What Does A Nintendo Switch Come With
The Nintendo Switch is nothing brusk of a sensation. Subsequently the mediocre reception to the Nintendo Wii U in 2012, the company knew it needed to re-imagine its habitation panel offerings, and that solution ended up being the Switch. The gamble paid off, as sales for the hybrid panel keep to climb even years after its launch.
In this Nintendo Switch ownership guide, we'll give y'all everything you could e'er want to know almost the console. We'll cover ownership a Switch, owning a Switch, and accessorizing your Switch. If yous're on the fence well-nigh buying 1, we have tons of tips here to help y'all brand your decision. At that place's also enough of info here for current owners who desire to make the most of their gaming consoles.
Editor's notation: This Nintendo Switch buying guide is current equally 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 mind.
At a glance: What is a Nintendo Switch console?
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 price of the Xbox I S.
Unlike the PS4 and Xbox One S, though, the Nintendo Switch is what's known as a hybrid console. This means you can connect it to a TV and play it in the normal home console style. Yet, you can besides use it as a wireless handheld device — not different the Nintendo 3DS, another insanely popular Nintendo product.
In other words, the Switch offers the best of both worlds: the power to run home console games that look and play peachy on a boob tube likewise as the power to play those same games on the go.
The Nintendo Switch is officially the visitor'south best-selling home console of all time, with over 107 million units sold to date. That puts it ahead of the Nintendo Wii (~102 million units) in 2d place and well alee of the original Nintendo Entertainment Arrangement (~62 million units) in tertiary place. There'southward every reason to believe the Switch could eventually top 154 one thousand thousand units sold, which would make it Nintendo'due south best-selling hardware ever (a title currently held by 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 feel. Nintendo has also done a terrific job of releasing some stellar games for the Switch while too bringing over a staggering number of 3rd-party titles.
That beingness said, the Switch isn't without its faults. Its hybrid pattern prevents it from being as powerful as a PlayStation or Xbox, for instance. As well, despite Nintendo's exceptional efforts to bring over a plethora of third-party games, there are all the same plenty of major releases that are but unavailable for the Switch. Equally time goes on, the chances of newer, more graphics-intensive games making it to the Switch get slimmer and slimmer.
Related: The best exclusive 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 skillful investment because yous tin can use it for both your home console and handheld console needs without buying ii separate devices. If you're a hardcore gamer who wants admission to every game and the ability to play them at the highest quality possible, the Switch is likely not what you'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 cistron in your decision.
What experts are saying about the Nintendo Switch
WhileAndroid Potency doesn't have an official review for the Nintendo Switch console, we exercise give information technology our endorsement. Most of the members of our staff here own a Switch, which is probably the all-time review whatsoever piece of tech can get from us!
Other major gaming publications likewise say the Switch is a terrific console. Here are some choice quotes:
- The Verge'southward Ross Miller in the original 2017 launch review: " The most shocking thing about the Switch might exist how many obvious pitfalls Nintendo has managed to elegantly avoid. Going from playing on the tablet to the TV is completely effortless, and at that place'south no sense of compromise whichever mode yous choose to play. Once you hold and use the Switch, it but makes sense."
- CNET's Jeff Bakalar in a mail service-launch review: "The Switch's first v months accept been impressive and now that we're closing in on a year it's like shooting fish in a barrel to give information technology a slam dunk recommendation. Its runaway away[sic] success guarantees that information technology volition encounter support from start- and tertiary-political party developers for many years to come."
- Engadget's Devindra Hardawar in a post-launch review: "While I appreciate the raw power that its competitors offer, the Switch proved that power isn't everything. Instead, it harkened back to a time when we played games on the couch confronting our friends, and it made it clear that a true console feel could travel with you during your commute. Again, Nintendo redefined how we could think 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 dunk. It takes the basic concept of the Wii U, of a tablet-based console, and fulfills the promise of it in a fashion Nintendo only wasn't capable of realizing in 2012. It'due south launching with a piece of software that, more than annihilation in the Wii U's first year, demonstrates its inherent capability of delivering what Nintendo says is 1 of the Switch'southward primary missions: a large-budget, AAA game that exists across a handheld device and a idiot box-connected portable. The hardware lives up to its proper name in how easily and smoothly it moves between those two worlds, in how expressionless simple it all is to make something pretty magical happen."
Although these quotes stand for praise for the console, at that place were a lot of unanswered questions when the Nintendo Switch launched. Nigh of these problems have been addressed in the years since its debut, but some linger on. Bank check out the "Known Issues" department further down the folio to detect out more.
