When Will Nintendo Switch Console Become Available Again
The Nintendo Switch is goose egg short of a sensation. After the mediocre reception to the Nintendo Wii U in 2012, the company knew it needed to re-imagine its domicile console offerings, and that solution ended upwardly beingness the Switch. The gamble paid off, equally sales for the hybrid console continue to climb even years after its launch.
In this Nintendo Switch buying guide, we'll give you everything you could ever want to know about the console. We'll encompass buying a Switch, owning a Switch, and accessorizing your Switch. If you're on the fence virtually buying i, we have tons of tips here to help you make your decision. There'south too plenty of info here for current owners who desire to make the most of their gaming consoles.
Editor's note: This Nintendo Switch buying guide is current as of April 2022. We will update it with new content regularly. While we mention the Switch specifically, this guide is besides written with the Switch Lite and Switch OLED Model in heed.
At a glance: What is a Nintendo Switch console?
Nintendo unveiled the Switch on March three, 2017. The Nintendo Switch toll was $299 at launch, which significantly undercut the prices of the Sony PlayStation 4 ($399 at the time) and matched the and then-electric current price of the Xbox Ane S.
Dissimilar the PS4 and Xbox One S, though, the Nintendo Switch is what's known as a hybrid panel. This means you can connect it to a TV and play it in the normal home console style. Notwithstanding, y'all can also use it as a wireless handheld device — not unlike 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 great on a tv as well as the ability to play those same games on the go.
The Nintendo Switch is officially the company's acknowledged domicile console of all time with over 103 one thousand thousand units sold to date. That puts it alee of the Nintendo Wii (~102 meg units) in 2d place and well ahead of the original Nintendo Entertainment Organization (~62 meg units) in third place.
Is the Nintendo Switch worth buying?
The popularity of the Nintendo Switch is not unwarranted. Its unique hybrid blueprint is enticing for people who want versatility with their gaming feel. Nintendo has also done a terrific chore of releasing some stellar games for the Switch while as well bringing over a staggering number of third-political party titles.
That beingness 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'south exceptional efforts to bring over a plethora of 3rd-party games, there are still enough of major releases that are just unavailable for the Switch. Equally time goes on, the chances of newer, more graphics-intensive games making it to the Switch go 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 probable be a practiced investment because you tin can use it for both your home console and handheld panel needs without ownership 2 separate devices. If y'all're a hardcore gamer who wants access to every game and the power to play them at the highest quality possible, the Switch is probable not 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 maxim most the Nintendo Switch
WhileAndroid Potency doesn't have an official review for the Nintendo Switch console, we do give it our endorsement. Most of the members of our staff hither own a Switch, which is probably the best review whatsoever piece of tech tin become from us!
Other major gaming publications also say the Switch is a terrific panel. Hither are some option quotes:
- The Verge's Ross Miller in the original 2017 launch review: " The most shocking affair about the Switch might exist how many obvious pitfalls Nintendo has managed to elegantly avert. Going from playing on the tablet to the TV is completely effortless, and at that place'south no sense of compromise whichever manner y'all choose to play. In one case you lot hold and use the Switch, it merely makes sense."
- CNET's Jeff Bakalar in a post-launch review: "The Switch'due south first v months accept been impressive and at present that we're closing in on a year it's piece of cake to give it a slam dunk recommendation. Its runaway away[sic] success guarantees that it will see back up from first- and third-political party developers for many years to come."
- Engadget's Devindra Hardawar in a post-launch review: "While I appreciate the raw ability that its competitors offer, the Switch proved that power isn't everything. Instead, it harkened back to a fourth dimension when nosotros played games on the couch against our friends, and it made it clear that a true console experience could travel with you during your commute. Once over 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 claim, the Switch is a slam dunk. It takes the basic concept of the Wii U, of a tablet-based panel, and fulfills the promise of it in a fashion Nintendo simply wasn't capable of realizing in 2012. It'due south launching with a slice of software that, more than anything in the Wii U's outset twelvemonth, demonstrates its inherent adequacy of delivering what Nintendo says is ane of the Switch's main missions: a big-upkeep, AAA game that exists beyond a handheld device and a tv set-continued portable. The hardware lives upwardly to its name in how easily and smoothly it moves betwixt those ii worlds, in how expressionless uncomplicated it all is to make something pretty magical happen."
