Nintendo announced that a new handheld system will be released on July 28th, 2017 called the New Nintendo 2DS XL. It will cost $149.99 in the United States and $199.99 in Canada. The promotional video for the system showed it playing Pokémon Sun and Moon as well as other compatible games.
Nintendo to Launch New Nintendo 2DS XL Portable System on July 28
New Dedicated Hand-Held System Will Sell at a Suggested Retail Price of //media.pocketmonsters.net/news/2890/49.99
REDMOND, Wash., April 27, 2017 – The Nintendo 3DS family of systems will soon be adding a new member. On July 28, New Nintendo 2DS XL makes its debut in the United States at a suggested retail price of $149.99. The New Nintendo 2DS XL system gives consumers a third choice of hand-held systems, one that offers pricing and features that fit between the Nintendo 2DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL systems. New Nintendo 2DS XL will launch on the same day as two big new games for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems: Hey! PIKMIN and Miitopia.
“This new addition to Nintendo’s portable hardware line demonstrates our commitment to the hand-held market,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s President and COO. “New Nintendo 2DS XL sports a beautiful clamshell design and offers a great balance between price and performance.”
The new system will be available in a stylish black/turquoise color, and will use the same size large screen found on New Nintendo 3DS XL systems. As the name of the new system implies, visuals will be displayed in 2D only. The system is lighter but still packs the same power as New Nintendo 3DS XL, and has built-in NFC support for amiibo cards and figures. It can play the massive library of quality Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS games in 2D. Nintendo systems are also the only dedicated video game systems where people can find their favorite characters and game franchises, such as Mario, Peach, Yoshi, Kirby, Pokémon, Fire Emblem, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., Animal Crossing and The Legend of Zelda.
Nintendo revealed its Consolidated Results for the Nine Months Ended December 2015 and 2016 report which revealed that the Pokémon franchise significantly helped Nintendo's fiscal results. From November 18th, 2016 to December 31st, 2016, Pokémon Sun and Moon sold a combined 14.69 million units worldwide.
Consolidated Operating Results
During the nine months ended December 31, 2016, the worldwide release of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon generated buzz and led to blockbuster sales of 14.69 million units. In addition, Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS surpassed the million-seller mark. The release of the smart device application Pokémon GO led to increased sales of software in the Pokémon series released in the past and drove Nintendo 3DS family hardware sales growth, particularly outside of Japan. The worldwide sales volume for Nintendo 3DS hardware this period was 6.45 million units (10% increase on a year-on-year basis), while Nintendo 3DS software sales were 46.78 million units (20% increase on a year-on-year basis).
Nintendo Switch is powered by the performance of the custom Tegra processor. The high-efficiency scalable processor includes an NVIDIA GPU based on the same architecture as the world’s top-performing GeForce gaming graphics cards.
Battery life can last for more than six hours, but will vary depending on the software and usage conditions.
USB Type-C Connector for dock connection and use with USB Type-C AC Adapter
Nintendo Switch Dock includes: two USB 2.0 Ports, HDMI Port and HDMI cable
Power button, Volume +/- buttons and 3.5mm headphone jack
Press Release - Nintendo Reveals Upcoming Games, New Hardware Features
TOKYO, Jan. 13, 2017 – Nintendo announced today that the new Nintendo Switch system will launch worldwide on March 3, 2017 at a suggested retail price of $299.99 in the United States.
The system will include the main console, Joy-Con (L) and Joy-Con (R) controllers, a Joy-Con grip (to which two Joy-Con are attached and used as one controller), a set of Joy-Con wrist straps, a Nintendo Switch dock (which holds the main console and connects it to a TV), an HDMI cable and an AC adapter. Two stylish versions of the system will be released: a version with a set of gray Joy-Con, and a version with one neon blue and one neon red Joy-Con. Both versions will be the same price.
“Nintendo Switch is a brand-new kind of home gaming system that offers a wide variety of play modes,” said Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima. “We will introduce the world to new experiences made possible by the unique characteristics of the Nintendo Switch hardware and the Joy-Con.”
Nintendo Switch is a breakthrough home video game system. It not only connects to a TV at home, but it also instantly transforms into an on-the-go handheld using its 6.2-inch screen. For the first time, players can enjoy a full home-console experience anytime, anywhere. The screen includes capacitive multi-touch capabilities for compatible games. Battery life can last for more than six hours, but will vary depending on the software and usage conditions. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be played for roughly three hours on a single charge. While away from home, Nintendo Switch can be charged by plugging the AC adapter into the console’s USB Type-C connector.
The versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for players to have fun. Two Joy-Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as one game controller when attached to the Joy-Con grip. They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two-player action in supported games. Each Joy-Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro-sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible.
Nintendo Switch also contains a number of built-in features that make it more interactive. The left Joy-Con has a Capture Button that players can press to take instant screenshots of gameplay to share with friends on social media. The right Joy-Con includes an NFC touchpoint for interaction with amiibo figures, as well as an IR Motion Camera that can detect the distance, shape and motion of nearby objects in specially designed games. For example, it can tell how far away a player’s hand is, and even if the hand is forming a rock, paper or scissors shape. Both Joy-Con include advanced HD Rumble, which can provide compatible games with subtle vibrations that are much more realistic than before. The effect is so detailed that a player could, for example, feel the sensation of individual ice cubes colliding inside a glass when shaking a Joy-Con. With HD Rumble players can experience a level of realism not possible through sights and sounds alone.
Nintendo Switch makes it easy for players to stay connected. Up to eight systems can be connected for local wireless play. The player can place the system upright anywhere by using the built-in stand, then easily share Joy-Con for multiplayer fun away from the TV. The system will support online Wi-Fi multiplayer gaming. Nintendo also unveiled a new online subscription service that will begin with a free trial at launch. The service includes a smart-device application available in Summer 2017 that will let users invite friends to play online, set play appointments and chat with one another as they play compatible games. The fully featured paid service will be available in the fall.
Nintendo Switch will be supported by world-class third-party publishers including Activision Publishing Inc., Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and major Japanese publishers. Some publishers, such as Bethesda Softworks, are joining Nintendo for the first time. Players can look forward to major franchises on Nintendo Switch such as EA SPORTS FIFA, The Elder Scrolls, NBA 2K, Minecraft and more. Nintendo Switch software will not be region locked.
The unique capabilities of the console and Joy-Con have combined with innovations from past systems to create Nintendo’s most flexible, feature-packed video game system ever. This is demonstrated by the wide variety of unique games that were announced for launch day, this summer and into the 2017 holiday season, from both Nintendo and its third-party partners. From the engrossing open-air experience of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the party fun of 1-2-Switch, Nintendo Switch offers something for everyone.
Nintendo has announced that a Nintendo Switch Preview Tour will be taking place in North America during the first three months of 2017. This will be the first time for many people to try out and see a Nintendo Switch.
Mark Your Calendars: The Nintendo Switch Preview Tour is Coming to a City Near You
After the Nintendo Switch system is unveiled to the world during the Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017 in Tokyo on Jan. 12, Nintendo’s next home gaming system is traveling across North America to provide hands-on time for fans, gamers, families and everyone in between. Nintendo Switch will be the star of an interactive multi-city tour that is open to the public on select days.
The currently scheduled cities that are part of the tour include:
New York – Jan. 13-15
Toronto – Jan. 27-29
Washington, D.C. – Feb. 10-12
Chicago – Feb. 17-19
San Francisco – Feb. 24-26
Los Angeles – March 3-5
The first two days of each of these tour stops is invite-only, but Nintendo is changing things up and asking fans to join the fun on the third day. The Sunday stop of each tour is open free to the public, so anyone that wants to be among the first people in the world to experience Nintendo Switch will have her or his chance. Space is very limited, however, and fans will be let in on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is highly recommended.
The interactive and engaging tour will let people of all ages experience Nintendo Switch for the first time and play select launch games in very original and surprising settings. Each of these unique areas will highlight the different ways Nintendo Switch can be played.
In addition to these tour stops, Nintendo will bring Nintendo Switch and launch games to PAX South in San Antonio (Jan. 27-29), PAX East in Boston (March 10-12) and SXSW in Austin, Texas (March 16-18). Anyone that misses out on the Preview Tour can catch Nintendo Switch at one of these events.
Additional details about Nintendo Switch will be revealed during the Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017 on Jan. 12.
Nintendo announced on their official Twitter account that Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon are already breaking records. Combined, the games as on October 27th, 2016, are the most pre-sold games in Nintendo history and the most downloaded Nintendo 3DS Demo in Nintendo history.
