The Nintendo Switch, launching March 3, 2017, is definitely an exciting console that has peaked my interests. Priced at $470, this is a great purchase as the Switch has taken strides to really be an all in one console.
As you'll probably see from the image above, the Switch will come with a set of components; Switch Console, Switch Dock, Joy Con, and Joy Con Grip.
So let's look at each component one at a time.
The first component is the console, a 6.2" touchscreen tablet, running at 1280 x 720p resolution, this is the main console.
| Size | Approx. 102mm x 239mm x 13.9mm (with Joy Con attached) Please note: 28.4mm at the thickest, from the tips of the analogue sticks to the ZL / ZR Button protrusions |
| Weight | Approx. 297g (With Joy Con controllers attached: 398g) |
| Screen | Capacitive touch screen / 6.2 inch LCD / 1280x720 resolution |
| CPU / GPU | NVIDIA customised Tegra processor |
| System Memory | 32GB Please note: a portion of this internal memory is reserved for use by the system |
| Communication Features | Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac complaint) / Bluetooth 4.1 (TV mode only. A wired LAN connection is possible through the use of a commercially available wired LAN adapter) |
| Video Output | Maximum resolution: 1920 x 1080, 60fps Please note: out via HDMI cable in TV mode. In tabletop mode and handheld mode, the maximum resolution is 1280 x 720, which matches the screen resolution |
| Audio Output | Supports linear PCM 5.1ch Please note: output via HDMI cable in TV mode |
| Speakers | Stereo |
| USB Terminal | USB Type C terminal Used for charging or for connecting to the Nintendo Switch dock |
| Headphone Mic. Jack | Stereo output |
| Game Card Slot | Exclusive for Nintendo Switch game cards |
| MicroSD Card Slot | Compatible with microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC memory cards. Please note: an update via an internet connection is required to use microSDXC memory cards |
| Sensors | Accelerometer / gyroscope / brightness sensor |
| Operating Environment | Temperature: 5 - 35°C / Humidity: 20 - 80% |
| Internal Battery | Lithium ion battery / battery capacity 4310mAh Please note: the internal battery cannot be removed. If the battery needs to be replaced, we plan to offer paid replacement via Nintendo Customer Support |
| Battery Life | Battery life can last for more than six hours, but will vary depending on the software and usage conditions. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be played for roughly three hours on a single charge |
| Charging Time | 3 hours approx. Please note: this is the time taken to charge while the console is in sleep mode |
So there you go, the main powerhouse behind the Nintendo Switch. Although the innovation of using a tablet for your gaming isn't necessarily new, the application is. Imagine your Android tablet, or iPad, had the gaming prowess of the Switch, connected with addition controllers for controls, you have essentially what the Switch's concept is. Only Sony has probably come close to that with their integration of remote play, where you can attach your PlayStation 3 (PS3) or PlayStation 4 (PS4) controller to your Xperia phone or tablet, and remotely play your console games on it. You can also use your PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) or PlayStation Portable (PSP) if you prefer. The Switch takes it a step forward, where the console itself can be carried around, making it in itself, portable.
So, with the console out of the way, let's look further on how it works. The dock is the main docking station for you to use when at home, essentially the stand of the console, the hub to connect the console to the TV, and also a way to charge and keep the Switch powered when gaming at home.
The AC adapter, USB port, and HDMI out is all in the back, stored away in the boxed cover in the back.
| Size | 104mm x 173mm x 54mm |
| Weight | Approx. 327g |
| Connectors |
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So again, the dock really is just the hub when at home. When in this mode, you're in TV mode. Hook up the console to the TV and everyone can enjoy playing, from kids to adults. It's a great way to get into the game with family and friends at home.