Although these quotes represent praise for the panel, there were a lot of unanswered questions when the Nintendo Switch launched. Most of these issues accept been addressed in the years since its debut, simply some linger on. Check out the "Known Problems" section further down the folio to observe out more.
What our readers say nearly the Nintendo Switch
Professional person reviewers are usually very trustworthy. However, sometimes you want to hear directly from consumers to get an "everyman" opinion. Thankfully,Android Authorization readers take given u.s. plenty of insight into how they feel about the Switch.
In this poll, nosotros asked users how they experience near the Nintendo Switch in 2020. Here'south how it breaks down:
The nautical chart makes information technology clear that 74% of our readers love or like their Switch, even several years later on it launched. If yous include the people who are only lukewarm on the panel, y'all get over 87% of our readers who are at the very least content with their purchase. That's an overwhelming ratio.
If you desire to see more info on how our readers experience about the Nintendo Switch, ringlet down to the final department of this article. At that place, y'all'll find some alive polls surrounding buyers' happiness with the console today.
The Nintendo Switch specs you demand to know
As mentioned before, the Nintendo Switch'southward specs are very weak compared to a PlayStation four Pro, Xbox One X, or high-stop gaming PC. However, raw power has never been Nintendo'south focus when it comes to its systems, and 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 bones specs of the console. Check out the table below which has the Nintendo Switch specs as sourced directly from Nintendo.
| Nintendo Switch Specs | |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch LCD |
| Processor | Custom Nvidia Tegra CPU/GPU |
| Storage | 32GB of onboard storage |
| Battery | 4,310mAh |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) |
| Audio | 5.one-aqueduct Linear PCM output (docked) |
| Size | Display alone: With Joy-Con fastened: |
| Weight | Display lone: With Joy-Con fastened: |
What comes with a Nintendo Switch?
There are a total of 8 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 two Joy-Con (which tin can become 2 split up controllers for certain games), and everything yous need to claw information technology upwards to a Television receiver.
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
- Air conditioning 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 store for downloading games, you don't even need to buy a concrete copy of a game to start playing. All you need is what'southward in the box.
Depending on the retail outlet, there might be bundles on offer that come up with unlike accessories, games, or other materials in addition to what you run across higher up. However, every Nintendo Switch retail box will have the same core items.
Nintendo Switch: A very bones setup guide
Handheld mode
To become started playing the Nintendo Switch in its standalone handheld mode, you lot first need to attach the Joy-Con. Brand sure you remove the Joy-Con strap from each controller (if needed) and then slide each Joy-Con onto either side of the main Switch brandish. It should look as it does in the image above.
Notation that the Joy-Con won't slide on the wrong side. If yous feel similar you demand to strength it on, you are putting the incorrect Joy-Con in. Swap information technology to the other side of the Switch instead.
One time the two Joy-Con are attached, ability on the Switch by pressing the ability push, which is on the pinnacle left of the panel. When the device powers on, y'all'll need to hit 1 button three times in a row to unlock it. In one case there, merely pick a game and showtime playing! Don't have whatever games? Scroll downwards a bit further for help with that.
TV or docked mode
To play the Nintendo Switch on your TV, you'll need to connect the included HDMI cable to the dock. At that place's simply i HDMI port on the dock, then information technology'south piece of cake to observe where it goes. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into an empty port on your TV. Make certain your Television receiver's input is set up to that aforementioned port.
Drop 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 it does, you lot should almost instantly see the Switch's unlock screen on your television set.
Either utilize the detached Joy-Con or a compatible Switch controller (see the accessories section for more on this) to unlock the Switch simply as you would in handheld style. That's information technology, you're ready to play!
What is the Nintendo Switch battery life like?
There are really two versions of the Nintendo Switch and the biggest difference between them is bombardment life. Y'all can tell which version of the Switch you ain by using the following info:
- Is your Switch's model number HAC-001 and does its serial number start with "XAW"? Yous have an original version of the Switch produced between March 2017 and Baronial 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.v to 6.5 hours of playtime on a unmarried battery charge. The updated Switch can allegedly go 4.5 to 9 hours of playtime.
There are two versions of the Switch, and battery life is the biggest difference between them.
