revealed technical details of the Switch, including its worldwide launch date and price, at a press event in Tokyo on January 13, 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/articles/more-nintendo-switch-news-coming-in-january-2017/1100-6444838/| title = More Nintendo Switch News Coming in January 2017 | first = Eddie | last= Makuch | date = October 26, 2016 | accessdate = October 26, 2016 | website = [[GameSpot]] }}</ref> The event was [[Streaming media|livestreamed]],<ref name="switch-january-reveal">{{cite web | url=http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/nintendo-reveals-plans-for-nintendo-switch-presentation | title=Nintendo reveals plans for Nintendo Switch presentation | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | date=October 26, 2016 | accessdate=October 27, 2016 | deadurl=no | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027031757/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/nintendo-reveals-plans-for-nintendo-switch-presentation | archivedate=October 27, 2016 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> with an English [[voiceover]] provided by Nintendo of America through their broadcast and regional [[Twitter]] accounts relaying details in other languages. A Nintendo Treehouse event occurred the following day to reveal the full launch lineup and upcoming games for the Switch.<ref name="switch event details vg247">{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2017/01/05/switch-reveal-will-feature-english-voiceover-in-depth-look-at-games-coming-via-treehouse-live/ |title=Switch reveal will feature English voiceover, "in-depth" look at games coming via Treehouse Live |last=Nunneley |first=Stephany |website=VG247 |access-date=January 5, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106104547/http://www.vg247.com/2017/01/05/switch-reveal-will-feature-english-voiceover-in-depth-look-at-games-coming-via-treehouse-live/ |archivedate=January 6, 2017  }}</ref>

