Will Nintendo Ever Offer Steam Style Service
The Nintendo Switch is nix brusque of a sensation. Subsequently the mediocre reception to the Nintendo Wii U in 2012, the company knew information technology needed to re-imagine its home panel offerings, and that solution concluded upwards beingness the Switch. The adventure paid off, as sales for the hybrid panel continue to climb fifty-fifty years later its launch.
In this Nintendo Switch buying guide, we'll requite yous everything you lot could ever want to know virtually the console. Nosotros'll cover buying a Switch, owning a Switch, and accessorizing your Switch. If you're on the contend about buying one, we have tons of tips here to help you make your decision. There's also plenty of info here for current owners who desire to make the nigh of their gaming consoles.
Editor'due south note: This Nintendo Switch buying guide is electric current as of May 2022. We will update it with new content regularly. While we mention the Switch specifically, this guide is also written with the Switch Lite and Switch OLED Model in listen.
At a glance: What is a Nintendo Switch panel?
Nintendo unveiled the Switch on March 3, 2017. The Nintendo Switch price was $299 at launch, which significantly undercut the prices of the Sony PlayStation 4 ($399 at the time) and matched the then-current toll of the Xbox One Southward.
Unlike the PS4 and Xbox One S, though, the Nintendo Switch is what'south known every bit a hybrid console. This ways you can connect it to a TV and play it in the normal dwelling house console style. Notwithstanding, you can also use it every bit a wireless handheld device — not unlike the Nintendo 3DS, another insanely popular Nintendo production.
In other words, the Switch offers the best of both worlds: the ability to run dwelling house console games that look and play great on a tv set as well equally the ability to play those same games on the become.
The Nintendo Switch is officially the company's best-selling domicile panel of all time, with over 107 million units sold to date. That puts it ahead of the Nintendo Wii (~102 million units) in 2nd identify and well ahead of the original Nintendo Entertainment System (~62 meg units) in third place. There's every reason to believe the Switch could somewhen top 154 meg units sold, which would brand information technology Nintendo'due south all-time-selling hardware ever (a title currently held past the Nintendo DS).
Is the Nintendo Switch worth buying?
The popularity of the Nintendo Switch is not unwarranted. Its unique hybrid design is enticing for people who want versatility with their gaming experience. Nintendo has too washed a terrific job of releasing some stellar games for the Switch while also bringing over a staggering number of third-party titles.
That being said, the Switch isn't without its faults. Its hybrid design prevents it from being as powerful as a PlayStation or Xbox, for example. Also, despite Nintendo's exceptional efforts to bring over a plethora of third-party games, in that location are still enough of major releases that are only unavailable for the Switch. As fourth dimension goes on, the chances of newer, more graphics-intensive games making it to the Switch get slimmer and slimmer.
Related: The all-time sectional games for the Nintendo Switch
The bottom line is this: if you're a Nintendo fan already, the Switch is an absolute must-buy, without question. If you're a casual gamer, the Switch would likely exist a good investment because you lot can use information technology for both your home panel and handheld console needs without buying two separate devices. If yous're a hardcore gamer who wants admission to every game and the power to play them at the highest quality possible, the Switch is probable non what y'all're looking for.
Keep in mind that the Nintendo Switch price is incredibly competitive when compared to other major consoles. This could also be a factor in your determination.
What experts are saying about the Nintendo Switch
WhileAndroid Authority doesn't have an official review for the Nintendo Switch console, we do give it our endorsement. Well-nigh of the members of our staff hither own a Switch, which is probably the best review whatsoever piece of tech tin get from us!
Other major gaming publications besides say the Switch is a terrific console. Here are some selection quotes:
- The Verge'southward Ross Miller in the original 2017 launch review: " The most shocking thing about the Switch might be how many obvious pitfalls Nintendo has managed to elegantly avert. Going from playing on the tablet to the TV is completely effortless, and there's no sense of compromise whichever way you choose to play. One time you hold and utilize the Switch, information technology simply makes sense."
- CNET's Jeff Bakalar in a post-launch review: "The Switch'due south first five months have been impressive and now that we're closing in on a year it's easy to requite it a slam dunk recommendation. Its delinquent abroad[sic] success guarantees that it volition meet support from beginning- and third-party developers for many years to come up."
- Engadget's Devindra Hardawar in a postal service-launch review: "While I appreciate the raw power that its competitors offering, the Switch proved that ability isn't everything. Instead, it harkened back to a time when we played games on the burrow against our friends, and information technology made it clear that a true console feel could travel with you during your commute. Once more, Nintendo redefined how we could call back of game consoles."
- Polygon's entire staff in the original 2017 review: "Compared to the Wii U on its merits, the Switch is a slam douse. It takes the basic concept of the Wii U, of a tablet-based console, and fulfills the promise of information technology in a way Nintendo simply wasn't capable of realizing in 2012. It's launching with a piece of software that, more than annihilation in the Wii U'due south first year, demonstrates its inherent adequacy of delivering what Nintendo says is 1 of the Switch's primary missions: a big-budget, AAA game that exists across a handheld device and a television-continued portable. The hardware lives upward to its name in how easily and smoothly it moves between those two worlds, in how dead simple it all is to make something pretty magical happen."