Now, there are two things to address here. Why is there such a divergence in Nintendo Switch bombardment life between the ii models, and why are the time limits so vague? The answer to the first question is unproblematic: Nintendo updated the organization-on-chip 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 and then vague, this is due to the types of games you lot're playing. Different games require different levels of graphics processing power which in plow either accelerates or decelerates battery drain. Every bit such, a graphics-heavy game similar The Witcher 3: Wild Chase will drain the bombardment faster than a simpler game similar Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
In full general, though, we discover that the Nintendo Switch battery life ends upwardly being very close to Nintendo's estimates. Your mileage may vary, of course, but y'all should expect a minimum of two hours of playtime on a single accuse, regardless of what you're playing.
Equally for the Nintendo Switch Lite, information technology really sees slightly ameliorate battery life due to the smaller display and fewer internal components. The Switch OLED Model too sees slightly better battery life than the regular Switch since the OLED brandish 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 appear on Nintendo consoles. As such, if fifty-fifty 1 of those properties is interesting to you lot, yous'll need to own a Switch to play the latest titles.
Exterior of Nintendo's ain games, there are a surprising number of other options for players. The Switch has become Nintendo's most inclusive console e'er when it comes to giving players the games they want.
First-party Nintendo Switch games:
Some of the biggest overall game releases of the past few years are Nintendo-owned franchises that information technology develops and publishes. They are only playable on a Nintendo Switch (and, in some cases, the Wii U).
- Mario Kart 8: Palatial — The best-selling Switch title and role of a franchise that's a cultural phenomenon.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — Winner of dozens of Game of the Twelvemonth awards and already on a few "Best Games of All Time" lists.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons — The game that everyone is talking virtually and helping to brand the Switch console hard to buy anywhere.
- Nintendo Labo — A kit that allows you to create physical gadgets out of paper-thin, encouraging children to gain interest in STEM fields.
Those are the major highlights, but there'southward also Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and more games that have sold millions and millions of copies. These are all developed and published by Nintendo and can't exist played anywhere else.
Exclusive third-party titles
There are also a lot of Nintendo Switch games that are not created by Nintendo just can only exist 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 likewise numerous independent games you can buy through the Nintendo eShop that are unavailable on whatsoever other system, such as The Stretchers, the Box Boy franchise, Ninjala, and more.
Tertiary-party ports
Since Nintendo owns some of the most 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 changed with the Nintendo Switch, though. Now, a lot of games that 1 would accept never thought would e'er come to a Nintendo panel are here. Here is just a small-scale collection of examples:
That list volition aggrandize as time goes on equally the Switch is withal Nintendo's master focus and won't exist 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 better job of allowing gamers to play games from as far back as 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 about this is that your base monthly subscription gets you access to over 100 NES and SNES games, which you can play as much as you wish with no extra fees. The expansion pack as well gives you access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. The bad news is that if you lot simply want to buy i of those games à la menu, you are out of luck, as Nintendo has done away with the Virtual Panel service nosotros saw on previous systems.
For more information on the Nintendo Switch Online services, check out the next department of this mail service. At that place'due south also a lot more info there related to its retro gaming offerings.
Nintendo Switch Online: What you need to know
As with every other modern panel, the Nintendo Switch relies on an internet connection to evangelize updates, downloadable content, game news, and more than. It also has an online store where y'all can purchase new games, watch trailers, and even play free demos. This is called the Nintendo eShop.
In addition to this, there is as well Nintendo Switch Online, which is a paid subscription service. This gives you access to multiple features including the previously mentioned retro games collection. On top of that, it allows you to connect with friends through online chat, share game data, participate in multiplayer activities, and more.
To be clear, though, youdo not demand a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online to play games on your Switch. You tin buy games, become organization updates and downloadable content, set parental controls, and savour many other aspects of your Switch without paying any monthly charge.
If yous 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 it offers online multiplayer for near games. If y'all want to play Tetris 99, Splatoon ii, Mario Kart viii: Deluxe, or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online with your friends, you need a Switch Online subscription. The same goes if you want to visit your friends' islands in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. There is no way around information technology.
The three major games that are an exception to this dominion are Overwatch, Rocket League, and Fortnite, whichpractice non crave a Switch Online subscription for online multiplayer. Information technology's safe to assume any online multiplayer games you are interested in outside of those three will require a paid subscription.
As well, it should exist noted that a subscription is only needed foronline multiplayer. Local multiplayer does non require a subscription. This ways that any burrow co-op games y'all accept volition piece of work merely fine without the monthly fee. It also means y'all can play all multiplayer games for gratis if you and your friends are in the aforementioned place and on the same network.
