The multifunctional game console offers more and more fun for the whole family
Although the Nintendo Switch is six years old, its popularity continues to skyrocket. Long-awaited new games launch throughout the year, while Nintendo eShop offers a growing library of much-loved retro games. If you’re in doubt about buying a Nintendo Switch, the ever-growing game library or the beautiful screen quality of the Nintendo Switch OLED may change your mind.
What you need to get started with Nintendo Switch
Set up your Switch
One of the highlights of gaming with the Nintendo Switch is that the hybrid console can be played just about anywhere. It can be connected to your TV, placed on a tabletop or held on your lap. The Switch comes with a charging dock and all the cables you need to install it on your TV. All you need is an HDMI port.
While the Nintendo Switch comes with some onboard storage, many Switch players like to expand their storage with a microSD card of at least 256GB. Saving games locally allows them to load faster and avoid delays.
Protect your switch
If you plan on taking your Switch outside, it’s a good idea to equip it with a carrying case and screen protector. Applying a good screen protector to your Switch as soon as it comes out of the box will protect the screen from scratches and prevent smudges for better screen clarity.
Nintendo Switch Online Subscription
You may also want to take advantage of a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This will give you access to select NES and SNES games (some of which are subscriber exclusive) and unlock the ability to play online multiplayer. Nintendo Switch Online also allows you to back up game save data to the cloud. Individual memberships can be purchased for one month, three months, or one year, and annual family plans are also available.
Nintendo Switch Parental Controls
The Switch makes it easy to control what your child can play, download and watch on the console. After you create a Nintendo Account for them, you can set parental controls to limit the games and videos they can watch, limit play time, and protect your account from accidental or unwanted purchases. Plus, you can manage all these settings through the parental control toggle app on your phone.
Which Nintendo Switch should you have?
Nintendo Switch
The original Nintendo Switch continues to sell millions of units every year thanks to its versatile gameplay and long battery life. It comes with two detachable motion-sensitive JoyCon controllers, a JoyCon grip for a traditional controller layout, and all the cables you need for setup. Special packs such as an Animal Crossing themed Switch and units that come with popular games are also available. Sold by Amazon
Nintendo Switch OLED
This version of the Switch has a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen that’s larger than that of the standard Switch. It also comes with 64GB of internal storage, twice what the standard Switch offers, and improved audio. The OLED switch is great if you plan on playing in handheld or table mode rather than using your TV. Sold by Amazon
Nintendo Switch Lite
With plenty of color choices and a more affordable price point, the Nintendo Switch Lite is a Game Boy for the modern era. It can only play in handheld mode, but it will play all games available on the standard Switch, both physical and digital. Sold by Amazon
Best Nintendo Switch Accessories
Nintendo Switch Carrying Case and Screen Protector
The official Nintendo carrying case is also one of the safest, thanks to ballistic nylon and velcro on the inside. It can carry up to eight physical game cards and fits the Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED models. Sold by Amazon
Nintendo Switch JoyCon Controllers
Customize the look of your Switch or make room for more friends to play with an extra pair of JoyCon controllers. JoyCon controllers each have a full set of buttons, as well as an accelerometer and gyro sensor for motion control in games like Just Dance and Mario Kart. Each can be used individually or both slide into the JoyCon grip to use as a single controller. Sold by Amazon
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
JoyCon controllers are great for casual games or games with a lot of movement, but if you’re going to sit down for a long session, you may want a more comfortable controller. The Pro controller has an ergonomic design, motion controls and rumble. Sold by Amazon
Best Nintendo games
The Nintendo Switch is powerful enough to run huge games like Skyrim, Apex Legends and the NBA games. It’s also the best way to access classic retro titles, including Super Mario Kart, Donkey Kong Country, and multiple Zelda games. Whether you’re looking for the latest in your favorite AAA franchise or an under-the-radar 8-bit indie, the Switch can play it.
Animal Crossing introduced millions of new fans to a beloved franchise and welcomed players to their own cozy, customizable island. Sold by Amazon
Zelda: Breath of the Wild has a huge open world map, beautiful graphics, dozens of puzzle dungeons and one of the best Zelda stories ever told. Sold by Amazon
Stardew Valley is another cozy Switch game that lets you build, fish, cook and build your way through village life. Sold by Amazon
Mario Strikers: Battle League, one of the newest Switch games, combines the chaos of Super Smash Bros. with football. Sold by Amazon
Two Point Campus is another new addition to the Switch library, with a crazy take on building management simulations, set on a university campus. Sold by Amazon
Metroid Dread revives a classic franchise with exciting gameplay set in an atmospheric science fiction maze. Sold by Amazon
Super Smash Bros Ultimate features a huge cast of game icons battling it out in 8-player online or local multiplayer. Sold by Amazon
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Laura Duerr writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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