Nintendo Switch will be supported by all the major game publishers, including Activision Publishing, Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Bethesda Softworks (a first for the makers of “Skyrim,” “Fallout” and “Doom”). Franchises like “EA Sports FIFA,” “The Elder Scrolls,” “NBA 2K,” and “Minecraft” are all heading to the Switch. Here’s a rundown of some of the exclusive Nintendo-developed launch games for Switch.
“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” will provide players with a landmark Nintendo Switch experience on the system’s launch day in March, and will be available as a standard edition, Special Edition and Master Edition. The Special Edition includes the game, a Nintendo Switch “Sheikah Slate” carrying case, “Sheikah” eye collectible coin, “Relic of Hyrule: Calamity Ganon” tapestry and weather-worn map, and “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” sound selection CD for a suggested retail price of $99.99. The Master Edition includes all of those items plus a “Master Sword of Resurrection” figure, and has a suggested retail price of $129.99.
“1-2-Switch:” This is the first Nintendo video game in which players compete in fun activities while staring into each other’s eyes instead of at the TV screen. From Wild West gunslinging to copying each other’s dance moves, the games in “1-2-Switch” make creative use of a broad variety of Nintendo Switch features to liven up parties with anyone, anywhere, at any time. “1-2-Switch” will be available alongside the Nintendo Switch system on its launch day in March.
“ARMS”: Featuring a unique multiplayer fighting sport that lets players trade blows using extendable arms, this game includes elements of both boxing and shooting games, plus a new cast of characters. After customizing a character with a variety of arms, the player holds one Joy-Con in each hand and throws left and right punches at the opponent. Players can compete against the computer, against a friend on a split screen using a second set of Joy-Con (sold separately), against worldwide rivals online, or with two Nintendo Switch systems over a local wireless connection. “ARMS” will be available this Spring.
“Mario Kart 8 Deluxe”: With Nintendo Switch, fans can enjoy the definitive version of “Mario Kart 8” anywhere, anytime, even with up to eight friends in local wireless multiplayer. All your favorite tracks and characters return from the Wii U version, plus all DLC tracks and characters, and new characters join the roster, too: Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy from “Splatoon,” as well as King Boo, Dry Bones and Bowser Jr. Play in TV mode in up to 1080p. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches in April.
“Splatoon 2”: Traditional 4-on-4 turf battles return in this full sequel to the original breakout hit game, along with new stages, new fashions and new weapons such as the two-handed Splat Dualies. The game will also support voice chat using the new Nintendo Switch smart device app (a free, limited version of the app will be available this summer), and will add new stages, fashions and weapons after launch, as the original game did. “Splatoon 2” is scheduled to launch this summer.
“Super Mario Odyssey”: This is the first sandbox game that allows Mario to fully explore his world since Super Mario 64 on Nintendo 64 and Super Mario Sunshine on Nintendo GameCube. Mario jumps out of the Mushroom Kingdom and embarks on a journey through mysterious new places and new experiences, such as sailing between worlds aboard an airship and the ability to throw Mario’s cap. “Super Mario Odyssey” is scheduled to launch during the 2017 holiday season.
“Snipperclips — Cut it out, together!”: In this creative new kind of Action-Puzzle game, players communicate, cooperate and use their imaginations to solve basic and advanced puzzles by cutting paper characters into new shapes. People can play solo or with a friend in the main game, then bring in a bigger group to solve up to four-player dynamic puzzles or compete in other activities. Snipperclips — Cut it out, together!” will release in March exclusively in Nintendo eShop.
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