Online communications
Unfortunately, the fashion Nintendo fix online communication through Nintendo Switch Online is incredibly clunky. With an Xbox or PlayStation, you connect a headset of some kind to the organization and then chat with your friends while you play. It's unproblematic and straightforward.
With the Switch, yous instead need to use 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's not a big deal, information technology's very cumbersome. A lot of gaming headsets on the market are geared towards consoles, non smartphones. Likewise, a lot of smartphones don't have headphone jacks these days. These bug make your accompaniment purchases disruptive. It'due south also annoying for Fortnite players since their chats dohappen through the Switch console itself, non 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.
Deject game saves
Some other 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'due south hard drive (or microSD card) and thus not protected if something happens to your Switch. If you lot're the kind of person who wants to brand sure their game saves are always safety, you'll need this subscription.
If you subscribe to Switch Online and save some games to the cloud and and so cancel your subscription, you lot'll no longer exist able to access those saves (your local saves will still be accessible). Y'all tin can re-subscribe and proceeds admission to the deject saves, just you'll need to do it within six months. Vi months afterwards you stop paying for Switch Online, Nintendo deletes all your deject saves.
There are a select few games that do non support cloud saves. The reason for this is usually that it would go confronting the nature of the game to include the service. A few examples of this are Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Splatoon ii, Night Souls Remastered, and a few more.
The NES and SNES games collection
The first year that Nintendo started offering the Switch Online service, information technology slowly rolled out access to various Nintendo Entertainment Organisation games. After a twelvemonth of that, it dumped a huge drove of Super Nintendo Entertainment Organization games. Combined, there are over 100 games you can play with your subscription. More games announced periodically, also.
Nintendo has enhanced the games to allow for things the original systems just couldn't offer. This includes online multiplayer, the ability to salve and restore at whatsoever betoken during gameplay, and even the ability to rewind your game. In that location are even options to make your experience more authentic by playing in the original 4:three aspect ratio and calculation artificial CRT scan lines.
Information technology is as well possible to play a curated option of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. Head further down to read well-nigh the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for more info.
Regardless, yous tin always cheque what games are on offer with this service by heading here.
Miscellaneous perks
Being a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber can sometimes earn you lot some fun stuff. For case, subscribers of the family unit plan recently received some unique skins for their Splatoon 2 characters. Nintendo also makes physical NES, SNES, N64, and Genesis controllers for employ with the Switch's retro games and merely offers them to Switch Online subscribers for purchase (they sell out about immediately every time).
To celebrate the xxx-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 complimentary and exclusive to the Nintendo Switch Online platform. All the same, it was just available until March 31, 2021.
Chances are good there will be many more than unique perks forth these lines in the future.
Nintendo Switch Online: Pricing
There are ii dissimilar types of plans in the Nintendo Switch Online service: individual and family unit. Obviously, the individual plan only works with one Nintendo account, while the family unit programme allows you to share your perks with other people.
No thing the program you select, yous get a free 7-day introductory trial before your payments brainstorm.
Individual plans
For plans with just one account, you can pay each month, each quarter, or each year. As one would await, you save a flake of greenbacks by making longer commitments to the service:
- One month:$3.99 each calendar month, plus applicative taxes
- Three months: $seven.99 each quarter, plus applicable taxes (saves you $iii.98 every payment period)
- Annually: $19.99 each yr, plus applicative taxes (saves you lot $27.89 each payment period)
The yearly subscription is definitely the best deal for an individual plan. Even so, if y'all merely want to effort out the service, the monthly plan is pretty cheap, too.
Family program
The family plan requires a year-long investment. Y'all cannot pay per month. This allows you lot to share your Nintendo Switch Online benefits with up to 8 people.
- Family unit programme subscription: $34.99 each twelvemonth, plus applicable taxes
The cool affair about this plan is that you can share your benefits with literally anyone. If you tin detect seven friends willing to chip in, y'all could all go Nintendo Switch Online perks for less than $5.00 per yr each. That's not a bad deal at all.
Continue in mind, though, that the purchaser of a family plan needs to be over 18 years quondam. The people he or she shares the subscription with, though, can 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 add-on for the regular Nintendo Switch Online subscription fee. Information technology is totally optional but does requite you an interesting pick of perks. Practice note that you tin can't get the expansion pack on its own — you lot must already exist a Switch Online subscriber.
