Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is Nintendo's 8th home console. It was officially announced with a trailer on October 20th, 2016, and is scheduled to launch on March 3rd, 2017.
Features
The Switch's primary feature is its ability to switch its functionality to that of a home console and to that of a handheld device. The main unit itself is a tablet-like device, featuring a 6.2 inch compasitave multi-touch screen. The main unit contains a 3.3mm headphone jack, a slot for game cards, a USB-C charger port, a kickstand on the back, and a micro SD card slot. which is located underneath the kickstand. Packaged with the main unit is a docking station, which features an AC adapter cable, an HDMI port, two USB2.0 ports, and one USB3.0 port.
When the main unit is docked into the station, video output is switched from the handheld portion's screen to the TV screen, and the console's internal processor's power output is increased, allowing the user to play their games in a more home console-like experience. At any time, the player can simply remove the main unit from the docking station to seamlessly transfer their game experience back into a handheld mode. Undocked, the main unit has a battery life that changes depending on the game one is playing, ranging from anywhere between 2.5 hours to 6 hours.
The console's controls come in the form of two detachable controller halves, collectively called Joy-Cons. The Joy-Cons each contain four face buttons, an analogue joystick, and two shoulder buttons. They can be used in conjunction as a traditional controller, or separately, allowing for two individuals to play multiplayer games with a single pair of Joy-Cons. They also Nintendo's patented haptic feedback technology, HD Rumble, to help convey realistic sensations to the users. Each Joy-Con has a battery life of 20 hours.
Pikmin content
No Pikmin games have been officially confirmed for the Nintendo Switch, although it is likely that the scrapped Wii U game, meant to be the fourth installment of Pikmin, will be released on this console. The Olimar amiibo will have functionality with the game Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch.