Nintendo Switch to have wide array of hardware add-ons

Nintendo's new Switch console and mobile handheld hybrid will be the nexus (or NeXus, if you will) of an ecosystem with a lot of software and accompanying hardware accessories. Although we saw a few of these during the Switch preview trailer, Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima says "by no means is that everything."

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Photo credit: Ryan Salamanda

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima revealed that the Switch will have a "wider array" of what he refers to as "add-on hardware." He also hints that the Switch will offer more ways to play than what we were shown during the trailer, and that some software could go beyond traditional console and mobile gaming.

"In terms of the various ways you can play, you will have to see [the Switch] together with the software and accessories that we'll have, which we will reveal in January," Mr. Kimishima said.

"In terms of attachments to the core part that is the Switch, it may be appropriate to call them accessories. Or it might be better to call them add-on hardware. It's probably more correct to call them accessories. You can assume that there will be a wider array."

Given the console's easily-transforming nature built around its sliding detachable controllers, it's easy to imagine all kinds of extra game-specific peripherals and add-ons locking into the core Switch tablet screen. We could see unique additions for Nintendo staples like Mario Kart and Mario Party, as well as other hits like Splatoon.

The Switch preview trailer introduced the system's detachable JoyCon controllers, which can be combined together as one with the JoyCon Grip. We also saw the wireless Switch Pro Controller, which is a more traditional controller that can be used both on-the-go and when the system is docked for home play. Last but not least we saw what looks like a display arm that locks onto a car seat, designed for backseat play in a car.

The Nintendo boss also confirmed the Switch won't work with non-Nintendo hardware...but if it has a thriving and bustling ecosystem with tons of easily-swapping accessories, it won't need to.

The Nintendo Switch launches in March 2017, and the company will reveal pricing, specs, launch games, and more details during a special presentation on January 12, 2017.

Check below for everything we know about the Switch so far, including confirmed specs and details, expectations, reports and analyses.

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Everything we know about Nintendo Switch so far:

• Nintendo Switch handheld delivers console-quality gaming
• 3DS won't be cannibalized by new Switch console, Nintendo President confirms
• Nintendo Switch to have wide array of hardware add-ons
• Nintendo Switch may use USB Type-C for power
• Nintendo Switch has 6-inch 720p display with 10-point capacitive multi-touch
• Nintendo investors hate the Switch hybrid
• Everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo's new transforming handheld console hybrid
• Nintendo to reveal Switch pricing, specs, launch games and more on January 12, 2017
• 3DS won't be cannibalized by Switch, says Nintendo
• Nintendo Switch gameplay graphics and features are subject to change
• Nintendo Switch is single-screen only, says Nintendo
• Nintendo Switch to launch only as complete bundle
• Nintendo expect 2 million Switch console sales at launch
• Nintendo Switch may have extra power while docked
• Nintendo Switch isn't backward compatible with Wii U games
• Nintendo Switch's battery may only last 3 hours
• Nintendo won't reveal full Switch console specs until 2017
• Nintendo Switch gets a much-needed splash of color
• Nintendo's new Switch console powered by NVIDIA Tegra
• Nintendo Switch may sport dedicated game video recording
• Skyrim hasn't yet been confirmed for the Nintendo Switch