By Michael Higham on Feb 23, 2017 07:30 pm
How the Consoles Stack
All the major consoles stacked against each other
The Nintendo Switch will be the smallest major game console on the market when it hits store shelves March 3rd. It doesn't come to anyone's surprise given that it is built as a home and portable console hybrid, but just how small is it? Let's take a look through this simple size comparison! Nintendo Switch is priced at US $300/£280/AU $470. The console comes with nine launch games: 1-2-Switch, Just Dance 2017, Skylanders: Imaginators, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, I Am Setsuna, Human Resource Machine, Little Inferno, World of Goo, and Super Bomberman R. A tenth title, The Binding of Isaac Afterbirth+, was meant to launch on March 3 for the system, but that was recently delayed. For all the games confirmed to be coming to Switch--but not necessarily at launch--take a look at our roundup. You can also check out everything that comes in the box, as well as our feature taking a close look at the console's peripherals. And if you're curious about Switch's menus and UI (user interface), look at our in-depth analysis.
The lay of the console land
All the major consoles laid out
With the Joy-Con controllers attached, the Switch is approximately 9.4 inches wide, 4.02 inches long, and 1.12 inches tall. The viewable screen space is 6.2 inches diagonally, and the console weighs about 10.5 pounds. Though it may not be as powerful as the other consoles, it achieves portability with its custom Nvidia Tegra chip and its move from disk-based media and traditional hard disks to SD cards for media and storage.
Nintendo Wii U gamepad
Nintendo Wii U gamepad
Compared to the Wii U gamepad, the Switch console is a lot less bulky. The Wii U gamepad measures at 10.2 inches wide, 5.3 inches long, and 0.9 inches tall, but it is slightly lighter at 1.08 pounds. Both share the same screen size at 6.2 inches, though the Switch's screen sports 720p as opposed to 480p on the Wii U gamepad.
Nintendo Wii U console
Nintendo Wii U console
The Switch not only packs more punch with better processing power than its predecessor and built-in display, it's also significantly smaller. The Wii U console is 10.5 inches long, 6.8 inches wide, 1.8 inches tall, and weight 3.3 pounds.
Sony PlayStation 4 Slim
Sony PlayStation 4 Slim
The PlayStation 4 Slim is a nice, compact iteration on Sony's current console, but you could theoretically fit about four Switches in one PS4 Slim, which measures at 11.3 inches long, 10.4 inches wide, 1.5 inches tall, and weighs 4.6 pounds.
Microsoft Xbox One S
Microsoft Xbox One S
Microsoft's Xbox One was in a serious need of a slimmer design, and the Xbox One S delivered by being 40 percent smaller than the original. It measures at 11.6 inches long, 9.0 inches wide, 2.5 inches tall, and weighs 6.4 pounds.
Sony PlayStation 4 Pro
Sony PlayStation 4 Pro
The PlayStation 4 Pro is a three-layered beast compared to the Nintendo Switch, though it is capable of 4K resolution and HDR. As of now, it's the most powerful console. It's 12.9 inches long, 11.6 inches wide, and 2.2 inches tall, and weighs 7.3 pounds--the heaviest of this bunch.
Xbox One S, DualShock 4, and Wii U Pro controllers
Xbox One S, DualShock 4, and Wii U Pro controllers
The Joy-Con buttons, sticks, and triggers may not be as robust as traditional controllers, but they work well to serve a full console gaming experience on-the-go.
Nintendo 3DS
Nintendo 3DS
The most relevant comparison is between the Switch and 3DS, since the Switch's portability is a significant factor. The 3DS measures at 5.3 inches wide, 2.9 inches long, and 0.8 inches tall when enclosed. It remains lighter than the Switch at just 8.3 ounces (0.52 pounds). With the leap in processing power, functionality, and visual fidelity for the Switch, size is where the comparisons end.
Nvidia Shield
Nvidia Shield
The Nvidia Shield is an Android-based gaming and video streaming device. It sports the Nvidia Tegra X1 chip, which the Switch's Tegra chip is based on. Without the Joy-Con attached, both the Switch and Shield are nearly identical in size.
Apple iPhone 6s Plus
Apple iPhone 6s Plus
The iPhone 6s Plus is 6.2 inches long, 3.1 inches wide, and 0.3 inches tall with a 5.5 inch display.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch
The Switch seems dwarfed alongside laptop computers with screens larger than 13 inches, even the MacBook Air which measures 12.8 inches wide, 8.9 inches long, and 0.7 inches tall. This model of the Air weighs about 2.9 pounds and sports a 1440x900 screen resolution.
