The Nintendo Switch was finally unveiled to the public on Friday 13th January 2017. Like many others, I decided to wake up at 4 am to watch the stream in the UK. Whilst this was the best look at the system and some of this year’s upcoming games. I think a lot of hardcore fans, as well as myself, wanted more details about the internal specs.

Nevertheless, I’ve gone through the presentation and compiled a list of 10 things that has me excited about the Nintendo Switch.

1. The Nintendo Switch Releases March 3rd, 2017 (Global)

https://youtu.be/Ntzz8O7SpWs?t=3m20s

This is huge news. It’s only 46 days until the launch of Nintendo‘s newest handheld/console hybrid at the time I’m writing this. So it won’t be long until I can have one in my own hands. Many were expecting a late March release date, it’s a definite surprise as to how soon it will be launched.

2. Nintendo Is Bringing Back Local Multiplayer

https://youtu.be/Ntzz8O7SpWs?t=8m44s

Not only will we be able to play two player split-screen on the Switch device. But it was announced that we can connect with 7 other switch devices for 8 player local multiplayer.

3. Region Free

https://youtu.be/Ntzz8O7SpWs?t=5m3s

We’ll now be able to buy games from the US and Japan without having to worry about region locks. This is huge for Nintendo, as they’ve always stood behind region locking for their consoles and recent handhelds in the past.

4. Super Mario Odyssey

Obviously Nintendo had to announce a Mario game during its presentation. Other than the obviously gorgeous trailer being released. I was most excited about the fact that we’re finally return to a full 3D Mario game! We haven’t seen one since Super Mario Sunshine on the Gamecube. Super Mario 64 was still one of my top favourite childhood games and I’m highly anticipating this new game.

5. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Launch Day Release

Again, many people expected Nintendo to show more gameplay of Legend of Zelda: BOTW. However instead of starting the presentation with it, as many hoped, we had to wait until the end when they gave us a brand new story trailer and the release date of March 3rd, 2017. To be launched with the Nintendo Switch.

6. Nintendo Switch + New RPGs = My Heaven

https://youtu.be/Ntzz8O7SpWs?t=37m38s

One of the announcements which got me even more excited for the Nintendo Switch release was the list of RPG‘s that we’ll be getting. Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Dragon Quest X, XI, Heroes 1 and 2, Disgaea 5, I Am Setsuna, Skyrim, NEW Shin Megami Tensei, Project Octopath Traveler to name a few. That’s going to be a lot of gaming hours spent and I couldn’t be happier.

7. Nintendo Switch Is Pretty Small

https://youtu.be/Ntzz8O7SpWs?t=8m36s

Ever since the Gamecube, Nintendo have always tried to keep their consoles on the small scale. Which wasn’t ever a major selling point for me but it was beneficial. The Switch is the smallest home console they’ve released and their largest handheld at the same time. The Joycons are only slightly longer than the 3DS and the tablet itself is around 6.2 inches wide. It’s crazy that we have a console that is more powerful than the Wii U and smaller than the Wii U controller.

8. New IP: Arms

https://youtu.be/k7s3UB_8dFM

This is basically a Punch Out/ Wii Boxing sequel that has you control different fighters who can punch with their extending arms. I wasn’t expecting to be interested in this game, but the trailer and gameplay demos makes it look quite fun.

9. New ‘No More Heroes’ Coming

https://youtu.be/Ntzz8O7SpWs?t=46m51s

Suda 51 will be bringing back Travis Touchdown for a new adventure on the Switch. No More Heroes on the Wii was one of the games I never got to play but was intrigued by the over the top gameplay and style. I’ll be looking forward to catching it this time on the Switch.

10. New Fire Emblem Game Teased

https://youtu.be/POsTR5iy_TI

Ok, it’s not the Fire Emblem that many were expecting, but at least it’s a new Fire Emblem game on the console.We were teased with a short cinematic trailer that didn’t really give anything away but we know that it will be called Fire Emblem Warriors and be co-developed by Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja. Koei Tecmo recently worked on Hyrule Warriors, which took the characters from The Legend of Zelda and mixed it gameplay of Dynasty Warriors, so it’s likely we will see something similar for Fire Emblem Warriors.

Are you excited for the launch of the Nintendo Switch? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below!