Nintendo UK - Switch stock available at launch, importance of innovation & letting people demo the Switch

Nintendo Switch offers [gamers] the ability and freedom to ‘switch’ how they play their favourite games anytime, anywhere, and with anyone. We have a huge point of difference for a very broad audience. Out of the box, it includes a home console that you can also play on the go, and it comes packed with two high-tech motion-sensing controllers for multiplayer gaming that include innovative features, like the shape-sensing IR Motion Camera and impressive HD Rumble, that allow for new experiences.

We, of course, will initially try to convince the early adopters of new technologies, the Nintendo fans, the multiplatform gamers. [We] won’t forget the kids and family audience as we move forward.

As always, we have a strong line-up of exclusive Nintendo titles with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2 and Arms all releasing this year, but also the knowledge that you’ll be able to play other key third-party IPs like FIFA, Minecraft and Skyrim anywhere, anytime on one device – that is something that is only possible and which Nintendo Switch can ultimately deliver.

One of the key things we really want with Nintendo Switch is to have a great roster of games coming out consistently for the platform both from a first-party and third-party point of view, step-by-step throughout this year and beyond.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an example of a game that many think they know, but will show how Nintendo Switch offers many new ways to play. On top of adding a revamped battle mode, Nintendo Switch will allow people the freedom to experience this game in many new fun ways, and that will show how the Switch offers something completely new from what has come before with Wii and Wii U.

I think every new generation of hardware clearly gives more importance to digital versus the previous one, and Nintendo Switch will not be an exception to that. It has also been shared previously that the Switch makes it easy for developers of any size to create content on the platform. There are many independent developers working on games for Nintendo Switch already and we can’t wait to see what they will create using the unique features that [the] system offers

[Pre-orders are] very strong, which is obviously a very encouraging sign, but as we all know this is not a sprint but a marathon, which is why we are so busy preparing strong plans for the months following the launch. It’s true pre-orders are very strong but we still expect Nintendo Switch to be available at some retailers on Day One. We do expect shipments to steadily come

Firstly, point-of-sale and literature are still a very powerful communication tool for those retail partners who have stores, and where there has been appetite, we have produced a suite of vehicles to help them communicate the unique features of Nintendo Switch. We have seen that having hands on with Nintendo Switch really does help people to understand its appeal. This is even more true when you can experience how to switch between gameplay modes, use the Joy-Con in different ways or, yes, feel that surprising ‘HD Rumble’ feature.

For all the above, we are working on sampling plans to try and get Nintendo Switch into as many people’s hands as possible. However, living in this digital era we recognise the significance of online tools, therefore we have a comprehensive range of online assets for all our e-commerce partners to embrace. We will do our best to help the UK population understand and experience what makes Nintendo Switch different and unique, as we truly believe this product can help Nintendo continue on its mission to expand the video game population.

Having only been living and working in the UK since June, I am obviously still learning about the people in this country, but I am aware they are tech lovers who usually adopt new technology faster than their European counterparts. I also think people in the UK live fast-paced lives, moving around a lot, and I think Nintendo Switch’s mix of versatility with its three modes will be welcomed, offering various options for people to adapt the way they play.