Complete Guide to Buying a Nintendo Switch

Your Guide to buying the best Nintendo Switch

Overview

The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular gaming consoles on the market. It provides players with an interactive and immersive gaming experience, both at home and on the go. In this buying guide, we will go over the key features of the Switch, the different models available, and the accessories you should consider when purchasing the Switch. We’ll also provide tips on how to get the best deal when buying the Switch. We hope this guide will help you have the best experience when buying the Nintendo Switch.

Key features

  1. Price - The base price of the Nintendo Switch is $299.99 USD, however bundles and additional accessories can increase the price significantly.
  2. Controller Options - The standard Nintendo Switch comes with two Joy-Con Controllers, but gamers can also opt for a Pro Controller that has a more traditional game pad design.
  3. Gaming Library - The Nintendo Switch has a diverse library of games, from first-party titles such as Super Mario Odyssey to third-party games from major publishers such as Electronic Arts.
  4. Online Services - Nintendo Switch offers online gaming via its paid subscription service, Nintendo Switch Online. This service includes access to classic NES and SNES games, cloud saves, and access to online multiplayer.
  5. Battery Life - The battery life of the Nintendo Switch varies depending on the game and settings used, but gamers can expect up to 6.5 hours of battery life on a single charge.
  6. Connectivity - The Nintendo Switch is compatible with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and gamers can also connect the console to a TV or monitor via an HDMI cable.
  7. Storage - The Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, but gamers can also expand this storage via a microSD card.

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Important considerations

Pros

  • Versatile: Nintendo Switch can be used both as a home console or as a portable device. It has a 6.2-inch touchscreen and detachable Joy-Con controllers.
  • Multiplayer: Nintendo Switch supports local and online multiplayer gaming.
  • Compatibility: Nintendo Switch is compatible with amiibo and has a variety of games and accessories available for purchase.
  • Price: Nintendo Switch is available at a reasonable price, letting users purchase different bundles to suit their needs.
  • Family Friendly: Nintendo Switch is a great choice for families, as it offers a large selection of family-friendly games suitable for all ages.

Cons

  • Price: The Nintendo Switch is one of the more expensive gaming systems on the market, costing around $300 USD. There are also additional costs associated with purchasing games, accessories, and more.
  • Storage: The storage capacity of the Nintendo Switch is quite limited, with only 32GB of internal memory which can fill up quickly if you are downloading a lot of games.
  • Online Play: Playing games online with the Switch requires a paid subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online service, which is an extra cost.
  • Battery Life: The battery life of the Switch varies based on the type of game you're playing, but generally lasts between 2.5 to 6 hours.
  • Screen: The Nintendo Switch has a 6.2 inch LCD screen, which is significantly smaller than some other gaming systems.
  • Controller: The Joy-Cons are the primary controllers for the Switch, but they are not as comfortable or as efficient as a traditional gaming controller.

Best alternatives

    Xbox One X - Microsoft's flagship gaming console, featuring 4K gaming and improved performance over the Xbox One. Sony PlayStation 4 Pro - Sony's flagship gaming console, with 4K gaming and other incremental updates over the PlayStation 4. PC Gaming - A customizable gaming experience powered by a variety of components, ranging from inexpensive budget builds to enthusiast-level rigs. Xbox One S - Microsoft's mid-range gaming console, offering 4K streaming but no 4K gaming. Sony PlayStation 4 - Sony's mid-range gaming console, featuring 1080p gaming and a variety of exclusive titles.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Joy-Con Controllers - These are the two controllers that come with the Nintendo Switch. They can be used together to make one controller or separately for two-player gaming.
  • Pro Controller - The Pro Controller is an optional add-on that is designed for a more traditional gaming experience.
  • Micro SD Cards - Nintendo Switch supports up to 2TB of expandable storage via micro SD cards.
  • Nintendo Switch Carrying Case - A carrying case designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch, it includes slots for the console, Joy-Con Controllers, and games.
  • HDMI Cable - An HDMI cable that can be used to connect the console to a TV.
  • AC Adapter - This is the power adapter used to charge the console.
  • Game Cards - These are the physical cards used to store games that can be inserted into the console.
  • Joy-Con Grips - These accessories are used to enhance the grip on the Joy-Con Controllers.

Common questions

  1. What are the features and benefits of the Nintendo Switch?
    The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid game console that can be used as both a stationary console and a portable device. It has a 6.2-inch touchscreen, a removable Joy-Con controller, wireless connectivity, and access to a variety of downloadable games. It also supports multiplayer gaming, local and online, and features built-in motion controls for an immersive gaming experience.
  2. What accessories can I get for the Nintendo Switch?
    Accessories for the Nintendo Switch include a Pro Controller, extra Joy-Cons, carrying cases, stands, and chargers. There are also accessories to enhance the gaming experience, such as steering wheels, fishing rods, and amiibo figures.
  3. How do I connect the Nintendo Switch to a television?
    The Nintendo Switch can be connected to a television via the included HDMI cable. The system should be connected to a power source as well. Once the system is connected, the television should detect the Nintendo Switch and display the image.
  4. What types of games are available for the Nintendo Switch?
    The Nintendo Switch has a variety of games available, including action games, sports games, family favorites, and more. There are also a variety of downloadable titles, as well as games from other systems that can be played on the Switch.
  5. How long can the Nintendo Switch battery last?
    The Nintendo Switch has a built-in battery that can last for up to 6 hours depending on the game and settings. Charging times vary depending on the type of charger used, but typically takes around 3 hours.
  6. Can I play online with the Nintendo Switch?
    Yes, you can play online with the Nintendo Switch. You will need to create a Nintendo Account and subscribe to a Nintendo Switch Online membership, which is required for online play. Once this is done, you’ll be able to join online matches with friends or compete against players from around the world.

Trivia

One interesting fact about the Nintendo Switch is that it was initially planned to be the successor to the Nintendo 3DS line of portable consoles. However, as development of the system progressed, Nintendo realized that the hardware capabilities were much greater than what was needed for a portable, and opted to pivot to a hybrid console. This decision allowed the Switch to become a revolutionary console that could be both docked for use on a big screen, and undocked to be used as a portable device. This innovative design has since been copied by other console makers. Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Switch

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.