It's official, a few hours ago Nintendo finally unveiled their new console. Previously known as the NX, it turns out the Nintendo Switch will be a combination of a tablet computer, handheld gaming console, and home console. And is set to hit the stores in March 2017. The console consists of a tablet touchscreen with two controller grips that connect to the sides of the tablet. They have the typical D-pad, analog sticks and buttons. These little controller grips Nintendo calls "Joy-Cons". In this configuration, the Switch functions like any normal handheld console. But for playing games on the TV, the Joy-Cons are removed and the tablet is inserted into a docking station - very similar to that used by the PlayStation Portable Go - which then outputs to a TV via HDMI. The Joy-Cons are connected together and function as a normal controller (guess they finally ditched the Wii-mote!). Alternatively, it also supports a Wii U Pro style controller. But most important of all. It seems the rumors are true. The Nintendo Switch uses DS-style cards rather than CDs to store the games. Currently there is no word yet from Nintendo as to whether it will be backwards compatible with DS or 3DS games, but Nintendo is adamant that the Switch will coexist with the Wii U and 3DS rather than replace them. Even if the Switch does not support DS and 3DS games, this should be a wake up call for Sony. Nintendo is going to try and get as much mileage as they can out the Switch, when in fact Sony already has a big juicy foot in the door to one up the competition. The Vita handheld has in recent years has gone through an identity crisis. It was originally marketed as a portable game console, but now has since been marketed as a streaming device for PS3 and PS4 remote play. Nintendo tried to do this too with the Wii U's Off-TV Play, but the GamePad had a very limited range. On the Vita you could Remote Play your PS3 or PS4 games anywhere where there was WiFi, even if you were in a different State. Even before the Remote Play over Wi-Fi was possible, Sony had perfectly integrated handheld gaming with home console gaming. The PSP 2000 and 3000 both supported AV out, making it convenient and simple to play games on the go and then plug your handheld into a television when at home. The PSP Go took it a step further. While it was limited to download games, it could be plugged into a docking station outputting to a TV and then sync up with a Dual Shock 3 controller. This was somewhat carried over to the PlayStation Vita and PlayStation TV. The PSTV can sync with a Dual Shock 3 or Dual Shock 4 to allow you to play games on television. And to play them on the go you'd simply pop out the game and memory cards, stick them in the Vita and you're in business. But the Achilles Heel was always the damn blacklist. Games not on the whitelist won't load unless you hack the console. Now Nintendo is about to do what Sony has essentially pioneered. The docking station concept was borrowed right from the PSP Go; the concept of syncing your portable games with a conventional controller, straight from the PSP GO and PSTV; and with the game cards inserted into the tablet computer, the shortcomings of the Wii U's Off-TV play are overcome. But Sony still has a head start on Nintendo and the chance to outshine them. All they need do is remove the blacklist and release an update allowing the Vita to be used as a PSTV controller. The Vita already has a huge library of games, both containing exclusives and ports of some PS3 and PS4 titles, and it has far more third party support than Nintendo could hope for. With all of these games whitelisted, the PSTV will give every Vita owner the chance to play these great games on television without any need for Henkaku - not to mention no need to be locked out of the PlayStation Store. Sony may have discontinued the PSTV, but now it seems is the time to reserve that decision. Perhaps release a new (slim?) PSTV model bundled with a Vita and as a stand alone unit, no blacklisting what so ever. And for those who already bought a PSTV, release an update that gets rid of the blacklist. Now is your chance, Sony, to truly get the drop on Nintendo. EDIT 22nd of October 2016: Nintendo has confirmed today that the Switch won't support DS or 3DS games.