STACK #148 Feb 2017

GAMES FEATURE

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Last month, we got hands-on with Nintendo’s latest console – the Switch. Words Alesha Kolbe

T he last entry into the home entertainment market from the makers of Mario was the Wii U back in 2012. In the lead-up to the reveal of its new hardware in October last year, rumours were circulating and pundits predicting just what Nintendo had in store for its next foray into the console market. Formerly known under its working title of NX, the Nintendo Switch is a console designed for use both in the comfort of your own home and on the run. Boasting a 6.2” touchscreen and two detachable Joy-Con controllers (yeah, they’re actually called that), the console is as innovative as it is daring. But does it work? In short, the answer is yes. The Switch has Nintendo’s brand written all over it, from the A/B/X/Y button configuration to the coloured – and appropriately named – Joy-Con controllers. The press event held in Melbourne filled a room with everything Nintendo had to offer us, along with over 100 media and industry representatives eager to see – and play – the Switch. Directly inside was an intriguing giant glass case ( 1-2-Switch – we’ll get to that later) and

despite unfortunately not being bundled with the console. The Switch's screen itself is comparatively small, however thankfully doesn't quite reach the overwhelming size of the Wii U GamePad. When swapping the console fromTV to handheld, the split between screens is almost seamless. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is, as expected, a heap of fun. It’s a port of 8 from the Wii U with all the DLC included, and even sees the return of Battle Mode; longtime fans of the game will particularly enjoy this touch of nostalgia. The Joy-Cons in this game are comfortable enough, but we can see the edges becoming irritating after long periods of time. Before you ask – yes, there is a wheel. A pleasant surprise (following its underwhelming reveal trailer) was Arms . If you’re having trouble imagining it, think Wii Sports Boxing meets Street Fighter. You have a roster of characters to choose from, each with varying manoeuvrability, whose gloves you can then customise to each hand. In-game, you use the Joy-Cons to pummel your opponent to oblivion, providing quite the cardio workout. Arms ’ appeal lies in its absolute absurdity, and

...designed for use both in the comfort of your own home and on the run

dotted around the outside of the room were the rest of the highly-anticipated titles. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild had a queue no matter when you walked past – and rightly so. Having checked this out in a Wii U build previously, it was refreshing to finally see it on what appeared to be the platform it was designed for. The Pro controller is the more comfortable control scheme for Breath of the Wild ,

54 FEBRUARY 2017

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