What our readers say about the Nintendo Switch
Professional reviewers are usually very trustworthy. Even so, sometimes you want to hear directly from consumers to become an "everyman" opinion. Thankfully,Android Dominance readers have given us plenty of insight into how they feel most the Switch.
In this poll, we asked users how they feel about the Nintendo Switch in 2020. Here'southward how it breaks down:
The chart makes it articulate that 74% of our readers dearest or like their Switch, fifty-fifty several years after it launched. If you include the people who are only lukewarm on the panel, yous get over 87% of our readers who are at the very least content with their buy. That's an overwhelming ratio.
If yous want to see more info on how our readers feel about the Nintendo Switch, scroll down to the final section of this article. At that place, y'all'll find some live polls surrounding buyers' happiness with the console today.
The Nintendo Switch specs yous demand to know
Equally mentioned earlier, the Nintendo Switch's specs are very weak compared to a PlayStation four Pro, Xbox One X, or loftier-end gaming PC. However, raw power has never been Nintendo's focus when it comes to its systems, so specs really don't matter much here.
Read also: 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 equally sourced directly from Nintendo.
| Nintendo Switch Specs | |
|---|---|
| Display | six.2-inch LCD |
| Processor | Custom Nvidia Tegra CPU/GPU |
| Storage | 32GB of onboard storage |
| Battery | 4,310mAh |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/yard/n/air conditioning) |
| Audio | 5.1-channel Linear PCM output (docked) |
| Size | Display lone: With Joy-Con fastened: |
| Weight | Display lone: 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 single Nintendo Switch controller in the form of 2 Joy-Con (which can go two divide controllers for certain games), and everything you need to hook it upwards to a TV.
Hither'south what comes in the box:
- Nintendo Switch panel
- Left Joy-Con
- Right Joy-Con
- Joy-Con straps (pair)
- HDMI cablevision
- Nintendo Switch dock
- Joy-Con Grip
- AC adapter
The to a higher place includes everything yous need to play Nintendo Switch games either using simply the Switch itself or docked with your television. Since the Switch is online-set and has a robust store for downloading games, y'all don't even need to buy a concrete re-create of a game to start playing. All you demand is what's in the box.
Depending on the retail outlet, there might be bundles on offer that come with different accessories, games, or other materials in addition to what you lot see in a higher place. Yet, every Nintendo Switch retail box will have the same core items.
Nintendo Switch: A very basic setup guide
Handheld mode
To get started playing the Nintendo Switch in its standalone handheld mode, you get-go demand to attach the Joy-Con. Make certain you lot remove the Joy-Con strap from each controller (if needed) and then slide each Joy-Con onto either side of the main Switch display. It should expect as it does in the image above.
Note that the Joy-Con won't slide on the wrong side. If you experience like y'all demand to force it on, you are putting the wrong Joy-Con in. Swap it to the other side of the Switch instead.
In one case the ii Joy-Con are attached, ability on the Switch by pressing the power push, which is on the elevation left of the console. When the device powers on, you'll demand to hitting 1 push button three times in a row to unlock information technology. In one case there, just pick a game and start playing! Don't have whatever games? Scroll down a bit farther for help with that.
Tv set or docked mode
To play the Nintendo Switch on your Television set, you'll need to connect the included HDMI cable to the dock. There'due south only one HDMI port on the dock, so information technology's piece of cake to discover where it goes. Plug the other terminate of the HDMI cable into an empty port on your TV. Brand certain your Boob tube'southward input is set to that aforementioned port.
Drib the Switch (either with or without the Joy-Con attached) into the dock then that it slides onto the USB-C plug at the lesser. Once it does, you should almost instantly see the Switch's unlock screen on your tv.
Either utilize the detached Joy-Con or a compatible Switch controller (see the accessories department for more than on this) to unlock the Switch merely equally you would in handheld fashion. That's it, you're set up to play!
What is the Nintendo Switch battery life like?
There are actually two versions of the Nintendo Switch and the biggest difference between them is bombardment life. You tin can tell which version of the Switch you own past using the post-obit info:
- Is your Switch's model number HAC-001 and does its serial number beginning with "XAW"? Yous 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 serial number start with "XKW"? Y'all 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 6.five hours of playtime on a unmarried battery charge. The updated Switch can allegedly get 4.five to 9 hours of playtime.
There are ii versions of the Switch, and battery life is the biggest departure between them.
Now, there are two things to accost here. Why is there such a departure in Nintendo Switch bombardment life between the 2 models, and why are the time limits so vague? The reply to the first question is simple: Nintendo updated the system-on-chip in the newer version and too upgraded the memory. This allows for better bombardment efficiency even though the battery is the same size in both versions of the console.