Standard sized keyboard and mouse
Standard sized keyboard and mouse
Here the Switch lays alongside the Logitech G610 Orion, which is standard sized 104-key mechanical keyboard, and the Logitech G403 wireless mouse. It seems Nintendo's new console would rest discreetly atop your desk or workstation.
Wii U and Switch game cases
Wii U and Switch game cases
The Wii U game case for Mario Kart 8, the Switch, and the game case for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild all alongside each other.
Nvidia GTX 1080 graphics card
Nvidia GTX 1080 graphics card
The Nvidia GTX 1080 is currently the fastest single graphics processor for PC gaming available to consumers, but it's also a beast of a card. It's 10.5 inches long and 4.4 inches tall, and it's just one component of an entire system, albeit an important one.
Switch vs. very old banana
Switch vs. very old banana
We decided to get silly and take the Switch on a tour around our office kitchen. Here's the Switch alongside a very old organic banana. You could still make banana bread with it, though.
Switch vs. burrito
Switch vs. burrito
This carnitas and rice burrito tasted much better than the Switch.
Switching up our diet
Switching up our diet
This is proof we taste-tested it.
Switch vs. the GameSpot bagel cutter
Switch vs. the GameSpot bagel cutter
Our bagel cutter gets a lot use around the GameSpot office, but we find the Switch to sport a much more elegant design.
Switch vs. glasses
Switch vs. glasses
Seeing is believing, so we hope our size comparisons provided a clear vision of Nintendo's new console. Cheers!
By Kallie Plagge on Feb 23, 2017 07:30 pm
Accessories Galore
The Nintendo Switch comes with quite a few different controller configurations and a number of other accessories. Click ahead to take a closer look at a few of them. Nintendo Switch launches on March 3, priced at US $300/£280/AU $470. The console comes with 11 games at launch: Skylanders Imaginators, 1-2-Switch, Just Dance 2017, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, I Am Setsuna, Human Resource Machine, Little Inferno, World of Goo, Shovel Knight, Fast RMX, and Super Bomberman R. Another title, The Binding of Isaac Afterbirth+, was meant to launch on March 3 for the system, but that was recently delayed. For all the games confirmed to be coming to Switch--but not necessarily at launch--take a look at our roundup. You can also take a look at everything that comes in the box, as well as our in-depth feature of the console's menus and UI (user interface). And if you're curious how the Switch compares to other consoles in terms of size, check out our size comparison.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller costs $70 and is sold separately.
The Switch Pro Controller includes motion controls, rumble, amiibo compatibility, and more.
A close-up of the front of the Pro Controller.
The back of the Pro Controller.
Each Nintendo Switch includes two Joy-Con controllers. However, you can purchase separate Joy-Con controllers.
Blue Joy-Con (L).
Red Joy-Con (R).
The Joy-Cons are also sold separately if you want extras. They cost $80 for a set of two and $50 for each individual (left or right) controller.
The Joy-Cons are available in this combination blue-and-red option as well as a dual gray option.
The Joy-Con Charging Grip combines the left and right Joy-Cons into a single controller while charging them.
Top view of the Joy-Con Charging Grip.
The Joy-Cons slotted into the Charging Grip.
The Joy-Con Charging Grip costs $30 and is included with the Switch.
The Nintendo Switch case is sold separately.
Top view of the case when opened.
Interior of the Switch carrying case.
By Matt Espineli on Feb 23, 2017 07:30 pm
Switch Menus and UI
The Nintendo Switch sports its own distinct user-interface (UI) and menu options, which are quite different from those of Wii and Wii U. In the slides ahead, we provide in-depth details on each of the console's menus, while also providing information on the smaller features contained within. Nintendo Switch launches on March 3, priced at US $300/£280/AU $470. The console comes with nine launch games: 1-2-Switch, Just Dance 2017, Skylanders: Imaginators, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, I Am Setsuna, Human Resource Machine, Little Inferno, World of Goo, and Super Bomberman R. A tenth title, The Binding of Isaac Afterbirth+, was meant to launch on March 3 for the system, but that was recently delayed. For all the games confirmed to be coming to Switch--but not necessarily at launch--take a look at our roundup. You can also check out everything that comes in the box, as well as our feature taking a close look at the console's peripherals. And if you're curious how the Switch compares to other consoles in terms of size, check out our size comparison.
