Japanese gaming giant Nintendo has announced that its long-awaited Switch console will be released on March 3rd in the UK and Hampshire Gamers are excited.

Nintendo announced details of its latest games machine as it seeks to find new found success following a disappointing reaction from consumers to the Wii U, its most recent creation.

The Switch is a handheld computer that doubles as a home console with detachable controllers attached to its side.

Players can use it as a handheld, put the tablet on a table or connect it to a television with games delivered on small cartridges in a similar fashion to older Nintendo consoles.

The company has promised the Switch would offer a more interactive experience for users through online playing and games that don’t require people to stare at a display.

Games Critics across Hampshire had mixed views about Nintendo's latest announcement.

Southampton Gaming Reviewer Josh Stokes said: "It's really exciting to see Nintendo branching out with another new concept for gaming.

"The hybrid idea is something that mainstream consoles haven't particularly tried in this way before so there is great potential there.

"If they can pull it off then it'll certainly be a new sort of gaming experience that will hopefully attract a variety of different and new gamers."

More than 80 games are in development for the new machine that will include the Legends of Zelda and Super Mario Bros.

North Hampshire based gaming expert Bryan Horner told the Daily Echo: "The Nintendo Switch looks amazing.

"It’s a new generation of gaming Nintendo is bringing to the market and I’m sure it will flourish.

"However I’m slightly disappointed that the screen is only 720p as this can distort the quality, but Super Mario Bros will be a perfect game choice for the Switch."

Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima said: “Nintendo Switch is a brand-new kind of home gaming system that offers a wide variety of play modes.”

The Nintendo Switch will cost £279.99 in the UK and 29,980 yen (about $260) in Japan when it goes on sale.

Nintendo said the price was more expensive than first thought due to heavy competition from Sony and Microsoft and the rise of the smartphone gaming globe.