The Switch was officially released on March 3, 2017 worldwide, notably in all key markets, but excluding some parts of Asia, including India and [[Mainland China]].<ref name="ndtv asia"/><!-- Add any new regions here for release. --> However, the Nintendo Switch continues to be officially released in particular markets, such as [[Argentina]] on August 15, 2017<ref>{{cite web | url = http://culturageek.com.ar/nintendo-switch-argentina-precio-fecha/ | title = Nintendo Switch en Argentina: ¡Precio y fecha de lanzamiento oficial confirmados! | first = Augusto Finocchiaro | last= Preci | date = July 24, 2017 | accessdate = September 21, 2017 | website = Cultura Geek | language = Spanish }}</ref> and in South Korea and Taiwan on December 1, 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/press_list.php?cPage1=1&cPage2=1&idx=274&press_div=P | title = Switch and Play 게임 생활을 보다 액티브하게! 한국닌텐도, 「Nintendo Switch™」 12월 1일 국내 정식 발매 결정 | date = September 20, 2017 | accessdate = September 21, 2017 | website = Nintendo of Korea official press release | language = Korean | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170920035442/http://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/press_list.php?cPage1=1&cPage2=1&idx=274&press_div=P | archivedate = September 20, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nintendo.tw/pressrelease/switch_20170920.html | title = Switch and Play 讓遊戲生活更有趣味 「Nintendo Switch」 2017年12月1日、NTD9,780(含稅) 在台灣發售 | date = September 20, 2017 | accessdate = September 21, 2017 | website = Nintendo (Hong Kong) Ltd. official press release | language = Chinese | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170920070145/http://www.nintendo.tw/pressrelease/switch_20170920.html | archivedate = September 20, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Independent resellers have been trading the console in [[Brazil]] since March 2017 due to Nintendo's exit from the Brazilian market back in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://olhardigital.com.br/games-e-consoles/noticia/nintendo-switch-ja-esta-sendo-vendido-no-brasil-e-o-preco-assusta/66568 |title=Nintendo Switch já está sendo vendido no Brasil e o preço assusta |author=Rodrigo Loureiro |date=March 3, 2017 |publisher=Olhar Digital |access-date=November 29, 2017 |language=Portuguese |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033300/https://olhardigital.com.br/games-e-consoles/noticia/nintendo-switch-ja-esta-sendo-vendido-no-brasil-e-o-preco-assusta/66568 |archivedate=December 1, 2017  }}</ref> Nintendo has since assigned NC Games as their local game distributor in May 2017,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tecmundo.com.br/nintendo-switch/117082-games-switch-vem-brasil-nc-games-custar-r-399.htm |title=Games do Switch vêm ao Brasil pela NC Games e podem custar até R$ 399 |author=Renan Hamann |date=May 25, 2017 |publisher=Tecmundo |access-date=November 29, 2017 |language=Portuguese |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035122/https://www.tecmundo.com.br/nintendo-switch/117082-games-switch-vem-brasil-nc-games-custar-r-399.htm |archivedate=December 1, 2017  }}</ref> and the local company has committed to sell some officially imported Nintendo Switch units in small quantities.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vice.com/pt_br/article/j5ezpy/jogos-de-nintendo-switch-e-3ds-serao-distribuidos-no-brasil | title = Jogos de Nintendo Switch e 3DS serão distribuídos no Brasil | first = Pedro | last = Falcão | date = May 25, 2017 | accessdate = September 21, 2017 | website = [[Vice Media|Vice]] | language = Portuguese | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170921102410/https://www.vice.com/pt_br/article/j5ezpy/jogos-de-nintendo-switch-e-3ds-serao-distribuidos-no-brasil | archivedate = September 21, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> In April 2018, CD Media, Nintendo's official distributor in Greece and the [[Balkans]] since 2016, announced after opening their new offices in [[Istanbul]], that Nintendo's products will officially be distributed in Turkey later in the year.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://nintendocu.com/1086 | title = Nintendo'nun Yeni Türkiye Distribütörü CD Media Olacak | first = Kadir | last = Çakır | date = April 24, 2018 | accessdate = July 27, 2018 | website = Nintendocu.com | language = Turkish | deadurl = no }}</ref> Nintendo abruptly withdrew from the Turkish market back in June 2012 when then-distributor Nortec Eurasia closed.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://microsite.nintendo-europe.com/nintendo.turkey/ | title = Nintendo of Europe addressing Turkish distribution situation in June 2012 | date = June 2012 | accessdate = July 27, 2018 | website = [[Nintendo|Nintendo of Europe]] | deadurl = no }}</ref> CD Media released the Nintendo Switch in Turkey in July 2018.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.webtekno.com/nintendo-switch-turkiye-h50307.html | title = Resmi Açıklama Geldi: Nintendo Switch Türkiye'de Satışa Çıkıyor | first = Enes | last = K. | date = July 24, 2018 | accessdate = July 27, 2018 | website = Webtekno | language = Turkish | deadurl = no }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.webtekno.com/nintendo-switch-ve-oyunlarinin-turkiye-fiyati-h50545.html | title = Türkiye'de Satışa Sunulan Nintendo Switch ve Oyunlarının Fiyatı Belli Oldu | first = Enes | last = K. | date = July 27, 2018 | accessdate = July 27, 2018 | website = Webtekno | language = Turkish | deadurl = no }}</ref>

Although the Nintendo Switch has not officially been released in [[China]], it is still widely available in the country due to [[grey market]] imports from [[Hong Kong]] and other regions.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.abacusnews.com/big-guns/gamers-china-cant-play-online-games-nintendo-switch-anymore/article/2166039|title=Gamers in China can’t play online games on Nintendo Switch anymore|work=Abacus|access-date=October 6, 2018}}</ref> In January 2018, former Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima said in an interview with Chinese news website [[Tencent QQ|QQ]] that Nintendo has tried to release the Switch in China, but has been unable to do so.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://new.qq.com/omn/20180111/20180111A0O28M.html|title=任天堂社长：多次尝试进中国未果 手游或寻代理-腾讯网|website=new.qq.com|access-date=October 6, 2018}}</ref>

=== Marketing and promotion ===
[[File:Wii U Console and Gamepad.png|thumb|right|Nintendo sought to avoid the struggles it had with communicating the capabilities of the Switch's predecessor, the [[Wii U]], whose [[Wii U GamePad|GamePad]] (left) some mistook as an accessory for the Wii rather than a controller for the Wii U.]]