The biggest perk is access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. As of Apr 2022, there are 14 N64 games and 22 Sega Genesis games. Nintendo will expand these selections of titles equally time goes on.
The second perk to the expansion pack is access to Brute Crossing: New Horizons — Happy Home Paradise. This is an expansion of the New Horizons game that gives you admission to a new distant resort. In that location are new characters, new items, and a whole bunch more than that won't appear in the standalone Animal Crossing game. This will likewise see updates as time goes on.
Finally, the tertiary and newest perk is access to new courses in Mario Kart eight Deluxe. Nintendo calls this the Booster Course Laissez passer. You proceeds admission to 48 new courses released in half-dozen waves (with 8 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 offering more perks to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. For now, though, this is what your extra subscription fee gets y'all.
Expansion Pack price for individuals
Dissimilar the base plans for individuals, you lot cannot pay monthly or quarterly for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Y'all can only pay annually. For individuals on the monthly, quarterly, or annual plan, the expansion pack volition cost $49.99 each year. Yeah, the expansion pack costs more than twice as much every bit an individual almanac plan to the base service.
If y'all pay for the annual base plan of Switch Online, your full cost for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack would be $69.98 each yr.
Expansion Pack price for families
As with the base of operations family subscription, the expansion pack for family subscribers can exist shared with up to eight people (yous and seven others). Equally such, the expansion pack toll goes up a bit to $79.99 each year. That brings your total cost for the family version of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack to $114.98 each year. If you separate that eight ways, it would cost each person virtually $14.50 each year, which isn't bad. Even so, you'll demand to find seven people you trust to chip in each year!
Nintendo Switch Lite: What is information technology and what's different?
More than two years after the launch of the original Nintendo Switch, the visitor announced a new variant of the panel: the Nintendo Switch Light. As the proper name suggests, this console is a watered-down version of the original. This means you lot get fewer features but likewise a lower price.
All the same, the Nintendo Switch Low-cal does non skimp out on the game library. The Switch Lite supports virtually every game the original Switch supports (with the exception of games that require Joy-Con usage, such every bit ane-ii-Switch). If yous buy a concrete game for your main Switch, that cartridge will likewise work in your Switch Calorie-free. Additionally, if you lot use the aforementioned Nintendo business relationship on both systems, you'll have access to the digital games you've paid for through the Nintendo eShop. If you're a member of Switch Online, your perks will also transfer to the Switch Lite (bold you are signed in under that account).
In that location are a few differences present on the Nintendo Switch Lite every bit compared to the "real" Switch, though.
Differences with Switch Lite
- The Switch Light is overall physically smaller than the Switch. This results in a smaller display (5.v inches compared to 6.2 inches).
- Y'all cannot detach the Joy-Con on the Switch Lite — they are permanently attached to the system. This prevents y'all from fully enjoying any games that rely on Joy-Con separation, including ane-ii-Switch, Super Mario Party, Only Trip the light fantastic toe, Nintendo Labo, Band Fit Adventure, and others. You lot can, withal, use a separate ready of Joy-Con (or some other compatible controller) to play these games on the Switch Low-cal, although the side by side item on this list makes that tricky.
- Yous cannot dock the Switch Lite to play games on your television. The Switch Lite is designed for handheld utilize simply.
- The Switch Lite has a smaller battery than the regular Switch. Yet, it surprisingly gets ameliorate 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 Lite has a lower starting price as 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 want to give their kids a Switch only don't want to spend $300 on something they might pause.
Nintendo Switch OLED Model: What is it and what's different?
On July 6, 2021, Nintendo launched a slightly upgraded version of the Switch chosen 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 big 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 as much internal storage at 64GB.
- The kickstand spans the entire back of the console and has multiple stopping points, which allows for more stable propping.
- The audio out of the console itself (i.eastward. in handheld mode) is better.
- There is now an Ethernet port built into the dock.
Bated from these master points, in that location are a few aesthetic differences. At that place's a white model, as seen above, and the dock is slightly redesigned to adjust 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 October 8, 2021, and costs $349.
Alternatives to the Nintendo Switch
The only major competitor to the Nintendo Switch'south hybrid design is Valve'due south Steam Deck. Like the Switch, the Steam Deck tin play AAA games in handheld mode. Information technology can besides connect to a television so y'all can enjoy those games in the traditional home console way.