When Nintendo, Niantic and The Pokémon Company announced that they would bring a mainstream Pokémon game to the Apple iOS and Google Android mobile phone market, there was much speculation that this was Nintendo finally caving to public pressure to finally release games on non-Nintendo manufactured systems which would reduce sales and overall profit for Nintendo. The reverse actually came true as Nintendo announced during their October 27th, 2016 Earnings Release for the Six-Month Period Ended September 2016 that the release of Pokémon GO in July helped the sales of the Nintendo 3DS and related Pokémon games.
"This graph shows Nintendo 3DS hardware sell-through trends in the U.S. compared with sell-through
for the previous period. In the U.S., the previously-released Nintendo 2DS was dropped to an even more affordable price, and promotional activities aimed at children and parents were effective in increasing sales. The release of Pokémon GO on July 6th also led to a major increase in sales of the Nintendo 3DS family systems, where consumers can enjoy past titles in the Pokémon series. The trend here is higher than that for the previous period, and we are maintaining this momentum as we head into the holiday season."
U.S. Nintendo 3DS First-Party Software Sell-Through Trends
"This graph shows Nintendo 3DS first-party software in the U.S. compared with sell-through for the previous
period. In the U.S., promotional activities aimed at children and parents were effective in increasing sales, and there was solid growth in sales for evergreen titles and Nintendo Selects games such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. The release of Pokémon GO also provided a bump in sales for the Pokémon series, and as a result, sales here have also surpassed those in
the previous period."
Europe Nintendo 3DS Hardware Sell-Through Trends
"This graph shows Nintendo 3DS hardware sell-through trends in Europe compared with sell-through for the
previous period. As in the U.S., the release of Pokémon GO across Europe starting in July spurred momentum for hardware sales."
Europe Nintendo 3DS First-Party Software Sell-Through Trends
"This graph shows Nintendo 3DS first-party software sell-through trends in Europe compared with sell-
through for the previous period. In the European market, we again see the boost in Pokémon series titles in July, but this is supported by new titles such as Kirby: Planet Robobot, Fire Emblem Fates Birthright/Conquest, and Monster Hunter Generations, for which Nintendo provided distribution in Europe. Evergreen titles and Nintendo Selects titles also sold
well. Overall software sales are vigorous, outpacing the previous period. "
Pokémon GO increased Virtual Console Sales
"Over the summer, the smart device application Pokémon GO became a major hit and a social
phenomenon. This has sparked increased interest in Pokémon-related software. Previous entries in the Pokémon series playable on the Nintendo 3DS system were Pokémon X and Pokémon Y in 2013 and Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon
Alpha Sapphire in 2014. We also released the original games in this series, Pokémon Red, Pokémon Green, Pokémon Blue
and Pokémon Pikachu, as downloadable Virtual Console titles in February this year. These Pokémon series titles have seen an increase in sales despite having been on the market for some time already. "
Pokémon Series Sell-Through Trends
"This graph shows the month-on-month sales of titles in the Pokémon series in Japan, the U.S. and Europe, as
mentioned earlier in the presentation. As you can see, the release of Pokémon GO in July led to a major upsurge in sales, particularly for the U.S. and European markets. We can clearly see that the release of Pokémon GO has raised interest in Pokémon and contributed to a resurgence of sales for previously-released Pokémon titles."
Nintendo 3DS Hardware Sell-Through Trends
"Similarly, this graph shows the month-on-month sales for Nintendo 3DS family systems. You can see that
there is a peak in July for hardware as well, following the release of Pokémon GO."
Pokémon GO Plus
"We launched the Pokémon GO Plus accessory on September 16th to provide a more comfortable play experience for Pokémon GO. Demand far exceeded our expectations and production has not caught up, leading to product shortages. We apologize to the consumers and distributors affected by this. We are planning to expand production as needed, and will continue to produce and ship additional units."
Nintendo Switch World Premiere Demonstrates New Entertainment Experiences from a Home Gaming System
Detachable Controllers Reinvent Gaming - REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 20, 2016 – In an introductory video released today (http://www.nintendo.com/switch), Nintendo provided the first glimpse of its new home gaming system and revealed that it is called Nintendo Switch. In addition to providing single and multiplayer thrills at home, the Nintendo Switch system also enables gamers to play the same title wherever, whenever and with whomever they choose. The mobility of a handheld is now added to the power of a home gaming system to enable unprecedented new video game play styles.
At home, Nintendo Switch rests in the Nintendo Switch Dock that connects the system to the TV and lets you play with family and friends in the comfort of your living room. By simply lifting Nintendo Switch from the dock, the system will instantly transition to portable mode, and the same great gaming experience that was being enjoyed at home now travels with you. The portability of Nintendo Switch is enhanced by its bright high-definition display. It brings the full home gaming system experience with you to the park, on an airplane, in a car, or to a friend’s apartment.
