Nintendo Switch: Here's Where You Can Play It Before Release


As announced previously, Nintendo is taking the Nintendo Switch console on tour ahead of its release in March 2017. Today, Nintendo announced a list of tour stops, covering some of the biggest cities in the United States and Canada.

Here is a rundown of the cities and dates for the Switch tour:

  • 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

For the first two days of each tour stop, Friday and Saturday, people must be invited by Nintendo. But on the Sunday of every trial weekend, anyone can show up and have chance to try out the console. According to Nintendo, space is “very limited,” and people will be allowed in on a first-come, first-served basis. “Early arrival is highly recommended,” Nintendo said.

People will get to experience an “interactive and engaging” demonstration, which includes the opportunity to play “select” launch titles. The events will be held in “very original and surprising settings,” Nintendo teased, adding that the locations will represent “the different ways Nintendo Switch can be played.” Specific venues for the events have not been announced.

If you’re not able to attend any of the tour stops, Nintendo is also bringing the Switch to PAX South (January 27-29), PAX East (March 10-12), and SXSW (March 16-18).

The Switch’s price, system specs, and launch lineup will be revealed during Nintendo’s January 12 video briefing. Nintendo might also announce the console’s launch date then, but this is not confirmed.

Earlier this week, a report claimed the Switch will be less powerful than the PlayStation 4. Additionally, a recently discovered patent hints that the Switch might have virtual reality support.