Nintendo Switch

First impressions of the Nintendo Switch are as follows:

The console has a distinguishable new name which can’t be confused with the previous model.  New console name = New Start.

Many of the console’s features are inherited from the Wii and Wii U.  The simple design will make it easy to use and not intimidating to the general population who isn’t a hardcore gamer.  The tablet controller is also carried on from the Wii U, making it possible to take your game on the go.  This feature has been one of my favourites from the Wii U; it just wasn’t used efficiently on the Wii U.

The advertising is focused on adults, which I love.  While Nintendo is known as a family friendly company, focusing on adults appeals to a larger portion of the population.

The main controller seems to be a wireless handheld that can “switch” and attach to other components such as the tablet.  I love this because I prefer an actual controller in my hand for most games, rather than a Wii U style controller that I might be forced to use.  From what I could tell there are at least 4 different ways to use the controller.

The screen on the tablet looks just like any other screen on the market; I like this because a standard screen will seem natural for people that already have iPads.  I also love the fact that there’s an earphone jack that accepts any regular earphone.

From what I saw, I can imagine we’re getting SD cards or some form of cartridges.  I actually prefer SD cards over downloads or wireless connection.

The tablet will allow for a more personal competitive feel because you’re allowed to play games head to head against your opponent on different tablet screens.  I prefer this more than playing online because I prefer to play with friends in the same room.

We’re getting a new freaking Mario game.  Enough said.  Though seriously, although the Wii U was a great system the lack of a Mario game on release really caused it to fail in capturing an initial consumer base.

While I’m not a fan of Splatoon, the competitive portion of the video makes me assume that Nintendo will sponsor competitions in the future.

Seeing a basketball game means we’re getting back third party support, and sports games in general.  The lack of sports games was a strong motivator for me getting a PS3/PS4 before.  Hopefully we get a baseball game as well.

And finally, it’s coming out in March, my Birthday!  Take My Money Nintendo!

The Legend of Zelda: NES Link Painting

This is a big year for Zelda fans because Nintendo finally announced that Breath of the Wild is releasing next year.  In order to celebrate my love for the franchise I wanted to do a painting that I’ve had on my mind to do for a long time; the animated character version of Link from the original NES Zelda game.  This version of Link can be found on the map that was included with the game.

I started this painting off by practicing how to draw Link multiple times on paper.  One of the difficulties I encountered at first was the lack of colour and shades within my drawing.  But then I decided to just keep going and worry about the shades later.  I then drew a basic sketch on a 5 x 7 canvas, which is my current size preference.  I went with a white background because it looks cleaner, and because animated colours tend to pop out more.  I then painted all of Link’s colours and shades in one swoop.

Thankfully, rushing like this made it easier to overcome my worries of the painting not looking good.  I then used a thin brush to do the lines which gave it a cel shading look, that worked perfectly.  I did make mistakes along the way, but the size of the painting made it easy to correct any imperfections.  Now that I am done I am very happy with the end result, and I hope to one day do another Link painting.

Link (The Legend of Zelda) Wiki:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link_(The_Legend_of_Zelda)

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN89H6B3NIU

Nintendo MediCom Toy Ultra Detail Figures

A few years ago there was this huge vinyl toy crazy that everyone was into.  With brands such as Medicom Toy and Kidrobot releasing limited edition artist designed toys.  Unfortunately just like beanie babies, trading card games and pogs; it was a craze I just didn’t understand.  I especially didn’t understand the price tag of vinyl toys, considering the fact that some sold for hundreds of dollars.  While I did buy some figures throughout the years, it was still something I had no interest in.

Earlier this year I found out that Medicom Toy would be releasing a line of retro Nintendo figures.  I wasn’t excited about them, but when I happened to see them in a local store one day I decided to get them.  I bought a Super Mario, and a Link figure.  Both figures are inspired by the Famicom version of those games.

Both figures are vinyl, are made in China, and are beautifully packaged in plastic clam shell that displays retro cards on the back.  Both figures also include a black base that pegs the figures in place.  I was disappointed by the paint job considering the price of these figures, and Medicom Toy describing them as “ultra detailed figures”.  Despite that I still love the figures and I’m happy to finally add vinyl figures to my collection that I actually understand.

Medicom Toy:

http://www.medicomtoy.co.jp

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9OmMwgt4Iw

Funko Pop! Batman Vinyl Figure

Well here’s a collectable that I never thought I would buy; Funko Pop! bobbleheads.  I first noticed them many years ago, but whenever I would pass by them in a store they just didn’t interest me.  I had already bought vinyl toys before such as Mighty Muggs, and figured Pop figures would eventually be discontinued like the others.  But as the years went by I noticed that they kept releasing more and more bobbleheads, and people kept collecting them.

I then decided to buy a Pop figure to see what the whole craze was about.  I decided to go with a Batman Pop from the DC Comic super heroes line.  All Pop figures come nicely packaged in a cute little box that contains a plastic window to see the figure inside.  Once you open the box that isn’t sealed all you get inside is the figure.  While I assumed Pop figures were all bobbleheads considering that they look like bobbleheads, I was disappointed to find out that the majority of Pop figures aren’t true bobbleheads, and that only a few actually do bobble.

The actual design of Pop figures is really basic with all of them containing dwarf bodies, large heads, and large round eyes.  Other than a few basic features, the paint is what usually distinguishes one Pop figure from another.  And paint is another feature that I was also disappointed by because I had to look through 6 different Batman figures in the store before I found one that I was happy with.  Lamentably this will probably be my first and only Pop figure because I just don’t understand the fad.

Funko Pop!:

www.funko.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9N5bZaLvMc