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The console is relatively small compared to recent handhelds like the Steam Deck, making it highly portable.
The kickstand is perhaps the biggest weakness of the original console’s build.
Lifewire / Zach Sweat
It is somewhat flimsy and lacks any way to adjust the angle.
It’s more robust on the Nintendo Switch OLED.
The Switch works with many controller options but was designed from the ground up with the Joy-Cons in mind.
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Each console side has a metal rail designed to mount a Joy-Con.
The right controller also has an IR camera and an NFC reader if youve gotamiibos(toys-to-life figurines).
To add them, hold the amiibo over the stick, and itll recognize it.
Lifewire / Zach Sweat
Press the small button near the top to remove it and slide it free.
This process works flawlessly and is pretty genius on Nintendos part.
Even years after its launch in 2017, we havent seen another handheld console work quite so flexibly.
Lifewire / Zach Sweat
The docked setup is a bit more in-depth but isn’t too tricky.
You should see the screen on the Switch illuminate and show the battery level.
Then, remove the Joy-Cons from the sides.
Lifewire / Zach Sweat
Now, you must decide what form you plan to use them in.
Pairing Joy-Cons seems a bit strange initially, but it’s pretty easy.
The Nintendo Switch has 32GB internal storage, while the Switch OLED has 64 GB.
Lifewire / Zach Sweat
In both cases, you could increase the storage via a microSD card, an inexpensive upgrade.
Lets get into the details.
The screen uses 720p resolution in handheld mode and 1080p docked mode.
Lifewire / Zach Sweat
For example, playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe while docked gets you 1080p at 60 FPS in single-player mode.
As you’re able to see, it all depends on the conditions.
Most games will perform better in docked mode, which makes sense.
Lifewire / Zach Sweat
It is at least consistent with those numbers.
I love this console’s first-party lineup and the ability to play some good old couch co-op or multiplayer.
With the Switch, you take off the Joy-Cons and hand them to a friend.
Lifewire / Zach Sweat
I tested local multiplayer with titles likeMario Kart 8 DeluxeandSuper Mario Party.
Even with eight people playingSuper Smash Bros.
Ultimate, the Switch performed well and exceeded our expectations.
This brings us to online multiplayer.
This service is necessary for online gameplay, with a handful of exceptions.
However, the feature set and functionality lag behind the other online console services.
That means typing info out or browsing apps is a breeze, and the touchscreen is quite good.
you’re free to also go straight to the main home screen by hitting the home button.
Youll see many tiles for your games and apps here.
At the top, youll find your profile and friends list.
To the right of this, theres a clock, Wi-Fi meter, and battery gauge.
Thats improved with the latest revision and the OLED model, and 6-7 hours is more reasonable here.
However, I didnt experience significant dips in the batterys performance during use.
The Nintendo Switch OLED costs slightly more, at $350.
The Expansion Pack costs $50 per year for the online service.
All of this makes the Switch one of the most inexpensive consoles around.
Those consoles arent portable, but an unlikely challenger has emerged in that area: the Steam Deck.
Theyre portable systems that can be docked and connected to a TV.
The Switch has a significantly smaller library but a solid lineup of exclusives.
You cant play Wind Waker or Super Mario Odyssey on the Steam Deck, at least not legally.
If you want a more powerful handheld thats technically portable, the Steam Deck is worth a look.
Internally, the components are the same so you wont gain any performance boost by favoring the pricier model.
Theres an ethernet port on the dock, which may benefit certain users.
The Nintendo Switch OLED has a larger 7-inch screen.
Final Verdict
An innovation in gaming.