A key part of marketing the Switch was to be "crystal clear in our communication of what the product was and what the product could do", according to Fils-Aimé, so as to avoid similar issues with how they presented the Wii U.<ref name="usatoday different"/><ref name="verge e3">{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/13/15784484/how-nintendo-is-avoiding-the-mistakes-of-the-wii-u-with-switch | title = How Nintendo is avoiding the mistakes of the Wii U with Switch | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = June 13, 2017 | accessdate = June 14, 2017 | website = [[The Verge]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170613192353/https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/13/15784484/how-nintendo-is-avoiding-the-mistakes-of-the-wii-u-with-switch | archivedate = June 13, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://money.cnn.com/2017/11/09/technology/nintendo-switch-wii-u/index.html | title = Nintendo exec: Failed Wii U is responsible for Switch's success | first = Kaya | last = Yuriff | date = November 9, 2017 | accessdate = November 10, 2017 | website = [[CNN]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20171109233526/http://money.cnn.com/2017/11/09/technology/nintendo-switch-wii-u/index.html | archivedate = November 9, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> While the Wii U was designed as a home console unit, Nintendo's lack of clarity on this point led to a general assumption that the unit, principally the [[Wii U GamePad]], was more like a tablet, overshadowing the Wii U's other features (such as dual-screen play modes). Nintendo also believed that some consumers had mistaken the Wii U GamePad as being an accessory for the existing Wii console, rather than being the flagship feature of an entirely new platform.<ref name=gamespot-messaging>{{cite web|title=Nintendo believes Wii U messaging issues corrected|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-believes-wii-u-messaging-issues-corrected/1100-6396523/|website=GameSpot|accessdate=December 23, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519104652/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-believes-wii-u-messaging-issues-corrected/1100-6396523/|archivedate=May 19, 2014}}</ref> Instead, for the Switch, Fils-Aimé said the company was "very aggressive and clearly communicating the proposition that it's a home console you can take on the go wherever and whenever you want".<ref name="usatoday different">{{cite web | url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/baig/2017/01/14/nintendos-reggie-fils-aime-why-switch-different-wii-u/96582926/ | title = Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime: Why Switch is different from Wii U | first = Edward | last = Baig | date = January 14, 2017 | accessdate = January 18, 2017 | website = [[USA Today]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170117193139/http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/baig/2017/01/14/nintendos-reggie-fils-aime-why-switch-different-wii-u/96582926/ | archivedate = January 17, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

For example, the October 2016 trailer (considered significantly unlike Nintendo's past marketing efforts, according to ''[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]]''<ref name="bloomberg"/>) was designed to show the various ways that the Switch can be used so that viewers would recognize that "each of its forms offer different play experiences for people to enjoy".<ref name="siliconera naming"/> Kimishima said that the intent of the trailer was to show that the device was aimed across all player demographics, showcasing features that core gamers would recognize and appreciate to carry this intent.<ref name="bloomberg"/> A large amount of Nintendo's launch marketing for the console focused heavily on the launch title ''Breath of the Wild''; Nintendo of America marketing executive, Nick Chavez, stated that the decision to showcase the new ''Zelda'' game was meant to promote it to both older viewers, who may have grown up with the franchise's earliest games and are accustomed to modern open world games, and to a new generation of players.<ref name="time superbowlad"/>