Main Menu Screen
The Switch's main menu is elegant and straightforward, featuring a row where you can cycle through your game library, and a bottom section that includes the following options: News, eShop, Album, Controller Options, System Settings, and Sleep Mode.
News
News provides access to articles detailing the latest information about Nintendo's upcoming games, as well in-depth guides teaching you how to use your Switch.
Nintendo eShop
As of writing, the Nintendo eShop is not online. We'll be updating this feature with further details once we're able to access the storefront.
Album
Unlike Nintendo's previous consoles, Switch allows you to capture screenshots as you play--similar to PS4's share button. When you access the Album in the Switch's main menu, you can look at all the screenshots you've taken. According to Nintendo, Switch's capture button will eventually allow you to record gameplay footage.
Album: Screenshot Options
When you view a screenshot, you can choose to post it on social media, add text to it, or copy it onto a microSD card.
Controller Options
Controller Options is where you're able to change the grip and order of the Joy-Con controllers. You can also pair additional Switch controllers to the console in this menu.
System Settings
You can manage and adjust a variety of options in System Settings, such as screen brightness, saved data, and parental controls.
System Settings: Parental Controls
The Parental Controls menu in the System Settings restricts access to specific kinds of games and content on Switch based on the age range specified. There are three options to choose from: Teen, Pre-Teen, and Child. Each offers different restrictions on software, social media, etc. You can also create your own custom restriction settings.
System Settings: Mii Creation Tool
Switch also features a Mii creation tool, which you can access via System Settings; it allows you to create an avatar by adjusting an assortment of different customization options. But unlike Wii U, the Mii you create isn't directly associated with your console profile. It's currently unclear what specific purpose your Miis serve aside from being what you tie amiibo to when you scan them into the console.
System Settings: Themes
You're not restricted to the default white theme that Switch is set to when you first boot up the console. It's possible to set your Switch's Theme to Jet Black in System Settings. We're hoping that Nintendo releases more themes in the future.
Sleep Mode
Sleep Mode lets you power down your Switch in an energy efficient state that maintains your current position in the game you're playing.
Profile Page
When you first boot up your Switch, you create a personal profile image using the various Nintendo character icons available. After the setup is complete, you'll see your icon on the top left of the main menu. Choosing it brings up your profile page where you can access your Friend List, send friend requests, and adjust your profile settings.
Select a User
Before you start playing a game, you're asked which user you want to play the game with. This only occurs after you've made multiple user accounts on the console.
By Jimmy Thang on Feb 23, 2017 07:30 pm
We got a Nintendo Switch into the office. Expect an in-depth review of the console soon, but in the meantime, we wanted to show you everything that comes in the box. Click ahead for a closer look at everything Nintendo Switch comes with. Nintendo Switch launches on March 3, priced at US $300/£280/AU $470. The console comes with nine launch games: 1-2-Switch, Just Dance 2017, Skylanders: Imaginators, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, I Am Setsuna, Human Resource Machine, Little Inferno, World of Goo, and Super Bomberman R. A tenth title, The Binding of Isaac Afterbirth+, was meant to launch on March 3 for the system, but that was recently delayed. For all the games confirmed to be coming to Switch--but not necessarily at launch--take a look at our roundup. You can also check out the console's main peripherals, as well as our in-depth feature of its menus and UI (user interface). And if you're curious how the Switch compares to other consoles in terms of size, check out our size comparison.
The Nintendo Switch uses a 6.2-inch touchscreen panel.
Here's the Switch's kickstand in action.
Underneath the kickstand, there's a MicroSD card slot that supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) cards.
The top of the Switch houses the power button, volume rocker, headphone jack, and Game Card slot. There's also an exhaust here.
Game Cards are roughly the size of SD cards.
Here's the front of the Nintendo Switch dock.
The Nintendo Switch dock offers two USB ports on the left.
This is the back of the Nintendo Switch dock.
The back of the Switch dock opens up and provides cable management for a USB port, HDMI port, and AC adapter.
Without the Joy-Con controllers, the Switch measures roughly 6.7x3.9x.6 inches.
The Switch dock measures roughly 6.7x4x1.9 inches.
