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.

Nintendo Switch

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.

Nintendo Switch 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.

Nintendo Switch Dock

 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
  • USB ports: two USB 2.0 compatible ports on the side, one on the back
    Launches with USB 2.0 support, but USB 3.0 support will be added in a future update
  • System connector
  • AC adapter port
  • HDMI port

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.

Nintendo Switch TV Mode

What really makes the Switch interesting is the Joy Con. These controllers can be used in various ways to accommodate the game and situation.

Nintendo Switch Joy Con

Size 102mm x 35.9mm x 28.4mm
Weight  Joy Con (L): Approx. 49g
Joy Con (R): Approx. 52.1g
Buttons Joy Con (L):
  • Left Stick (pressable)
  • Directional / L / ZL / SL / SR / - Buttons
  • Capture Button
  • Release Button
  • SYNC Button
Joy Con (R):
  • Right Stick (pressable)
  • A / B / X / Y / R / ZR / SL / SR / + Buttons
  • Home Button
  • Release Button
  • SYNC Button
Connectivity Functions Joy Con (L): Bluetooth 3.0
Joy Con (R): Bluetooth 3.0, NFC (near field communication)
Sensors Joy Con (L):
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
Joy Con (R):
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • IR Motion Camera
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.

Nintendo Switch Tabletop Mode

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.

Nintendo Switch Handheld Mode

What's also amazing is that you can connect up to 8 Nintendo Switches to playing local multiplayer.

Nintendo Switch 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.

Nintendo Switch Online Subscription

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.