Top 5 Things The Nintendo Switch Does Right
#5: The Core Concept Works Very Well
Nintendo has always managed to break through the fold by introducing a unique “gimmick” with many of its gaming devices. With the Switch, they used their naming conventions quite literally -creating a system that can turn from home console to handheld in seconds. The joycons can combine to create one controller, or detached to make two individual controllers -and docking it displays games on a TV while placing the joy-cons on the tablet and removing it allows you to take your gaming on the go. While that sounds good on paper, it’s all about the execution. Switching is simple, seamless, and incredibly useful if you want to take your gaming session on the go.
#4: Early Third Party Support
For over a decade, Nintendo has had a major lack in third-party support, something their competitors have excelled in. At the Switch reveal, it was confirmed who would be working with Nintendo to bring games to the console, and boy was the list long. Just in its first year alone, the Switch is seeing a release of Skyrim, FIFA 18, DOOM 2016, Sonic Mania, and so much more. While most early support is coming in the form of multiplatform games and ports of older games, any form of variety in a Nintendo console’s library is welcome.
#3: Doesn’t Look Like a Toy
While Nintendo may innovate in its gimmicks, it usually leads to suffering in both the console and controller design. The Wii U gamepad looked like an overweight, bulky, child-friendly tablet, with its reflective plastic design, not helping matters. With Nintendo Switch’s design, it feels much more streamlined, the button layout and controllers are more in line with traditional controllers, even if the joycons harken back to the Wii-remote slightly. Thanks in part to the bundled controller accessory, The Switch feels more at home with many gamers than Nintendo’s last few consoles.
#2: Good Launch Year
Consoles are nothing without their games, and the Switch has one of the most impressive launch years ever seen. With no shortage of third party support, Nintendo has upped their game by releasing several big first-party titles -including a brand new Zelda, Mario, and Fire Emblem game. Of course, single-player games can get lonely, and Nintendo has also released another new IP - the fighting game ARMS, a sequel to the ever-popular Splatoon, and a re-release of Mario Kart 8, all with multiplayer. If this is only the first year of Nintendo Switch, one can only imagine what Nintendo -and other devs- have got in store for us down the line…
#1: Surprisingly Good Portable
By now, everyone knows The Switch’s main selling point is its ability to convert to portable, but just how good is that feature? Considering the Switch is practically a tablet, it’s safe to say it is pretty damn good. Not only does it display games at a 720p resolution, running just as well as its docked mode, it also allows for two-player on the go! With a built-in kickstand, the Switch can turn into a small home console with a screen easily, giving players the console gaming experience anytime, anywhere.
