One of the biggest unanswered questions about the new Project Xbox Scarlett platform is the price point. From the super-specs that Microsoft started to talk about at a high level, it sounds like the system will come with a premium price point given the guts inside it. But what will that price be? Microsoft isn’t saying yet, but now Partner Director of Program Management Jason Ronald has provided some high-level thoughts on Microsoft’s thinking on price.

Speaking to Windows Central, Ronald said Microsoft is aware of what “reasonable price points” are for consoles, along with what factors are important to consumers when thinking about pricing. That said, Ronald explained that Project Scarlett is aiming to achieve things never done before in console gaming, and as such, the suggestion is it’ll be an expensive box.

“We understand what reasonable price points are for a console and kind of what customers expect about that. At the same time to you, we are innovating we are pushing the boundaries of some of this,” he said. “We’re not sharing any details on price, or, you know, more detailed specs at this point. But I will say that we’re very confident in what we’re building, something that will set a new bar for expectations of console gaming.”

Xbox boss Phil Spencer said Microsoft is still working through various price point discussions and considerations for Project Scarlett. The console releases in Holiday 2020, so Microsoft has more time to communicate the specifics about pricing.

The Xbox One X, which is Microsoft’s highest-end Xbox, launched at a price point of $500 USD. When Project Scarlett is released, the price of the Xbox One X (and the rest of the Xbox One family of consoles) will presumably go down.

Project Scarlett is reportedly the name of Microsoft’s overall next-generation console strategy, instead of a single console. The system Microsoft talked about at E3 is reportedly the high-end model, codenamed Anaconda, while a lower-spec version, Lockhart, is supposedly also in the works.

Recently, Spencer talked about how the real money for Microsoft is in software and services, and not hardware, so he doesn’t necessarily need you go out and upgrade.

More E3 news:

• Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 teased
• New Xbox console, Scarlett, revealed
• Xbox Scarlett details: 8K, 120 FPS, SSD
• Elden Ring is From Software and George RR Martin’s new game
• Cyberpunk 2077 release date announced
• Final Fantasy VII Remake release date announced
• Marvel’s Avengers revealed

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-scarlett-price-microsoft-says-it-knows-what-r/1100-6467727/

The E3 2019 Nintendo Direct happened today, and among the many announcements was the surprise that the first three games in the Secret Of Mana series, brought together in Collection of Mana, would be available for Nintendo Switch starting today. The trilogy comprises the three games known as Seiken Densetsu 1, 2, and 3 in Japan, and Final Fantasy Adventure on Game Boy, Secret of Mana on SNES, and what’s now known as Trials of Mana, also for SNES, but one that never saw an official Western release. You can see the trailer above.

This trilogy of games was released in Japan back in June 2017. It features the ability to save at any point in time, and a selection of different screen sizes and color modes (for Final Fantasy Adventure). The game also supports for multiplayer co-op where available–Secret of Mana supports up to three players, and Trials of Mana supports two.

The Mana games were considered to be innovative RPGs the time of their release because of, among other things, their real-time combat system. Secret of Mana received a 3D remake in 2018, though GameSpot reviewer Justin Clark remarked that “altogether, the new Secret of Mana exists in a weird nexus of being a forward-thinking RPG that occasionally shows its age, or a very modern RPG with some baffling design decisions and sub-standard A.I.”

The release of Collection of Mana is significant, however, because as mentioned previously Seiken Densetsu 3 never saw an official Western release. First released in 1995, the game allows you to choose from one of six different protagonists, each with their own abilities and origin story, and then pick and choose your party of three from the remaining roster.

Collection of Mana wasn’t the only big Mana-related announcement Nintendo made today, as the company also revealed that Trials of Mana would also be getting a full HD remake, would be coming to Nintendo Switch in early 2020. For more on the news and announcements that came out of the E3 2019 Nintendo Direct, be sure to check out our recap.