Although these quotes represent praise for the panel, in that location were a lot of unanswered questions when the Nintendo Switch launched. Most of these problems have been addressed in the years since its debut, but some linger on. Check out the "Known Issues" section further downwardly the page to find out more than.
What our readers say about the Nintendo Switch
Professional reviewers are ordinarily very trustworthy. However, sometimes yous want to hear direct from consumers to get an "everyman" opinion. Thankfully,Android Authority readers have given us plenty of insight into how they feel most the Switch.
In this poll, we asked users how they feel well-nigh the Nintendo Switch in 2020. Here'due south how it breaks down:
The chart makes it articulate that 74% of our readers love or similar their Switch, even several years after it launched. If you include the people who are just lukewarm on the console, you get over 87% of our readers who are at the very to the lowest degree content with their purchase. That's an overwhelming ratio.
If you want to run across more than info on how our readers feel about the Nintendo Switch, roll down to the final section of this commodity. There, you'll find some live polls surrounding buyers' happiness with the panel today.
The Nintendo Switch specs yous need to know
As mentioned earlier, the Nintendo Switch'due south specs are very weak compared to a PlayStation four Pro, Xbox I X, or high-finish gaming PC. Nonetheless, raw ability has never been Nintendo's focus when it comes to its systems, so specs really don't matter much here.
Read likewise: Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite
That being said, there is some value in knowing the basic specs of the console. Check out the table below which has the Nintendo Switch specs as sourced directly from Nintendo.
| Nintendo Switch Specs | |
|---|---|
| Brandish | 6.2-inch LCD |
| Processor | Custom Nvidia Tegra CPU/GPU |
| Storage | 32GB of onboard storage |
| Battery | iv,310mAh |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/one thousand/n/air conditioning) |
| Audio | 5.1-aqueduct Linear PCM output (docked) |
| Size | Display lonely: With Joy-Con attached: |
| Weight | Brandish alone: With Joy-Con fastened: |
What comes with a Nintendo Switch?
There are a total of eight items included with a Nintendo Switch, not including manuals, notices, and other miscellaneous paperwork. Essentially, there's the console, a unmarried Nintendo Switch controller in the class of two Joy-Con (which tin become two separate controllers for certain games), and everything you need to hook information technology up to a TV.
Here's what comes in the box:
- Nintendo Switch console
- Left Joy-Con
- Right Joy-Con
- Joy-Con straps (pair)
- HDMI cable
- Nintendo Switch dock
- Joy-Con Grip
- AC adapter
The above includes everything you need to play Nintendo Switch games either using just the Switch itself or docked with your television. Since the Switch is online-ready and has a robust shop for downloading games, you don't even need to buy a physical copy of a game to offset playing. All y'all need is what'southward in the box.
Depending on the retail outlet, at that place might exist bundles on offer that come with unlike accessories, games, or other materials in addition to what you see above. Nonetheless, every Nintendo Switch retail box will accept the aforementioned cadre items.
Nintendo Switch: A very basic setup guide
Handheld mode
To get started playing the Nintendo Switch in its standalone handheld mode, you lot starting time need to attach the Joy-Con. Make sure y'all remove the Joy-Con strap from each controller (if needed) and so slide each Joy-Con onto either side of the main Switch display. It should await as information technology does in the image above.
Note that the Joy-Con won't slide on the wrong side. If you lot feel like you need to force information technology on, you are putting the wrong Joy-Con in. Swap it to the other side of the Switch instead.
Once the two Joy-Con are attached, power on the Switch by pressing the power button, which is on the top left of the panel. When the device powers on, yous'll need to hit one button three times in a row to unlock it. Once at that place, simply option a game and start playing! Don't have any games? Scroll down a bit farther for help with that.
TV or docked mode
To play the Nintendo Switch on your Television set, you'll need to connect the included HDMI cable to the dock. In that location'south only one HDMI port on the dock, then it's easy to discover where it goes. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into an empty port on your TV. Make sure your Telly's input is set to that same port.
Driblet the Switch (either with or without the Joy-Con attached) into the dock so that it slides onto the USB-C plug at the bottom. Once information technology does, you should almost instantly see the Switch's unlock screen on your television receiver.
Either use the detached Joy-Con or a uniform Switch controller (see the accessories section for more on this) to unlock the Switch but every bit you would in handheld mode. That'due south information technology, yous're prepare to play!
What is the Nintendo Switch battery life like?
In that location are really 2 versions of the Nintendo Switch and the biggest difference between them is bombardment life. Yous can tell which version of the Switch you lot own by using the post-obit info:
- Is your Switch's model number HAC-001 and does its series number get-go with "XAW"? You have an original version of the Switch produced between March 2017 and August 2019.
- Is your Switch's model number HAC-001(-01) and does its series number start with "XKW"? You have the updated version of the Switch produced between August 2019 and today.
