Nintendo Switch Launch Party LA

Though some may have gotten the system over night in midnight launches across the nation, LA had the Nintendo Switch Launch Party last Friday with an onslaught of demos we had to persevere through. It was tough, a back-breaking time of having to try out all the games coming out for the Switch while eating snacks and then having to walk outside to eat ice cream. You couldn't eat ice cream inside, darn it. They even had a mock diner to play the Switch in, once again making us wish their truly was a Nintendo diner.

You might have a chance to see the faux diner and try out demos of future releases with the event open to the public this Sunday.

Nintendo Switch Preview Tour
Los Angeles Sunday, March 5, 2017

Time: 10 a.m. PT (doors open)

Location: Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Please do not arrive earlier than 7 a.m. PT, as lines will not begin forming until that time. Wristbands will be handed out for specific sessions beginning at approximately 8 a.m. PT. The line will form on Melrose Ave starting at the corner of Melrose Ave and N Van Ness Ave.
*Minors (17 years of age or younger) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The free event we attended had YouTuber and streamers getting a first look at the console and some future titles. Nintendo did an amazing job on the location. It's an eye-catching area that makes us reiterate that Nintendo invest in making entertainment spaces. So many games to try and plenty of time to try them all in our experience.

We didn't spot Splatoon 2 right away so we grabbed for ARMS.It's a colorful fighter where your arms stretch out to hit your opponent.

Now, we'll be honest, going in we didn't expect much from ARMS, but we can't deny it was rather fun to bop someone else with Stretch Armstrong arms. It does take some getting use to the controls and using the Joy-cons in each hand, you'll get the hang of it eventually.

What we only played shortly, but will become something to stare at it while waiting in line at cons around the country is 1-2 Switch. We milked a cow, shouting, "Look at me, look at me!," into our opponents eyes. This game will no doubt be a crowd favorite for years to come, very reminiscent of Warioware, which we hope has it's own game down the line on the Switch. This sort of Warioware-Lite has you catching swords, holding poses, minding babies, and it requires interaction with others. No staring at the screen.

Later that day we had the chance to play it more in depth thanks to our friends over at World 8, now at two locations. There, we also had a chance to play Dance 2017 and just like it's Wii U predecessors, it's fun and can more accurately capture movement, though we doubt it does.

Splatoon 2's demo was up and running and...we just want it out now. The squid kids are two years older and with that experience comes some upgrades.The ink flies high all over the board in this sequel. The new two gun mode and special attacks do stand out, making it look like your squid kid has gained super powers for a few seconds. Two guns also makes you dodge instead of jump or maybe we need to learn the controls better.

Playing on the mobile version had us constantly pressing the button to realign view, it may take some time to get use to. We'll learn more over time about the game beyond the demo when it comes out this summer.

Snipperclips, oh, Snipperclips we love you and the chair versions of you at the event.
This simple title out now and going for $19.99 has  you and up to four friends cutting up each other to figure out puzzles. Your little characters are malleable pieces of what might be construction paper and you can change each others shape by taking a bite out of each other by moving your body around and making an impression in each other.

In our trial run we were able to get through the whole demo with a partner. We had to sharpen a pencil without arms, connect a wheel to a race-car and pop some balloons. And there's a bunch of different ways you can try to do each task.

We hope to see updates to the game with more levels or another game in the series later on.

Sonic Mania played fast and easy on the console, we've played the demo on a few other consoles at this point and it maintains it's appeal on the Switch.

The new Street Fighter looks great, the game's backgrounds and just overall look are eye-catching. If you need yet another version of the game it's a perfect addition to your collection or one of the only fighters confirmed coming to the console so far.

The event was a delight to attend, if you have a chance, head out this Sunday for your chance to play some early demos of games and possibly get a Switch cookie.

Thanks, Nintendo!