Nintendo aired its first-ever [[Super Bowl commercial|Super Bowl ad]] during the United States broadcast of [[Super Bowl LI]]. Set to the [[Imagine Dragons]] song "[[Believer (Imagine Dragons song)|Believer]]",<ref name="vb ads"/> the ad showcased the various play modes with the Switch and its launch titles, particularly ''Breath of the Wild'', and upcoming releases; while an ad to celebrate the 20th anniversary of ''[[Pokémon]]'' was broadcast the previous year during [[Super Bowl 50]], this ad was paid for by [[The Pokémon Company]] and not by Nintendo.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2017/2/1/14470838/nintendo-switch-super-bowl-li-commercial | title = Nintendo's Super Bowl Switch commercial shows the many ways you can play Zelda | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = February 1, 2017 | accessdate = February 1, 2017 | website = [[The Verge]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170202003805/http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/1/14470838/nintendo-switch-super-bowl-li-commercial | archivedate = February 2, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=usatoday-nintendoad>{{cite web|last=Molina|first=Brett|title=Nintendo devotes its first-ever Super Bowl ad to Switch|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2017/02/01/nintendo-devotes-its-first-ever-super-bowl-ad-switch/97331552/|website=USA Today|accessdate=February 1, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201155929/http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2017/02/01/nintendo-devotes-its-first-ever-super-bowl-ad-switch/97331552/|archivedate=February 1, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/1/14470720/when-does-nintendo-switch-super-bowl-ad-air |title=Nintendo's first Super Bowl ad is all about the Switch |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=February 1, 2017 |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=February 1, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202073718/http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/1/14470720/when-does-nintendo-switch-super-bowl-ad-air |archivedate=February 2, 2017  }}</ref> Chavez said of the ad, "There's no bigger stage in the U.S. on which to showcase the platform. I think it speaks to our confidence in the system."<ref name="time superbowlad">{{cite web | url = http://time.com/4653672/nintendo-switch-super-bowl-commercial/ | title = Watch Nintendo's First-Ever Super Bowl Commercial | first = Matt | last = Peckham | date = February 1, 2017 | accessdate = February 1, 2017 | website = [[Time (magazine)|Time]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170201160425/http://time.com/4653672/nintendo-switch-super-bowl-commercial/ | archivedate = February 1, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Additional television commercials are expected to follow the Super Bowl spot, which are to demonstrate Switch's use cases among different demographics, as well as "casual" and "core" gaming audiences.<ref name="time superbowlad"/> Such ad venues included the [[2017 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament]], the [[2017 Kids' Choice Awards]], and on programming blocks for [[Nickelodeon]], [[Adult Swim]], and [[Comedy Central]].<ref name="vb ads">{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/01/nintendo-switches-up-the-console-ad-spending-charts/ | title = Nintendo 'Switches' up the console ad-spending charts | first = Eleanor | last = Semeraro | date = May 1, 2017 | accessdate = May 3, 2017 | website = [[Venture Beat]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170502110641/https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/01/nintendo-switches-up-the-console-ad-spending-charts/ | archivedate = May 2, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Chavez emphasized that Nintendo's overall marketing for Switch would not be "just a six to eight week launch campaign", but "really a 15 month campaign for us, to say nothing of our plans for 2018".<ref name="time superbowlad"/>

[[File:Nintendo Switch event in Paris.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Grand Palais]] in Paris, France during the Switch media event on January 15, 2017]]

