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[Nintendo Switch] THIS THREAD IS DEAD! POST IN THE NEW ONE!
MNC Dover
Full-time Voice ActorKirkland, WARegistered User regular
Full-time Voice ActorKirkland, WARegistered User regular
The Switch is Nintendo's 7th home console 5th handheld current hardware. After the Wii U's struggles last generation, especially with advertising and PR, the Switch has been Nintendo's redemption arc.
As the name implies, the Switch is a hybrid console, capable of going between standard TV play and on-the-go gaming. The console itself is actually just a thin, tablet-esque bit of hardware that's like a slightly smaller and less bulky Wii U gamepad. But don't be confused: whereas the gamepad was just a screen that streamed from the Wii U itself, the Switch is a fully independent console. It has a capacitive touch screen (a departure from Nintendo's preference for resistive), two slots on the side for controller attachments, Wi-Fi, and uses a USB-C cable to charge. Due to its mobile nature, it uses cartridges to play games. There are three main ways to play:
TV Mode
This the traditional couch playing mode. The Switch comes with a dock that uses an HDMI cable to broadcast the Switch to your TV. This is where the Switch acts like a regular home console, and there's not much else to say. You can play using the game's controller (Joycons) separated or together (there is a grip included in box to give the joycons a controller form factor, but it does NOT charge the Joycons), or you can opt for something more typical like the pro controller (Sold Separately).
Handheld Mode
The mobile mode, this is just taking the Switch out of the dock and playing on it. The Joycons slide on to each half of the console, giving you a more handheld experience. Battery life will vary based on the game and what you are doing, with estimates being a broad 2-6 hours. Breath of Wild was used as a benchmark, going three hours on a single charge. People are saying something like Shovel Knight can go as long as 7 hours. The general rule of thumb is that polygon-based games will drain the battery roughly twice as fast as ones uses sprites or less demanding graphics. Switches can also connect to up to seven additional Switches for local multiplayer purposes.
Tabletop Mode
Tabletop mode is basically handheld, but the Switch has a little kickstand that lets you prop it up. Each half of a Joycon can operate as its own independent controller, so you can use this mode to play games with another person. The Joycons also have an attachment called a strap that slides in and gives you better L/R button and a bit more grip. It's worth noting that ALL controllers work in this mode, including the pro controller, so you don't need a bunch of joycons.
Oh, and the Switch isn't region locked. You will have to make foreign accounts on your Switch for each market, AND switching markets in the eShop empties your wallet, but it is possible and easy!
There are three models of the Switch.
The Standard Switch retails for $299.99, and it comes with the following:
- Switch Console
- TV Dock
- Left and Right Joycons
- Joycon Wrist Straps
- Joycon Grip (NOT a charging grip)
- HDMI Cable
- AC Adapter
NOTICE: BUY THE LATEST MODEL. It has a fairly decent boost to battery life over the launch model at no other expense. I don’t think the older launch model is really around these days, but do your homework if you are buying used.
The Switch OLED retails for $349.99, and it comes with the following:
- Switch OLED Console
- TV Dock (includes built-in LAN port)
- Left and Right White Joycons
- Joycon Wrist Straps
- Joycon Grip (NOT a charging grip)
- HDMI Cable
- AC Adapter
The Switch Lite retails at $199.99, and it comes with the following:
- Switch Lite Console
- AC Adapter
- That's it
Need more crap? Accessories are available if you got cash to burn. Remember that a lot of these won't work with the Lite. Do your research!
MSRP: $69.99
Want a more traditional controller? That'll be seventy bucks, pal. As a bonus, it comes with a USB to USB-C cable that can also charge the Switch itself, and the Pro can connect to your bluetooth-enabled PC with little difficulty. The Pro has most of the features of the joycons, including motion controls, HD rumble, and NFC support. It doesn’t have the infrared scanner thing, however.
MSRP: $79.99
Additional Joycons can be purchased for a hefty fee. They do come with two straps, however.
MSRP: $49.99
Lose just ONE Joycon? Nintendo has got you covered, although they will charge you an extra ten dollars more than what they cost bundled together. Capitalism!
MSRP: $29.99
That pro controller sure was pricey, wasn't it? Well, for less than half the cost, you can just slap your joycons in this thing and get a similar experience while pretending it's a dog or something. This one also charges your joycons while they're connected to it, unlike the one that comes with the Switch because Nintendo is cheap.
MSRP: $14.99
Because you really want a wheel icon next to your name in Mario Kart. Slap a joycon in and race or just use it as a very awkward controller grip.