Nintendo claims that the original version of the Nintendo Switch gets anywhere between 2.5 to vi.five hours of playtime on a single bombardment charge. The updated Switch can allegedly get four.5 to 9 hours of playtime.
At that place are two versions of the Switch, and battery life is the biggest difference between them.
Now, in that location are two things to address hither. Why is in that location such a divergence in Nintendo Switch bombardment life between the two models, and why are the fourth dimension limits so vague? The reply to the first question is elementary: Nintendo updated the organization-on-fleck in the newer version and also upgraded the memory. This allows for better battery efficiency even though the battery is the same size in both versions of the console.
As for why the playtime limits are so vague, this is due to the types of games you're playing. Unlike games require different levels of graphics processing power, which in turn either accelerates or decelerates battery drain. Equally such, a graphics-heavy game like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt volition bleed the bombardment faster than a simpler game like Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
In full general, though, we find that the Nintendo Switch battery life ends up being very close to Nintendo'south estimates. Your mileage may vary, of course, merely you should await a minimum of 2 hours of playtime on a single charge, regardless of what you're playing.
As for the Nintendo Switch Lite, information technology really sees slightly better bombardment life due to the smaller display and fewer internal components. The Switch OLED Model also sees slightly better bombardment life than the regular Switch since the OLED display is more than power-efficient.
Is the game library potent for the Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo exclusively owns some of the biggest names in gaming. Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, Animal Crossing, Splatoon, Super Nail Bros., Donkey Kong, and many more franchises will merely ever appear on Nintendo consoles. Equally such, if even one of those properties is interesting to you, you'll demand to ain a Switch to play the latest titles.
Outside of Nintendo'south own games, there are a surprising number of other options for players. The Switch has become Nintendo's most inclusive console ever when information technology comes to giving players the games they want.
Get-go-party Nintendo Switch games:
Some of the biggest overall game releases of the by few years are Nintendo-endemic franchises that it develops and publishes. They are merely playable on a Nintendo Switch (and, in some cases, the Wii U).
- Mario Kart viii: Deluxe — The best-selling Switch title and office of a franchise that'due south a cultural phenomenon.
- The Fable of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — Winner of dozens of Game of the Year awards and already on a few "Best Games of All Fourth dimension" lists.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons — The game that everyone is talking near and helping to make the Switch panel difficult to buy anywhere.
- Nintendo Labo — A kit that allows you to create physical gadgets out of cardboard, encouraging children to gain interest in STEM fields.
Those are the major highlights, but there's also Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon ii, Burn down Keepsake: Three Houses, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and more games that have sold millions and millions of copies. These are all adult and published by Nintendo and tin can't be played anywhere else.
Exclusive third-party titles
There are also a lot of Nintendo Switch games that are non created by Nintendo but tin can only be played on a Switch. These include all the Pokémon games, the popular multiplayer Tetris 99, Yoshi'due south Crafted World, and the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise. There are too numerous independent games yous can buy through the Nintendo eShop that are unavailable on whatsoever other organisation, such as The Stretchers, the Box Boy franchise, Ninjala, and more than.
Third-political party ports
Since Nintendo owns some of the about pop game franchises of all fourth dimension, the company has never felt the demand to work hard on getting third-party developers to port their games to Nintendo consoles. That'south why a lot of the major titles in gaming never landed on the Wii U, the Wii, the GameCube, and on and on dorsum through the years.
Related:The best RPGs for the Nintendo Switch
That's inverse with the Nintendo Switch, though. Now, a lot of games that one would have never thought would ever come to a Nintendo console are here. Hither is just a minor collection of examples:
That list volition expand as fourth dimension goes on every bit the Switch is all the same Nintendo's primary focus and won't be getting a replacement any time soon.
Retro games
Nintendo's massive back catalog of games for older consoles is a literal goldmine of content. Recently, Nintendo has been doing a much improve job of allowing gamers to play games from every bit far dorsum as the original NES on their Switch.
However, Nintendo keeps all this content behind ii subscription-based paywalls called Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The practiced news about this is that your base monthly subscription gets yous access to over 100 NES and SNES games, which you can play as much as yous wish with no extra fees. The expansion pack also gives you access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. The bad news is that if you but want to buy one of those games à la card, y'all are out of luck, equally Nintendo has done away with the Virtual Panel service we saw on previous systems.
For more data on the Nintendo Switch Online services, check out the adjacent section of this postal service. There'due south as well a lot more info in that location related to its retro gaming offerings.
Nintendo Switch Online: What you lot demand to know
As with every other mod console, the Nintendo Switch relies on an net connexion to deliver updates, downloadable content, game news, and more than. It also has an online store where you can purchase new games, watch trailers, and even play free demos. This is called the Nintendo eShop.
In addition to this, in that location is also Nintendo Switch Online, which is a paid subscription service. This gives you lot access to multiple features, including the previously mentioned retro games collection. On top of that, it allows y'all to connect with friends through online conversation, share game data, participate in multiplayer activities, and more than.
To exist clear, though, y'allpractise non need a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online to play games on your Switch. You can buy games, get organization updates and downloadable content, set parental controls, and enjoy many other aspects of your Switch without paying any monthly charge.