In addition to advertising, Nintendo had planned several ways for players to try the system before its release through various "sampling events". Kimishima felt that it was important, particularly for "career gamers", for Nintendo to get the Switch into players' hands, so that players could understand how the system differs from Nintendo's previous offerings. Kimishima also said that the company was "running a guerrilla marketing program where we're just dashing around and trying to have as many events as possible and get it in the hands of players so they can experience the difference."<ref name="time kimishima">{{Cite web | url = http://time.com/4662446/nintendo-president-switch-interview/ | title = 19 Things Nintendo's President Told Us About Switch and More | first = Matt | last = Peckham | date = February 7, 2017 | accessdate = February 7, 2017 | website = [[Time (magazine)|Time]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170207192823/http://time.com/4662446/nintendo-president-switch-interview/ | archivedate = February 7, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> The North American and European press had special events on January 13, 2017, following the Tokyo presentation.<ref name="polygon handsonevents">{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/28/13769892/nintendo-switch-new-york-event | title = Nintendo holding Switch hands-on event in New York Jan. 13 | first = Chelsea | last = Shark | date = November 28, 2016 | accessdate = November 28, 2016 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20161129001715/http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/28/13769892/nintendo-switch-new-york-event | archivedate = November 29, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-also-hosting-a-switch-press-event-in-paris-on-january-13/|title=Nintendo also hosting a Switch press event in Paris on January 13 - Nintendo Everything|date=November 30, 2016|publisher=|accessdate=December 30, 2016|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202124006/http://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-also-hosting-a-switch-press-event-in-paris-on-january-13/|archivedate=December 2, 2016}}</ref> Various Switch demonstration events were run in North America, Europe, and Japan during January and February 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.siliconera.com/2016/12/28/nintendo-switch-hands-event-japan-will-last-seven-hours-days/ | title = The Nintendo Switch Hands-On Event In Japan Will Last Seven Hours On Both Days | author = Sato | date = December 28, 2016 | accessdate = December 28, 2016 | website = [[Siliconera]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20161229033404/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/12/28/nintendo-switch-hands-event-japan-will-last-seven-hours-days/ | archivedate = December 29, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/12/14/select-fans-invited-to-see-nintendo-switch-early | title = Select Fans Invited to See Nintendo Switch Early | first = Joe | last = Skrebels | date = December 14, 2016 | accessdate = December 14, 2016 | website = [[IGN]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20161214154654/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/12/14/select-fans-invited-to-see-nintendo-switch-early | archivedate = December 14, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.vg247.com/2017/02/03/nintendo-switch-hands-on-events-will-take-place-in-three-uk-cities-starting-next-weekend/ | title = Nintendo Switch hands on events will take place in three UK cities starting next weekend | first = Stephany | last = Nunneley | date = February 3, 2017 | accessdate = February 3, 2017 | website = [[VG247]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170203203419/http://www.vg247.com/2017/02/03/nintendo-switch-hands-on-events-will-take-place-in-three-uk-cities-starting-next-weekend/ | archivedate = February 3, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Rawmeatcowboy|title=Nintendo NL Offering A Chance To Win Invites To A Switch Hands-On Event In February|url=http://gonintendo.com/stories/272855-nintendo-nl-offering-a-chance-to-win-invites-to-a-switch-hands-on|website=Go Nintendo|accessdate=January 28, 2017|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202055410/http://gonintendo.com/stories/272855-nintendo-nl-offering-a-chance-to-win-invites-to-a-switch-hands-on|archivedate=February 2, 2017}}</ref> Nintendo offered demonstrations of the Switch at gaming conferences including [[PAX (event)|PAX South]], [[South by Southwest]], and [[RTX (event)|RTX]].<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2017/1/23/14360160/nintendo-switch-pax-south-playable | title = Get your hands on the Nintendo Switch at PAX South | first = Samit | last = Sarkar | date = January 23, 2017 | accessdate = January 23, 2017 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170124131020/http://www.polygon.com/2017/1/23/14360160/nintendo-switch-pax-south-playable | archivedate = January 24, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="gamespot cena">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-john-cena-to-help-promote-the-cons/1100-6448055/ | title = Nintendo Switch: John Cena To Help Promote The Console, Here's How | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = February 21, 2017 | accessdate = February 21, 2017 | website = [[GameSpot]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170222234908/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-john-cena-to-help-promote-the-cons/1100-6448055/ | archivedate = February 22, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/you-ll-be-able-to-try-out-the-nintendo-switch-at-rtx-sydney-in-february-405017.phtml | title = You'll be able to try out the Nintendo Switch at RTX Sydney in February | first = Dennis | last = Carden | date = December 14, 2016 | accessdate = December 15, 2016 | website = [[Destructoid]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20161216140205/https://www.destructoid.com/you-ll-be-able-to-try-out-the-nintendo-switch-at-rtx-sydney-in-february-405017.phtml | archivedate = December 16, 2016 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Nintendo also promoted the Switch through an "Unexpected Places" campaign in February 2017, temporarily setting up living-room style spaces in three United States locations and inviting fans and players, including [[John Cena]], to try out the unit.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/21/14682742/nintendo-switch-john-cena | title = Nintendo tag teams with John Cena for living room-inspired Switch demos | first = Christopher | last = Grant | date = February 21, 2017 | accessdate = February 24, 2017 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170224014003/http://www.polygon.com/2017/2/21/14682742/nintendo-switch-john-cena | archivedate = February 24, 2017 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