What really makes the Switch interesting is the Joy Con. These controllers can be used in various ways to accommodate the game and situation.
| Size | 102mm x 35.9mm x 28.4mm |
| Weight | Joy Con (L): Approx. 49g Joy Con (R): Approx. 52.1g |
| Buttons | Joy Con (L):
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| Connectivity Functions | Joy Con (L): Bluetooth 3.0 Joy Con (R): Bluetooth 3.0, NFC (near field communication) |
| Sensors | Joy Con (L):
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| Vibration Function | HD rumble Capable of varied and precise vibrations |
| Internal Battery | 525 mAh Li-ion battery Please note: the internal battery cannot be removed. If the battery needs to be replaced, we plan to offer paid replacement via Nintendo Customer Support |
| Battery Life | Approx. 20 hours Please note: this is an estimate. Actual may vary depending on individual usage patterns |
| Charging Time | Approx. 3.5 hours Please note: to charge the Joy Con, you must attach them to a Nintendo Switch console or Joy Con charging grip (sold separately) |
Why it's interesting is because in its varied configurations, it allows casual to serious gaming any where, any time. I've already mentioned TV mode, the next is Tabletop mode. This is when the Joy Con essentially becomes 2 mini controllers, and the Switch becomes the tablet you view and play on. So, if you don't have access to a TV, prop up the stand attached to the console and hand a Joy Con to a friend to play co-operative or competitive games right on the console screen. Of course, depending on the games, there will be limitations as you're only down to the amount of buttons the good old Super Nintendo (SNES) had.
Why this is great is because you effectively have 2 player support anywhere you go - meet someone with another Switch, and now you have up to 4 in an instant, no need to try and purchase additional controllers.
We're not always around family and friends though, and there'll be times you want to continue playing where you left off. That's why we have Handheld mode. Enjoy the same gameplay experience as on a TV screen, right at your fingertips. Play engaging games you've never thought you can play on the go anytime, anywhere.
What's also amazing is that you can connect up to 8 Nintendo Switches to playing local multiplayer.
It's easy to see why there's so much excitement for the Nintendo Switch. However, for me? Not so much. I'm not a Sony PlayStation fanboy as people may call it, but I just see the PlayStation of more value to me. Here's why:
As a home console, the PlayStation a central hub for your movies, music, games, etc. Sure, it's no Android TV with a perfect operating system, but I can watch my blu-rays, play my favourite games, and have access to various entertainment functions from the PlayStation. The Nintendo Switch is simply, the Nintendo Switch.
The play anywhere anytime was something Sony tried to tackle with the PS3 and current PS4, as mentioned before, however, Nintendo does it right. Let's do a quick summary - The Nintendo Switch can be brought anywhere and you have a beautiful 6.2" screen do play your games anytime anywhere. In order for you to continue playing your PS4 games on the go via PS Vita, you have to purchase the game separately for the Vita, in essence, purchasing the game twice. In addition to that, not all games have a PS Vita version.
In relation to playing anywhere also, the Switch can be taken to any room to play if say, someone was busy using the TV already - you still have a beautiful 6.2" screen. This is where the PS4 shines however. With its Remote Play, I can remotely play my PS4 games on my Vita, PlayStation TV, phone, or even my PC / laptop. This truly makes the PlayStation a central console in the home.
The game library is self-explanatory. You either like the PlayStation library, or the Nintendo library, or both, and you go from there. I'll say it's all even here, though I do tend to favour a lot of the PlayStation games over the Nintendo games, but during times of casual gaming, I do wish the PlayStation had something more, casual.
Features, tech, and other functionalities aside, as there's too much to go through and it's really to each their own, what really turns me off from the Switch, is online. Upon launch, the online services are free, but when they officially launch in April, it will be a paid subscription - that's a deal breaker for me. PlayStation is free, and will always be free. Those who want more can subscribe for exclusive content, but online itself, is free.
So what about the Xbox One? Well, it's just that, an XBox One, the same as an Xbox 360, and the original Xbox. It's simply a great console, but just like the Nintendo Switch, it's just that, simply a great console.
So there you have it, some information on the new Nintendo Switch, and also my quick take and feelings regarding it and against it's competitors.
