Miitomo Shutting Down and the Future of Miis

Nintendo's first venture into mobile gaming was Miitomo, an app where you could answer a variety of questions and learn strange facts about your friends. It had a weird premise, but introduced new ways to customize your Mii character, which I found the most enjoyable. Unfortunately, Miitomo will no longer function after May 9, 2018, about two years after its launch. I was really hoping that this app would have some integration with the Nintendo Switch. For example, changing your Mii's clothes in Miitomo would change their clothes in the games your Mii was in. This never came to be. In addition, Nintendo seems to be leaving Miis behind. While Miis are technically present on the Nintendo Switch, they are optional and serve little purpose, possibly to leave the "Wii" name in the past. It's the end of an era for many, but I'm sure society will go on without them.

Nintendo Switch Online App

I've owned my Nintendo Switch for a few months now and I can safely say that it's probably my favorite modern gaming console on the market. Today, the Nintendo Switch Online app has been released on the Apple App Store. There doesn't appear to have any functionality, as the servers are going under maintenance, however, the app will integrate with Splatoon 2 and it's online modes. Nintendo Switch Online is available from the Apple App Store for free [Direct Link].

Apple May Be Causing Nintendo Switch Supply Issues

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple's strong grasp on component manufacturers may be causing supply issues with the Nintendo Switch. As many know, the Nintendo Switch has been very difficult to find and requires hopeful owners to be ready to purchase with a moment's notice. The Switch is in need of a steady supply of flash-memory chips, LCDs, and motors for HD Rumble. Let's hope both companies can work out a steady supply somehow.

Why the Nintendo Switch is a Game Changer

I've been playing with the Nintendo Switch for about a week now, and while I'm not prepared to do a full review on it yet, I do have to make this point clear. I know it's been said time and time again, but I have to reiterate it: the portability aspect of the Nintendo Switch completely changes the way you will look at big triple-A titles. With console games, I find myself not having enough time to commit myself to sit down, turn on the console, and play the game. You don't just play these games for short periods. Meanwhile, handheld games, specifically those on the 3DS, can be played in quick bursts, but often have clear limitations held back by the hardware. The Nintendo Switch solves this problem by putting console quality games wherever you go. No other console can do that. Now, you want to see all your favorite games on this system. Rocket League, Fallout 4, Overwatch, and so on. Games you'd like to have more time playing, but don't have the chance to. While many of these games likely won't be ported due to the technical limitations of the Switch, it's important to see how game developers will rethink their future titles. Local wireless play may soon be an alternative to online play even. I can only hope this becomes a reality.

Nintendo Switch Desk

First off, if you've never heard of Jonathan Morrison, definitely go check out his YouTube channel. He is one of my favorite tech channels out there. Today, he showed off a new desk design based around the Nintendo Switch. The result is gorgeous. Bright colors complement the Neon Joy-Con controllers of the system. There is perfectly placed and portioned Nintendo-themed decor. Even the wallpaper of the computer is perfectly themed. Words don't do this setup justice, so please check out the video below if you have time.

Nintendo Switch and MacBook Pro

The Nintendo Switch uses USB-C as a charging port. MacBook Pro's newest model uses USB-C as a multipurpose port. So, one would think that the MacBook Pro would charge the Nintendo Switch when plugged into each other. According to Mike Murphy via Twitter, the Nintendo Switch actually charges the MacBook Pro. Furthermore, if the Nintendo Switch is turned off, the MacBook Pro will charge the Nintendo Switch.

Lol if you plug a Nintendo Switch into a new MacBook Pro, the Switch charges the laptop, not the other way around pic.twitter.com/YJhMct6fKO

— Mike Murphy (@mcwm) March 1, 2017

Nintendo Switch Released

It's been a very long journey but the day has finally come. The Nintendo Switch has been released in the east parts of America. And it certainly has an amazing launch title. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has gained unprecedented scores, earning perfect scores by nearly every major gaming publication. The Nintendo Switch marks Nintendo's pivot from their traditional ways and creating a new Apple-like style of continuity. It has the unique feature of being both a console and a handheld, all while playing fully-fleged console games. The Nintendo Switch officially launches at midnight on March 3 and is priced at $299.99.

Nintendo Switch

Today, Nintendo revealed their next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch, the final name for their NX console. Nintendo has a lot riding on this after the flop that was the Wii U. Switch is a hybrid between a handheld and a home console. In addition, it can play more third-party games, including The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim. Unfortunately, the short, three-minute trailer we saw this morning will be the last thing we will hear of the Switch until 2017. I'd like to give my thoughts and impressions in a separate post.