In June 2018, Nintendo announced it was partnering with [[Disney Channel]] to help produce ''Nintendo Switch Family Showdown'', a televised competition where families competed in challenges around various Switch games in August 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/disney-channel-nintendo-switch-family-showdown-1202849456/|title=Disney Channel's Nintendo Switch Family Showdown Casting Call|last=Lanier|first=Liz|date=June 18, 2018|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|accessdate=June 20, 2018}}</ref> 

== Hardware ==
[[File:Nintendo-Switch-Console-Bare-FL-B.jpg|thumb|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 video game console|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 computer|tablet]]-like monitor that comprises an [[Liquid-crystal display|LCD]] screen measuring {{convert|6.2|in|mm}} on its diagonal, the same as the Wii U GamePad. The unit itself measures {{convert|203.1 x 102 x 13.9|mm|in}} and weighs {{convert|297|g|oz}}. The screen supports ten-point [[Capacitive sensing|multi-touch capacitive sensing]] and includes [[haptic technology]] from [[Immersion Corporation]]. The LCD screen supports resolutions up to [[720p]] (1280×720 [[Pixel|px]]). The Console includes a 3.5&nbsp;mm [[Phone connector (audio)|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 [[Nintendo game card|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".

[[File:Nintendo-Switch-Dock-Front.jpg|link=File:Nintendo-Switch-Dock-Front.jpg|thumb|The Nintendo Switch Dock]]
[[File:Nintendo-Switch-Dock-Back-Open.jpg|link=File:Nintendo-Switch-Dock-Back-Open.jpg|thumb|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 {{convert|173 x 104 x 54|mm|in}} and weighs {{convert|327|g|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 [[Wii U GamePad|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 ===

[[File:Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controllers.png|thumb|The gray Joy-Con L and Joy-Con R controllers]]
[[File:Nintendo-Switch-JoyCon-Grip-FL.jpg|thumb|The neon red and blue Joy-Con attached to the Joy-Con Grip controller]]

The Nintendo Switch comes with [[Game controller|controllers]] collectively called Joy-Con, individually called the "Joy-Con L" and "Joy-Con R". 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. Straps can be attached to the sides of Joy-Con when they are detached.

Each Joy-Con includes four front-facing action buttons (Joy-Con R featuring Nintendo's signature ABXY buttons, and Joy-Con L featuring [[D-pad|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. Each Joy-Con contains an [[accelerometer]] and [[gyroscope]] for [[motion controller|motion control]] support, while Joy-Con R also contains an [[infrared]] depth sensor that can be used to identify objects and motion gestures. Both Joy-Con contain a [[haptic feedback]] system known as "HD Rumble", which can generate fine tactile feedback. Joy-Con R contains an [[Near field communication|NFC]] reader, allowing functionality with Nintendo's [[Amiibo]] line. Each Joy-Con measures {{convert|35.9 x 102 x 13.9|mm|in}} and weighs {{convert|49|g|oz}} for Joy-Con L and {{convert|52.1|g|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 {{convert|28.4|mm|in}}.

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 (video game)|Arms]]'' on June 16, 2017, 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. Joy-Con based on [[Eevee]] and [[Pikachu]]'s color scheme were released alongside [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|''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.

