So I got a Switch on launch and played it this weekend, just wanna share some things for people on the fence.
- Don't go in expecting a ton of stuff to do.
In my opinion the weakest part of the console, no apps or features. No Netflix, Twitch, Spotify, HBO Now, etc... Kind of a bummer because the Switch design is literally perfect for multi-function device, I'm sure it will all come in time, but as of right now there's nothing except games, which brings me to my next point.
There's like, 4 games.
BotW, Bomberman, that racing game who's name alludes me, and I know there's something else... Point is, this isn't the strongest launch. Don't get me wrong, Breath of the Wild makes it worth it alone, but if you're not the biggest LoZ fan I'd suggest holding out for a couple months.
How many people hated long load times? I did. I absolutely hated the Wii U's. Well guess what... Switch is like a complete 180 from that. I'm pretty sure it's faster than the PS4, which, as said, is fast as **** too. Takes like no time at all to start up your console, or game, and get to and fro the home menu is smooth as hell.
It's like the old days where you can just put in your game, and play in no time. It's great.
- The controllers are... interesting
I guess this varies from person to person, so this is the kind of thing you just gotta try for yourself. The joy cons are actually fairly enjoyable imo, and I did the whole 2 player Bomberman 1 joy con each- thing, and I have to say it really wasn't bad at all.
One thing that bothers me way more than it probably should though is the analog stick placements. One's high, and one's low. This makes sense for the joy cons, because when they detach they need to be the same for each player, but for the pro controller it really bugs me.
Handheld, single player mode is just natural. Whatever your opinions are on this console will be as a whole, it's undeniable that as a pure handheld this thing is god tier.
- Graphics are kind of a bummer
Take this how you will, but BotW does have noticeable frame-drops. It's gorgeous, but also obviously graphically inferior to other current gen console games. This may not bother you, but for those it does, be forewarned.
I personally hope they release an upgraded dock that can add a little fuel to the engine in a few years, but as of right now, graphically, it's definitely a step down from it's main competitors... as a home console.
Once again, as a handheld the thing is a ****in' game changer.
I mean, I haven't had any issues with it yet, though I haven't really put it to the test yet either.
One big thing to watch out for is the charging port is at the bottom. This is dumb, because if you're having a long play session with the stand out, you won't be able to charge. It's a really dumb oversight on Nintendo's part imo.
- Online is to be determined
Haven't even bothered with the new(?) friend stuff yet, and I haven't tried Bomberman's online yet (I'd just get embarrassed, I'm terrible), so I really don't have strong insight on online right now anyway, but I do believe that the online and it's features won't really be able to be judged correctly until the big name games with the big communities come out anyway.
I will say this; I'm not really happy with what I've read. The voice chat system they have in place is trash, and the cheap price gives me the vibe that they just want to make a quick buck/break even, instead of making wholesale improvements. Hopefully I'm wrong about this.
- I think it's worth it, or it will be.
It's honestly a pretty awesome experience, even with the lack of... really anything, it's still a really cool console, with a really unique feel about it.
Like I said before though, if you don't like LoZ, I'd recommend you wait. There's just not anything else to do outside of gaming right now, and the other games aren't really games that'll hold you over for very long unless you're like
really into them.
The excitement of the new console features wear out very quickly I assure you, so don't expect to mindlessly entertain yourself by snapping on those joy cons a bunch of time, it doesn't make that snap noise every time irl.
If you're interested, I think next month will be the best time to get one. By then, you can get MK8D, and probably ARMS, and I'm sure more stuff will be added too. Along with some of the pre-existing games, that's a decent starting package.
If still on the fence, weigh your options. Like, if you're a graphic freak, that kinda likes Nintendo, but can live without them, don't jump in it just because of the hype, I doubt it will be worth it for you.