MSRP: $89.99
You can’t really buy these new anymore, so your best bet is used or refurbished, which will likely NOT include an AC adapter. Nintendo opted for wonky power delivery system for the Switch, so if you are super paranoid about bricking your console via a third party dock then this is your only option.
The Switch is Nintendo's biggest step forward regarding online play since it actually added online services to its hardware. Don’t get too excited: this is damning with faint praise. It seems like Nintendo is finally learning from its contemporaries, having all online stuff managed from your Nintendo account. Sadly, Nintendo is also learning from its contemporaries in that they're going to charge us just to play online. The good news is that the service is fairly cheap, being $3.99 on a month by month basis, or $20 for a year. Another popular thing to do is join in with other people on a Family Account, which is $34.99 a year for up to eight people. That's less than five bucks a YEAR, so definitely go that route if you can find the people.
For your money you get:
- The ability to play games online
- Cloud Saves (but not for all games)
- Access to the Switch app for voice chat (lol)
- Access to NES and SNES games, which is currently the only way to play these games on modern hardware. They have a few fringe additions like save states and online multiplayer
- Offers such as the rare coupon, ability to buy controller remakes, and small game releases such as Tetris 99
- N64 games, of dubious emulation quality
- Genesis games, of better emulation quality
- Animal Crossing DLC
- Splatoon 2 Octo Expansion (Note: Splatoon 3 is out making this a bit obsolete)
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Retro Tracks DLC
What's the battery life for everything?
The Switch: 2-6 hours (Launch iteration), 3-7 hours (Switch Lite), or 4.5-9 hours (2019 & OLED iteration) depending on the game. As a rule of thumb, 3D games like Zelda or Mario will last about three-five hours. A game with sprites or 2D effects like Shovel Knight will last about 6-9 hours.
Joycons: 20 hours. Note that that do not draw power from the Switch when attached to it and in portable mode.
Pro Controller: 40 hours. The dock does have three USB ports that can be used to charge.
Is the Switch backwards compatible?
No, it uses carts and has no disc drive to play Wii U media. And no, it's also not backwards compatible with the 3DS, DS, or any other Nintendo system.
Do the carts really taste bad?
Yes, they are coated in denatonium benzoate, which is one of the most bitter compounds for humans. It's meant as a deterrent against children eating them. Don't lick the cart, dummy.
Can I go online in portable mode?
Yes. Also, while it has no browser, if you are at a place with Wi-Fi, there will be an applet that lets you pay/agree to their terms so you can get online.
Are there seriously friend codes?
Yeah, who knows why. The good news is that when you punch in someone's code, they'll get a request instead of playing this game of "Did you send it?" Furthermore, more options are set to be added like traditional friend requests through your Nintendo account, which...raises the question of why use friend codes in the first place.
Is the Switch region-locked?
Nope! Import to your heart's content. You can even switch regions on the eShop, BUT you will lose whatever current balance your account has in its current region. So spend your money first.
Can I connect to the TV using third-party USB-C cables?
No, for whatever reason the Switch must be docked to display on the TV. There are third party docks that can be smaller, portable, offer more ports, and so on, but there is always a risk of bricking the system. This hasn’t been all that rampant in the past years after the Nyko dock became infamous for killing Switches after a firmware update, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Either buy a refurbished dock from Nintendo, or buy one that is specifically engineered to prevent bricking. Cheap docks are more prone to use half-assed parts that just work now and don’t take any future changes to the Switch firmware, so do your research and don’t be cheap.
Can I recharge the Switch using a portable power bank used for cell phones?
Depends on the amperage and voltage. There are now power banks specifically designed for the Switch, so I'd recommend those first. But those are pricey, so a phone one can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that you will, at best, maintain battery while playing off a power bank. It just isn't strong enough to meet the wattage demands of the Switch. Power banks for laptops work better, but at that price point you may as well just get one guaranteed to work.
Which screen protector should I used?
Tempered glass. While plastic ones are cheaper, they themselves are prone to being easily scratched, which means you'll have to replace them every so often. On top of this, tempered glass feels better when using the touch screen, and they tend to be easier to apply (fewer bubbles). Tempered glass will set you back more cash, but you'll save more in the long run. Right now, amFilm is the screen of choice for most people.
How much memory does the Switch have?
32 GB, of which around 25 is usable. For reference, Breath of the Wild uses around 13GB. You can use micro-SD cards to expand the memory. Because Switch carts are so small, I recommend a micro-SD with plenty of memory, because Switch games will be large and it defeats the purpose of going digital if instead of 32GB carts you're just swapping 32GB SD cards. A Sandisk Ultra with 128GB of memory should last you a while.
