Nintendo Switch does have a multi-touch screen, say sources

By JC Torres/Oct. 28, 2016 2:30 am EST

Nintendo's new console handheld hybrid is shaping up to be quite the dreamy gaming device. And it's also starting to look like a customized NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet (which is probably why the chip maker hasn't launched a new one yet). One of the biggest questions about the device has just been answered, by anonymous sources no less. So yes, the Nintendo Switch will apparently sport a touch screen, but a rather middling one. But it's not your DS or Wii U touch screen, mind you, as, for the first time in Nintendo's history, it will support multiple touch points.

Let those words sink in for a while. Nintendo is certainly no stranger to devices with touch features, but all of its gaming products so far supported only one and one touch point. It was, for all intents and purposes, really made for the accompanying stylus and nothing fancier. The addition of a multi-touch capable screen is both satisfying but also a bit puzzling.

The puzzling part is because it's still not known how that feature will integrate with the rest of the experience. None of the games shown so far hinted at anything that would require a touch, much less multiple ones. And whether in your hands or sitting on its dock, the Switch was more than satisfied being driven by gamepads and sticks.

Of course, the Switch could be used without those attached, which also hints that there might be instances where a more direct touch might be preferable. Like in using it as a multimedia device. Compared to the Xbox and PlayStation, using Nintendo's consoles for purposes other than gaming hasn't exactly been their strongest suits. At least not without some tinkering and modding. A portable device such as the Switch would very well make for a viable entertainment device on the go.

That said, the screen is said to be only 6.2-inches on the diagonal with a resolution of 720p. Not exactly conducive for Full HD or higher content. Still, it's a bearable compromise. Now if only it had a stylus as well.

VIA: Eurogamer