• Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch (Photo : Facebook)

Nintendo verified the Switch console a few weeks ago and released images but it had not let press members test the next-generation system. The gaming giant also released renders of the hybrid console but left curious fans in abeyance by not posting live images. That situation will change since the Japanese company has scheduled a Nintendo Switch hands-on testing event for Jan. 13, 2017.

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The event will take place in New York City. Nintendo's five-hour Switch event in the Big Apple will give members of the press the first chance to see and play the home/portable system and share their opinions.

Nintendo will also stream a presentation one day before the live Switch event, according to Ubergizmo.  The software company will share more details since the announce trailer launched in October. Switch is the first home console manufactured since the Wii U in November 2012 (North America).

The trailer shows some details about the next-generation console. It will use cartridges instead of discs. The hardware's core can also be removed to become a portable system and attached to controllers.

Another part of the trailer shows the two controller accessories disconnect so people can play a multiplayer game on a stand-alone screen. In a later scene four players use two controllers to play "Mario Kart." The gaming device is also compatible with wireless controllers.  

Yet another scene shows people playing the e-sports game "Splatoon." The gamers then carry their consoles to the show floor of a video game competition.    

Nintendo will confirm the release date and price of the new console at the NYC presentation. It stated in the past the gaming system would be released around March 2017.

In the past Switch was codenamed NX. The consumer electronics company's Wii U has had low sales compared to the very popular Wii. One reason is that publishers such as Ubisoft, Activision, and Electronic Arts did not make games for the system to help it compete with Sony's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's Xbox One.  

In related news, "Final Fantasy XV" was released on November 29, Tuesday, according to IGN. It costs $51 at Amazon for PS4 and Xbox One, and $3 less with Prime.

Nintendo 3DS is also getting "Super Mario Maker" on December 2, Friday. It costs $34 at Amazon and $2 less with Prime.  

Here's the Switch trailer: