Nintendo Switch Console – review

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Nintendo has finally launched their much-awaited Switch console, the successor to the underwhelming Wii U and a first attempt to enter the next generation. Nintendo are taking a new approach with the Switch – instead of releasing another reworked Wii, the Switch is a unique home console with the ability to go portable. The Switch is essentially a 6.2” tablet with controllers called Joy-Cons on the sides. Place it in the supplied TV dock and it’s a normal home console – lift it out and it’s something more akin to a PS Vita. The new Joy-Con controllers can be slotted into the sides of the Switch, used together like a gamepad with the included Grip accessory or simply used with one in each hand.

Switching from TV mode to portable mode is absolutely seamless and your game picks up right where you left it off. You can also play in tabletop mode by popping out the Switch’s kickstand and detaching the remotes. Tabletop mode seems perfect for an impromptu multiplayer session but the details on-screen can appear a bit small from a couple of feet away and the kickstand seems to be quite flimsy. However, the graphics are generally crisp and clear in either TV or portable mode. Thankfully, Nintendo has finally adopted a capacitive touch screen for the Switch, meaning no more unwieldy stylus gaming. There’s also no need to worry about battery life in portable mode, as it seems to be more than sufficient from my usage – expect to get around three hours of heavy gameplay or possibly more with less graphically-intensive games.

I’m extremely impressed with the premium feel of this device, especially given the affordable €330 price tag. Even though it’s plastic, the Switch feels far more like a Sony or Microsoft product than the typical toy-like feel of Nintendo’s other consoles. I was initially concerned about the small size of the Joy-Con controllers but they actually feel good in the hand and I haven’t seen any of the connection issues experienced by some other early buyers. When placed in the Grip accessory, the controllers are comfortable but the buttons can feel quite small. That said, Nintendo have a Pro controller with larger buttons available for an additional €70. It’s worth noting that the Joy-Cons have additional features such as an NFC chip for amiibo support, infrared and improved HD Rumble.

The Switch has moved away from optical discs in favour of 3DS-like cartridges, which seem small and easy to lose, though with a large micro SD card you may opt to download all your games from the Switch eShop. The only game I picked up on launch day was The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which is not only the flagship game of the new console but also an essential purchase for any new Switch owner. Despite the sparse launch line-up, I’m excited for upcoming games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2 and Super Mario Odyssey.

So should you buy the Switch? If you’re a hardcore Nintendo fan, then you should definitely consider it. If you’re more of a casual gamer, it could be worth waiting for more games to be released and there’s always the possibility of a price cut down the line for the console. I lost faith in Nintendo after the Wii U but the Switch has shown me that they’re back on track and have a vision for the future. The potential for the Switch is enormous and I’m eager to see what Nintendo has planned for the console in the years to come.

Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Zelda: Breath of the Wild

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