As for why the playtime limits are and so vague, this is due to the types of games you're playing. Different games crave different levels of graphics processing ability, which in turn either accelerates or decelerates bombardment drain. As such, a graphics-heavy game like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will drain the battery faster than a simpler game like Animate being Crossing: New Horizons.
In full general, though, we find that the Nintendo Switch bombardment life ends up being very close to Nintendo's estimates. Your mileage may vary, of form, but yous should await a minimum of two hours of playtime on a single charge, regardless of what you're playing.
Equally for the Nintendo Switch Light, it really sees slightly better battery 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 power-efficient.
Is the game library strong for the Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo exclusively owns some of the biggest names in gaming. Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid, Animal Crossing, Splatoon, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong, and many more franchises will but ever announced on Nintendo consoles. Every bit such, if fifty-fifty i of those properties is interesting to y'all, you'll need to own a Switch to play the latest titles.
Outside of Nintendo's own games, there are a surprising number of other options for players. The Switch has become Nintendo'southward well-nigh inclusive console always when information technology comes to giving players the games they desire.
Start-party Nintendo Switch games:
Some of the biggest overall game releases of the by few years are Nintendo-owned franchises that it develops and publishes. They are but playable on a Nintendo Switch (and, in some cases, the Wii U).
- Mario Kart 8: Deluxe — The all-time-selling Switch title and part of a franchise that's a cultural phenomenon.
- The Fable of Zelda: Jiff of the Wild — Winner of dozens of Game of the Year awards and already on a few "Best Games of All Time" lists.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons — The game that everyone is talking most and helping to make the Switch console hard to purchase anywhere.
- Nintendo Labo — A kit that allows y'all to create physical gadgets out of paper-thin, encouraging children to proceeds interest in Stem fields.
Those are the major highlights, but in that location'south too Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon ii, Fire Keepsake: Three Houses, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Super Blast Bros. Ultimate, and more than games that have sold millions and millions of copies. These are all adult and published by Nintendo and tin't be played anywhere else.
Exclusive third-party titles
In that location are also a lot of Nintendo Switch games that are not created by Nintendo but tin only be played on a Switch. These include all the Pokémon games, the popular multiplayer Tetris 99, Yoshi's Crafted Earth, and the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise. There are also numerous contained games y'all tin can purchase through the Nintendo eShop that are unavailable on any other system, such as The Stretchers, the Box Boy franchise, Ninjala, and more.
Third-party ports
Since Nintendo owns some of the about popular game franchises of all time, the company has never felt the need to piece of work hard on getting third-party developers to port their games to Nintendo consoles. That's why a lot of the major titles in gaming never landed on the Wii U, the Wii, the GameCube, and on and on back 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 accept never thought would ever come to a Nintendo console are here. Hither is merely a small collection of examples:
That list will expand as time goes on as the Switch is notwithstanding Nintendo's chief 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 amend task of allowing gamers to play games from as far back equally the original NES on their Switch.
However, Nintendo keeps all this content behind two subscription-based paywalls called Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The good news well-nigh this is that your base monthly subscription gets you access to over 100 NES and SNES games, which y'all can play as much as you wish with no extra fees. The expansion pack also gives yous access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. The bad news is that if you just want to purchase one of those games à la carte, you are out of luck, as Nintendo has done away with the Virtual Console service we saw on previous systems.
For more information on the Nintendo Switch Online services, check out the next department of this post. At that place's as well a lot more than info there related to its retro gaming offerings.
Nintendo Switch Online: What you demand to know
Equally with every other modern console, the Nintendo Switch relies on an internet connexion to deliver updates, downloadable content, game news, and more than. It besides 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, there is also Nintendo Switch Online, which is a paid subscription service. This gives you admission to multiple features, including the previously mentioned retro games drove. On top of that, it allows y'all to connect with friends through online chat, share game information, participate in multiplayer activities, and more.
To exist articulate, though, y'allpractice not demand a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online to play games on your Switch. You tin buy games, become organisation updates and downloadable content, prepare parental controls, and enjoy many other aspects of your Switch without paying any monthly charge.
If you are interested in Nintendo Switch Online, here's what the service offers and what information technology costs.
Nintendo Switch Online: Multiplayer
The biggest aspect of Nintendo Switch Online is that information technology offers online multiplayer for most games. If you desire to play Tetris 99, Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8: Palatial, or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online with your friends, y'all need a Switch Online subscription. The aforementioned goes if y'all want to visit your friends' islands in Animate being Crossing: New Horizons. There is no manner around it.
