Nintendo Switch: Opinion
The Nintendo Switch is going to be the No. 1 gaming console to purchase this Christmas. And let’s face it Nintendo’s main console rivals aren’t doing very much if anything to attract the younger generation and families, giving Nintendo a monopoly on the market. Nintendo has even released its new cheaper, Lite model that has some promising third-party releases still to come. With that said kids better have been on the ‘nice’ list to reap the rewards of seeing a Nintendo Switch under the Christmas tree. The cost of the console alone in Canada is 399$ which only includes the Nintendo Switch Console, the Nintendo Switch Dock, the AC Adapter, HDMI Cable, Joy-Con Controller, Joy-Con Grip and Joy-Con Straps. If you have two kids or ever want to play a game with another person the cost of an extra Joy-Con Controller will set you back another 99$. Not to mention all those great games you’re going to want to play cost an additional 79$. So already you can see how the Nintendo Switch initial costs can really add up quickly. Plus, if you are thinking of buying the Switch for a child you will want to invest in the proper protection sleeves to keep the screen safe from scratches and cracks from clumsy hands. You will also have to fork out the money for extra storage space by purchasing an SD Card which depending on the number of gigs you want can also get up there in cost. And when that is all said and done you will want to purchase the charging station for your Joy-Con Controllers so that the fun never has to end due to a dead controller. The current standard Nintendo Switch Joy-Con USB Dock Charging Station for a four-in-one sets you back another $27 increasing your costs yet again.
The total cost of everything mentioned could set you as far back as far as 600$ making the Nintendo Switch not only the No. 1 gaming console for Christmas but possibly the most expensive console system to make it under the tree in the first place.
But with such a high cost for the overall package the Nintendo Switch is facing some pretty harsh criticisms for some major issues. For instance, moving the Nintendo Switch from its portable configuration back into its docking system isn’t as easy as it they make it seem. While the maneuver itself only takes mere seconds if you don’t put the console in perfectly straight you run the risk of leaving permanent damage to the outside of your screen thanks to two pieces of plastic that protrude in the inside of the dock making contact with the outside bezel of the Switch on either end of the console when dropped into place. You can take measures to protect your Switch from the by taping microfiber cloths to the inside of the dock or small foam pads to cover up the two plastic protrusions or you could purchase a tempered glass protector (12$) and not have to worry about temporary fixes. (It is strongly advised that you wait 24 hours after installing your tempered glass protector as the adhesive could melt if not allowed to set properly.)
Another major issue has to do with the Joy-Con Controllers having disconnecting problems that seemingly happen at random. Multiple reports show that the problem stems from Nintendo’s decision to put the left controller’s Bluetooth antenna inside the circuit board, rather than using a discrete component, which could be positioned optimally. After all the high costs of such an expensive new toy for your kids you’d hope that the Nintendo Switch wouldn’t suffer any technical issues that would taint the experience for some of its players. Plus, the Joy-Con Controllers have a tendency to drift (typically an issue seen on worn controllers across other console systems) but with the Switch the occurrence is unique. The problem has occurred so frequently that Nintendo is offering free repairs if you suffer from the issue.
After running for extended periods of time in the docking system some users find that the system has warped or bent very slightly. While possibly not noticeable to the naked eye it may become a severe enough issue that removing it from or trying to put it back into the dock again becomes a problem.
Any gamer knows one of the worst experiences is losing your progress in the middle of game play the Switch has been reported to suffer ‘Switch seizures.’ These ‘seizures’ cause the system to blare a high-pitched squeal while lights flash which then sometimes results in the system freezing and some users losing their progress.
And lastly but most importantly the Nintendo Switch has fallen prone to cracks on the console case. Typically, the cracks are found near the game card slot but have been reported on the bars going across the top vents which seems to have a correlation between the Nintendo Switch’s warping issue. If you are travelling with your Switch, I highly recommend placing it in a very sturdy carrying case for protection.
The Nintendo Switch comes with a 1-year warranty which is one of the longest standard warranties in the video game industry. However, with a laundry list of issues it’s no wonder it is ‘one of the longest.’ Games and accessories that are sold separately carry a three-month warranty. The warranty itself covers any manufacturing or workmanship defects that will be repaired at no charged but does not cover physical damage such as cracked screens on the handheld unit, liquid damage or scratched game disks.
Overall though Nintendo has put out some really great gaming experiences and did shape the lives of a lot of present gamer who grew-up loving such classics as Mario and Zelda. So, it really comes down to whether or not your willing to put up with both the cost and the possibility of interrupted game play. My bet is with the new PlayStation and Xbox that are slated for release next year, Nintendo will be doing something just as creative to keep their foot in the race, maybe that will mean fixing the issues creating a better gaming experience and bang for your buck
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thanks.
Anthony
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Thank you palatial.