The Nintendo Switch certainly has created a buzz in the gaming community. If you ask most gamer’s if they’ll be getting the Switch on launch you’ll get a pretty even divide, with a lot saying they just aren’t sure the console is worth it for the money. Well I’m here to give you my thoughts on the Switch from the exclusive Nintendo Switch preview event held here recently in Melbourne, Australia, which I was fortunate enough to attend.

From the moment the doors opened I had one clear vision, to get hands action on with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This will be Links latest and (in my opinion) greatest adventure to date. Spanning two console generations, Breath of the Wild will release for both the Switch and Wii U on March 3rd. One thing is for sure Breath of the Wild is unlike any Zelda game you’ve ever played, its a more laid back adventure allowing players to explore the new and expansive open world in front of them and finds Link tackling many things he’s never done before.

My first impressions of  “Breath of the Wild” is while it will be available on the WiiU this is definitely a game you’re going to want to get on the Switch. With its upgraded graphics alone, “Breath of the Wild” is a true stand out, displaying at approximately 900p and 30fps when docked and 720p and locked 30fps when in hand-held mode there’s no denying why this will be the Switch’s launch day gem.

Zelda can be played with the console docked and un-docked which means that you are able to utilize the new Joy-Con controllers in many different ways here. Either by placing them into the Joy-Con Dock which will be included with the bundle or separately like the old Wiimote controllers. It’s this feature that makes me somewhat reminiscent here, wishing they had included more features for sword play with the Joy-Cons like they did for the Wiimote in Skyward Sword. In the end though, you’ll most likely end up buying the Pro-Controller to play Zelda and most similar games with. I got to use the Pro-Controller and I can say now it was an absolute pleasure to hold and use, it’s a must buy for this gamer.

“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” launches March 3rd along with the Nintendo Switch console and will be available in a standard version as well as a Masters Edition which has already seen unprecedented sales world wide. If you haven’t yet picked up your copy and you’re considering grabbing this limited collectors edition, then I’d do so now. Nintendo have also announced they will be releasing a non game version on their eBay store for those who are getting the Wii U version or missed out on the Masters Edition.

As you would assume Nintendo had many other games on display for me to test out during the evening. My next adventure took me over to ARMS, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was just a rehashed version of Wii Boxing, however to me this game goes way beyond those dynamics. With extendo-man type arms you’d be excused if you went around screaming “go go gadget arm” with every punch! I was pleasantly surprised with ARMS, being unsure why watching the trailer I was quickly taken with it upon actually playing. A fun party game, you will require some level of skill beyond flailing your arms about, punching wildly. Punches are executed by using a pair of Joy-Con controllers (one in each hand) and a combination of buttons, curve your punches in real life to also curve them on the screen. Why it wont be mandatory to play this way, traditional button control options are available for ARMS, I personally feel to get the most out of this game you’ll find yourself purchasing a second set of Joy-cons. Sadly this fact could also see some gamers not considering ARMS which would be a real shame. ARMS is not a launch title for the Switch but will be available Autumn for Southern hemisphere gamers and Spring for a Northern hemisphere fans.

Next I got hands on with 1-2-Switch, possibly the best title to showcase the new Joy-Con controllers and another launch day title for the Nintendo Switch. Why, I’m surprised this isn’t included in a bundle like Wii Sports was with the Wii or Nintendo Land was with the Wii U. I do understand the principle behind Nintendo wanting to keep the price as low as possible for this console launch. 1-2-Switch is a collection of intuitive little mini games which would be a blast to pull out at a party. They perfectly showcase the intelligent and stunning new tech in the Joy-Con and there’s no denying they have appeal. I got to play at least 5 of the approximate 22 games “1-2-Switch” will feature and each one was a blast. The stand outs would have to be Quick Draw: Which resembles a cowboy showdown, two players stand apart like an old western gun duel. They then must point their respective Joy-Cons downwards and, upon receiving the order to fire from the Switch, must aim their Jo-Con and fire before their opponent. And Samurai Training: Although similar to Quick Draw, Samurai Training has one player making an overhead sword swinging motion with the Joy-Con while the other player must clap their Joy-con, as if they were catching a sword with their bare hands. Players take it in turns until one player fails to catch their opponent’s sword. Another stand out was Ball Count: The Joy-con is at its best here honestly, I’m still amazed by it. Ball Count really is as simple as it sounds, The Joy-Con represents a small box and inside are a unknown number of balls rolling around which you have to guess correctly to win. Tilting the Joy-Con you are able to feel them roll around inside and even hit the walls of the controller to best gauge your answer.

The Nintendo Switch to me seems to hit the nail on the head for what its intended, a console with all the major bells and whistle people need and want why still being portable and above all fun. It’s most definitely a step in the right direction for the company and after my hands-on with the console I’m less concerned than I was originally about its success at launch. While its still likely the Switch will see lack luster launch day sales, I really hope Nintendo hit this one out of the park this time round.

The Nintendo Switch with launch world wide March 3rd and will be available in 2 variants, Black, grey and Neon.