Nintendo has begun selling the Switch without its charging dock. The Japanese “My Nintendo Store” lists the console, the Joy-Cons, and Joy-Con straps together for purchase. Interestingly, the online purchase allows one to mix and match the Joy-Con and strap colors. However, so far this is exclusive to Japan. In America, Nintendo only sells the console with its charging dock.
Translating the Japanese page yields some interesting results. Nintendo goes out of its way to make sure buyers know that the charging dock isn’t included, and the buyer should purchase the full package if he/she doesn’t yet own the console. According to one roughly translated statement from the company, “Those who are purchasing for the first time, please purchase the normal Nintendo Switch.”
Although the actual console is where all the action takes place, the dock plays a key role. The Switch’s selling point is that it can be played anywhere, but presumably people will want to play on their television as well. That is only possible with the dock. Also, the Switch’s battery life ranges from approximately 2.5 hours to 6.5, according to Nintendo. Once the battery runs out, it is impossible to play the console without charging it. Of course, the only way to charge it is with the dock. The Japanese announcement page lists a few of the reasons why the company is offering the console dock-free. Perhaps the most compelling reason is simply that there’s only one Switch to go around in a household. Battle and cooperative play is also a factor. It remains to be seen if anywhere other than Japan will get a dock-free Switch bundle.
The Switch is one of Nintendo’s biggest successes. It is the fastest-selling video game home console of all time in the United States, according to Nintendo. There has been a consistent release of quality software. Both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey have received numerous awards. A new Super Smash Bros. is coming, as well as a Pokémon RPG and the fourth Metroid Prime. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Nintendo is enjoying a popularity not seen since the Nintendo Entertainment System in the ’80s.
In September, Nintendo will launch its first ever paid subscription online service. Clearly, the Switch is here to stay for quite awhile.
