Comprehensive Analysis: Is the Nintendo Switch Worth It?

Overall, the Nintendo Switch has made a massive splash with consumers across the globe. With over 63,000,000 sales, it’s supposedly the most convenient game console to hit the market. Today, we’ll be going over the Switch and evaluating its value (on a surface level).

First, we must talk about the Switch’s gimmick, convenience. Essentially, their marketing rests on the idea that you can enjoy the same quality of gaming from any area, unlike the clunky consoles. To test this theory, I purchased the console. First of all, these things are impossible to find. They’re sold out in many locations, and you can only buy them at a marked up resell price. This hurdle was difficult, but I eventually ended up scoring one off of Amazon. 

Upon arrival, I noticed a few things. The console itself is straightforward to handle. Based on what I’d seen regarding the games’  high quality, I didn’t expect it to be so slim. Looking at their main points of emphasis, it seemed to fit the criteria pretty well. The three modes of gameplay are incredibly convenient, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to set up. 

Starting with the typically handled mode, you can easily play games without compromising your field of vision or your hands’ comfortability. The controllers are placed at the edges of the console itself, which gives it an effortless setup.  Secondly, the tabletop mode does work, but I don’t see the practicality for it. Since the screen is tiny, it’s easier to play within the handheld mode. However, I presumed that the tabletop function is generally reserved for two-player action (which I cannot currently partake in due to a little pandemic that you may or may not have heard of), so while I don’t have a current use for the setting, I do see how it could be valuable. Finally, docking works very well. While you need to transport the dock port, it’s still incredibly convenient and easy to set up than regular consoles. 

It all comes down to the fluidity of how the console can run the applications. Naturally, I decided to get Smash Ultimate, Mario Kart, and a couple of free games. The lag is nonexistent, and the games run just as well as they would on the other systems. 

All in all, the Switch does exactly what it’s supposed to do. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for hardcore gamers, as it’s generally a bit less competitive (unless you’re playing smash). The Nintendo Switch is a fun and portable way to capture the essence of gaming, and I’m interested in seeing where it goes over the next few years.