Here's a shot of the included Joy-Con grip peripheral, which allows you to slot in the Joy-Con controllers.
Here are the Joy-Con controllers slotted into the Joy-Con grip. The Joy-Cons also come in a dark grey variant.
The right Joy-Con controller features the Home button, which illuminates when you get notifications.
Here are the Joy-Con controllers and the Joy-Con straps.
The Joy-Con straps slide into the Joy-Con controllers and provide shoulder buttons when you use them sideways.
Here's the Wii U's GamePad for scale. Both devices use 6.2 inch screens.
You can get your hands on the Nintendo Switch on March 3 for $299.99.
By Anonymous on Feb 23, 2017 06:26 am
21. Daniel Bryan and The Authority
Rivalries are the lifeblood of the WWE. Without them, professional wrestling would not have the stakes that keep millions (and millions) of fans coming back for more. These are the best rivalries in the WWE's storied history. In 2014, the WWE was defined by the rivalry between fan favorite Daniel Bryan and The Authority, led by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. After a rough year of being screwed over in nearly every way possible, Bryan finally reached the pinnacle of pro wrestling by defeating Triple H, Batista and Randy Orton to capture the WWE world heavyweight championship at WrestleMania 30. Yes! (Image credit: WWE)
20. Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks
Former allies Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks started their epic rivalry--arguably the best in 2016--while they were on NXT. Not only did it have high stakes, it stayed fresh throughout the year. The Boss and the Queen helped elevate the women's division to heights wrestling hadn't seen in a long time. (Image credit: WWE)
19. Trish Stratus and Lita
Before the Flair-Banks rivalry, there was Lita and Trish Stratus. The two divas were natural rivals, with both starting in 2000 as managers for popular tag teams. Over the next several years, the two battled back and forth for the Women's Championship, helping to further legitimize the title. (Image credit: WWE)
18. Triple H and Mick Foley
This rivalry really kicked off at the finale of King of the Ring in 1997. By brutally beating Mick Foley (in character as Mankind), Triple H proved he was a rising WWE star. Their rivalry didn't end there, however. The two famously met again in an intense Street Fight at the Royal Rumble in 2000 where HHH again dominated Foley. (Image credit: WWE)
17. The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar
Throughout their careers, Lesnar and the Undertaker met multiple times in high-profile matchups, including a bloody bout at Hell in a Cell. But no match was bigger than when the Beast Incarnate conquered the Deadman at WrestleMania 30, ending Taker's undefeated 'Mania streak. (Image credit: WWE)
16. Triple H and CM Punk
Here's one rivalry that spilled over into real life. In 2011, CM Punk's popularity continued to rise, especially after his infamous "pipe bomb" promo. Despite this popularity, Triple H came out of "retirement" to beat Punk. In 2014, Punk abruptly left the WWE. He revealed to The Art of Wrestling Podcast that he was fired by Triple H on his wedding day. Ouch. (Image credit: WWE)
15. John Cena and Randy Orton
Cena and Orton are natural rivals. Debuting two months apart from each other in 2002, Cena and Orton are two of the most popular wrestlers of their era. The feud between the two has only gotten more intense with time. Keep an eye out for these two superstars at this year's WrestleMania. (Image credit: WWE)
14. Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels
Flair famously said, "To be the man, you gotta beat the man." And that's exactly what Michaels did when he bested the legend at WrestleMania 24 in a career-threatening match. The bout was an instant classic, and a proper way for Flair to finish his in-ring career.