The three major games that are an exception to this rule are Overwatch, Rocket League, and Fortnite, whichdo not require a Switch Online subscription for online multiplayer. It's safety to assume any online multiplayer games yous are interested in outside of those 3 will require a paid subscription.
Also, information technology should be noted that a subscription is only needed foronline multiplayer. Local multiplayer does not require a subscription. This means that any couch co-op games you have will work just fine without the monthly fee. It likewise ways you lot can play all multiplayer games for free if you and your friends are in the aforementioned identify and on the same network.
Online communications
Unfortunately, the way Nintendo set up online communication 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 instead need to employ a smartphone app. All your chats happen through the app, not the console. Any headsets, microphones, or other peripherals get connected to your telephone.
While this sounds like it'due south non a big deal, it's very cumbersome. A lot of gaming headsets on the market are geared towards consoles, not smartphones. Likewise, a lot of smartphones don't take headphone jacks these days. These problems make your accompaniment purchases disruptive. It's also annoying for Fortnite players since their chats dohappen through the Switch console itself, not the app. Information technology's all very messy.
The basic gist, though, is that your multiplayer experience on the Switch will inevitably crave you lot to download the app on your Android telephone, iPhone, or iPad.
Cloud game saves
Another major aspect of the Switch Online service is the power to save your games to the deject. Without a subscription, your game saves are on your Switch'southward hard drive (or microSD carte) and thus not protected if something happens to your Switch. If yous're the kind of person who wants to make certain their game saves are e'er safe, you'll need this subscription.
If you subscribe to Switch Online and save some games to the deject and then cancel your subscription, y'all'll no longer exist able to access those saves (your local saves volition still be accessible). You can re-subscribe and proceeds admission to the cloud saves, just you'll need to exercise information technology within six months. Six months after you lot stop paying for Switch Online, Nintendo deletes all your cloud saves.
At that place are a select few games that do not support cloud saves. The reason for this is usually that it would become against the nature of the game to include the service. A few examples of this are Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Splatoon 2, Dark Souls Remastered, and a few more.
The NES and SNES games collection
The kickoff yr that Nintendo started offering the Switch Online service, information technology slowly rolled out access to various Nintendo Entertainment System games. After a year of that, it dumped a huge collection of Super Nintendo Entertainment Organization games. Combined, there are over 100 games you tin play with your subscription. More than games appear periodically, too.
Nintendo has enhanced the games to permit for things the original systems just couldn't offer. This includes online multiplayer, the ability to save and restore at whatsoever point during gameplay, and fifty-fifty the ability to rewind your game. There are even options to make your experience more authentic by playing in the original 4:3 attribute ratio and adding artificial CRT scan lines.
It is also possible to play a curated selection of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. Head further downwards to read nearly the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for more info.
Regardless, you lot can always bank check what games are on offer with this service past heading hither.
Miscellaneous perks
Being a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber can sometimes earn you some fun stuff. For instance, subscribers of the family plan recently received some unique skins for their Splatoon ii characters. Nintendo also makes concrete NES, SNES, N64, and Genesis controllers for use with the Switch's retro games and only offers them to Switch Online subscribers for purchase (they sell out well-nigh immediately every time).
To gloat the thirty-fifth anniversary 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. Withal, it was only bachelor until March 31, 2021.
Chances are good in that location will be many more unique perks along these lines in the hereafter.
Nintendo Switch Online: Pricing
In that location are ii unlike types of plans in the Nintendo Switch Online service: private and family. Apparently, the individual programme simply works with one Nintendo account, while the family unit programme allows you to share your perks with other people.
No matter the program you select, yous get a free seven-day introductory trial earlier your payments begin.
Individual plans
For plans with just one business relationship, you lot tin can pay each calendar month, each quarter, or each year. As one would expect, yous relieve a scrap of cash by making longer commitments to the service:
- One calendar month:$3.99 each month, plus applicable taxes
- Three months: $7.99 each quarter, plus applicable taxes (saves you $3.98 every payment catamenia)
- Annually: $19.99 each year, plus applicable taxes (saves you $27.89 each payment period)
The yearly subscription is definitely the best deal for an individual plan. However, if you simply desire to endeavor out the service, the monthly plan is pretty cheap, too.
Family plan
The family programme requires a yr-long investment. You lot cannot pay per calendar month. This allows you to share your Nintendo Switch Online benefits with upwards to viii people.
