Play Your Switch On the Go, or at Home
The Switch’s most attractive features may just be the ability to take it with you, wherever you want. As Nintendo’s first hybrid console, you can play it just as easily at home on your TV, or out and about on the tablet.
The Switch tablet is actually the core system, storing most of the power of the Switch, while the home dock is mostly an accessory to boost output and connect it to your TV. Because of this, you have an impressive portable device that can display games with surprising quality. While in docked mode, the Switch will display in 1080p, while handheld mode will display in 720p. The system also has a handy little kickstand, so you can prop it up while you play. Because of the system’s design, you can attach the Joy-Con controllers to the side of the system and hold it like a Game Boy, or pull them off and play that way.
The system does have Wi-Fi, so even when on the go, you can connect it and play online, something that could be incredibly useful for games like Splatoon 2. The only downside to this may be the 3-6 hour battery life on the tablet, which you can mostly alleviate by buying an extra charger or car charger. Additionally, the system charges when docked, which is incredibly easy to switch to. It’s an almost seamless transition when going to TV mode that just has you popping your tablet into the device. Just be careful and make sure you don’t have the stand up when you try to do so.
The portability of the Nintendo Switch opens up entirely new ways to play, and lets you take your favorite Nintendo titles on the go. Luckily, the Switch’s games come in tiny cartridges, making them even easier to haul around with you in your bag on your way to work or school.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
It almost goes without saying that one of the main appeals of the Switch right now is a brand new Zelda on launch day. Breath of the Wild has been in the making for over four years, with multiple delays over the years. Just like with the original Wii, Zelda is the purchase to make with your Switch.
Breath of the Wild is certain to be a bit of a different experience for Zelda fans, however. For the first time in the series, the game has gone primarily open-world, letting players tackle the game however they want. In fact, it’s quite possible to finish Breath of the Wild without actually having seen the entire story.
Various new gameplay systems also encourage exploration like cooking, degrading equipment and weapons, and a multitude of small puzzles dotted across the game’s world.
Breath of the Wild has certainly been a long time coming, and it’s easily one of the most anticipated games of the entire year. If there’s any reason to pick up a Switch early, this is it.
Joy-Cons and HD Rumble
Nintendo is no stranger to coming up with unique controller designs, and that’s exactly what the Switch has done once again. The Joy-Cons are unique little controllers that clip onto the side of your Switch tablet or in other places. and you’ll get two with each system.
These tiny controllers can function as one for single-player games like Zelda, or as multiple controllers for titles like 1-2 Switch. The most unique feature they include, however, is something called HD Rumble.
Rumble features have been included with gaming controllers for a long time now, and the Xbox One controller upped the feedback with it. The Joy-Cons take it to the next level, by being able to accurately simulate tactile sensations.
The example used by Nintendo the most is the idea of being able to hold a Joy-Con, and have the controller simulate a glass with ice being dropped in, and then filled with water. Additionally, one of the minigames featured in 1-2 Switch has you holding the Joy-Con flat, simulating a wooden box. You have to move the controller around and feel how many marbles are rolling around in the box.
There are already interesting functions for the Joy-Cons, and it’s exciting to think about what possibilities the future might hold with the system.
A Range of Control Options
The Joy-Cons are, of course, the focus on control with the Switch, and they come with a few different options for players to take advantage of. Nintendo really has kept in mind how many different players might want to play games on their system.
First and foremost, you can attach the Joy-Cons to the tablet and hold it as a handheld. That lovely little click sound that plays in all of the Switch’s trailers can also be heard when you click the controllers into place. You can hold a Joy-Con in each hand when playing single player titles, almost like the Wiimote and Nunchuk. You can also split up multiple Joy-Cons to play party and multiplayer games with your friends.
If you’re looking for a more traditional controller, the Switch has you covered too. Each system comes with a grip that lets you insert the Joy-Cons on both sides. This way you have a more traditional kind of video game controller to play with. Of course, if that also isn’t for you, you’ll have the option of purchasing the Switch Pro controller. This is straight up the kind of controller most players will be used to using.
For a console so focused on being able to play it both on the road and at home, it’s nice to have a few controller options to play around with.
Even More Experiences on the Horizon
While Zelda is the big focus at launch, the Switch has a bright future ahead of it with titles like Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, and Fire Emblem Warriors all on the way. We’ve also found out about a few more indie titles hitting at launch, including Shovel Knight and Fast RMX.
Breath of the Wild is the only big Nintendo title for March, but we do have others like Snipperclips and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe hitting by the end of April. The new fighting game Arms, all about fighters with extendable arms, is scheduled to hit in the spring.
One of the biggest titles coming to the system is, of course, Splatoon 2, scheduled for a summer release date. It promises to be a fun and wacky multiplayer experience, just like the first game. The good news is, players can get in on the action early, as for one weekend in March the Switch will have a Splatoon 2 multiplayer Global Testfire. There’s also a myriad of other titles arriving in spring and summer like The Binding of Isaac, Rime, Puyo Puyo Tetris, Has-Been Heroes, and more.
Fall and holiday 2017 is when things really take off, however, as we’re expecting some big games. This is when titles like Skyrim, Fire Emblem Warriors, Sonic 2017, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, are all expected to arrive. Then there’s a brand new 3D Mario, which is a gargantuan release for the holidays, and definitely one of the best things to look forward to on the Switch. There will undoubtedly be a few more things announced at E3 this year as well.
Breath of the Wild is the big focus for now, but you can feel sure you’ll have plenty to look forward to when you pick up your Switch.
Published: Feb 27, 2017 10:00 am