Nintendo Switch release date, specs, news: Hybrid console to feature a touchscreen display?

A promotional image for the Nintendo SwitchNintendo

The announcement trailer for the Nintendo Switch confirms that the new console is not just a unit to play at home but also a portable device. The trailer also confirms that it had a dock when being used as a home console and that its controllers could be detached for portable use. New rumors now suggest that it is also going to feature a multi-touch HD touch-screen that goes beyond the capabilities of the Wii-U and 3DS.

According to a report from Eurogamer, several unidentified sources have stated that the Switch shown in the trailer does indeed have a touchscreen. However, this feature was not shown so that the trailer could focus on advertising the other capabilities such as the portable functions, detachable controllers, and multiplayer abilities.

The report also states that the touchscreen was not shown in use because it might confuse some gamers. If the touchscreen was showcased in the first trailer there may be some consumers that may assume the Switch is merely an upgraded version of the 3DS or the Wii-U when in fact it is a brand new console.

Eurogamer reports that when taken out of the dock the screen supports full 720p HD resolutions, and it measures 6.2 inches in size. Even more impressive is the information that it will be a ten-point multi-touch screen. In comparison, the 3DS and Wii-U touchscreens could only read one touch at a time and were at times unreliable.

When docked, the touchscreen would be unavailable for use, but the report states that the answers are within the Joy-Con controllers. It is stated that the Joy-Con may have an IR sensor that communicates with the dock, allowing the controller to simulate the functions of the touchscreen.

Nintendo has not confirmed nor denied any of the aforementioned rumors. The report explains the company is not going to release any further details about the Switch until late 2016 or early 2017.