More E3 news:

• Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 teased
• New Xbox console, Scarlett, revealed
• Xbox Scarlett details: 8K, 120 FPS, SSD
• Elden Ring is From Software and George RR Martin’s new game
• Cyberpunk 2077 release date announced
• Final Fantasy VII Remake release date announced
• Marvel’s Avengers revealed

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2019-collection-of-mana-out-on-nintendo-switch-/1100-6467724/

Nintendo’s E3 Direct is over, meaning E3 2019’s press conferences have concluded. Fortunately, Nintendo had a great stream and showed off some huge titles, including some surprises we didn’t already know about. The biggest of the bunch was undoubtedly the Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel, but there was plenty else to take both during and after the Direct.

In addition, there are a bunch of new Nintendo Switch games out right now, and even though the Direct is over, the news continues to arrive during Nintendo’s Treehouse Live stream. One such tidbit taught us more about Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Max Raid Battles. We also learned about Animal Crossing: New Horizons co-op and new Amiibo figures. Without further ado, let’s look at all the announcements from the E3 Nintendo Direct.

Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Sequel Announced For Switch

Nintendo followed the teaser with a short statement that read, “The sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is now in development.” No release date, title, or further details were announced.

Two New Smash Ultimate DLC Characters Revealed

Nintendo made good on its promise to reveal the newest DLC character to join the roster for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, coming in Summer 2019. While the Dragon Quest character reveal started things out, the end of the Direct brought another newcomer, and it was a big surprise: Banjo-Kazooie. The two-for-one character releases this fall.

Dragon Quest XI Definitive Edition Release Date For Switch Announced

Following a new trailer that aired during the Square Enix E3 2019 press conference, Nintendo and Square Enix have confirmed a release date for Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch. The game will release on September 27. Previously, Square Enix had only confirmed a generic “Fall 2019” release window.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 Gameplay For Nintendo Switch Debuts

Nintendo gave us a closer look at the upcoming Luigi’s Mansion sequel, Luigi’s Mansion 3 for the Nintendo Switch. The series gives Luigi his rightful time in the spotlight as he deals with the terrifying, real-world problems his famous brother just doesn’t have the guts to handle: ghosts, and lots of them.

Seiken Densetsu 3 Remake Trials Of Mana Coming In 2020 For Switch

Trials of Mana is an HD remake of Seiken Densetsu 3, the notoriously unlocalized third game in the Mana series. It’s coming to Nintendo Switch in early 2020.

Zelda: Link’s Awakening Remake Dungeon-Maker Mode And Release Date Revealed

The new mode is a dungeon-creator that looks and sounds pretty excellent. As its name suggests, the mode allows players to create their own, custom-made dungeons by placing chambers earned in the adventure mode. Once created, players can explore the dungeons. Conquering the various chambers will yield various rewards, Nintendo said. As for the release date, Nintendo announced that Link’s Awakening will launch on September 20.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses Story Trailer Released

Nintendo showed off a new trailer for Fire Emblem: Three Houses, which takes a Harry Potter approach to Fire Emblem’s tactical role-playing, choice-driven narrative formula. You play as Byleth (either male or female), a teacher at the Officer’s Academy. The academy is divided into three houses, each led by a powerful individual who hails from one of the three nations that make up the continent of Fódlan. Edelgard is the princess of the Adrestian Empire, Dimitri is the prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, and Claude is the heir to the leading house of the Leicester Alliance.

Two More Resident Evil Games Are Coming To Nintendo Switch

Nintendo also revealed two more Resident Evil games are coming to Switch this fall. The two ports are for Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6.

No More Heroes 3 Announced For Nintendo Switch

In No More Heroes 3, Travis Touchdown is the last hero around. He now has an armored suit and a new katana, so he seems to be more powerful than ever. The franchise’s signature humor and general outlandish tone appear to remain intact with this third game for Nintendo Switch. No More Heroes 3 launches in 2020. A specific release date was not announced.

Daemon x Machina Gets A Release Date

Nintendo revealed a brand-new trailer for Daemon x Machina. The trailer ended with a release date announcement: September 13.

