Despite being older than the next-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo’s Switch is still one of the most popular consoles on the market. It has a unique advantage over its rivals in that it’s portable and can be hooked up to the TV for more immersive gaming. It’s also home to many classic titles and the latest entry in the Legend of Zelda franchise, Tears of the Kingdom.
The Switch’s most distinctive feature is its tablet-like form factor, which allows gamers to detach the two controller portions (called Joy-Con) and game handheld style. This allows it to be used on long journeys on public transport, for example, with just a tray table to prop it up on. It’s also ideal for family games, and has brought families back to Nintendo in droves.
It’s the only console that offers motion gaming, with the Joy-Con doubling as motion controllers for a more immersive experience. This is where the Switch trumps its rivals, and it’s something that has proved hugely popular with kids in particular.
While the Switch does a good job of bringing over a big selection of third-party games, it’s not quite as powerful as the PS4 and Xbox Series X, which means that its graphical capabilities aren’t quite as advanced. This does mean that the chances of it getting some of the more graphically demanding new releases as time goes on are getting slimmer.
If you’re looking for a more traditional gaming experience, the Switch can be hooked up to a TV via its HDMI port and an attached kickstand that spans the entire back of the device. It’s a bit wobbly, though, and can easily get warped by direct sunlight. If you notice this, you can usually fix it by laying the screen-side-down on a flat surface for an hour or so.
Like most modern consoles, the Switch relies on a consistent internet connection to deliver updates and downloadable content. It has an online store, called the Nintendo eShop, where you can buy new games and watch trailers. It also has a subscription service for multiplayer online gaming, called Nintendo Switch Online, which is available as an individual plan or a family plan. Both plans come with a free seven-day introductory trial, and the family plan can be shared between up to eight different players. The only catch is that everyone using the account must be over 18 years old.