Obviously, the biggest divergence between a Switch and a Steam Deck is the game library. The Steam Deck plays PC games purchased through the Steam shop. That means y'all will not be able to play any Nintendo-exclusive games on the Steam Deck (well, legally anyway). Regardless, the Steam Deck is the first and most-promising competitor to the Switch since the Switch's launch in 2017.
See also:The Steam Deck has potential — if Valve tin stay committed
Another affair that could possibly replicate the hybrid panel setup is an Android phone or tablet. If you subscribe to a game streaming service such as Google Stadia, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or Nvidia GeForce Now, you can stream AAA titles on your phone. This would permit yous to play them in a handheld mode and so connect your telephone to your TV to play like a traditional console.
Of course, this would also prevent you lot from playing the Nintendo-sectional franchises. Still, it's a feasible option for someone who wants the versatility of the Switch merely not the Nintendo ecosystem.
Dwelling house panel competitors
The most obvious competitors to the Nintendo Switch panel when it comes to playing games on a Television are the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. Both consoles are older than the Switch so y'all can sometimes find them for even less coin than you would a Switch. Additionally, these consoles will offer a lot of games and franchises that the Switch won't have. A few examples of these are the Call of Duty franchise, The Final of Us Parts 1 and two, the Uncharted franchise, the Halo franchise, the Gears of War franchise, and a whole lot more.
Also, keep in mind that the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Serial 10 are both here (although still nearly impossible to get). These side by side-gen consoles are incredibly powerful — far more powerful than the Switch. An test of the Nintendo Switch specs as compared to the PS5 would be like night and solar day. The PS5 and XBSX volition also support a lot of games and franchises that the Switch won't. And, since the Switch will exist so much weaker in comparison, a lot of futurity games might non get ported to the Switch since that would require developers to drastically reduce the quality.
Once once more, Nintendo is non worried about this contest. As far every bit the visitor's concerned, the Switch exists entirely every bit its own thing and appeals to a demographic of gamers that the PS5 and Xbox Serial 10 pass over. Therefore, Sony and Microsoft are more in contest with each other than either of them is with Nintendo.
Handheld competitors
As well Nintendo, the major players in gaming by and large ignore the handheld panel space. Sony tried a few times to steal Nintendo's thunder, virtually recently with the Sony PlayStation Vita. However, that system never even came close to the sales of the Nintendo 3DS and Sony has since ceased production of the panel. Microsoft has never even attempted to take a handheld device with the Xbox proper name.
With that in heed, the biggest competitor to the Nintendo Switch in the handheld infinite is its sister production: the Switch Lite. The Nintendo 3DS was also a big competitor, just Nintendo officially discontinued that product in 2020. That would however be a practiced choice for handheld gaming, though, bold you are OK with knowing that no new games are on the style and you won't exist able to purchase games digitally due to Nintendo shutting down the eShop.
Finally, the previously mentioned Steam Deck is also a viable handheld competitor. Still, it still has the limitations discussed in the previous section.
A few known issues related to the Switch
C. Scott Chocolate-brown / Android Authority
When the Nintendo Switch commencement launched, it faced a ton of scrutiny — far more than about consoles would confront. That's because the Switch was dissimilar anything we'd ever seen before, so reviewers and consumers were hesitant to give it a seal of approval until some questions were answered.
Over fourth dimension, Nintendo has answered a lot of those early questions. Would it be easy to dock and undock the Switch to create a seamless feel? Check. Is Nintendo going to work difficult to bring over lots of tertiary-political party games? Bank check. Would the online experience of using the Switch piece of work well and be reasonably priced? Check.
However, there are notwithstanding quite a few problems related to the Switch panel. Below are a few of the biggest ones for which you should be on the lookout:
- Joy-Con drift:If you're playing a Switch game and discover that your grapheme is drifting off to one side, yous 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 1 or both of your Joy-Con constantly disconnects and reconnects to the system, you might be experiencing this trouble. Generally, newer systems don't experience this as Nintendo implemented a set later information technology became aware of the result. System owners of an early on batch, though, might need to get their Joy-Con repaired.
- Easily-scratched display: The protective covering over the display on the Switch is plastic, not glass. It scratches easily, which is why we strongly recommend putting a screen protector on your Switch the moment you take it out of the box. You should also e'er take intendance to keep it in a example while traveling. Finally, take care to dock the Switch without rubbing the screen, every bit this can cause scratches.
