Preorders for Nintendo's forthcoming hybrid console, the Switch, has now gone live. It's the latest offering from Nintendo after the Wii U, a console that failed to mirror the Wii's success.
The Nintendo Switch is a tablet, a home console, and a multiplayer tabletop system crammed into one device, and it's poised to merge input methods Nintendo pioneered — shoulder buttons, rumble, motion control, touchscreen, etc. — and offer an appealing hybrid for gamers of all ages.
It's too early to predict whether the console will catch on and revitalize Nintendo's foothold in the home console mantle, but for those who actually don't care about that and want to immediately preorder the Switch nonetheless, here's how to do so.
How To Preorder The Nintendo Switch
Currently, GameStop, Walmart, Amazon, Target, and Best Buy are taking preorders for the console. Its availability, however, seems in flux — one moment it shows up, another moment it's sold out, then another moment it's up again. Even if those websites show the Switch as sold out, it's best to keep checking in case it becomes available again.
If those sites unfortunately run out of stock, those in New York may head over to Nintendo's store in Rockefeller Center. Prior to the Switch conference, the company announced that limited preorders could be placed at the said store, beginning 9 a.m. ET on Jan. 13. A store representative said that they would indeed be accepting reservations, but the quantity is limited.
Those who miss out on the preorders may still get to try the console firsthand ahead of everybody else. Nintendo is poised to tour several cities to showcase the Switch to the press on the first two days, and the public on the last day of each stop. From Jan. 13 to 15, the console will head to New York; Jan. 27 to 29 it'll be in Toronto; Feb. 10 to 12 in Washington, D.C.; Feb. 17 to 19 in Chicago; Feb. 24 to 26 in San Francisco; then it will make a final stop in Los Angeles from March 3 to 5.
What Is The Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch was unveiled to much fanfare late October, in a video depicting scenarios of its "Switching" gimmick. For those who aren't aware, the Switch's core selling is point is its ability to shift from a docked mode to a portable mode. How does one perform this function? Perhaps removing wires, connecting peripherals, or fumbling with adapters, right? No. Lift it up from its dock, and then it becomes a portable device instantly.
The recent event brought out several details that weren't showcased during the reveal video, including launch games and other titles in development. The Joy-Con controllers in particular heavily showcased, confirmed to sport motion controls akin to the Wii and HD rumble technology, which by Nintendo's own example will let players accurately feel ice cubes tumbling down the Joy-Con as if it's a glass — players can even tell how many ice cubes there are.
The Nintendo Switch hits shelves March 3, retailing for $299.
