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[Nintendo Switch] Over 7 years of awesomeness. Switch 2 in 2025?
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
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
+2
Posts
What the heck is this from?
Legends of Runeterra: MNCdover #moc
Switch ID: MNC Dover SW-1154-3107-1051
Steam ID
Twitch Page
It's from a No entiendo Lame Toy, it's right there in the picture!
EDIT: Google (and reddit) says a PC game called Battle Bugs
Beat me on 360: Raybies666
I remember when I had time to be good at games.
Battle Bugs
I know there is the constant rumor of the Switch 2 so I am not sold on getting another Oled but he is hinting I may have to get to new one or something
current working theory is Switch 2 in early 2025, so it may be up to a year away. There is a chance it hits this fall, but if it was we'd probably have more substantial leaks about it than we currently do, which is almost zero.
I think the best thing about this game for me personally. Is that i know absolutely piss from whisky about the fate franchise. But i have A LOT of friends who play the Mobile game and absolutely love the series who have been having a lot of fun explaining things about the series and gushing over the various characters that show up.
I literally got the game because i like Samurai.
It was code 21070-0114 He is jsut throwing out things of the system is dying to the battery so all day he hinted I may have to get a "new" I have no idea what it takes to get repaired/replaced with Nintendo anymore
THe switch 2 has been background noise for years I treat it as such
But I have been neglecting my Switch since FFVII has consumed my life. I fear I'll be on Steam after because my friends won't stop harassing me about Baulder's Gate. Which means my Switch will decay with time. Sad. Soon I will return, I'm sure. Soon ^tm^.
Twitch: KoopahTroopah - Steam: Koopah
Steam: betsuni7
I've used my switch very little after getting a steam deck.
Legends of Runeterra: MNCdover #moc
Switch ID: MNC Dover SW-1154-3107-1051
Steam ID
Twitch Page
Steam Deck is a cool idea, but for me, the major problem is games that I want to play on a computer, I usually want to use a keyboard and mouse. Games that would be better with a controller I get on the Switch (and I'm using the Switch docked nearly 100% of the time anyway) so the portability is basically nulled out. That's also why the Steam Controller is/was a cool idea, but for me personally there's no real situation where I'd use it. Now, since the Switch hardware is quite old, some games you may not want to get on the Switch due to poor framerate and/or much worse graphics. Like, before getting Prince of Persia: The Lost Kingdom I checked to see what the framerate was, saw it was 60, and got it there. If it was 30 FPS (like the newest Contra), I'd steer clear. Also Steam Deck is dependent (I believe) on Proton/WINE compatibility, so if it doesn't work for your game, you're shit outta luck until it gets patched (or a regression happens and the game stops working). I have to admit though, WINE has gotten to the point where most games just work.
Please Vanillaware. I'm begging you. Bring your other games to PC. I would love to play Muramasa and Dragon's Crown again and I'm willing to pay you for the pleasure.
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197970666737/
Yeah, that old thread was starting to smell like bengay and feet. If you're into that I won't kink shame but new new is better 9 times out of 10.
I haven't played my Switch much over the last few months due to it's arch nemesis, life. Or was that MY arch nemesis ... memory fuzzy, instructions unclear.
Playstation: Dipuc4Life
Warframe_Switch IGN: ONVEBAL
I absolutely love the Steam Deck, it's my favorite gaming device, but my switch is still in my everyday carry, because it's much easier to bring around. I'll take my steam deck places with me, but only when my intent is to take it somewhere to play. My Switch can go anywhere with me, even if I'm probably not playing it.
I really need to go back and finish TotK though.
PSN / Xbox / NNID: Fodder185
I'm about 75% through Super Mario Wonder, then I'll get back into ToTK, which I maybe got through 25% before. It hasn't gripped me *as* much as BoTW, but I do want to dive back in.
Switch Retail
MLB The Show 24 – $59.99
Princess Peach: Showtime – $59.99 (available March 22)
South Park: Snow Day – $29.99 (available March 26)
The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered – $49.99 (available March 22)
Switch Download
Aha Let’s Photo Hunt – $3.99
Air Traffic Sim: Airport Dispatcher Simulator – $4.99
Animal Buddies: Party Beasts – $13.99 (available March 24)
April’s Diary – $14.99
Arcade Archives Mouser – $7.99
Around The World: Travel To Brazil Collector’s Edition – $9.99
Attack of the Karens – $4.99
Bad Chicken – $19.99
Bio Inc. Redemption – $14.99
Crypt Stalker – $6.99 (available March 22)
Darkness and Flame – $23.39
Demon Drop DX – $3.99 (available March 23)
Farming Simulator Kids – $29.99 (available March 26)
Flower Shop: Winter in Fairbrook – $9.99 (available March 22)
Instant Death – $9.99
Jello Run – $0.99
Krimson – $9.99
Monster Tribe – $19.99
Mortal Fight: Lethal Revenge – $9.99
Multi Maze 3D – $4.99 (available March 22)
Nice Disc: The Last Hot Blood – $4.99
Paper Dash: City Husle – $9.99
Portal Shot Gun Teleport – $11.99 (available March 23)
Pull the Pin: Ball Physic Puzzle – $4.99
Reaper Survivors – $4.99 (available March 22)
Re:Cento – $2.99
Scott Whiskers in: the Search for Mr. Fumbleclaw – $14.99
Sector 98 – $0.99
Sherlock Purr 2 – $19.99
Shockman Collection Vol. 1 – $10.99 (available March 26)
Special Forces Strike: Tactical Swat Shooter – $4.99
Stickman Jailbreak 2024 – $4.99
Stunt Paradise – $7.99
Sunny Cafe – $14.99 (available March 27)
Sushi Battle Rambunctiously – $19.99
Sushi Shot Online – $1.80
ToyBox Easter – $3.99
Virtual Girlfriend Dating Simulator – $9.99 (available March 22)
Western Frontier – $2.23
eShop Sales
Experience new worlds and adventures during the Warner Bros. Games March Sale and save up to 85% on your favorite titles like Hogwarts Legacy, Mortal Kombat 1 and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga! This sale ends March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT. For more information and to view the full list of games, visit https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/sales-and-deals/.
The SQUARE ENIX publisher sale has returned! Journey to Midgar and beyond to find deals from franchises like FINAL FANTASY, DRAGON QUEST, KINGDOM HEARTS and more! This sale ends March 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT. For more information and to view the full list of games, visit https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/sales-and-deals/.
The Capcom Publisher Sale is on, introducing Capcom’s latest and greatest games at an amazing price. Take a look and save up to 83% on select titles! This sale ends March 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT. For more information and to view the full list of games, visit https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/sales-and-deals/.
Switch (JeffConser): SW-3353-5433-5137 Wii U: Skeldare - 3DS: 1848-1663-9345
PM Me if you add me!
Star Ocean second story R is another but I forgot why I was interested in it. Megaman battle network is a given. It's not quite the full collection of Ace Attorney
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!
Announcing...the Switch U!
As an Exa Pico fan I've long since decomposed.