A Versatile and Social Device
My playtime with the Switch has largely been split playing docked on the TV and in handheld mode with the Joycons attached. The ability to switch (pun intended) when and how you're playing at a moment's notice is quite the impressive feat. Being able to continue a grand adventure like Zelda when going on travel, or just taking it into your bedroom and plugging in some headphones when your roommate decides to practice the tuba, the system is amazingly adaptable to your needs. And the fact that it has two Joycons attached to it most all the time, the system is built ready to share anywhere and at any time. Once more of the heavy-hitter multiplayer games come out, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or the inevitable Super Smash Bros, I see this system being an amazing social gaming device.
User Interface Design - Simplicity is Beauty
Looking more at the UI of the device, you'll notice it is very bare-bones right now. There are no streaming services like Hulu or Netflix. There's no Activity Logs or music players. Out of the box, this is one thing and one thing only: A gaming device. While I very much would love all the above just listed, I anticipate these applications will come with time. But the Switch's focus on being a gaming device has left me very much more impressed than I have been with a system since the days of N64. It does so because loading and playing a game is quicker and more seamless than any system I've ever played. You wake up the system, unlock, and you're playing the game wherever it is you left off. No need for loading main menus and then waiting for the game to load. Gaming is as quick and satisfying as turning on the system. For that, I'm willing to start with a simple UI and build up from there. And while I miss aspects like menu and eshop music, it retains some of that Nintendo charm with its playful sound effects.
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| In an age of loading screens and updates, being able to play a game in just three quick clicks is beyond compare. |
The "Limitations" of Handheld Mode
There's nothing quite like playing a little Zelda in handheld mode on the Switch, snuggled in my bed sheets before both the Switch and I drift to sleep. While I prefer the bigger and better laid out buttons of the Pro Controller, the Joycons attached to the system work as a practical and comfortable compromise for playing in handheld mode. That said, that comfort tends to cramp up after a few hours of play. But then again, I typically can only get 3 hours or so playing Zelda in handheld mode before needing to charge, so that discomfort is usually more of an indication to myself that it's time to stop and charge. Charging is made simple with the Switch using a USB-C charging port, but note you can't charge with the Switch in the kickstand position. As a gamer who plays in moderate play sessions, these issues don't particularly affect or annoy me, but they are aspects to keep in mind if you are a gamer who plays extensive sessions in handheld mode.
Adding up Accessories
Taking a look at what you get out of the box, you get two Joycons (with straps), a Grip Accessory, the dock, and of course the Switch. All in all, you are adequately equipped for 1-2 player gaming. It's been noted that extra accessories is where the costs will add up, and yes, that is assuredly true for most any new console. Let's just try to keep a level-head and realize that you come decently equipped out of the box and that the costs of these extra accessories are not as bad as they look in comparison to other consoles. For those who want a more refined and familiar controller, I highly recommend the Pro Controller. At $70, it is a little more expensive than that of other 1st-party controllers, but it does come packed with more technology, holds a longer battery life than most, and looks to be usable for PC games too, which is a nice plus. And if you need more Joycons for 3-4 player games, you can get a two-pack for $80. It sounds pricey, but think of it as buying two Wii remotes. My recommendation is to just purchase a Pro Controller for your personal TV gaming needs, and if the system takes off as I hope if will, extra controllers will not really be needed if you have at least one other friend who also owns a Switch. With this being such a versatile and portable system, a lack of controllers should never be a problem.
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| Pro Controller (left) vs. provided Grip with Joycons (right). |
One last accessory note: For those using the Switch as a portable, I highly recommend also investing in a carrying case, of which you can find many well made cases ranging from $15-20. They will carry your Nintendo Switch, Joycons, straps, games, and more in a very compact space. I happened to get mine with the Zelda Special Edition, which the quality impressed me more than I expected.
Final Thoughts
So, when all is said and done, is it worth jumping on board the Nintendo Switch? My recommendation: If there is one game you want to play on it, go for it. Otherwise, you should wait. As it stands, this is first and foremost a gaming machine, so make sure there is something you want to play on it. For me and good many, Zelda should be that first game (I'll have my review on this game once I beat it, but I'm taking my time and getting easily distracted in the meantime). And for a game as massive as Zelda, the Switch proves to be an impressive machine allowing you to more easily and seamlessly play through and enjoy this incredible adventure. The Switch has a lot of room to grow and improve upon, but what it delivers so far in its simplest form is already my most preferred gaming device to play on. And it will hopefully only get better from here.
If you have any additional questions about the Switch, be sure to ask in the comments. And no, I will not lick any Switch cartridges. Thanks! And happy gaming.
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