Can the pro controller cable be used to charge the Switch?
Yes, the cable that comes with the Pro Controller can be used like any other USB to USB-C cable. Hook it up to power banks, charge your pro controller through your PC's USB ports: go wild.
Can I use Bluetooth Headphones?
Yes, but only after a firmware update.
Where's Virtual Console?
It's dead, Jim. Switch Online service offers classic Nintendo titles, plus Genesis titles if you pay an additional monthly fee, and nothing else.
Does this mean end of the line for the 3DS/Wii U?
As of 2019, Nintendo has ended support for the Wii U and 3DS. Long live the Switch.
The Switch has games, making it a true revolution in the industry. Oh, and in case you missed it: the Switch is not region locked. You can create separate accounts for other regions and access their eShops there.
G&T Approved!
The following games are almost unanimously praised by the community. If you need a place to start, make it here.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Snipperclips
Fast RMX
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Blaster Master Zero
Puyo Puyo Tetris
Tumbleseed
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Disgaea 5
ARMS
Splatoon 2
Sonic Mania
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
Pokkén Tournament DX
Fire Emblem Warriors
Mario Odyssey
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Doom
Steamworld Dig 2
Mummy Demastered
Has Been Heroes
Resident Evil Revelations I & II
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
But what other games are good?
There are a lot of games on the Switch and some of the good ones might slip past you. Not the obvious stuff like BotW and Odyssey, but the smaller gems that go unnoticed. With so many games getting released, it's hard to keep up. So the PA folks are gonna compile some mini-reviews of these great titles in the following format:
Name
Price (mention if digital only here)
Genres
Similar games
1-2 sentence review with pros and cons
For example:
Golf Story
$14.99 (eShop only)
Golf/RPG
Mario Golf GBA
A fun and addictive golfing game that has a lot of customization. Some of the NPC side quest stuff drags a bit, but not enough to ruin the fun. Highly recommended!
Penny Arcade mini-reviews:
Dresdenphile suggests:
- Kamiko
- $4.99 (eShop only)
- Action
- Zelda 1?
- This short indie game tasks players — who control the titular priestess Kamiko — to take down demons and complete puzzles along the way, racking up combos. With 3 characters to choose from, each playthrough handles differently.
UncleSporky suggests:
- Ultimate Chicken Horse
- $15 (eShop only)
- Multiplayer Competitive Platformer
- Similar games: nothing really like it. Gang Beasts or Duck Game?
- Players take turns adding wacky, dangerous pieces to a level to hopefully prevent others from reaching the flag, while not making it so impossible that they themselves can't make it. Amazing party game.
Jazz suggests:
- Sega Ages Virtua Racing
- $7.99 (eShop only)
- Arcade racing
- F1 meets Out Run, maybe?
- Groundbreaking 1992 racing game from the early days of fast 3D in arcades. The Switch port is upgraded from the original arcade game, courtesy of retro wizards M2, with big performance improvements and even replicating the arcade's 8-player setup if you're so inclined. Great fun in short blasts without eating all your quarters!
Need a voice actor? Hire me at bengrayVO.com
Legends of Runeterra: MNCdover #moc
Switch ID: MNC Dover SW-1154-3107-1051
Steam ID
Twitch Page
Legends of Runeterra: MNCdover #moc
Switch ID: MNC Dover SW-1154-3107-1051
Steam ID
Twitch Page
MNC Dover on
+1
Posts
But also I want it.
I probably won't buy it since I'm getting married this year and weddings are expensive.
But also I want it.
Zelda does a reasonable job of using art style to cover up what are some pretty mediocre graphics. When you look hard at it, the textures are real bad, but it's hidden becuase the style of the game makes that look like what its supposed to be.
Playing it handheld it looks great (because it can stick to 720p much more stably) and on a TV that's far away it's good too. But on a monitor 2 feet from your face? It looks like shit.
I love it. It may well be my favorite video game of all time and I'm old as shit. But the Switch cannot manage it well enough. Please let the New Super Switch Boy U XL be backwards compatible or at least make Tears HD a launch title for it.
3DS: 1650-8480-6786
Switch: SW-0653-8208-4705
Wedding register gift idea!
Steam: betsuni7
I didn't need mine either but it is sooooooo nice.
3DS: 1650-8480-6786
Switch: SW-0653-8208-4705
I asked exactly for what Gamestop would have given me.
Switch (JeffConser): SW-3353-5433-5137 Wii U: Skeldare - 3DS: 1848-1663-9345
PM Me if you add me!