If you are interested in Nintendo Switch Online, here'southward what the service offers and what it costs.
Nintendo Switch Online: Multiplayer
The biggest aspect of Nintendo Switch Online is that it offers online multiplayer for most games. If you desire to play Tetris 99, Splatoon 2, Mario Kart eight: Deluxe, or Super Boom Bros. Ultimate online with your friends, y'all need a Switch Online subscription. The aforementioned goes if you desire to visit your friends' islands in Animate being Crossing: New Horizons. There is no way around it.
The three major games that are an exception to this dominion are Overwatch, Rocket League, and Fortnite, whichdo not require a Switch Online subscription for online multiplayer. Information technology'southward safe to assume any online multiplayer games you lot are interested in outside of those 3 will crave a paid subscription.
As well, it should be noted that a subscription is only needed foronline multiplayer. Local multiplayer does not crave a subscription. This means that whatsoever couch co-op games y'all take will work just fine without the monthly fee. It as well ways you tin can play all multiplayer games for free if you and your friends are in the same place and on the aforementioned network.
Online communications
Unfortunately, the way Nintendo ready online advice through Nintendo Switch Online is incredibly clunky. With an Xbox or PlayStation, y'all connect a headset of some kind to the system and then chat with your friends while you play. Information technology's simple and straightforward.
With the Switch, you lot instead need to use a smartphone app. All your chats happen through the app, not the console. Any headsets, microphones, or other peripherals become connected to your phone.
While this sounds similar it's not a large deal, it'south very cumbersome. A lot of gaming headsets on the market place are geared towards consoles, non smartphones. Likewise, a lot of smartphones don't take headphone jacks these days. These issues make your accompaniment purchases confusing. It'south also annoying for Fortnite players since their chats dohappen through the Switch console itself, not the app. It's all very messy.
The basic gist, though, is that your multiplayer experience on the Switch will inevitably require you to download the app on your Android phone, iPhone, or iPad.
Cloud game saves
Some other major aspect of the Switch Online service is the power to save your games to the cloud. Without a subscription, your game saves are on your Switch's difficult drive (or microSD card) and thus not protected if something happens to your Switch. If you're the kind of person who wants to make sure their game saves are always safety, you lot'll demand this subscription.
If you subscribe to Switch Online and save some games to the cloud and so abolish your subscription, you lot'll no longer be able to admission those saves (your local saves volition nonetheless be accessible). You tin can re-subscribe and gain access to the cloud saves, but you'll need to exercise it within six months. Six months after you finish paying for Switch Online, Nintendo deletes all your cloud saves.
In that location are a select few games that do not back up cloud saves. The reason for this is usually that information technology would get against the nature of the game to include the service. A few examples of this are Animate being Crossing: New Horizons, Splatoon 2, Dark Souls Remastered, and a few more.
The NES and SNES games collection
The first twelvemonth that Nintendo started offering the Switch Online service, it slowly rolled out access to diverse Nintendo Entertainment System games. Later a yr of that, it dumped a huge collection of Super Nintendo Entertainment System games. Combined, there are over 100 games you tin can play with your subscription. More games appear periodically, likewise.
Nintendo has enhanced the games to allow for things the original systems just couldn't offering. This includes online multiplayer, the ability to save and restore at any point during gameplay, and even the power to rewind your game. In that location are even options to make your feel more authentic by playing in the original 4:3 attribute ratio and adding bogus CRT scan lines.
It is as well possible to play a curated pick of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. Caput further down to read about the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for more info.
Regardless, you tin always cheque what games are on offer with this service by heading hither.
Miscellaneous perks
Being a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber can sometimes earn you some fun stuff. For example, subscribers of the family plan recently received some unique skins for their Splatoon two characters. Nintendo also makes physical NES, SNES, N64, and Genesis controllers for use with the Switch's retro games and but offers them to Switch Online subscribers for purchase (they sell out almost immediately every time).
To celebrate the thirty-fifth ceremony of Mario, Nintendo launched a game called Super Mario Bros. 35. It allowed you to play the original Super Mario Bros. game in an online multiplayer format. This game was free and exclusive to the Nintendo Switch Online platform. Even so, it was only available until March 31, 2021.
Chances are adept in that location volition be many more than unique perks forth these lines in the futurity.
Nintendo Switch Online: Pricing
There are ii different types of plans in the Nintendo Switch Online service: individual and family. Obviously, the individual programme but works with 1 Nintendo business relationship, while the family plan allows you lot to share your perks with other people.
No matter the plan you lot select, you get a complimentary seven-day introductory trial before your payments brainstorm.
Private plans
For plans with just one account, yous can pay each month, each quarter, or each year. As 1 would look, you relieve a bit of cash by making longer commitments to the service:
- I calendar month:$iii.99 each month, plus applicable taxes
- Three months: $7.99 each quarter, plus applicable taxes (saves you $3.98 every payment period)
- Annually: $xix.99 each year, plus applicable taxes (saves you lot $27.89 each payment menstruum)
The yearly subscription is definitely the best bargain for an private plan. Withal, if y'all just want to try out the service, the monthly plan is pretty inexpensive, too.
