The Nintendo Switch is a game console that has been around for a while. And it has been Nintendo’s fastest-selling console to date (though it is five years old), and this is due to its innovative format and the exceptional lineup of games it affords users.
If you want to know whether it is still worth picking up, then this Nintendo Switch Console review is for you. In the end, you would be equipped with the information needed to make that decision. Enjoy.
Hardware Specifications
The Nintendo Switch features a 7-inch OLED screen with a wide adjustable stand (for easy viewing in Tabletop mode). The adjustable stand allows you to find your best viewing angle for gaming.
It also has a dock with a wired LAN port for playing in TV mode. The console also comes with 64 GB of internal storage for you to save games. You also get to enjoy enhanced audio from the system’s onboard speakers in Tabletop and Handheld modes.
The Nintendo Switch also comes with Joy-Con controllers that give you total gameplay flexibility.
The console also allows you to choose your control style, whether with one controller or two, vertical or sideways. The console can also be attached to the console or separated from it. Depending on the game you are playing, you can play in multiple ways.
Display
The Nintendo Switch has an OLED display measured at 7 inches. It utilises an OLED panel, which is a technology that affords users better power efficiency and improved brightness and contrast when compared to the LCD.
Features
There are so many interesting features that the Nintendo Switch Console possesses. It has an OLED screen and a wired LAN port for connecting to your TV. There are also removable Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer mode – you get to share with a friend.
The console also comes with 64 GB of internal storage – affording you to build a large library of games for yourself, and you get to enjoy an enhanced audio experience. You get to use either USB 2.0/3.0.
In the grand scheme of things, the console is portable. You can carry it about and play anywhere.
Performance
If you ask me, the Nintendo Switch Console is top tier as it can be played handheld and also as a home console. In terms of the graphics, it is decent, though not top-notch. But it is definitely better than all previous Nintendo handheld consoles.
As to the battery life, the console can last for two and a half hours for graphically intensive games while for as long as six hours for games that are not so graphically intensive. This may be enough for a commute but may prove problematic for longer journeys. You also enjoy the ability to charge over USB and portable battery packs.
If you are looking to extend the battery life during usage, there are a couple of things you can do. One is to turn on aeroplane mode, though this prevents you from detaching the Joy-Cons, and the screen is dimmed. You can also use portable battery packs, though this might not give you a great result.
The Nintendo Switch console also supports 60 frames per second (fps) for fast-paced action content, such as in live sports, where blurry contents are a turn-off.
The latest Nintendo Switch features several improvements to its performance – there is a larger OLED display, double internal storage size, a better kickstand, and a LAN port in the dock.
Memory
The latest Nintendo Switch console comes with an internal memory size of 64 GB. So you might find models of 32 GB internal memory size.
Processing Power
Starting off with the CPU, it has four ARM Cortex A57 cores, max 2GHz. The GPU has 256 CUDA cores, a maximum of 1 GHz. The last memory bandwidth you can get is 25.6 GB/s, with a max transfer rate of 400 MB/s.
Ports and Connections
The Nintendo Switch has a dock that includes a USB- C connector for connection to the console. There is also a USB-C port for the AC adapter and an HDMI out port to connect to a TV. You also get to enjoy 3 USB ports for accessories and charging cables.
Online Services
The Nintendo Switch Online service is a paid subscription that allows you to play compatible games online on the Nintendo Switch and also save your progress to the cloud. You can compete online, rise through the ranks, and earn in-game rewards.
You also get access to a library of classic games if you’re a retro lover. Individual and family memberships are available. Membership grants you access to a curated library of classic games with online functionality, so you can play and compete with friends. To access all these features, you would require the Nintendo Switch Online application.
Games and Applications
The Nintendo Switch Console comes with some included games, which can be accessed through the Nintendo Switch Online application. They include:
- Metroid
- Mighty Bomb Jack
- TwinBee
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Donkey Kong
- Mario Bros.
- Super Mario Bros.
These are just a few of the games you can access.
You can also get games and applications from the Nintendo eShop. To open the eShop, locate the icon that looks like a shopping bag on the Switch home screen toolbar. Then you use the search app to find the app you want to download. When the application is done downloading, you can launch the app via the Switch home screen.
On the Nintendo Switch Console, you are able to use streaming apps such as Youtube, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Favorite Events.
Pros
- The Nintendo Switch seems like a console that would be supported for a long time.
- The console is a versatile one that allows you to pivot between a big-screen TV and an on-the-go gaming experience.
- The Joy-Cons are comfortable to use in multiple configurations.
- It is one of the best consoles to share with friends.
- The Nintendo Switch Online service is constantly improving.
Cons
- Flimsy kickstand
- Poor battery life
- Cannot charge controllers while playing on a TV
- Hardware has not undergone any improvement in recent years.
Is the Nintendo Switch Console still worth buying?
The Nintendo Switch is a great gaming console for gamers that want portability and access to a large library of games. The console has some shortcomings, but the release of the OLED model in 2021 and increased storage capability make it a worthwhile contender among the best gaming consoles.
The console allows you to either use it as a handheld device or connect it to a TV. The Nintendo Switch Online service gives users access to a massive library of games that will keep them entertained for as long as possible.
Conclusion
Overall, the Nintendo Switch is a great console with many unique features and advantages. Its portability and versatility are two of its biggest selling points. That said, it is not perfect, and there are some areas where it could be improved.
It is ultimately up to the individual to decide whether or not the Switch is the right console for them. However, the points discussed above are provided to guide you in making an informed decision.
FAQs – Nintendo Switch Console Review
Q: How much is the Nintendo Switch console?
A: You would be able to get the Nintendo Switch for not more than $300.
Q: What games does a Nintendo Switch come with?
A: The console does not come with any pack-in game. What you get from the Nintendo Switch console package is just the hardware; the console, the Joy-Con controllers (with two wrist straps for them), one Joy-Con grip, one dock, an HDMI cable and an AC adapter.
Q: Does the Nintendo Switch need a memory card?
A: Well, not necessarily, but it would be a great addition to the console. It would be helpful in instances where you have run out of internal storage.
Q: Can you watch movies on the Nintendo Switch?
A: Yes, you can watch movies on the Nintendo Switch as you are able to use streaming apps such as Youtube, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Favorite Events.
Q: Can you play music on the Nintendo Switch?
A: With the Nintendo Switch console, you can play music online from the web browser or offline from a memory card.
Q: Does the Nintendo Switch console have Bluetooth?
A: You can connect up to two wireless controllers to the Nintendo Switch system while using Bluetooth audio. You will not be able to pair additional wireless controllers until you disconnect the Bluetooth audio device.
However, only one Bluetooth audio system can be paired at a time. You can have up to 10 devices saved on the Nintendo Switch system.
A disclaimer is that you may experience audio latency depending on your Bluetooth device. Another is that Bluetooth microphones cannot be used.
Image Gallery – Nintendo Switch Console Review
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