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Column: Tech spec with Andrew Marshall
Switch on to Nintendo
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he Nintendo Switch is the latest console from the company considered by some to be the creator of home computer gaming. In 2006 Wii with its innovative motion controllers and wacky fun games, was the console to have for use by the whole family. The Wii U was next but not such a hit with customers, so Nintendo is hoping that the Switch will reverse their fortunes. The Switch box contains two controllers, or ‘Joy-Cons’ as Nintendo calls them, the Switch, a power supply, a docking station, a Joy-Con grip and a couple of lanyards for the Joy-Cons. The console has a 6.2in screen with a 1280x720 resolution, which is more than adequate for the size of the screen itself and also output Full HD of 1920 x 1080 when connected to a suitable TV. There is a Micro SD slot hidden behind the kick stand at the back
and a headphone jack, but no bluetooth headphones sadly. The Switch comes in just one version with 32GB storage, so you will need the SD slot to add more memory if you intend to use the e-store to download games. Something to note is that game save data is only stored in this internal memory - there is no option to move it to the SD card. This seems a big mistake and one which Nintendo will probably change at a later software update. The Joy-Cons slot into either side of the screen with a satisfying click but when slotted into the docking station the console was so unstable and wobbley, I had to check I had
done it correctly - I had! The Joy-Cons can be used individually and Nintendo recommends attaching the lanyards around your wrist as with the original Wiis. These are very stiff and difficult to remove without a lot of force, which made me worry I might damage the controller. The Switch is simple and fun to use, recapturing the feel of the original Wii. Playing multiplayer games with a single Joy-Con is a bit of a fiddle, because of the size, but you get used to it. You can buy accessories, such as the Joy-Con Grip kit, which make it easier perhaps they could be included rather than the lanyards Nintendo?! The price is £280 - a tad high maybe as the original Wii launched at £179 and predictably the console is currently out of stock everywhere, so if you didn’t pre order you will have a bit of a wait. Accessories include the Pro Controller (£60), the
Andrew Marshall Tech spec
aforementioned Grip Kit (£15), a charging Grip (£25) and additional Joy-Cons (£43 each or £70 for two - you can have up to eight Joy-Cons connected to a single Switch). There are currently 14 games available, Zelda being the most notable and expensive at £50. Games from the Wii or Wii U are not compatible. Is it worth it? Yes! It’s not for die hard gamers, but for family use it’s great. And later in the year there will most likely be bundles and offers available and more games, so wait and you’ll get a better deal. l Software and technology expert Andrew Marshall is Founder of Digitwell Solutions Ltd, a mobile application development company. He can be contacted on: enquiries@digitwell.co.uk or via twitter: @DigitwellApps
WIN an Escape Game for four at City Mazes
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scape rooms are popping up across the country. It’s the fun new leisure activity for anyone aged over 6 years and great to play with a group of friends or family. At City Mazes Oxford, there are four Escape Rooms: Star Breaker; Operation Spaced X; Control Room 54; and pandora’s Escape. Each game room has a different theme and skills required to escape, and can hold up to 10 players. The players are locked in a complex and have to use their wits to find clues, solve puzzles and crack codes to open doors and escape within 60 minutes! “The games are designed to encourage people to work together as a team,” says City Mazes exec Claire Goscomb, “so this is great for families, friends or work colleagues. It’s brilliant fun and really challenges the brain! We are a CPD accredited organisation and are able to give specific feedback 32
Vale Life : Mar/Apr 2017
A single game experience lasts around 80 minutes, which includes a maximum of 60 in the game plus a briefing session. You can elect for a multi-game experience where a team can play consecutive games. A double game experience would last around 2.5 hours. If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning an escape Game session for four at City Mazes Oxford, email your name, address and telephone number, plus answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Who had a hit with Escape (The Pina Colada Song) in 1979? Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by April 21st, 2017. on our contestants communication and team skills. “There’s nothing physical to complete within the games, they are open to all ages and strengths its just your thinking cap that you’ll
need to bring along! “Under 14s require an adult with them for supervision, and we advise that the games are suitable for 6/7 year olds up, as they can start to help work out the puzzles.”
l CITY MAZES – Oxford Unit 5, Ozone Leisure Park, Grenoble Road, Oxford, OX4 4XP Tel: 01865 920900 www.citymazes.com/oxford