Nintendo Switch
 | |
 | |
| Manufacturer | Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | Hybrid video game console |
| Generation | Ninth generation |
| Release date | Nintendo Switch: Nintendo Switch Lite:
|
| Introductory price | |
| Media | Nintendo Switch Game Card, download |
| Controller input | Joy-Con, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller |
| Online services | Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo eShop |
| Backward compatibility | No compatibility |
| Predecessor | Wii U Nintendo 3DS |
| Successor | Nintendo Switch 2 |
The Nintendo Switch (known as NX before its release) is a video game console created by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Wii U and was released on March 3, 2017.[1]
The Switch is a hybrid console, similar to the lesser known Sega Nomad. The player can either connect it to a television or use it by itself as a handheld gaming device. It uses controllers called Joy-Cons, which can attach to both sides of the console. They can be attached to a grip when playing on a TV. The Joy-Con also have a feature known as HD Rumble, which allows for immersive vibration of the controllers. There is an infrared sensor on the bottom of the right Joy-Con that can detect shapes, and distance.
There are more than 1000 games for the Nintendo Switch. Some notable titles include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Pokémon Sword and Shield, with new titles coming out for the Nintendo Switch such as Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope.
Background
[change | change source]In 2012, Nintendo released the Wii U, but it was a complete failure selling only 13.56 million units. It remains the worst-selling mainline console Nintendo has released. However, Nintendo's handheld console, the Nintendo 3DS, was selling quite well. In 2017, the Nintendo Switch was launched through a trailer. The Wii U would end up being discontinued before the Switch even came out. Most Wii U games have been ported and/or upgraded on the Switch, with games like Mario Kart 8 and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze being some notable ones.
Reception
[change | change source]The Nintendo Switch received widespread acclaim. The Switch became the fastest-selling console, outselling the Wii U in only nine months.[2] In May 2020, it was announced that the Nintendo Switch had sold over 107 million consoles since its release.[3] As of November 2020, the Switch is the best-selling Nintendo home console.[4] On 6 May 2021, Nintendo Switch sold more units than the Nintendo 3DS, with 84.59 million units.[5] One major complaint about the console relates to the Joy-Con controllers and a frequent "stick-drift" issue.[6] "Stick-drift" is when the joystick receives input that the user doesn't initiate, causing the stick to "drift" in a direction not intended. Common reasons for this issue is wear and tear on the contact pads responsible for interpreting input and dirt.[source?]
The Switch sold over 132.5 million units as of November 2023.[7] According to an extrapolation, the Switch is going to be the best-selling console of all time.[8]
Revisions
[change | change source]
The original Switch model had an LCD screen and had 32GB of internal memory. It costs $299.
A version called the Nintendo Switch Lite was released on September 20, 2019.[9] It costs less and is smaller than a normal Nintendo Switch, doesn't use wires or anything and is a standalone device. Some games require an additional Joy-Con to play.[clarification needed] It cannot be connected to the TV via the "dock".[10][11]
The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is an upgraded version of the Switch that has a 7-inch OLED display, improved speakers, a larger and more adjustable stand, 64 GB of internal storage and a dock that includes a LAN cable port was announced by Nintendo on July 6, 2021.[12] It was released on October 8, 2021 with a price of $349.99 (£309.99).[12][13]
The Switch has also had several recolored consoles released over its lifespan as limited versions themed around specific games.
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The Nintendo Switch has several accessories. Nintendo Labo is a series of cardboard add-ons which the user builds to play games with. Ring Fit Adventure includes a circular piece of rubber called a Ring-Con, and a leg strap. Similar to the Wii, the Switch also has a wheel shaped holder for the Joy-Con.
Hardware
[change | change source]The original model of the Switch has a 720p LCD screen, 1.02 GHz quad-core CPU, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of flash storage. The OLED model has the same CPU and amount of RAM, but with an OLED screen and 64 GB of storage.[13] "Switch 2" controllers do not work on the Nintendo Switch.[14]
Emulation
[change | change source]The Switch 2 cannot natively run Switch games (but the Switch 2 is "backwards compatible" somehow).[15] A controversial way to play Switch games is to emulate on the Steam Deck[16] or a personal computer (by Ryujinx for example).[17]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ Webster, Andrew (2017-01-12). "The Nintendo Switch will launch on March 3rd for $299". The Verge. Retrieved 2021-07-11.
- ↑ Byford, Sam (January 31, 2018). "The Nintendo Switch has already outsold the Wii U". The Verge. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ↑ Reynolds, Ollie (10 May 2022). "Nintendo Switch Has Now Sold Over 107 Million Units". Nintendo Life.
- ↑ "Consolidated Financial Heights" (PDF). Nintendo. February 1, 2021.
- ↑ "Nintendo Switch hits 84.59 million units sold, with 28.8 million sold this past year". VentureBeat. 2021-05-06. Archived from the original on 2021-07-11. Retrieved 2021-07-11.
- ↑ Joy-Con drift lawsuit adds Switch Lite to class-action complaint. Owen S. Good. Sep 19, 2019
- ↑ "IR Information : Sales Data - Dedicated Video Game Sales Units". Nintendo Co., Ltd. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
- ↑ "Statistics: Nintendo Switch to soon become the world's best-selling console". 2022-07-26. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
- ↑ "The Nintendo Switch family grows with today's launch of Nintendo Switch Lite". Nintendo. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
- ↑ Switch Lite and Playing it on the TV with Converter
- ↑ Can you play the Nintendo Switch Lite on a TV?
- 1 2 McWhertor, Michael (2021-07-06). "Nintendo announces new Nintendo Switch model with 7-inch OLED screen". Polygon. Retrieved 2021-07-06.
- 1 2 Martin, Chris. "Switch vs OLED model - we compare Nintendo's main consoles to help you choose". Tech Advisor. Retrieved 2021-07-11.
- ↑ What Happens when you use Switch 2 Joycons on a Switch 1? July 2025
- ↑ How Do Switch 1 Games Actually Work On Switch 2? Nintendo Life. May 2025
- ↑ How to set up Switch emulator on the Steam Deck. Rishabh Kalita. May 24, 2024
- ↑ How To Play Nintendo Switch Games On PC. RGT 85