Nintendo Switch: six things you might not know

We’ve covered the Nintendo Switch presentation extensively this morning, looking at the event itself, game trailers and the South African release date.

In other words, there’s a lot to know about the console, but we’ve still got some more information you may have missed.

You’re getting a NES/SNES game a month (with online play)

One of the more notable tidbits was that the Nintendo online gaming service would be a paid service. But did you know that you’re getting a free NES or SNES game as well?

“Subscribers will get to download and play a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) or Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Super NES) game (with newly-added online play) for free for a month,” Nintendo wrote on its website. It’s unclear if the game is only available to play for a month or if it’s only available to download for free for that month (update: Kotaku reports that the former is actually the case).

But the other interesting bit is “newly-added online play”, which could be a rather fantastic feature for some games.

Voice chat seems to require a mobile app?

Nintendo touted the ability to create play appointments and chat with friends over its new service. But it’s not clear whether voice chat actually works directly from the console.

“Our new dedicated smart device app will connect to Nintendo Switch and let you invite friends to play online, set play appointments, and chat with friends during online matches in compatible games — all from your smart device,” the company wrote, which is a little ambiguous. Then there’s the diagram, showing that the “online lobby and voice chat app” is only available to paid users — no mention of voice chat in general.

Nintendo 3DS and Wii U online play will still be free

The fact that you have to pay for online gaming is a little disappointing, but if it results in a much better service…

In any event, those with 3DS and Wii U consoles don’t have to worry about paying for online gaming.

“This service is only for Nintendo Switch. It does not affect Wii U or Nintendo 3DS systems or online play,” the company wrote.

It has 32GB of expandable storage

Echoing the premium Wii U, the Nintendo Switch packs 32GB of storage. It’s a small amount of internal storage if Switch games need to be installed or if you go digital for most of your purchases.

But Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch has a microSD card slot for expansion purposes. It’s not quite portable hard drive territory like the Wii U then, but at least it’s not fixed storage, I guess.

It has USB Type-C, opening the door for easy charging

In a smart move, Nintendo has fitted the Switch with a USB Type-C port for charging. In other words, it seems like you could be able to charge the device with your smartphone’s adapter then.

In theory, it should also mean that charging via a power bank is a no-brainer. So travellers might have another solution instead of looking for a plug-point.

You can use up to eight controllers on a Switch

Nintendo’s consoles are generally all about party play, so it comes as no surprise to hear that the Switch supports eight JoyCon controllers connected at once.

This is ideal for a Super Smash Brothers game and other beat ’em ups. It also seems well-suited to party games like 1-2-Switch, that have less emphasis on the actual screen.