The Nintendo Switch is finally here!

Nintendo Switch (centre) with the Joy-Con controllers attached to both sides*

Nintendo’s newest console, the Nintendo Switch, came out last Friday on March 3rd. While I was hyped for the launch, I couldn’t rationalize getting it just yet since it basically only has about 5 games at launch that are exclusive to the Switch (or 4 if you don’t include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild since it also technically releases on the Wii U). But I still have been keeping up with reviews and such of the console since I still have an interest in purchasing it in the future.

So the way the Switch was marketed and designed is quite interesting as it allows it to be used as a home console as well as a handheld device to be played on the go.

Now I’ve only spent about an hour playing with the Switch a friend of mine bought so this first point may not be critical.

Looking at first the Joy-Con controllers, they can slide on and off the side of the switch and can be used independently as two controllers for multiplayer games as well.

Side view of the Joy-Con controllers*

As you can see, they are designed to be held the same way no matter which side you have. The joystick on the left with the 4 standard input buttons on the right hand side. While this is great for consistency while being used individually, the Joy-Con controllers, when attached to the switch as a handheld, seems weird. Both your hands still have to be positioned to be able press the L and R buttons on the controllers. As a result your thumbs will generally rest on the Left Stick as well as the A/B/X/Y buttons and when you want to use the Right Stick (To rotate cameras in third person games for example), you have to adjust your hand slightly and shift the weight of the console which doesn’t feel great.

Next consider the Switch in “tabletop” mode when you use the Switch’s kickstand to use it as a screen for multiplayer games.

Back of the Nintendo Switch*

In this configuration, there is actually no way to charge the Switch while you’re playing. The USB Type-C connector on the bottom the console will obstruct with a surface when standing up. As this was one of the key features that was marketed for the Switch I feel like it is a real issue when you’re not at home and want to play with other people using the Joy-Con controllers.


Last but not least is the Nintendo Switch Dock.

Nintendo Switch Dock*

 This is the primary way the Nintendo Switch is supposed to be used as a home console like the PS4 or Xbox One. With the USB-C connector, it will charge and display the output on a TV. You slide the Switch in and it connects automatically. Simple, with an obvious spot of where the Switch should go which is great.

However, there is no padding or any protection on the inside of the Nintendo Switch Dock. There is simply a Type-C connector on the bottom to connect to the Switch as it could still possibly move around.  Combined with the fact that the Switch’s display is a plastic LCD screen results in scratches on the Switch itself. Given that this one of the officially supported ways to play, it seems like an oversight in its design of the dock that will harm the Switch. I feel like this last one is the biggest issue that Nintendo should fix.

At least for now I know that if I’m going to buy a Switch in the future, I’m going to have to apply a screen protector before I use it. Too bad they’re not included with a Switch but hopefully it will addressed in the future as there isn’t any other way to connect it to the TV.

*All of the images above are from Nintendo's site featuring the Switch.

Sources:

http://www.glixel.com/news/youre-going-to-want-a-screen-protector-for-your-nintendo-switch-w470245

http://www.nintendo.com/switch/features/