Family plan
The family program requires a year-long investment. You cannot pay per calendar month. This allows you to share your Nintendo Switch Online benefits with upward to viii people.
- Family unit plan subscription: $34.99 each twelvemonth, plus applicable taxes
The cool affair about this programme is that you tin share your benefits with literally anyone. If you can find vii friends willing to chip in, yous could all become Nintendo Switch Online perks for less than $5.00 per yr each. That'due south not a bad deal at all.
Keep in mind, though, that the purchaser of a family plan needs to be over eighteen years old. The people he or she shares the subscription with, though, tin be under xviii.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
In 2021, Nintendo announced a new expansion pack for its Switch Online subscription service. This is an add-on for the regular Nintendo Switch Online subscription fee. It is totally optional only does requite you an interesting selection of perks. Practice note that you can't go the expansion pack on its ain — you lot must already be a Switch Online subscriber.
The biggest perk is access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. As of May 2022, at that place are 14 N64 games and 25 Sega Genesis games. Nintendo volition expand these selections of titles every bit time goes on.
The second perk to the expansion pack is access to Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Happy Home Paradise. This is an expansion of the New Horizons game that gives you access to a new distant resort. There are new characters, new items, and a whole bunch more that won't appear in the standalone Animal Crossing game. This will also see updates every bit fourth dimension goes on.
Finally, the third and newest perk is access to new courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Nintendo calls this the Booster Course Pass. You lot proceeds admission to 48 new courses released in six waves (with eight courses in each wave). The waves started on March 18, 2022, and will happen regularly until the end of 2023.
It is possible Nintendo could offer more perks to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. For at present, though, this is what your extra subscription fee gets you lot.
Expansion Pack price for individuals
Different the base plans for individuals, you cannot pay monthly or quarterly for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. You tin can only pay annually. For individuals on the monthly, quarterly, or almanac plan, the expansion pack volition price $49.99 each year. Yes, the expansion pack costs more than than twice as much as an individual annual plan to the base service.
If y'all pay for the annual base program of Switch Online, your total cost for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack would be $69.98 each year.
Expansion Pack price for families
Every bit with the base family subscription, the expansion pack for family subscribers tin exist shared with up to eight people (you and seven others). As such, the expansion pack cost goes up a bit to $79.99 each year. That brings your full cost for the family version of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to $114.98 each year. If you split that 8 ways, it would cost each person about $14.50 each twelvemonth, which isn't bad. Even so, you'll need to find seven people you trust to scrap in each year!
Nintendo Switch Lite: What is it and what'southward different?
More than than 2 years after the launch of the original Nintendo Switch, the company announced a new variant of the console: the Nintendo Switch Lite. As the proper name suggests, this console is a watered-downwardly version of the original. This means you get fewer features only also a lower price.
Nonetheless, the Nintendo Switch Light does not skimp out on the game library. The Switch Lite supports nearly every game the original Switch supports (with the exception of games that require Joy-Con usage, such as 1-2-Switch). If y'all buy a physical game for your chief Switch, that cartridge volition as well work in your Switch Lite. Additionally, if you use the same Nintendo account on both systems, yous'll have admission to the digital games you lot've paid for through the Nintendo eShop. If you're a member of Switch Online, your perks volition also transfer to the Switch Light (assuming you are signed in under that account).
There are a few differences present on the Nintendo Switch Lite as compared to the "real" Switch, though.
Differences with Switch Light
- The Switch Lite is overall physically smaller than the Switch. This results in a smaller display (5.5 inches compared to six.two inches).
- You cannot detach the Joy-Con on the Switch Lite — they are permanently attached to the system. This prevents you lot from fully enjoying whatever games that rely on Joy-Con separation, including 1-ii-Switch, Super Mario Party, Just Dance, Nintendo Labo, Band Fit Gamble, and others. You can, however, use a carve up set up of Joy-Con (or another compatible controller) to play these games on the Switch Lite, although the next item on this list makes that tricky.
- Y'all cannot dock the Switch Light to play games on your television. The Switch Light is designed for handheld utilise only.
- The Switch Lite has a smaller battery than the regular Switch. Yet, it surprisingly gets better overall battery life than the original Switch due to the upgraded internal hardware and lack of other battery-hogging features.
In exchange for losing out on some features, the Nintendo Switch Light has a lower starting cost equally compared to the Switch. The Switch Calorie-free starts at $199, a full $100 cheaper than the regular Switch. This makes it the perfect option for parents who desire to give their kids a Switch just don't desire to spend $300 on something they might break.
Nintendo Switch OLED Model: What is it and what'southward different?
On July 6, 2021, Nintendo launched a slightly upgraded version of the Switch called the Nintendo Switch OLED Model. This version is slightly more expensive and comes with a few new or upgraded features every bit compared to the original Switch.
At that place are five large differences between the OLED Model and the regular Switch:
- It has a larger 7-inch display and that display is OLED instead of LCD.