Panzer Dragoon Remake Announced For Nintendo Switch

Panzer Dragoon, a remake of Sega’s classic on-rails shooter, was announced for Nintendo Switch. Developed by Forever Entertainment’s Megapixel Studio, the newly announced game is a remake of the first Panzer Dragoon, originally released for the Sega Saturn in 1995.

New Contra Game Announced For Nintendo Switch

The Contra franchise returns this year with a new Nintendo Switch game called Contra Rogue Corps. Announced during Nintendo’s E3 2019 briefing, Rogue is a third-person, behind-the-shoulder title that also features moments that are presented from a top-down perspective and from the side. You can play solo or fight against other humans with online or local multiplayer.

Contra Anniversary Collection Surprise-Released

Alongside that announcement, the company also revealed that the Contra Collection is available in the Nintendo eShop starting today.

The Contra Collection brings together an array of 10 classic Contra games, including the European Probotector games. The full collection includes Contra for arcade and NES, Super Contra for arcade and NES, Contra 3: Alien Wars, Contra: Hard Corps, Operation C for Game Boy, and the Probotector versions of Contra 3 and Hard Corps.

New Ultimate Alliance 3 Trailer Includes A Ton Of Marvel’s Best Characters

In the Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order trailer, we see a bunch of Marvel heroes and villains that will be featured in the game, including Hela, Surtur, Magneto (who somehow gets his hands on the Reality Infinity Stone), Miles Morales, Doctor Octopus, Ghost Rider, Elektra, Kamala Khan, Gwen Stacey, Thor, Scarlet Witch, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Avengers. The trailer also showcases The Black Order’s main antagonist, Thanos, will be rocking his original comic book look in the game.

The trailer also reveals that The Black Order will launch with an expansion pass that adds additional playable characters to the game. With the pass, you’ll gain access to characters from the Marvel Knights, X-Men, and Fantastic Four.

New Mario And Sonic At The Olympic Games Trailer Shown During Nintendo Direct

One of the upcoming games the publisher showed off was a new Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games. The new entry will celebrate the 2020 Games in Tokyo, Japan. Mario and Sonic will be joined by friends from their respective universes, and they’ll compete in sports such as surfing, skateboarding, sprinting, climbing, boxing, horse racing, swimming, fencing, soccer, baseball, hurdles, long jump, basketball, shot put, volleyball, BMX, and gymnastics. Publisher Sega previously stated the game would arrive in the winter, and Nintendo has now announced it will exclusively appear on the Nintendo Switch this November.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy Coming To Switch

Spyro Reignited Trilogy is being ported to Switch, it was announced today during Nintendo’s E3 2019 Direct presentation. The game previously launched on PS4 and Xbox One last year but will be making the jump to Switch on September 3. The remaster features updated versions of the first three Spyro games: 1998’s Spyro the Dragon, 1999’s Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage (known as Gateway to Glimmer in Europe and Australia), and 2000’s Spyro: Year of the Dragon.

Nintendo’s Cadence Of Hyrule Releases On Switch Very, Very Soon

The company continued spreading the love for Link and Zelda with a new trailer for Cadence of Hyrule, which is (surprisingly) releasing very, very soon. The game will be released on June 13, which is right around the corner. Made by the same folks behind Crypt of the Necrodancer, Cadence of Hyrule is a roguelike, and borrows most of its mechanics and features from Necrodancer. It will feature 25 remixed classic tracks from the Legend of Zelda series of games.

Alien Isolation Is Coming To Nintendo Switch

Nintendo showed a sizzle reel of games coming to the Nintendo Switch in 2019 and beyond. Although it only appeared briefly, one of those games was a port of Creative Assembly’s horror spooktacular, Alien: Isolation.

Animal Crossing For Switch Delayed, But It Now Has A Name

One of the most anticipated games heading into E3 2019 was Animal Crossing for Switch, and now we’ve finally gotten our first look at it during Nintendo’s latest Direct presentation. Now officially dubbed Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the upcoming installment has been pushed back to March 20, 2020.

