SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Jan. 12, 2017 – Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), is delivering the innovation of Skylanders® Imaginators to the next wave of gamers when the highly-anticipated Nintendo Switch™ launches March 2017. This March also marks the debut of some of Skylanders Imaginators’ most anticipated characters, as well as a brand-new expansion pack. Now Portal Masters all over the world can engage in new content, toys and experiences with the award-winning Skylanders Imaginators this spring!

No Portal of Power®? No problem with Nintendo Switch. Skylanders Imaginators for Nintendo Switch provides gamers unique ways to play, including the introduction of a vast digital library that allows players to easily load and store 300+ toys from the Skylanders® franchise* directly to the new home gaming system. The arrival of the digital library empowers players to take their Skylanders Imaginators adventure on-the-go whenever and however they want.

 “Since Skylanders Imaginators and Skylanders Creator launched, fans have made more than 25 million Imaginators using the expansive creation tools in the game and app. We couldn’t be more excited to extend that experience to Nintendo Switch players,” said Paul Reiche, co-founder and studio head, Toys for Bob. “We’ve seen some amazing Skylanders created, and as kids’ collections continue to grow, we’re proud to offer more depth and variety to fans in ways never before possible with this new system.”

“Skylanders Imaginators has ignited the imaginations of fans everywhere, and we’re looking forward to continuing to support their gameplay experiences with Nintendo Switch, along with new toys and content coming this year,” said Josh Taub, senior vice president of Skylanders Product Management, Activision. “There are now more than 300 million Skylanders toys in the hands of fans², which equates to nearly two toys sold every second since Skylanders® Spyro’s Adventure launched. And with the new season of the animated series SkylandersTM Academy slated for Netflix this fall, we are thrilled that fans can enjoy playing, watching and creating Skylanders no matter where they are.”



Building on the franchise’s signature gameplay and collectible toy experience, Skylanders Imaginators pushes the boundaries of innovation and imagination with the upcoming release of the Cursed Tiki Temple level pack. The Cursed Tiki Temple level pack takes kids on an all-new adventure as they unlock more than 100 new offerings for their Skylanders Imaginators – a first in franchise history! The pack comes with Sensei character Wild Storm who will unleash a new level to players; a life Creation Crystal; and an Imaginite Mystery Chest all for the suggested retail price of $29.99 on March 12 at participating retailers nationwide.

Skylanders Imaginators gives kids an unprecedented level of choice -- including appearance, powers, abilities, names, catchphrases, musical themes and much more -- to create the most unique Skylanders characters they can imagine. This spring, fans can also be on the lookout for the arrival of new heroes in the world of Skylanders Imaginators, including Skylanders Sensei Grave Clobber. Once a great pharaoh who ruled the Golden Desert long ago, Grave Clobber was buried by his seven jealous brothers in an underwater tomb while he was sleeping. He eventually rose from his watery grave, clobbered each of his brothers and became the perfect choice to be a Sensei trainer for the Brawler Class. This mummy may surprise you with his range of powers, packing a serious punch as well as telekinetic powers!



Skylanders Imaginators for Nintendo Switch will be available for the suggested retail price of $59.99. The game is rated E10+ by the ESRB. The Cursed Tiki Temple level pack and new Skylanders Senseis will support all major gaming platforms including Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Wii U™ system; Xbox 360™ and Xbox One™ video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft; and PlayStation® 3 and PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment systems. Skylanders Creator is a free app that players can download from iOS and Android app stores for select mobile devices. For more Skylanders information, visit: www.skylanders.com.

Skylanders™ Academy, the new animated comedy-adventure show inspired by the Skylanders franchise, debuted on Netflix on October 28, 2016. Jam-packed with humor and heart, Skylanders Academy offers epic action for kids of all ages. The Netflix original series season one debuted in 190 countries, with a second season planned for late 2017.

Let me know your thoughts on Nintendo's new hybrid! Is it a Day 1 buy, as soon as you have the cash, or will you be holding out for a price drop, or holiday bundles?



 You can also join the discussion on the Skylander Club Forum in our Nintendo Switch: All Purpose Topic!



Personally, I kind of feel burned from jumping in on launch day with both the Nintendo Wii U and Microsoft Xbox One...both have been great to me, I just paid full price, got no discounts or freebies (free controllers, Xbox Live etc.), and ultimately think a bundle would be the best bang-for-the-buck. However, a new Mario Kart, or perhaps more importantly, Super Mario Galaxy 3 could easily sway that mindset.