- The OLED Model has twice equally much internal storage at 64GB.
- The kickstand spans the entire dorsum of the panel and has multiple stopping points, which allows for more stable propping.
- The audio out of the panel itself (i.e. in handheld style) is ameliorate.
- There is now an Ethernet port built into the dock.
Bated from these master points, in that location are a few artful differences. At that place's a white model, every bit seen above, and the dock is slightly redesigned to suit the Ethernet cable. This new Switch plays all current games and supports all current accessories, including Joy-Con.
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model hit store shelves on Oct 8, 2021, and costs $349.
Alternatives to the Nintendo Switch
The merely major competitor to the Nintendo Switch's hybrid design is Valve'southward Steam Deck. Like the Switch, the Steam Deck can play AAA games in handheld fashion. It can besides connect to a television so y'all can enjoy those games in the traditional home console mode.
Obviously, the biggest difference betwixt a Switch and a Steam Deck is the game library. The Steam Deck plays PC games purchased through the Steam shop. That ways you will non be able to play any Nintendo-sectional games on the Steam Deck (well, legally anyway). Regardless, the Steam Deck is the get-go and most-promising competitor to the Switch since the Switch's launch in 2017.
Come across also:The Steam Deck has potential — if Valve tin can stay committed
Another thing that could possibly replicate the hybrid console setup is an Android telephone or tablet. If you lot subscribe to a game streaming service such as Google Stadia, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or Nvidia GeForce Now, you tin can stream AAA titles on your telephone. This would permit you to play them in a handheld style and and then connect your telephone to your TV to play like a traditional console.
Of form, this would besides prevent you from playing the Nintendo-exclusive franchises. Even so, it's a viable pick for someone who wants the versatility of the Switch but not the Nintendo ecosystem.
Domicile console competitors
The virtually obvious competitors to the Nintendo Switch console when information technology comes to playing games on a Television set are the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. Both consoles are older than the Switch so you can sometimes discover them for fifty-fifty less coin than you would a Switch. Additionally, these consoles will offering a lot of games and franchises that the Switch won't accept. A few examples of these are the Call of Duty franchise, The Terminal of Us Parts 1 and two, the Uncharted franchise, the Halo franchise, the Gears of War franchise, and a whole lot more than.
Also, continue in mind that the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series Ten are both here (although nevertheless nearly incommunicable to get). These next-gen consoles are incredibly powerful — far more than powerful than the Switch. An examination of the Nintendo Switch specs every bit compared to the PS5 would be like night and day. The PS5 and XBSX will likewise support a lot of games and franchises that the Switch won't. And, since the Switch will be so much weaker in comparison, a lot of future games might non get ported to the Switch since that would require developers to drastically reduce the quality.
Once over again, Nintendo is not worried about this competition. As far every bit the company'southward concerned, the Switch exists entirely equally its own thing and appeals to a demographic of gamers that the PS5 and Xbox Series X pass over. Therefore, Sony and Microsoft are more in competition with each other than either of them is with Nintendo.
Handheld competitors
Besides Nintendo, the major players in gaming generally ignore the handheld console space. Sony tried a few times to steal Nintendo's thunder, about recently with the Sony PlayStation Vita. Still, that organization never fifty-fifty came close to the sales of the Nintendo 3DS and Sony has since ceased production of the console. Microsoft has never even attempted to have a handheld device with the Xbox name.
With that in heed, the biggest competitor to the Nintendo Switch in the handheld space is its sis product: the Switch Calorie-free. The Nintendo 3DS was also a large competitor, but Nintendo officially discontinued that product in 2020. That would withal be a good option for handheld gaming, though, assuming you are OK with knowing that no new games are on the fashion and you won't exist able to buy games digitally due to Nintendo shutting down the eShop.
Finally, the previously mentioned Steam Deck is also a viable handheld competitor. All the same, it still has the limitations discussed in the previous section.
A few known issues related to the Switch
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
When the Nintendo Switch outset launched, it faced a ton of scrutiny — far more than most consoles would face. That's because the Switch was unlike anything we'd always seen before, and then reviewers and consumers were hesitant to give information technology a seal of blessing until some questions were answered.
Over time, Nintendo has answered a lot of those early questions. Would information technology be easy to dock and undock the Switch to create a seamless experience? Check. Is Nintendo going to work difficult to bring over lots of third-party games? Check. Would the online feel of using the Switch piece of work well and be reasonably priced? Bank check.
However, there are still quite a few problems related to the Switch console. Below are a few of the biggest ones for which you should be on the lookout:
- Joy-Con drift:If yous're playing a Switch game and detect that your character is drifting off to one side, you are experiencing Joy-Con drift. Nintendo has acknowledged this problem and is making it fairly easy for consumers to get Joy-Con fixed or replaced.
- Joy-Con disconnect: If ane or both of your Joy-Con constantly disconnects and reconnects to the system, you might be experiencing this problem. Generally, newer systems don't experience this every bit Nintendo implemented a fix after information technology became aware of the issue. System owners of an early batch, though, might need to go their Joy-Con repaired.