The Witcher 3 Announced For Nintendo Switch

It had been rumored, but Nintendo made it official during its E3 2019 broadcast. CD Projekt Red’s acclaimed role-playing game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is coming to Nintendo Switch. It’s the Complete Edition heading to Switch, and this features the game’s two substantial expansions–Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. In terms of a release date, Nintendo confirmed that The Witcher 3 will be available on Switch sometime later this year.

Astral Chain Gameplay Video Shows Hectic Action And Sci-Fi Story

Finally, a new Astral Chain trailer was shown at Nintendo’s E3 2019 Direct presentation. It offered another glimpse of the game in action with some over-the-top combat and boss fights.

Pokemon Sword & Shield Work With Poke Ball Plus

Nintendo revealed that Pokemon Sword and Shield will be compatible with the Poke Ball Plus.

The Poke Ball Plus is the Poke Ball-shaped controller that released alongside last year’s Pokemon games, Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee. As we learned during the Direct, you’ll be able to send some of your Pokemon from Sword and Shield to the Poke Ball Plus and take them with you on walks, just as you could in Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee. Nintendo teases that something good may happen if you bring your Pokemon with you. However, it doesn’t appear you’ll be able to use the Poke Ball Plus as a controller for Sword and Shield.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-e3-2019-direct-all-the-switch-games-news-/1100-6467238/

Thanks to its ability to be played on a TV or on the go, the Nintendo Switch is the most versatile gaming console available right now. It’s also home not only to Nintendo’s first-party games, but also a growing number of third-party and indie gems on the Eshop. All of which is to say that if you don’t own a Switch yet, there’s a good chance you’re considering adding one to your gaming setup. To make sure you cover all of the essentials, here’s everything you need to get up and running on Nintendo Switch.

Console

Compared to buying an Xbox One and PS4, choosing which Switch to buy is relatively easy because it only comes in one internal hardware configuration. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have to make any choices. The Switch comes in two different color options, so you’ll have to decide if you want your console and controllers to be gray, or if you want to add a splash of color with the red and blue Joy-Con option.

Additional Joy-Cons are available in an array of colors, but the Switch console mainly comes in either gray or red/blue. Read our full Nintendo Switch review for more details about the pros and cons of the Switch’s hardware.

• Buy Nintendo Switch – Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con — $300
• Buy Nintendo Switch – Gray Joy-Con — $300

Games

You won’t find much to do on your Switch without adding some games to your collection. Here are some of the best Nintendo Switch games available now.

Super Mario Odyssey — 10/10

“Odyssey is sustained beyond its major milestones not only through colorful worlds and hidden challenges, but through the sheer joy of controlling Mario, who’s never felt more responsive or dynamic in action. Even with everything new that’s been introduced, Nintendo’s forward-thinking platformer retains the series’ classic handcrafted appeal, which is even more impressive when you realize how densely packed each kingdom is.” -Peter Brown [Read the full review]

• Buy Super Mario Odyssey

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — 10/10

“No matter how gorgeous its environments are, how clever its enemies are, and how tricky its puzzles get, the fact that Breath of the Wild continues to surprise you with newfound rules and possibilities after dozens of hours is by far its most valuable quality. It’s a game that allows you to feel gradually more and more empowered yet simultaneously manages to retain a sense of challenge and mystery–which, together, creates a steady, consistent feeling of gratification throughout the entire experience.” -Peter Brown [Read the review]

• Buy The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Splatoon 2 — 8/10

“At first glance, Splatoon 2 seems very similar to the first game. But all the small changes, and even the bigger ones in single player and League Battles, make for a fresh take on the already unique shooter. If you played a lot of the original, the sequel has enough to keep you coming back, and if you’re new to the game, it’s a fantastic place to jump in.” – Kallie Plagge [Read the full review]