Launch Date: March 3rd, 2017 - Worldwide :D
Launch Price: $299.99
Online Services:
-Multiplayer Gaming via Smart Device
--Set play appointment, chat with friends, etc.
---Try for free during trial after launch, then paid service fall 2017

No Region Locking...about time

Dry pun (switching to another guy) ha, ha, hahaha

Switch inherited DNA from each of the previous hardware platforms
-Highlights previous advances
-Still no Waluigi announcement
--This is 2017
-Jazz beat snap with every "switch"...better be a feature
-Play at home and on-the-go

3 Modes of Play

-TV Mode
--Play on TV in typical video game style

-Tabletop Mode
--Stand up with kickstand and use via joycon...allows 2P away from TV

-Handheld Mode
--Attach L&R Joycons...play anywhere and share joy (only if you win)

Battery and Power

-Battery 2.5-6.5 hours (great estimate)
-Charge with USB Type C and included AC Adapter
-Capacitive touch screen
-Connect via WiFi
-Up to 8 Switches connected for maximum switchcraft (see what I did there...jazz snap!)
--3 Play styles are more active and greater freedom
--More switch puns...

Controllers

-Controllers are important, details JoyCon
--JoyCon with JoyCon grip for TV Mode
---Two loose JoyCons for Table Top Mode
----Analog Stick also button tap...A-B-X-Y and Home Button
----NFC Reader/Writer for amiibo
-----Square Button=Screen Shot Capture...future for video captures
------Share grabs over social media
------Accelerometer and gyro sensors in each JoyCon
------Two buttons in rail that connect to switch...as L and R Buttons
-------Allows each as fully functioning individual controller; Sharing the Joy dry humor
--Touts 2 controllers from the start...fit in palm of hand and feel natural (but I have big hands)
---Guy gets comfy on white modern couch
-JoyCon Variants Neon Blue and Neon Red
--JoyCon Strap...like the Wiimote...I want to break a tv with the joycon
-IR Camera: Rock, Paper, and Scissors
--Rumble and sound to convey conditions and actions (wind, ice cubes in a cup)
---New sense of realism via HD Rumble
---JazzSnap!  New sensing and vibrating = new expression
---More than traditional controls...invites everyone to new world of entertainment

2 New Games

Game #1: 1-2 Switch
--Western Gunslingers on screen for quickdraw in 1-2 Switch
--Looks like Switch version of Wii Sports and Nintendo Land
--Play without any screen...look at eyes of opponent
---Ice Breaker and Party Game...fun for all by way of JoyCon...launch title (should be included imo)

Game #2: Arms
-Looks like Rock'em Sock'em Robots with Punch Out and Wii Sports set in a Pokemon arena
-Fighting sports game using extendable arms to battle: mixes boxing and shooting
-One JoyCon in each hand in thumbs up position...twist fist for curved punch etc.
-Dash and Jump to perform a variety of actions
--Play solo vs computer, or split screen vs friends, online battles coming....releases this Spring

(Switch Pun & Jazz Snap)

Splatoon 2

Splattoon with really painfully gimicky music
-Poor employee forced into gimicky reveal for his work, lol...changes to squid world :s
--Splat Duallys...shoot ink from each hand and propel upwards to out manuever opponents
---New special weapons and new battle maps
--Play with JoyCon or Pro Controller...or hand held
--Splatoon 2 is planned for Summer 2017

(Switch Pun & Jazzz Snap)

Super Mario Odyssey 

-Mario in the Big City...looks like open world and Grand Theft Auto coupled with Galaxy like enviroments
-Amazing Bowser as King Pin!
--So much shown I have no clue what I am watching...Mario Party, Galaxy 3, Animal Crossing, Smash Bros, who knows
-Mario Odyssey  revealed as title
-Theme: Journey to an unknown world...outside of Mushroom Kingdom...
--Landscapes loook familar to real world
--Eyes on Mario's cap offers action only experienced on Switch
---Important role in Mario's journey
--20 Years since Mario 64...super exciting for devs
-Releases Holiday 2017

Third Party Showcase

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 & Fire Emblem Warriors
-Japaneese RPGs with great visuals and anime-esque voice overs