- Easily-scratched display: The protective covering over the brandish on the Switch is plastic, not glass. Information technology scratches easily, which is why nosotros strongly recommend putting a screen protector on your Switch the moment you take it out of the box. You should too always accept intendance to keep it in a case while traveling. Finally, take care to dock the Switch without rubbing the screen, as this tin crusade scratches.
- Display section is warped:Since the Switch's body is by and large a big chunk of plastic, it can actually warp pretty easily. Y'all tin test this out by removing the Joy-Con and laying it screen-side-downwardly on a flat table. If information technology wobbles, information technology's warped. This likely won't affect anything related to your enjoyment of the Switch, simply if yous really desire to repair information technology, Nintendo will probable take care of it for you.
Of import info about Nintendo Switch software updates
Nintendo pushes updates via the net to the Switch's operating arrangement equally well as individual games in your library. At that place's no set schedule for these updates, just they come pretty regularly, usually once every month or two. Sometimes there are multiple updates in one month, sometimes three months go by without any updates at all.
Game updates are usually controlled past the publisher of that game, but Nintendo nevertheless distributes the update.
In general, you don't demand to practice anything when it comes to software updates. The most y'all'll need to practice is wait for the system/game to restart after an update automatically completes.
If you don't want system updates to automatically happen on your Nintendo Switch console for any reason, you tin head to the console's Settings page and turn them off (Settings > System > Auto-Update Software). Notwithstanding, we highly recommend updating your Switch regularly as the updates bring stability fixes and sometimes new features.
Awesome Nintendo Switch accessories to make it your own
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Since the Nintendo Switch is v years old, there is a thriving ecosystem of accessories for it. Controllers, cases, connectivity dongles, and fifty-fifty customization tools are all available for the Switch.
We have a total list of the all-time accessories you can get for the Nintendo Switch. However, below are the 4 things nosotros think every Switch owner should buy:
- Protection:Every bit stated a few times now, the Switch is just a large hunk of plastic, including the display. It is very, very like shooting fish in a barrel to scratch, dent, and fifty-fifty warp your console. We highly recommend grabbing this screen protector and this protective example for your Switch. Both products are minimal, inexpensive, and have no effect on using or docking the panel.
- Controllers:While the Joy-Con that come with your Switch are terrific for what they are, they are no substitute for a fully-featured "normal" controller. At that place are lots of options out at that place, merely none work better than the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (check our total review here). It's non only the best controller for the Switch, but it's ane of the best console controllers in full general.
- Memory:The Switch has a pretty measly 32GB of internal storage while the Switch OLED model doubles this to 64GB. In either case, that's plenty of room for the operating arrangement and your relieve files, only you will apace run out of space if yous start downloading a bunch of AAA games. We recommend buying 1 of these microSD cards (the most spacious one you tin can beget) so you lot don't run into whatever space bug!
- Power: When you're on the get, you don't desire your Switch to die on you lot in the middle of playing. You lot should own a proficient power bank to keep your console topped up. We take a great list of power banks here. However, there's too a Switch-specific device called the Chargeplay Clutch that doubles as a grip and a power banking concern. Read our full review of that product here.
At that place are so many other corking things y'all can get for your Switch that will brand your experience with it improve. Check out our full list here.
Related: The all-time Nintendo Switch controllers for all budgets
Often asked questions related to the Switch
No, the Nintendo Switch is not existence discontinued. Nintendo did terminate making the 2017 model, but it was immediately replaced by an updated 2019 version. You can besides purchase the OLED Nintendo Switch, which will go on to be bachelor for the next few years.
Yes, buying a Nintendo Switch in 2022 gives you lot access to a massive library of Nintendo exclusives that take released since the panel's launch in 2017. Information technology also remains the best way to savor Pokemon, Mario, and Legend of Zelda titles going forward.
If yous're looking for a travel panel with a large display, the Nintendo Switch Lite is worth the money. Information technology's more affordable than the standard Switch, only you practice lose the detachable Joy-Cons and the ability to dock your panel into a Television.
In the early on days, Dbrand warned consumers against using skins considering the adhesive could damage the Joy-Con coating. Yet, skins are now safe to apply as the new adhesive does not harm the controllers or the panel itself.
The Nintendo Switch that released in 2019 offers a 6.2-inch LCD console. However, the newer Nintendo Switch OLED does offer an updated vii-inch OLED panel.
Nintendo launched the Nintendo Switch on March 3, 2017. Prior to that engagement, the company had released bits of info on the console, almost notably its debut trailer on October 20, 2016.
The core system does non come with any games. Yet, you tin can easily download digital games from the Nintendo Shop (fifty-fifty costless ones), so you could, theoretically, never buy a physical game for the console and yet play whatever you like. There are some retail bundles that do come with concrete games and/or digital download codes. In that location are also special editions that come with games and other items, such every bit collectibles. The standard $299 parcel, though, has no games inside.