- Family programme subscription: $34.99 each year, plus applicable taxes
The absurd thing nearly this plan is that you tin can share your benefits with literally anyone. If you tin can detect seven friends willing to scrap in, you could all get Nintendo Switch Online perks for less than $5.00 per yr each. That'south not a bad deal at all.
Keep in mind, though, that the purchaser of a family plan needs to exist over 18 years old. The people he or she shares the subscription with, though, tin be under 18.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
In 2021, Nintendo appear a new expansion pack for its Switch Online subscription service. This is an addition for the regular Nintendo Switch Online subscription fee. It is totally optional just does give you an interesting selection of perks. Do note that you can't go the expansion pack on its own — you must already be a Switch Online subscriber.
The biggest perk is access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. As of May 2022, in that location are xiv N64 games and 25 Sega Genesis games. Nintendo will expand these selections of titles as time goes on.
The second perk to the expansion pack is access to Fauna Crossing: New Horizons — Happy Domicile Paradise. This is an expansion of the New Horizons game that gives you admission to a new distant resort. There are new characters, new items, and a whole bunch more that won't announced in the standalone Animate being Crossing game. This will also see updates as time goes on.
Finally, the tertiary and newest perk is admission to new courses in Mario Kart 8 Palatial. Nintendo calls this the Booster Form Pass. You lot gain access 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.
Information technology is possible Nintendo could offer more perks to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. For now, though, this is what your extra subscription fee gets you.
Expansion Pack cost for individuals
Dissimilar the base of operations 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 will cost $49.99 each year. Yep, the expansion pack costs more twice as much equally an individual annual plan to the base of operations service.
If you pay for the annual base of operations program of Switch Online, your total cost for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack would be $69.98 each year.
Expansion Pack price for families
As with the base family subscription, the expansion pack for family subscribers can exist shared with upwardly to viii people (you and seven others). Equally such, the expansion pack toll goes up a fleck to $79.99 each twelvemonth. That brings your total price for the family version of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to $114.98 each year. If you split that eight ways, it would cost each person about $14.50 each year, which isn't bad. Notwithstanding, you'll need to observe 7 people you trust to chip in each year!
Nintendo Switch Light: What is it and what'south different?
More two 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 noun suggests, this panel is a watered-down version of the original. This means you lot get fewer features but also a lower cost.
All the same, the Nintendo Switch Lite 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-ii-Switch). If you buy a concrete game for your main Switch, that cartridge will also work in your Switch Lite. Additionally, if you use the same Nintendo business relationship on both systems, yous'll have admission to the digital games you've paid for through the Nintendo eShop. If you're a member of Switch Online, your perks volition also transfer to the Switch Lite (assuming you are signed in under that business relationship).
There are a few differences nowadays on the Nintendo Switch Lite as compared to the "existent" Switch, though.
Differences with Switch Lite
- The Switch Lite is overall physically smaller than the Switch. This results in a smaller display (5.v inches compared to 6.ii inches).
- Yous cannot detach the Joy-Con on the Switch Lite — they are permanently attached to the system. This prevents you lot from fully enjoying any games that rely on Joy-Con separation, including ane-2-Switch, Super Mario Party, Just Trip the light fantastic toe, Nintendo Labo, Band Fit Gamble, and others. You can, however, employ a separate fix of Joy-Con (or another compatible controller) to play these games on the Switch Light, although the next item on this listing makes that tricky.
- Yous cannot dock the Switch Lite to play games on your television. The Switch Lite is designed for handheld employ just.
- The Switch Low-cal has a smaller bombardment than the regular Switch. Withal, it surprisingly gets improve overall battery life than the original Switch due to the upgraded internal hardware and lack of other battery-hogging features.
In substitution for losing out on some features, the Nintendo Switch Lite has a lower starting price equally compared to the Switch. The Switch Low-cal starts at $199, a full $100 cheaper than the regular Switch. This makes information technology the perfect option for parents who want to give their kids a Switch merely don't want to spend $300 on something they might break.
Nintendo Switch OLED Model: What is it and what'south 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 than expensive and comes with a few new or upgraded features as compared to the original Switch.
There are five large differences between the OLED Model and the regular Switch:
- It has a larger 7-inch display and that brandish is OLED instead of LCD.
- The OLED Model has twice as much internal storage at 64GB.
- The kickstand spans the unabridged back of the console and has multiple stopping points, which allows for more stable propping.
- The audio out of the panel itself (i.e. in handheld mode) is better.
- In that location is now an Ethernet port congenital into the dock.