3rd Pary Partners
-80 Games in Development
--Square Enix=Dragon Quest X and Dragon Quest XI and Heroes I-II and unnamed game
--Atlus=25th Anniversary of Shin Megami Tensei
(Switch Pun & Jazz Snap)
--Sega=consider new games & present them soon...new hardware impressive
-Skyrim coming to Nintendo Switch, excited about home and on-the-go...excited to finally work with Nintendo

(Switch Pun & Jazz Snap)

--Grasshopper=Travis Touchdown, title TBD
(Switch Pun & Jazz Snap)
--Electronic Arts=FIFA later this year
(Switch Snap...Game Clips...Jazzy Music)

-Motion Control in Minecraft would be sweet!

New Colors of JoyCon

Configurations

-Include: Switch Console, L&R JoyCon, Wrist Straps, JoyCon Grip, Switch Dock, HDMI Cable, and an AC Adapter
-Pro Controller available separately
-2 versions
--1 with Grey and 1 with Neon Blue and Red JoyCons...same MSRP
-More details on Switch website after presentation

Nintendo EU and American to share messages

(Switch Snap)

-Europe: Good Morning, excited for you to know about Switch and thanks people for getting up so very early
--EU Media invited to play Switch: Frankfurt, Paris, and Norway
---Trial dates for regular folks coming...check website

(Switch Snap)

-Reggie in NY
--Getting ready to show Switch off tomorrow
---Switch on display 6 Sundays in 6 different cities
----Really, that's all?  Lame sauce x10
-New ways to play, JoyCons, and the games...software sells hardware
-Soundtrack for LoZ Breath of the Wild
--It'll be at NY tomorrow...employees playing right now
---Launches ???  Back to Tokoyo

(No Switch Snap?!)

-Tokoyo will come back to question in a second
--Hands-on in Tokoyo, takes pre-order reservations starting 1/21 in Japan
---Hopes they have shown enough to earn your support...one more thing to share
----LoZ Breath of the Wild trailer: March 3, 2017

Broadcast ends with no mention of Waluigi...therefore, it was disappointing

Updated Info

New Games

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe launches April 28th



The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild - Collector's Editions and amiibo




The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild Special Edition
-Game, Soundtrack (CD), Map, Coin, Carrying Case

The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild Master Edition
-Game, Soundtrack (CD), Map, Coin, Carrying Case, AND Mini Master Sword Replica

The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild amiibo:
-Bokoblin, Link Archer, Link Rider, and Zelda

Skylanders Imaginators

-Available for Pre-Order Now!

Peripheral Pricing

JoyCon: $49.99
Two JoyCons: $79.99
JoyCon Charging Station: $29.99
Pro Controller: $69.99
Nintendo Switch Dock Set: $89.99

My Thoughts: The only periphereal that doesn't seem super high is the JoyCon, but realistically I would have pegged it at $30-40 max, regardless of the technology.  If you are buying a JoyCon, you already have a Switch etc.  There is also a wheel, but I left it off because there was no image and I have no clue what it is, lol.

Online Services

(Copied directly from Nintendo's Website - Linked here with chart)


"Online Play on Nintendo Switch You’ll be able to play compatible co-op and competitive games online by signing in with your Nintendo Account. Online play will be free for Nintendo Account holders until our paid online service launches in fall 2017. After the free-trial period, most games will require a paid online service subscription from Nintendo in order to play online. This service is only for Nintendo Switch. It does not affect Wii U or Nintendo 3DS systems or online play. Online lobby and voice chat 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. A free, limited version of this app will be available for download in summer 2017. Monthly game download 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. Exclusive deals Special offers for subscribers may include discounts on select digital games and content. Make the most of your Nintendo Switch The paid service lets you take your gaming up a notch with online multiplayer and exclusive benefits. Standard online features such as system and game updates will be free for all Nintendo Switch users. To access any of your system’s online services, you’ll need a Nintendo Account. Create one today so you’ll be ready when Nintendo Switch launches."

-My Thoughts: It is basically Xbox Live.  It is a great addition, but sad we have to pay for it.  The free games are a nice touch, but are they pre-selected, user's choice, and what happens if you don't renew...do you lose access to the "free" games you got while paying, or are they forever your own to play any time?