- Display section is warped:Since the Switch'southward torso is by and large a big clamper of plastic, information technology can actually warp pretty hands. You tin can test this out past removing the Joy-Con and laying it screen-side-down on a flat tabular array. If it wobbles, information technology's warped. This probable won't touch anything related to your enjoyment of the Switch, but if you actually want to repair it, Nintendo will likely take care of it for you.
Important info most Nintendo Switch software updates
Nintendo pushes updates via the internet to the Switch's operating system every bit well as individual games in your library. There's no ready schedule for these updates, but they come pretty regularly, usually in one case every month or two. Sometimes there are multiple updates in i month, sometimes three months go by without any updates at all.
Game updates are unremarkably controlled by the publisher of that game, just Nintendo withal distributes the update.
In general, you don't need to do anything when it comes to software updates. The nigh you lot'll need to practise is wait for the system/game to restart later on an update automatically completes.
If y'all don't want organisation updates to automatically happen on your Nintendo Switch console for whatever reason, you can caput to the panel'south Settings page and turn them off (Settings > Arrangement > Auto-Update Software). Yet, we highly recommend updating your Switch regularly equally the updates bring stability fixes and sometimes new features.
Awesome Nintendo Switch accessories to make information technology your own
C. Scott Brownish / Android Say-so
Since the Nintendo Switch is almost five years old at this point, there is a thriving ecosystem of accessories for it. Controllers, cases, connectivity dongles, and even customization tools are all bachelor for the Switch.
Nosotros have a full listing of the best accessories yous can get for the Nintendo Switch. However, below are the four things we think every Switch possessor should purchase:
- Protection:Every bit stated a few times now, the Switch is but a big hunk of plastic, including the display. Information technology is very, very piece of cake to scratch, dent, and fifty-fifty warp your console. We highly recommend grabbing this screen protector and this protective case for your Switch. Both products are minimal, inexpensive, and have no issue 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. In that location are lots of options out at that place, only none work better than the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (check our full review here). It's non just the best controller for the Switch, just it'southward one of the best console controllers in general.
- Retention:The Switch has a pretty measly 32GB of internal storage while the Switch OLED model doubles this to 64GB. In either case, that'south plenty of room for the operating system and your save files, only you will quickly run out of infinite if you start downloading a bunch of AAA games. We recommend buying one of these microSD cards (the most spacious one you lot can afford) then you lot don't encounter whatever space problems!
- Ability: When you're on the go, you don't desire your Switch to dice on you in the eye of playing. You lot should own a good power bank to go on your console topped upwardly. We have a great listing of power banks here. All the same, in that location's also a Switch-specific device called the Chargeplay Clutch that doubles every bit a grip and a power depository financial institution. Read our total review of that product hither.
At that place are then many other great things you can get for your Switch that will make your feel with information technology meliorate. Check out our full list here.
Related: The all-time Nintendo Switch controllers for all budgets
Oftentimes asked questions related to the Switch
No, the Nintendo Switch is non being discontinued. Nintendo did stop making the 2017 model, but it was immediately replaced past an updated 2019 version. You can likewise purchase the OLED Nintendo Switch, which will proceed to exist available for the next few years.
Yes, buying a Nintendo Switch in 2022 gives you access to a massive library of Nintendo exclusives that have released since the console's launch in 2017. It too remains the best manner to enjoy Pokemon, Mario, and Legend of Zelda titles going forwards.
If you're looking for a travel panel with a large display, the Nintendo Switch Lite is worth the coin. It'south more affordable than the standard Switch, just yous do lose the detachable Joy-Cons and the power to dock your console into a Idiot box.
In the early days, Dbrand warned consumers against using skins because the adhesive could damage the Joy-Con coating. Notwithstanding, skins are now safe to use as the new adhesive does not damage 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 7-inch OLED panel.
Nintendo launched the Nintendo Switch on March iii, 2017. Prior to that date, the company had released bits of info on the panel, nigh notably its debut trailer on Oct 20, 2016.
The cadre system does non come with any games. Yet, you can easily download digital games from the Nintendo Store (fifty-fifty gratis ones), and so you lot could, theoretically, never buy a concrete game for the console and still play whatever yous like. There are some retail bundles that do come with physical games and/or digital download codes. In that location are also special editions that come with games and other items, such as collectibles. The standard $299 packet, though, has no games inside.
