Nintendo Switch Preview Tour in SF

Nintendo released their latest console today. Last weekend, The Nintendo Switch Preview Tour made a stop in San Francisco. Here attendees got a first look and a hands on opportunity with the gaming system. The event was first opened for 2 days to invite-only attendees, and the last day welcomed the public on a first-come first served basis. My mind wasn't completely made up yet about investing in this console prior to the event. Would seeing the Switch in person sway my decision to actually purchase one? Let's find out.

I registered for the first day of the Switch Preview Tour, which meant I'd be among the first group of attendees to see the console. Was I excited? Heck yeah! I already knew a handful of friends had pre-ordered or planned to by the Switch, so it was a must that I saw for myself if it was worth the hype.

Once my ticket was scanned and a staff member handed me a freebie, I was on my way. A few more staff members were lined up on each side of a lit up catwalk of sorts that the attendees walked on. At the end of it was the event stage where the host would announce different activities that took place throughout the day. The space never got crowded, which was awesome. After a quick walk around, I headed to a play area located next to the stage to try out Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This was played using the system as a handheld. Loved the graphics, but I had to get used to the buttons and joysticks being positioned on different sides of the smaller Joy-Con controllers. I also didn't understand all of the button functions since the staff member explained them to me too quickly before I started playing. Nevertheless, I was able to play through a few races. It was fun!

Getting in there was way easier than getting out. >___<

Loved this play area. Groups of 2 or more were able to play head to head in handheld mode.

Afterward, I had planned on walking around some more when I realized it was time for my gaming session for Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Tickets with different time slots were given for attendees to try out a 20 minute demo of the game. This used the Joy-Con grip, which felt like a traditional controller. I went through a brief tutorial and got to explore the game's environment within the time frame. Again, the graphics were amazing. I would definitely consider purchasing this game alongside the console. That is, if I buy one. We'll get to that later.

I also wanted to play a few of the games that would be released for the Switch later in the year. Here's what I ended up trying out:

Splatoon 2 - I'm already a fan of the first Splatoon game, so I was glad to see this at one of the play areas. This version will feature new battle arenas, characters, and weapons. Players can also take advantage of local and multiplayer battles by using the Switch in either TV, handheld, or table top mode. I'd surely add it to my collection. 

Street Fighter II Ultra: The Final Challengers - This game also has new characters added to their lineup, 2 in particular being Evil Ryu and Violent Ken. Classic pixel-art or modernized graphics can be chosen to customize your gaming experience. Can't take down a particular character as CPU? You can now team up with a friend to show them who's boss.

Puyo Puyo Tetris - I wan't familiar with Puyo Puyo (think match 3/more games like Candy Crush) prior to playing this, but I quickly got the hang of it. Try to clear as many lines as possible in order to beat either the CPU or other players. Up to 4 can participate for a fun and challenging gaming experience. This is a must have for any puzzle game fan. 

It's a-me and Mario!

If you didn't notice already, I also took advantage of the various photo-ops. Couldn't pass those up! There was plenty of time left before the next wave of attendees were let in, but I felt confident with what I wanted to do. I even got a few more freebies on my way out (Score!). Overall, I had a blast and enjoyed trying out the console. I will definitely consider purchasing one, but a bit later. Although there are a few features that I wish the system could keep (e.g. free multiplayer service and streaming via Netflix), the Switch looks promising.

Switch swag, FTW.

The last leg of the Nintendo Switch Preview Tour is in Los Angeles this weekend from March 3rd - 5th. If you're in that area, I highly recommend checking it out whether you have the console already or not. More information about the event can be found here.