Should I buy a Nintendo Switch right now?
The Nintendo Switch has been selling like hotcakes (how well do hotcakes actually sell anyways?) It is at approximately 15 million units sold as of Feb 2018. So many people are buying the console (or portable) but is it the right system for you? Let's examine.
Do you love 1st party party Nintendo titles?
This is a moot point as you probably already own the system, but if not drive to the nearby video game store and and pick up the Switch now. Nintendo really hit it out the park with its first party titles (games that Nintendo make themselves and won't appear on other systems) there is a Mario game (Mario Odyssey) a Zelda game (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) a Mario Kart game (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe) a Splatoon game and a Xenoblade Chronicles game. There is a scheduled Smash Bros game, a Pokemon game and even a Metroid game, go figure. It is rare to see all of these games come out in the first year or so of a Nintendo machine, if they come out at all. If you are a Nintendo fan, why are you still reading this. Get the system!
Do you need to have the best graphics possible?
Then this system is not for you. I am old school. I grew up with the original gameboy and I thought it was great. So I am still amazed by these graphics on the portable. It has only been until recently that you could get console level graphics on a portable. Just for ease of comparison, the Switch can do a bit better than Wii U graphics, but not nearly as good as Xbox One/PS4 and not in the same ballpark as Xbox One X/PS4 Pro. While I think that the Switch’s graphics are “good enough” to get the job done and some games looks fantastic, such as Zelda and Mario kart, when you have the Switch it is differently the number 3 system in terms of looks. Look at any of the 3rd party games such as Doom/NBA 2K/WWE, they all look much worse. So if you must have the best graphics look elsewhere.
Do you love being able play portable?
The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic idea that really works. It is easy to pick up and play, dock it if you wish and play on the TV. I think that being able to continue to play a game outside the house is awesome option. The battery is pretty decent-- about 3-5 hours. If you were a portable player, like I am, this is a must have. When I saw it announced I didn’t even care about the console part. Even to this day, approximately one year later, I probably have played it about 1% of the time on the TV. When I want to play on the TV, I will play my Xbox One X.
Are you a budget conscious gamer?
I would probably say no, or at least wait a while. There are really no deals to be had here not only that you will probably be premium to play your favorite games. For example Doom just came out for the Switch recently for $60 while the superior versions on the Xbox/PS4 can be had for $20. This example is the norm, not the exception. Switch currently does not have any subscription programs such as PS plus, Xbox Game Pass and EA Access which gives gamers libraries of games for low monthly or annual fees. While some gamers don’t like these subscriptions they do offer value and its good to have the option. The above was purely concerning game not mentioned all the accessory that you may “need” an extra pro controller ($70) a memory card ($100) a carrying case ($40) and the Switch purchase can get pricey really fast.
I am loving my Switch. I had a blast with Mario and Zelda, but I mostly use it to play indie games, which the machine does a great job of doing. Generally, I believe the Switch is a must buy, unless of course you must have the best graphics or want the most for your money, then go elsewhere for your fun. Happy Gaming.
Andy, I think it's interesting and good that you did this post about the Nintendo Switch. I've always played more on Nintendo than on other platforms or game consoles, but I don't know much about the last two, the Nintendo WiiU and the Switch. Thanks for the review, it really helps to know that the console isn't the best of the best in terms of graphics, but that's not what I'm most interested in anyway.
What I'm interested in are the games themselves, I didn't know a Metroid was coming. The real problem would be to buy it itself, because where I live no video game store sells it, and they only sell it in online services, at an unreachable price.
Anyway, thank you for your words, I'll see you soon! :)
Hi @rickraven2000, the cool thing about the switch is that there isnt any region locking. So I have heard of people buying them on a trip or Amazon US and all you have to do is set it up with under your region. I think you will love the Switch because it is getting alot of Wii U ports so all the games you misssd are or will be coming out. Also I think the graphics are good. Just have to be truthful about them not being the best. However I have never played a game on the Switch and thought that the graphics were not good enought. Glad you found the article useful.
So there are WiiU ports to the Switch? I don't mind, I WANT to have my WiiU :c I will wait for it, even if it takes me years. I don't care of graphics, I can play even Minecraft, Megaman X2 or the first Super Mario Bros xD
Thanks for your article too, it's great to read things like this :3
Andy, you have sold me on the Switch. The only hickup is, I don’t play games. Through reading all of your posts, I have become well versed at selecting the best console for my needs when that time comes. Maybe when my kids grow old and asks for a console, I will know exactly what to get.
Keep up the great work buddy.
Yeah if don't play games its a hard sell. They have no web browser and only support Hulu as of right now. More of the video streaming apps are coming though, but if you have a phone its not really needed. It is a great system to play with your kids when they get older because you can throw it on a back pack for road trip and there are always 2 controllers attached to the system that you can separate.
On a trip, I think it's a better idea to sleep, listen to music or talk to your companions than to play. Greetings :)
Agreed, but if you take train gaming time away from me I wont have any gaming time at all :(
In that case, enjoy your train gaming time! :'P
Do you think they will throw in bundles with the switch for Christmas?
I do not. What i do think will happen is they will have 2 subscription programs. The online subscription which will offer 2 free classic games a month. And a gamepass/netflix type subcription where you can play a bunch of games from a preset library. This is how they will offer value.
Follow, I follow back, let's support each other 😊
Followed