Aside from these main points, there are a few aesthetic differences. At that place's a white model, as seen above, and the dock is slightly redesigned to arrange the Ethernet cablevision. 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 only major competitor to the Nintendo Switch'southward hybrid design is Valve's Steam Deck. Like the Switch, the Steam Deck can play AAA games in handheld mode. It can besides connect to a television then you can enjoy those games in the traditional home console style.
Obviously, the biggest deviation betwixt a Switch and a Steam Deck is the game library. The Steam Deck plays PC games purchased through the Steam store. That means you will not be able to play any Nintendo-exclusive games on the Steam Deck (well, legally anyhow). Regardless, the Steam Deck is the first and near-promising competitor to the Switch since the Switch's launch in 2017.
Come across besides:The Steam Deck has potential — if Valve can stay committed
Another thing that could mayhap replicate the hybrid console setup is an Android phone or tablet. If you subscribe to a game streaming service such equally Google Stadia, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or Nvidia GeForce Now, you can stream AAA titles on your phone. This would allow you to play them in a handheld mode and so connect your telephone to your TV to play like a traditional console.
Of grade, this would also prevent you from playing the Nintendo-exclusive franchises. Still, it'due south a viable option for someone who wants the versatility of the Switch simply not the Nintendo ecosystem.
Home panel competitors
The most obvious competitors to the Nintendo Switch console when it comes to playing games on a Telly are the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox 1. Both consoles are older than the Switch so y'all tin sometimes find them for even less money than yous would a Switch. Additionally, these consoles will offer a lot of games and franchises that the Switch won't take. A few examples of these are the Call of Duty franchise, The Last of Us Parts 1 and 2, the Uncharted franchise, the Halo franchise, the Gears of War franchise, and a whole lot more.
Too, keep in listen that the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are both here (although still nearly impossible to get). These next-gen consoles are incredibly powerful — far more powerful than the Switch. An exam of the Nintendo Switch specs equally compared to the PS5 would be like night and twenty-four hour period. The PS5 and XBSX volition also support a lot of games and franchises that the Switch won't. And, since the Switch will be so much weaker in comparing, a lot of future games might non go ported to the Switch since that would require developers to drastically reduce the quality.
Once again, Nintendo is non worried about this competition. Equally far equally the company's concerned, the Switch exists entirely as its own thing and appeals to a demographic of gamers that the PS5 and Xbox Series 10 pass over. Therefore, Sony and Microsoft are more in competition with each other than either of them is with Nintendo.
Handheld competitors
As well Nintendo, the major players in gaming mostly ignore the handheld console space. Sony tried a few times to steal Nintendo'due south thunder, most recently with the Sony PlayStation Vita. Withal, that system never even 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 Lite. The Nintendo 3DS was also a big competitor, but Nintendo officially discontinued that product in 2020. That would however be a adept choice for handheld gaming, though, assuming you are OK with knowing that no new games are on the way and you won't be able to buy games digitally due to Nintendo shutting down the eShop.
Finally, the previously mentioned Steam Deck is as well a viable handheld competitor. However, it still has the limitations discussed in the previous department.
A few known problems related to the Switch
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
When the Nintendo Switch first launched, it faced a ton of scrutiny — far more than than near consoles would face up. That's because the Switch was dissimilar anything we'd ever seen before, so reviewers and consumers were hesitant to give information technology a seal of approval until some questions were answered.
Over time, Nintendo has answered a lot of those early questions. Would it be easy to dock and undock the Switch to create a seamless experience? Check. Is Nintendo going to work hard to bring over lots of third-party games? Check. Would the online experience of using the Switch piece of work well and be reasonably priced? Check.
Even so, at that place are still quite a few problems related to the Switch console. Beneath are a few of the biggest ones for which you should exist on the sentry:
- Joy-Con migrate:If y'all're playing a Switch game and notice that your character is drifting off to one side, you are experiencing Joy-Con migrate. Nintendo has acknowledged this problem and is making it adequately easy for consumers to get Joy-Con fixed or replaced.
- Joy-Con disconnect: If one or both of your Joy-Con constantly disconnects and reconnects to the system, you might be experiencing this problem. More often than not, newer systems don't feel this as Nintendo implemented a fix after information technology became enlightened of the issue. System owners of an early batch, though, might demand to get their Joy-Con repaired.
- Easily-scratched display: The protective roofing over the display on the Switch is plastic, not glass. It 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 also always take intendance to keep it in a example while traveling. Finally, take care to dock the Switch without rubbing the screen, equally this tin can cause scratches.
