Everything You Need to Know About the Nintendo Switch
After a poor reception for the Wii U, Nintendo needed to find a way to bridge its home console and handheld offerings. It found that solution with the Switch, which is now one of the best-selling gaming systems of all time.
When the Switch launched in March 2017, it sparked excitement and awe from gamers everywhere, even though it was still unclear what exactly the device could do. A year later, we have a better idea of just how it can change the way we play games. Here’s everything you need to know about this remarkable console.
A new Nintendo Switch comes with all the essentials to get you started. The box contains the main console, two detachable Joy-Con controllers that also double as separate controllers for some games, and everything you need to hook it up to your TV. The console is online-ready, so you’ll also need a subscription to access its perks, including a seven-day introductory trial period.
One of the biggest draws of the Switch is its flexibility. It can be docked in its docking station, which enables you to use the console with your TV in a traditional manner. However, you can also undock the Joy-Cons to turn it into a portable system that you can take on the go. This functionality has helped to bring families back to Nintendo in droves, and it’s a unique perk that makes the Switch stand out from its rivals.
The Joy-Cons themselves have a lot going on. Each has a set of buttons that replicate the A, B, X, and Y buttons from previous Nintendo consoles, as well as an analog stick, and two shoulder buttons. There’s also a small plus-shaped button that acts as the Switch’s ‘Start’ button, and a button that brings up the console’s menu. The left Joy-Con has an odd design decision, in that it doesn’t have a cross-shaped D-pad like the other two.
When undocked, the Switch’s screen can display at either 1080p on a television or 720p when you’re on the move. While the pixel density isn’t quite as high as the Xbox One S or PlayStation 4’s integrated displays, it’s certainly enough to enjoy most games at a comfortable level of detail. Nintendo Switch