The console comes with two Joy-Con. These can be paired together to be used as one controller either attached to the Switch or slotted into the included Joy-Con grip. They tin can also be used as two controllers for specific games, such equally Super Mario Party. However, Joy-Con are not "traditional" controllers and might leave a lot to be desired for gamers more accustomed to PlayStation or Xbox controllers. Only don't worry: the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller will solve that problem.
You demand to use the dock that comes with the Nintendo Switch to connect information technology to your Television. The dock has an HDMI port built-in. Connect the HDMI cable that came with your console to this port and and then connect the other stop of the cable to your goggle box. There is no way to connect your Switch to the Tv without using the dock (at least no mode officially sanctioned past Nintendo). There is as well no official mode to connect the Nintendo Switch Calorie-free to your TV.
The Nintendo Switch uses Bluetooth four.1. This is how controllers and wireless headphones connect to the console. However, exercise note that yous cannot employ a wireless headset with a Switch every bit it but supports audio out through Bluetooth. Besides, you can only connect a maximum of two controllers to the Switch if you lot have headphones connected. You tin can also but connect one pair of headphones. You can go around some of these limitations using this third-party Bluetooth adapter.
Co-ordinate to a Nintendo executive, the Nintendo Switch is simply almost halfway through its lifecycle. As far as we know, there are no plans for a Nintendo Switch 2 yet. The new Nintendo Switch OLED Model is the closest nosotros're going to go to a new Switch anytime before long.
There is no Ethernet port on the regular Nintendo Switch itself nor is there one on the included dock. However, there is a Nintendo-sanctioned USB dongle that you lot tin can connect to the dock. This would allow you to have an Ethernet connectedness while your Switch is in Television set mode. 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 same. Information technology is impossible to put a Nintendo 3DS cartridge into a Nintendo Switch or vice versa. However, there are quite a few games that have been ported from the 3DS to the Switch. Unfortunately, you'll demand to re-buy those games for the Switch if you already ain them for the 3DS.
This is not possible. The Nintendo Wii U uses discs for games while the Nintendo Switch uses small-scale cartridges, similar to an SD card. At that place is no disc arrangement 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 available on the Switch. Y'all will demand to re-purchase them though.
If you're finding it difficult to become a Switch in your area of the earth, you lot might call back importing it from somewhere else would be a skilful thought. Technically, this is fine: the Nintendo Switch yous buy in Italy volition be the same as the ane you buy in the USA, admitting with a wall plug of a different style. However, importing electronics is always tricky due to laws and regulations differing from state to state. As well, the warranty won't piece of work in your area, so if something goes incorrect with your Switch, you won't exist able to send it back to Nintendo. In general, nosotros would stick to ownership a Switch in your own country.
The Nintendo Switch cost 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. Besides, the Nintendo Switch Lite is also for sale with an MSRP of $199. The OLED Model costs $349.
Nonetheless, even in 2022, the Nintendo Switch console family and first-party accessories have been incredibly hard to discover. The COVID-19 pandemic likely increased people's interest in buying the console and Nintendo is having trouble keeping upwardly with demand.
As such, buying a Nintendo Switch isn't as easy every bit it may take been previously. There are often long waiting periods before it comes in stock and some retailers are jacking up the price.
In full general, the all-time places to purchase a Nintendo Switch are below. They are the largest retailers so they are virtually likely to get in new stock quickly and keep the price from going up likewise high:
- Amazon carries the gray version, the blueish/scarlet version, and various bundles. It likewise has the Switch Light and Switch OLED.
- Target also carries the gray version, blueish/red version, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. Nevertheless, the in-store stock will likely exist better than online.
- GameStop also carries all the various versions of the console. It also offers pre-owned models that might be in stock earlier new ones.
If yous need a Nintendo Switch quickly and don't mind spending a bunch to get it, overpriced new models are usually constitute on eBay. You can also check at that place for used models (although keep in mind there are 2 versions of the Switch with ane being better than the other; encounter the Battery Life section for more).
Finally, if your area of the globe isn't on lockdown, you might accept luck going to a concrete retailer to find 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 lot might become lucky and find 1 there!
Assist other readers out
Are you a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite? Do you play it all the time? Do you regret buying information technology? Now'southward your risk to let other folks know. Just reply the four questions below then other people interested in a Switch know how our readers experience.
Do you dear your Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite?
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How are the games for the Nintendo Switch?
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Which version of the Switch is the ameliorate buy?
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Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/nintendo-switch-console-1135683/
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