Legend of Zelda and the Switch

Breath of the Wild translates really well to the Switch. It can be played seamlessly for hours (I know, I’ve done it) while still having short puzzles that can be taken in bite sized pieces. Now, will it be easy to pry yourself away from the game, no. But, it is possible…I think (I don’t know, I haven’t done it). On the TV, using the dock, the game looks wonderful and easily as immersive as you want a home console game to be. In portable mode, the game is high-definition and utterly breathtaking regardless.

The biggest limitations is that Breath of the Wild pushes the system pretty hard battery-wise so I recommend keeping the charger with you when you take the system on the go. On full brightness, WiFi, and music, the system lasts about three hours. Lower settings  or less intensive games would probably last longer. This is not unexpected. You are carrying the most powerful portable system around with you. In the dock, the system stays charged and the Joy-cons charge while connected to the system. The joy-cons are also more comfortable and nicer than I thought. The colors really grew on me and they have a surprise amount of tech in them.

I also recommend immediately getting a micro SD card. The built-in capacity of 32GB is nice but if you don’t buy physical copies, it’s going to be pretty difficult. I buy physical copies of all the first party games and save digital for the demos, virtual console, or indie games since I am more likely to buy those on a whim. The combination of the two works well for me. Overall, the home/portable concept works nicely and I can’t wait until more games are released.

Which brings my to the Switch Strategy. Nintendo realized that it could go back to just being a game console. It doesn’t have an internet app, music player, or any other bells and whistles. There is a debate about if the Switch will get Netflix in the future, but I truthfully am not sure it needs to. It would be nice, yes, but Nintendo has realized that at this point our phones handle the vast majority of these other functions for us. The majority of us also have laptop, tablets, and sometimes even other systems. Nintendo decided to trim all the fat and do what it does well, gaming.

Within this year, Nintendo will release Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Xenoblade 2, Super Mario Odyssey, and a slew of other new first party or indie games. I expect 2018 to bring a few more dedicated ports (Super Smash Bros, Pokemon, Dragon Quest, etc.) and a rush of 3rd-party development if sales look right. I’m hopeful that sales look right because Nintendo is looking right. If they continue this trend and the games, the Switch will be a huge success. I love it already. I haven’t tried out the multiplayer stuff because I want a carrying case but I’ll update you guys as I go.

End Verdict?

I love the Switch so far and would recommend it to anyone considering the system this year. If you aren’t crazy over Zelda, I would recommend picking the system up when your game of choice is released or during the holiday season. If exploration, racing, shooting, or platforming doesn’t excite you, there are numerous indie or 3rd Party companies filling in the blanks during the first 12 months. The Switch has managed to hit the sweet spot of concept, design, and inspiration. This is just my take on it but only time can tell.

Any questions you guys have about the system? Any games you’re personally excited for? Does portable/home gaming have a place in your life? Let me know in the comments below.