=== Technical specifications ===
The Switch uses a [[system-on-chip]] from the [[Nvidia Tegra|Tegra]] family of products, developed in partnership with [[Nvidia]]. 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 processing unit|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". 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. Pre-release reports, unconfirmed by either Nintendo or Nvidia, stated that the SoC would be an Nvidia [[Tegra X1]] [[System on a Chip|SoC]] with 4 [[ARM Holdings|ARM]] [[Cortex-A57]] CPU cores and 4 [[ARM Holdings|ARM]] [[Cortex-A53]] CPU cores along with 256 [[Maxwell (microarchitecture)|Maxwell]] based [[CUDA]] GPU cores. This was later corroborated by an analysis on the console done by Tech Insights in March 2017. The CPU cores are clocked at 1.020&nbsp;GHz, as revealed by DigitalFoundry. The GPU cores vary between 768&nbsp;MHz and 307.2&nbsp;MHz depending upon whether the device is docked; however, they can be boosted to 921&nbsp;MHz and 384&nbsp;MHz, respectively. A later [[iFixIt]] teardown of the final product confirmed 4GB of [[LPDDR4]].

The Switch offers dual-band [[IEEE 802.11ac|802.11ac]] wireless connectivity and is compliant with 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac modes. Up to eight Switch consoles can be connected in a [[Wireless ad hoc network|wireless ''ad hoc'' network]] for local multiplayer games, and multiple players can play on each of the connected Switch consoles. 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. The Switch uses [[Bluetooth|Bluetooth 4.1]] for wireless communication between the console and its controllers. Users can purchase a third-party USB [[local-area network|LAN adapter]] for wired connectivity when the Console is docked for TV mode. Nintendo's Wii LAN adapter accessory is also compatible with the Switch via USB ports on the Switch dock.

The Switch is primarily powered in portable mode by a non-removable 4310 [[Ampere hour|mAh]], 3.7 [[Volt|V]] [[Lithium-ion battery|Lithium-ion]] rechargeable battery. 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. The battery can be charged either while in the Dock, or through a standard [[USB-C]] connector on the Console. The estimated recharge time while the unit is in sleep mode is about 3 hours. Nintendo offers the means for replacing batteries through its customer support. Each Joy-Con has its own non-removable 525 [[Ampere hour|mAh]], 3.7 [[Volt|V]] [[Lithium-ion battery|Lithium-ion]] battery separate from the Console, with an estimated twenty-hour lifespan. 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. 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.

The Switch includes 32&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 2&nbsp;TB using a [[microSD]], a [[microSDHC]] or a [[microSDXC]] card. A microSD card slot is located under the Switch's kickstand, where a microSD card can be inserted. If the [[Secure Digital|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. 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, though save game and profile transfers between Switch consoles were added in the 4.0.0 system update in October 2017. While microSD and microSDHC support was available at launch, microSDXC card support was later added to the Switch's software via a system update. SD cards and miniSD cards are not compatible with the Switch due to the size of the microSD card slot. The Switch does not support external storage units at launch, but Nintendo stated that they were looking into adding this feature in the future.

The Switch console contains a 3.5&nbsp;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. 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.

=== Other controllers and accessories ===
[[File:Nintendo-Switch-Pro-Controller-FL.jpg|thumb|right|The optional and more conventional Pro Controller]]
[[File:Nintendo-Switch-JoyCon-Grip-Chargeable-03.jpg|thumb|right|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. 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.

A charging grip is available for the Joy-Con, which provides a means to attach a USB-C cable for power. Alongside that, Nintendo released a charging strap that allows players to charge an individual Joy-Con via embedded AA batteries on June 16, 2017. 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 game]]s such as ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''. The Switch supports a wireless [[Nintendo Switch Pro Controller|Pro Controller]], which has a more traditional design reminiscent of the [[Wii Classic Controller|Wii Classic Controller Pro]] and [[Wii U Pro Controller]]. A setting can be turned on to use the controller in wired USB mode; however, this will disable the NFC reader on the controller. Standalone Docks are available, which include a power adapter and HDMI cable. Third parties also support the Switch with additional accessories, such as carrying cases and screen protectors. The 4.0.0 system update enabled support for [[GameCube controller]]s 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]]. 

