Nintendo Switch Release Date Potentially Leaks
By Kyle Sledge 04 January 2017
The release date for Nintendo’s forthcoming Switch console potentially leaks in an online listing for the system on a UK video game retailer’s website.
Just a week ahead of Nintendo’s Treehouse Live event to show off upcoming games for the Switch, it seems as if fans have been given even more big news than the Big N had intended to officially reveal thus far. As it happens, the Switch‘s release date has potentially been leaked thanks to a listing on a UK video game retailer’s website, showing that the console’s possible launch could be on March 17, 2017.
The listing for the Switch and its release date come by way of the UK retailer known as GameSeek. Not only did the website show the console as having a launch at March’s mid-point, but also it was given a price of £198.50, which translates to roughly $234.66.
While some Nintendo fans will be quick to take these details at face value, it’s important to note that both pieces of information could simply be placeholders for the Switch, as GameSeek does use temporary dates for games with unconfirmed release schedules. However, Nintendo has previously said that the console has a launch window in March 2017, so it’s quite possible for the speculative release date to be accurate.
In regards to GameSeek’s listing of the Switch’s price, it’s really anyone’s guess as to whether or not it will be close to the final cost. Of course, it won’t be long until Nintendo does finally declare how much fans will have to pay to pick up the console, as the company is also planning to use its Treehouse Live event on January 12 for a release date and price reveal for the hardware.
Should the potential leak for the Switch’s release date be accurate, though, gaming fans will want to know as soon as possible if the system will be worth the initial investment, with one major piece of interest focusing on the likelihood of highly anticipated titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild being available at launch. As it currently stands, rumors have been that a new Mario game will be a launch title in the place of Breath of the Wild, but even such seemingly obvious information is speculation at this point.
Beyond the nebulous details that have been offered up for the Nintendo Switch since its announcement under the code name NX, some industry veterans are not completely sold on the console’s power and chances in the marketplace. Recently, the former senior rendering lead for Ubisoft, Sebastian Aaltonen, declared that the Nintendo Switch may not have the processing power to handle current generation game ports, which could hurt the console’s success in the long run. In the meantime, fans will have to wait until Nintendo’s next Treehouse Live event to find out more.
The Switch is currently scheduled to launch sometime in March 2017, and its release date will be revealed on January 12 during Nintendo’s Treehouse Live event.