The panel comes with ii Joy-Con. These can be paired together to be used as ane controller either attached to the Switch or slotted into the included Joy-Con grip. They can too be used as two controllers for specific games, such as Super Mario Party. Still, Joy-Con are non "traditional" controllers and might go out a lot to be desired for gamers more accustomed to PlayStation or Xbox controllers. But don't worry: the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller will solve that problem.
You lot demand to use the dock that comes with the Nintendo Switch to connect it to your TV. The dock has an HDMI port born. Connect the HDMI cable that came with your console to this port and then connect the other finish of the cablevision to your television. At that place is no way to connect your Switch to the Goggle box without using the dock (at least no way officially sanctioned by Nintendo). There is as well no official manner to connect the Nintendo Switch Lite to your Telly.
The Nintendo Switch uses Bluetooth 4.ane. This is how controllers and wireless headphones connect to the panel. However, do note that you cannot use a wireless headset with a Switch every bit it but supports sound out through Bluetooth. Also, you can only connect a maximum of two controllers to the Switch if you accept headphones continued. Y'all can also just connect one pair of headphones. You can go around some of these limitations using this tertiary-political party Bluetooth adapter.
According to a Nintendo executive, the Nintendo Switch is only about halfway through its lifecycle. As far as nosotros know, at that place are no plans for a Nintendo Switch 2 yet. The new Nintendo Switch OLED Model is the closest we're going to get to a new Switch anytime presently.
At that place is no Ethernet port on the regular Nintendo Switch itself nor is at that place one on the included dock. Nevertheless, there is a Nintendo-sanctioned USB dongle that you lot can connect to the dock. This would permit you to have an Ethernet connection while your Switch is in Television receiver style. The dongle is sold separately from the console. The exception to this rule is the Switch OLED Model, which does take an Ethernet port in the dock.
Although Nintendo Switch cartridges are a similar size as compared to the ones for the Nintendo 3DS, they are not the aforementioned. Information technology is impossible to put a Nintendo 3DS cartridge into a Nintendo Switch or vice versa. However, at that place are quite a few games that have been ported from the 3DS to the Switch. Unfortunately, you'll need to re-purchase those games for the Switch if yous already ain them for the 3DS.
This is not possible. The Nintendo Wii U uses discs for games while the Nintendo Switch uses small cartridges, like to an SD carte du jour. In that location is no disc system in the Nintendo Switch or its dock that would accept a Wii U game. However, as with the 3DS, a lot of games that originally came out for the Wii U are now bachelor on the Switch. Yous will need to re-buy them though.
If you're finding it difficult to get a Switch in your area of the earth, you lot might think importing it from somewhere else would exist a good idea. Technically, this is fine: the Nintendo Switch you lot buy in Italian republic will be the aforementioned equally the i you purchase in the U.s.a., albeit with a wall plug of a dissimilar style. However, importing electronics is always catchy due to laws and regulations differing from country to country. Too, the warranty won't work in your area, then if something goes wrong with your Switch, you won't exist able to send it back to Nintendo. In full general, nosotros would stick to buying a Switch in your own country.
The Nintendo Switch price and where to buy one
The Nintendo Switch is technically available from all manners of retail outlets including gaming stores, department stores, big-box outlets, and online retailers. Its MSRP is $299. Likewise, the Nintendo Switch Lite is also for sale with an MSRP of $199. The OLED Model costs $349.
However, even in 2022, the Nintendo Switch panel family unit and first-political party accessories have been incredibly difficult to find. The COVID-19 pandemic likely increased people's interest in buying the console and Nintendo is having problem keeping upward with demand. The ongoing global bit shortage isn't helping matters, either.
Equally such, buying a Nintendo Switch isn't equally easy equally it may accept been previously. There are often long waiting periods before it comes in stock and some retailers are jacking up the price.
In general, the best places to buy a Nintendo Switch are below. They are the largest retailers so they are about likely to make it new stock chop-chop and keep the price from going up likewise high:
- Amazon carries the grey version, the blue/red version, and various bundles. Information technology also has the Switch Lite and Switch OLED.
- Target too carries the gray version, blue/red version, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. However, the in-store stock will probable be ameliorate than online.
- GameStop also carries all the various versions of the console. It also offers pre-owned models that might be in stock before new ones.
If y'all need a Nintendo Switch speedily and don't mind spending a agglomeration to get it, overpriced new models are ordinarily found on eBay. You can too check there for used models (although go on in mind there are two versions of the Switch with i being better than the other; run into the Battery Life section for more).
Finally, if your area of the earth isn't on lockdown, you lot might have luck going to a physical retailer to detect a Switch. Some establishments will set aside a certain number of consoles to only be sold in stores and prevent online shoppers from getting them all. You might get lucky and find one at that place!
Help other readers out
Are you lot a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite? Exercise y'all play it all the time? Do you regret ownership it? Now's your chance to permit other folks know. Just answer the four questions below so other people interested in a Switch know how our readers feel.
Practice yous dear your Nintendo Switch or Switch Light?
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Would you buy a Nintendo Switch in 2020?
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How are the games for the Nintendo Switch?
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Which version of the Switch is the better buy?
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Will Nintendo Ever Offer Steam Style Service,
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