The Nintendo Switch launch is fast approaching on March 3rd, and we’ve already seen information released about official and unofficial peripherals, as well as digital game download file sizes. Nintendo has released some new details on the Nintendo eShop, how it will work, and what indie games will be available at launch. To showcase some of the upcoming “Nindie” creations, Nintendo will be hosting a live presentation on Tuesday, February 28th at 9am PT on http://live.nintendo.com/.
Three indie games will be available at launch on March 3rd, with more than 60 indie games expected to be available from the Nintendo eShop before the end of the year. The games that will launch with the Nintendo Switch include:
- FAST RMX from Shin’en Multimedia: Challenge your friends to local split-screen competition or take part in online races against players from all over the world. This lightning-fast anti-gravity racer is exclusive to Nintendo Switch.
- Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment from Yacht Club Games: The latest DLC for the critically acclaimed hit Shovel Knight is a full-featured game starring Specter Knight, one of the enemies from the original game. The massive campaign includes even more content than the last DLC, “Plague of Shadows.” Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment is exclusive to Nintendo Switch for a limited time.
- Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove from Yacht Club Games: For Shovel Knight’s biggest fans, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove includes the original Shovel Knight game, as well as all previously released DLC – even Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment! Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove will be exclusive to Nintendo Switch for a limited time.
So just how will the Nintendo eShop work? Nintendo has outlined a few of the features available at launch:
- People who already have funds in their accounts on other Nintendo devices can access them using a shared wallet that works on Nintendo Switch as well. Once they link their Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account and then their Nintendo Account to their Nintendo Switch system, this functionality becomes possible.
- Virtual Console games will not be available on Nintendo Switch at launch. We will share more information in the future.
- A news feature will offer updates about the latest additions to Nintendo eShop, as well as providing information about upcoming games and other updates from Nintendo.
- To access Nintendo eShop, a system update that will be available on launch day is required. The system update downloads in the background, is designed to install quickly, and doesn’t disrupt gameplay.
After visiting the eShop from your Nintendo Switch for the first time, you’ll also be able to purchase games on the Nintendo website and have them download automatically to your Switch, as long as there is a Wi-Fi connection.
What do you think about the details Nintendo has released surrounding the Nintendo eShop? Are you going to be tuning into the “nindie” presentation on February 28th? Are you disappointed that Virtual Console games won’t be available at launch? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