Gaming springs into action by removing detachable Joy-Con controllers from either side of Nintendo Switch. One player can use a Joy-Con controller in each hand; two players can each take one; or multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options. They can easily click back into place or be slipped into a Joy-Con Grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, if preferred, the gamer can select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to use instead of the Joy-Con controllers. Furthermore, it is possible for numerous people to bring their Nintendo Switch systems together to enjoy local multiplayer face-to-face competition.
“Nintendo Switch allows gamers the freedom to play however they like,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, President and COO, Nintendo of America. “It gives game developers new abilities to bring their creative visions to life by opening up the concept of gaming without boundaries.”
Developers can design their games supporting a variety of play styles, which gives gamers the freedom to choose an experience that best suits them. Some of the publishers, developers and middleware partners announcing support for Nintendo Switch are as follows:
Today’s video incorporated short glimpses of representative gameplay to demonstrate the liberating nature of the Nintendo Switch home gaming system. Full game demonstrations, the list of launch window titles, as well as launch date, price, product configuration and related specifics, will be shown and announced prior to the March launch.
Nintendo has announced that it has partnered with GameStop in the United States to hold an event at participating locations to celebrate the 2016 Pokemon World Championships and to promote the upcoming games Pokémon Sun and Moon. Full details are in the press release below.
Pokémon event at GameStop on 8/20
If you can't make the 2016 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco on the weekend of August 19th, stop by select GameStop stores to compete against other Pokémon fans in Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. The first 50 people at each event on Saturday, August 20th from 12:00pm – 3:00pm (local time) will receive a set of Pokémon Sun & Pokémon Moon art cards while supplies last. And also don’t forget to pre-order your copies of Pokémon Sun & Pokémon Moon. Starting August 19th at 9am (Pacific Time), check out the live action of the 2016 Pokemon World Championships by visiting Pokemon.com/Live.
If you can't make the 2016 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco on the weekend of August 19th, stop by select GameStop stores to compete against other Pokémon fans in Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. The first 50 people at each event on Saturday, August 20th from 12:00pm – 3:00pm (local time) will receive a set of Pokémon Sun & Pokémon Moon art cards while supplies last. And also don’t forget to pre-order your copies of Pokémon Sun & Pokémon Moon. Starting August 19th at 9am (Pacific Time), check out the live action of the 2016 Pokemon World Championships by visiting Pokemon.com/Live.
Nintendo of Europe announced two new Fan Editions for Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. Both Fan Edition sets will be sold separately and will each include exclusive SteelBook cases and will be released in Europe on November 23rd, 2016.
E3 2016 is taking place from June 14th, 2016 until June 16th, 2016 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Nintendo and Niantic showcased Pokémon GO during an Treehouse Live broadcast and revealed new information and Pokémon for the games.
Pokémon GO - Demonstration - Nintendo E3 2016 - Highlights
Treehouse Live broadcast participants - Developers, Translators and Field Testers: Pokémon CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara, GAME FREAK Junichi Masuda, Niantic senior product manager Tatsuo Nomura, Nintendo Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo Translator's David Numrich and Raymond
Pokémon GO - Demonstration - Nintendo E3 2016
Press Release - More Pokémon GO Updates
Our team has been making the most of the sunny California weather by walking long distances and enthusiastically testing all of the refinement and new features in Pokémon GO. Many of these refinements have been inspired by feedback received from our field testers in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and United States. Thank you for testing the app and for giving us such great feedback.
We have a few exciting updates to share. We’ve added a new Camera feature that enables Trainers to take photographs of their wild Pokémon encounters. Now you can take a photo of Squirtle next to that scenic lake or Ivysaur hanging out by the park. The photos will be saved to your phone’s camera roll to share with whomever you’d like. We can’t wait to see the varied environments in which trainers will find wild Pokémon.
We’re also thrilled to announce that Pokémon GO’s all-new music track is composed by GAME FREAK’s Junichi Masuda. We’ve been working closely with Masuda-san on several of the core game design elements of Pokémon GO and feel very fortunate to also have drawn from his decades of experience composing original music for the Pokémon games.
We enjoyed participating in Nintendo’s Treehouse Live Pokémon GO developer Q&A session at E3 today. With each day, we’re getting closer to launch and we can’t wait to share this game with everyone. Stay tuned for more details.