- Display section is warped:Since the Switch's trunk is mostly a large chunk of plastic, it can actually warp pretty easily. Yous can test this out past removing the Joy-Con and laying it screen-side-down on a apartment table. If information technology wobbles, information technology's warped. This likely won't affect anything related to your enjoyment of the Switch, but if y'all really want to repair it, Nintendo will probable take care of information technology for you.
Important info about Nintendo Switch software updates
Nintendo pushes updates via the internet to the Switch's operating organisation too as individual games in your library. There's no ready schedule for these updates, just they come up pretty regularly, usually in one case every month or two. Sometimes there are multiple updates in 1 calendar month, sometimes three months go by without any updates at all.
Game updates are usually controlled by the publisher of that game, but Nintendo still distributes the update.
In general, you don't demand to do annihilation when it comes to software updates. The most you'll need to practice is wait for the organization/game to restart after an update automatically completes.
If you don't want system updates to automatically happen on your Nintendo Switch panel for whatever reason, yous can head to the console'southward Settings page and turn them off (Settings > System > Auto-Update Software). However, we highly recommend updating your Switch regularly every bit the updates bring stability fixes and sometimes new features.
Awesome Nintendo Switch accessories to get in your own
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Since the Nintendo Switch is five years old, in that location is a thriving ecosystem of accessories for information technology. Controllers, cases, connectivity dongles, and even customization tools are all available for the Switch.
Nosotros have a full list of the best accessories you tin can go for the Nintendo Switch. Still, beneath are the iv things we think every Switch owner should buy:
- Protection:Equally stated a few times at present, the Switch is but a big hunk of plastic, including the display. It is very, very like shooting fish in a barrel to scratch, dent, and even warp your console. Nosotros highly recommend grabbing this screen protector and this protective case for your Switch. Both products are minimal, inexpensive, and have no effect on using or docking the console.
- 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. There are lots of options out there, but none work better than the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (cheque our full review here). It'southward non only the best controller for the Switch, but it'south one of the best console controllers in general.
- Memory:The Switch has a pretty beggarly 32GB of internal storage while the Switch OLED model doubles this to 64GB. In either case, that'southward plenty of room for the operating system and your save files, but you will chop-chop run out of space if you start downloading a bunch of AAA games. We recommend buying one of these microSD cards (the well-nigh spacious 1 you can afford) then you don't come across whatever space problems!
- Power: When you're on the go, you don't want your Switch to die on y'all in the center of playing. You should own a good power banking company to keep your panel topped upwards. Nosotros have a peachy list of ability banks here. However, there's also a Switch-specific device called the Chargeplay Clutch that doubles as a grip and a power bank. Read our full review of that product here.
At that place are so many other neat things yous can get for your Switch that volition make your experience with information technology better. Bank check out our full list hither.
Related: The best Nintendo Switch controllers for all budgets
Frequently asked questions related to the Switch
No, the Nintendo Switch is not existence discontinued. Nintendo did end making the 2017 model, but information technology was immediately replaced by an updated 2019 version. You lot can also buy the OLED Nintendo Switch, which will continue to be available for the side by side few years.
Yes, buying a Nintendo Switch in 2022 gives y'all access to a massive library of Nintendo exclusives that accept released since the console's launch in 2017. Information technology as well remains the best way to enjoy Pokemon, Mario, and Fable of Zelda titles going forward.
If you're looking for a travel console with a large display, the Nintendo Switch Light is worth the money. It'due south more than affordable than the standard Switch, simply you do lose the detachable Joy-Cons and the ability to dock your panel into a TV.
In the early days, Dbrand warned consumers confronting using skins because the adhesive could damage the Joy-Con coating. Notwithstanding, skins are at present safe to employ as the new adhesive does not harm the controllers or the panel itself.
The Nintendo Switch that released in 2019 offers a 6.ii-inch LCD panel. Nevertheless, the newer Nintendo Switch OLED does offering an updated 7-inch OLED panel.
Nintendo launched the Nintendo Switch on March three, 2017. Prior to that date, the company had released bits of info on the console, most notably its debut trailer on October 20, 2016.
The core system does not come up with whatsoever games. However, yous tin easily download digital games from the Nintendo Store (fifty-fifty free ones), so you lot could, theoretically, never purchase a physical game for the console and even so play whatever you similar. There are some retail bundles that practise come with physical games and/or digital download codes. There are also special editions that come with games and other items, such as collectibles. The standard $299 package, though, has no games inside.