(Image credit: WWE)
13. Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant
These former friends had their most noteworthy bout at WrestleMania 3 in 1987, where they feuded over the championship belt. Hogan famously slammed Andre to successfully defend his title in front of a then-record 93,173 fans. (Image credit: WWE)
12. John Cena and CM Punk
While some might say that Cena's best feud is with Randy Orton, rivalries are better when it enlists two polar opposites. Cena--the face of the WWE--defined the "PG Era," while CM Punk was the WWE's anti-hero. The two battled in multiple main events--including Summerslam and Night of Champions--but their best bout came at Money in the Bank in 2011. (Image credit: WWE)
11. Undertaker and Mankind
This bloody feud began in 1996 when Mankind and the Phenom clashed at King of the Ring. The two continued their rivalry with the inaugural Boiler Room Brawl match at Summerslam, and then met again for a Buried Alive match. The peak of their feud came in 1998 at King of the Ring, when 'Taker threw Mankind from the top of the Hell in a Cell, and then again through the top of the cage. It was one of the most legendary (and brutal) fights in WWE history. (Image credit: WWE)
10. Triple H and Shawn Michaels
Triple H and Michaels were two former best friends, and leaders of one of the best stables in wrestling history: DX. For two-plus years--from 2002 to 2004--the former alliance members were locked in a heated rivalry after Michaels returned to the WWE to join NWO. While this was a memorable rivalry, it wasn't Triple H's best… (Image credit: WWE)
9. Undertaker and Triple H
This epic rivalry lasted longer than a decade, including three unbelievable WrestleMania matchups. In 2001, the two superstars battled at WrestleMania 17, where Taker withstood multiple sledgehammer shots to beat Triple H. The two clashed again at WrestleMania 27, with the Deadman outlasting Triple H after multiple Pedigrees. Finally, the two met in an "End of an Era" match in a Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania 28, where the Phenom extended his WrestleMania streak to 20 straight victories. (Image credit: WWE)
8. The Rock and John Cena
It was only a matter of time before two of the most popular superstars in WWE history started their own iconic rivalry. And in the months before WrestleMania 28 and 29, this rivalry was real, according to Dwayne Johnson. It was such a heated feud, in fact, that the People's Champion and Cena fought backstage. In the ring, the two were a popular duo that headlined WrestleMania in back-to-back years. (Image credit: WWE)
7. Triple H and The Rock
This rivalry began in 1996 when Rocky Maivia battled Hunter Hearst Helmsley at Survivor Series. Nobody thought it'd turn into one of the most intense feuds in WWE history. After Steve Austin missed time with a neck injury, Triple H and the Rock helped to fill that massive void. The two superstars continued to battle in epic matches--like the Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Title and the No. 1 Contender's Strap Match--until the Great One departed for Hollywood. (Image credit: WWE)
6. Undertaker and Kane
There's nothing better than a sibling rivalry, especially one between two seven-footers. Kane debuted in 1997 to ruin Taker in a Hell in a Cell match. The Phenom refused to fight his brother until WrestleMania 14 in 1998, where Undertaker used three Tombstone Piledrivers to finally defeat the Big Red Machine. The Brothers of Destruction bounced between friends and foe over the next decade, but their rivalry remains one of the WWE's best. (Image credit: WWE)
5. Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan
Former partners Hogan and Savage–-known as the Mega Powers--feuded throughout their careers. Their rivalry really heated up when Hogan started eyeing Savage's girl, Miss Elizabeth. Savage abandoned the Hulkster during a tag-team match against the Twin Towers and then attacked Hogan backstage. This led to an intense match at WrestleMania 5, where Hogan came out on top. The two continued to battle it out for years to come. (Image credit: WWE)
4. Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho
One of the best feuds last decade started in 2003 between Michaels and Chris Jericho, who had idolized the Heartbreak Kid. Michaels was set to announce retirement when Y2J came out and (accidentally) punched Michaels' wife. This led to one of the most intense matches in WWE history at Unforgiven. (Image credit: WWE)
3. The Rock and Steve Austin
This rivalry between two of the most popular wrestlers of all time was so huge that it headlined WrestleMania three times in a span of five years. Their best match came in WrestleMania 19, where it took the Great One three Rock Bottoms to finally pin Stone Cold. (Image credit: WWE)
2. Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels
Two of the biggest stars of their era, Bret Hart and Michaels engaged in one of the most high-profile and infamous feuds in wrestling history. At WrestleMania 12 in 1996, the two met in the inaugural Iron Man match, with the Heartbreak Kid winning in overtime. This led to a rivalry that bled over into real life. With Hart set to depart for the WCW, the Hitman refused to drop his title to Michaels at the 1997 Survivor Series. This led to the "Montreal Screw Job," where Vince McMahon stole the title from Hart. (Image credit: WWE)
1. Steve Austin and Vince McMahon
This rivalry helped to define the WWE's "Attitude Era." Austin—the ultimate anti-authoritarian figure—rebelled against his boss Vince McMahon in the only way he knew how to: by chugging beer, flipping the double bird and giving the Stunner to any and everyone who got in his way. The feud culminated in a brutal steel cage during the St. Valentine's Day Massacre: In Your House event in 1999. Austin won, earning the right to a title match at WrestleMania 15. (Image credit: WWE)
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