Took me a week on Facebook marketplace but I sold my v2 Switch for $200 to finance the OLED upgrade.
Definitely worth it.
Galaga Legions was so fucking good. A lot of those Summer of Xbox games would be great on the Switch.
In what way?
I know I had a 3ds issue {I have the original 3ds then the n3ds then the n3ds galaxy 2ds the japanese n3ds pocket and finally the pokemon one}
This is an odd thing last month the argument of give the animals in AC personalities! came back with a vengeance. I did not know why and just wrote it off to a tide like discussion. I found out it was due to Disney's dreamlight valley. I still feel they need to do this as I enjoyed visiting the animals in new leaf in new horizons they feel so generic
details in English: https://pacman.com/en/games/pacman99.php
So, I'll ask here first.
I checked AC: New Horizons yesterday, on the lookout for visits from Gulliver/Gullivarr. The attract mode showed Label in the plaza, so I noped on out of there.
Checked today, and it was Label -- again! I don't think these visitors are supposed to visit two days in a row, or twice in one week. So I tried resetting the game, and in the plaza? No label. Turned out Flick was there instead.
This tells me that visitors aren't as fixed in to whatever day they might show up as I had previously thought. They can be manipulated.
But does anyone have more insight into this? I've wasted a lot of time looking for Gulliver/Gullivarr to show up in one week or another, just for them to not be there. If I can get him to show up reliably, maybe I can finally get that last Lucky Cat I need.
Like Mega Man Legends? Then check out my story, Legends of the Halcyon Era - An Adventure in the World of Mega Man Legends on TMMN and AO3!
Games? Or console editions?
Nintendo Network ID: AzraelRose
DropBox invite link - get 500MB extra free.
I got this one a couple of years back, and it rocks.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0711K97BS
Steam | XBL
I'm not saying you should put an OLED Switch on your wedding registry, but I'm not NOT saying it.
Beat me on 360: Raybies666
I remember when I had time to be good at games.
Don't know if you were implying this but the OLED maximum brightness isn't any noticibly higher than the LCD models. You're going to struggle to see either in sunlight.
3DS: 1650-8480-6786
Switch: SW-0653-8208-4705
I'm sure there are people attempting either one, and at least one madman attempting both.
I saw this absolutely insane Nintendo collection on reddit. They had a lot of consoles, but it was the DS portion of their collection that was the most insane. They had everything. Like every model from the original DS up to the New 3DS and everything in between, in just about every color and design. All in their original packaging and sitting on display like they lived in a goddamn retail store.
I was impressed, but it also made me a bit sad, seeing all these consoles and handhelds just sitting there, never to be played.
I might have to switch to those. My wife and I recently moved to a place where you can relax on the deck without getting eaten alive by mosquitos, so I'd like to play my Switch out there, but it's hard to see. I hadn't even really thought about anti-glare screen protectors.
Given all the hype outside of gaming circles and the fact that ALL of the folks in my Switch friends list are playing it, I can believe that.
Games.
Games. The amount is pretty staggering at this point.
Am i the only one dreading the Switch 2 release? With scalping easier than ever and feeling like it's at the highest occurrence ever, might be a while before it can be procured. Not looking forward to that at all.
They arrive all over the place. Twilight Princess was a Wii launch title if I'm remembering right.
3DS: 0473-8507-2652
Switch: SW-5185-4991-5118
PSN: AbEntropy
* Yes, I know that I could have purchased both of those games for the systems I already owned (GCN and WiiU), but I didn't wanna play "lesser" versions**.
** Yes, I know that there's nothing that different about the WiiU version of BOTW and that there are some things that are actually better in the GCN version of TP. Calling them "lesser" is my own subjective opinion.
The {insert new console name} is nearly guaranteed to be a(n) {insert one of any wildly popular franchises} sequel device primarily and {insert ridiculous addendum statement here that will trigger internet arguments for hours}.
Whew, there. I've saved myself some time with that for sure.
Yes, tp was at the end of the gamecube
The history is both correct and incorrect. Twilight Princess was released on both GameCube and Wii. Breath of the Wild released on both Wii U and Switch.
So in at least some cases it is both a late console title *and* an early console title.
Legends of Runeterra: MNCdover #moc
Switch ID: MNC Dover SW-1154-3107-1051
Steam ID
Twitch Page
Oh, I think there will for sure be something Zelda related in the Switch 2 launch window. Just saying it won't be a new game.
annoyingly, the controller is $64.99 in Canada, and free shipping from Nintendo is at $65. Literally one cent. So because I'm very good with my money instead of paying probably $10 for shipping I bought the SNES controller for $40 as well.