The console comes with two Joy-Con. These can be paired together to exist used as one controller either fastened to the Switch or slotted into the included Joy-Con grip. They can also be used as 2 controllers for specific games, such equally Super Mario Party. Nevertheless, Joy-Con are not "traditional" controllers and might leave a lot to exist desired for gamers more accustomed to PlayStation or Xbox controllers. Just don't worry: the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller will solve that problem.
You need to employ the dock that comes with the Nintendo Switch to connect it to your TV. The dock has an HDMI port built-in. Connect the HDMI cable that came with your console to this port then connect the other finish of the cable to your tv. At that place is no way to connect your Switch to the TV without using the dock (at least no way officially sanctioned by Nintendo). There is also no official way to connect the Nintendo Switch Low-cal to your TV.
The Nintendo Switch uses Bluetooth 4.1. This is how controllers and wireless headphones connect to the console. However, practice note that you cannot use a wireless headset with a Switch as information technology just supports audio out through Bluetooth. Also, you can simply connect a maximum of two controllers to the Switch if you have headphones connected. Y'all can also only connect i pair of headphones. You tin get around some of these limitations using this third-party Bluetooth adapter.
According to a Nintendo executive, the Nintendo Switch is only nearly halfway through its lifecycle. Equally far equally nosotros know, there are no plans for a Nintendo Switch 2 yet. The new Nintendo Switch OLED Model is the closest we're going to become to a new Switch anytime soon.
There is no Ethernet port on the regular Nintendo Switch itself nor is at that place one on the included dock. However, there is a Nintendo-sanctioned USB dongle that you can connect to the dock. This would allow you to have an Ethernet connexion while your Switch is in TV mode. The dongle is sold separately from the console. The exception to this rule is the Switch OLED Model, which does have 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 non the aforementioned. It is impossible to put a Nintendo 3DS cartridge into a Nintendo Switch or vice versa. Notwithstanding, in that location are quite a few games that accept been ported from the 3DS to the Switch. Unfortunately, you lot'll need to re-buy those games for the Switch if you already own them for the 3DS.
This is non possible. The Nintendo Wii U uses discs for games while the Nintendo Switch uses pocket-sized cartridges, like to an SD card. At that place is no disc system in the Nintendo Switch or its dock that would take a Wii U game. However, every bit with the 3DS, a lot of games that originally came out for the Wii U are now available on the Switch. You will demand to re-purchase them though.
If you're finding it hard to get a Switch in your area of the world, you might think importing it from somewhere else would exist a proficient idea. Technically, this is fine: the Nintendo Switch you lot buy in Italy volition exist the same as the i y'all buy in the United states, albeit with a wall plug of a different mode. However, importing electronics is always tricky due to laws and regulations differing from state to country. Also, the warranty won't work in your area, and so if something goes wrong with your Switch, yous won't be able to send it dorsum to Nintendo. In general, nosotros would stick to ownership 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. Too, the Nintendo Switch Lite is also for sale with an MSRP of $199. The OLED Model costs $349.
Yet, fifty-fifty in 2022, the Nintendo Switch panel family unit and first-party accessories have been incredibly difficult to find. The COVID-xix pandemic likely increased people's interest in ownership the console and Nintendo is having trouble keeping up with demand. The ongoing global chip shortage isn't helping matters, either.
As such, buying a Nintendo Switch isn't as easy as information technology may have been previously. There are oft long waiting periods before information technology comes in stock and some retailers are jacking up the price.
In full general, the best places to buy a Nintendo Switch are below. They are the largest retailers so they are virtually likely to go far new stock quickly and keep the price from going upward too loftier:
- Amazon carries the gray version, the blue/red version, and diverse bundles. It also has the Switch Lite and Switch OLED.
- Target also carries the gray version, blue/red version, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. Notwithstanding, the in-store stock will probable be better than online.
- GameStop likewise carries all the various versions of the console. It also offers pre-owned models that might exist in stock before new ones.
If y'all demand a Nintendo Switch quickly and don't mind spending a bunch to get it, overpriced new models are commonly institute on eBay. Yous can also check there for used models (although keep in mind there are two versions of the Switch with one being ameliorate than the other; see the Bombardment Life section for more).
Finally, if your area of the world isn't on lockdown, you might have luck going to a physical retailer to find a Switch. Some establishments volition set bated a sure number of consoles to only be sold in stores and preclude online shoppers from getting them all. Yous might become lucky and find one there!
Aid other readers out
Are you a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch or Switch Calorie-free? Practise you play it all the fourth dimension? Practise you regret ownership it? At present's your take chances to allow other folks know. Just respond the 4 questions below so other people interested in a Switch know how our readers feel.
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What Does A Nintendo Switch Come With,
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