Nintendo Discusses Meaning of the Switch's Name and Reveal Event

Nintendo doesn't plan to announce any more specific details about the Switch until next month, but the company has now shared some insight into the console's name and its reveal event in October.

On the subject of the Switch's name, a Nintendo spokesperson said in the latest issue of the Japanese Nintendo Dream magazine that it has multiple meanings.

"We decided that this name would be the best fit for our product for two reasons. It represents one of the defining features of the Switch, the ability to seamlessly 'switch' between the TV screen and Switch's screen, while also embodying the idea of being a 'switch' that will flip, and change the way people experience entertainment in their daily lives," the representative said, according to Nintendo Everything.

One of the unique elements that we've seen of the Switch so far is that it can be played at home or on the go. According to GameStop's CEO, it might also have motion controls. Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, did not hold back in assessing the potential of the console, saying it could "redefine" gaming.

On the subject of what Nintendo hoped to achieve with the October 20 Switch reveal event, the spokesperson said in the magazine interview that it was all about communicating the novelty of the console.

"We wanted to show people just how much of an enjoyable difference it will make in their entertainment experiences, by having them see and hear for themselves what it can do in an easy-to-digest manner," the person said. "It allows people to enjoy a home console experience not only in front of a TV, but in rooms with no TV, or outside altogether.

"And because the controllers are detachable from the main body of the console, each of its forms offer different play experiences for people to enjoy."

During the reveal event, Nintendo showed a number of games, including Skyrim and an NBA 2K title. However, these games are not confirmed for the system but were instead shown to demonstrate the qualities of the console.

Nintendo will announce the Switch's price, specs, and launch lineup during an event in January. Earlier today, a report claimed that the console might play GameCube games via its Virtual Console.