The Nintendo Switch is a unique hybrid console that bridges the gap between home and handheld gaming. With a slew of new features to boot, it’s no wonder the Switch has remained popular six years after its debut.
The Switch’s biggest selling point is its versatility — it’s a home console in TV mode and a portable system when you remove the two controller portions (the Joy-Con) from its body. This enables you to play in either mode at any time and brings back the motion gaming that first made the Wii so successful.
Nintendo’s hardware is a bit different than its rivals, too — it uses a modified Nvidia Tegra X1 platform based on the same mobile device processors found in high-end phones and tablets. That’s what gives the Switch its unique design and performance characteristics.
In addition to the main Switch unit, there’s a dock that connects it to your TV via HDMI and provides power. You can also plug in the included USB Type-C power lead to keep it charged while playing on the go. Once you’re ready to game on the big screen, just slip the Switch into the dock and it’ll automatically turn on and begin streaming the television image to your TV screen.
There are plenty of great games to play on the Nintendo Switch. The console is home to some of the company’s most important franchises, including Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild. It’s also the only console with a full-fledged multiplayer version of Pokemon, as well as titles like Xenoblade Chronicles II and Yoshi’s Crafted World. And, of course, there’s Smash Bros. Ultimate, the definitive iteration of the iconic fighting series that features more fighters and gameplay modes than any other Smash Bros. game before it.
If you’re looking for a great family-friendly title, look no further than Super Mario Odyssey. This charming adventure that has players exploring a mystical world and collecting new powers is one of the most fun, engaging games you’ll find on the Switch.
While the Nintendo Switch’s line-up of games isn’t as deep as that of its rivals, it does have some bona fide triple-A franchises that you won’t get on any other console, such as Zelda and Mario Kart. And, unlike Xbox and PlayStation, the Switch supports local multiplayer in both handheld and TV mode — meaning you can play on the same device with friends.
The only major drawback to the Switch is its lack of backward compatibility with 3DS and Wii U games. However, this has been partially addressed with the release of a curated selection of N64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance titles that can be played on the device.
With its slew of unique and innovative features, the Nintendo Switch is one of the best hybrid consoles on the market. And, with the release of the Switch Lite and Switch OLED models, this flexible platform has even more ways to delight gamers. Nintendo Switch