• Buy Splatoon 2

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — 9/10

“For Mario Kart fans, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe might look like more of the same with small Double Dash-inspired tweaks. But thanks to a series of updates both big and almost unseen, it’s the version of Mario Kart to get… It plays beautifully on Switch in both handheld and docked mode, and its core racing is as exciting as ever. And, most notably, it completely revamps the original’s lackluster Battle Mode, rounding out an already great racing game.” – Kallie Plagge [Read the full review]

• Buy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate — 9/10

“An inconsistent online mode and situational downers don’t stop Super Smash Bros. Ultimate from shining as a flexible multiplayer game that can be as freewheeling or as firm as you want it to be. Its entertaining single-player content helps keep the game rich with interesting things to do, as well as bolstering its spirit of loving homage to the games that have graced Nintendo consoles. Ultimate’s diverse content is compelling, its strong mechanics are refined, and the encompassing collection is simply superb.” -Edmond Tran [Read the full review]

• Buy Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Octopath Traveler — 8/10

“Despite the lackluster stories that pull you through the world, Octopath thrives on its character progression and the temptations of high-level challenges and rewards. The promise of new jobs, exciting boss fights, and powerful gear will inspire you to poke around every corner, and there are no shortage of discoveries to strive for. And all the while, you’re treated to one of the most interesting and effective re-imaginings of a retro aesthetic around.” -Peter Brown [Read the full review]

• Buy Octopath Traveler

Bayonetta 2 — 10/10

“Bayonetta 2‘s combat is so expertly constructed, and its presentation so joyously insane, that you’d have to try so very hard to get bored of it all. In a year filled with the promise of ever more elaborate experiences on all the shiny new hardware, that Bayonetta 2–a homage to classic game design and escapism–should be the most fun I’ve had playing a game all year is unexpected.” -Mark Walton [Read the review]

• Buy Bayonetta 2

Stardew Valley — 9/10

“The sheer number of things to accomplish in Stardew Valley can keep you interested beyond the original three in-game years you need to reach the end of your story… And that’s truly what makes Stardew Valley such a lovely experience, it encourages you to go out and be the best you can be, in whichever task that brings you the most joy. Stardew Valley motivates naturally, with blissful optimism.” -Mary Kish [Read the full review]

• Buy Stardew Valley

Read our regularly-updated list of the best Nintendo Switch games so far for even more suggestions.

Services

The Switch’s paid online service, Nintendo Switch Online costs $20 per year to take most games online, in addition to providing features like cloud saves and voice chat. You’ll also get access to a selection of classic NES games with new online capabilities.

• Buy a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online subscription

Accessories

Perhaps more than any other console on the market, the Nintendo Switch is an accessory-friendly device. That’s mostly because of its hybrid nature as an at-home console and a handheld you can take on the go. Each use case lends itself to different accessories. Here are some you might want to consider.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

The Switch comes with a Joy-Con Grip to make your Joy-Cons feel as much like a standard controller as possible. Even so, it’s not the most ergonomic piece of hardware. If you play lots of games on your TV–or if you just want a controller that fits better in your hands, buying the Pro controller is the way to go.

• Buy a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Extra Joy-Cons

Whether you want to adorn your Switch with different colors or you want to bring in a couch co-op partner (or competitor), you can’t go wrong by stocking up on additional Joy-Cons.

• Buy extra Joy-Cons

Carrying Case

What good is a portable device if you don’t take it on the go? This Nintendo Switch carrying case offers terrific protection for your device, plus offers plenty of room for games and pockets for cables or other accessories.

• Buy a carrying case

Screen Protector

Nice screen you’ve got there; it would be a shame if something happened to it. With any portable device, it’s likely to take a beating from time to time. Protect your Switch’s screen from scratches with an affordable screen protector like this.

• Buy a screen protector

Additional Dock

One great thing about the Switch is how easy it is to hook up to other televisions. Adding a dock to a second TV makes it even easier.

• Buy an additional dock

Headset

The Switch is a fantastic gaming machine, but its onboard speakers leave much to be desired. Sidestep that issue by investing in a quality headset like this one.

• Buy a headset

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-complete-buying-guide-games-access/1100-6460978/