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.

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.

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.

A PC-specific USB keyboard is compatible with the Nintendo Switch in docked mode.

== Software ==
[[File:Nintendo Switch Menu screenshot.png|right|thumb|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, [[Nintendo eShop|eShop]] access, and a photo album for screenshots captured during gameplay; the 4.0 update to the software in October 2017 also enabled capturing and sharing video from select games. A single Switch console supports up to eight user profiles, which each can be tied to a [[Nintendo Account]] user ID. Profiles can be represented by either a pre-made [[Avatar (computing)|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.

Prior to the 4.0 update, players discovered that the Switch's firmware included an [[Easter egg (media)|easter egg]] to allow players to play the NES ''[[Golf (1984 video game)|Golf]]'' title via a built-in emulator. While Nintendo has not confirmed its presence<!--update if necessary-->, 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 [[List of Nintendo Direct presentations|Nintendo Direct presentations]]. Some Japanese users referred to this as a ''[[omamori]]'' (charm) left by Iwata himself. With the 4.0 update, the executable code for this Easter egg appears to have been wiped by Nintendo.

In August 2018, a Twitter user found files on the Switch's firmware while [[Reverse engineering|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. Hackers found that the code related to possible VR functionality had been hidden in the Switch for over a year.

=== Security ===
Nintendo continued its [[White hat (computer security)|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.

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. 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. Nintendo has reportedly fixed the vulnerability in newer Switch units as of July 2018.

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 [[Pornography|pornographic]] and [[Not safe for work|NSFW]] pictures, which violate Nintendo's terms of service. A Nintendo spokesperson responded to ''[[Kotaku]]'' 's article on the topic, saying that "Modified Nintendo Switch systems have been banned”.

Shortly after the release of Nintendo Switch Online in September 2018, hackers and modders were able to figure out how to run unauthorized [[Read-only memory|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.

===Online services and functionalities ===

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 [[Social login|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 [[SpotPass and StreetPass|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.

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''. 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. 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. 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.

In line with Microsoft and Sony consoles, a subscription is required to access online multiplayer on most games. 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. [[Free-to-play]] games such as ''[[Fortnite Battle Royale]]'' and ''[[Warframe]]'' are exempt from the subscription requirement for online play. 

The Nintendo Switch Online [[mobile app]] allows access to voice chat for Switch Online subscribers, as well as access to game-specific [[microsite]]s. Unlike its competitors, voice chat is not supported via the console itself, requiring use of the app on a [[smartphone]] instead. A separate app provides access to [[parental controls]] for the console.

=== Media support ===
The Switch did not initially launch with many multimedia-oriented features, such as a web browser or support for video streaming services. 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. Nintendo did not rule out providing a full web browser or apps for services in the future, and Fils-Aimé said that they are in discussions with providers like [[Netflix]], [[Hulu]], and [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] for such support.

[[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. Hulu was the first video streaming application released for the Switch in the United States on November 9, 2017. A YouTube application was released on November 8, 2018. As of January 2018, Netflix had stated it was looking into a Switch app for the service, but had no definitive plans yet. Fils-Aimé said in June 2018 that conversations to bring Netflix to the Switch are "on-going".

Korg Gadget, a music production app, was released for the Nintendo Switch on April 26, 2018. InkyPen, a comics and manga subscription app, launched exclusively on the Nintendo Switch worldwide on December 17, 2018. ''FUZE4'', a text-based programming language app, will be released on April 1, 2019.

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 [[hotspot (Wi-Fi)|Wi-Fi hotspots]]. 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.

[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]