The Nintendo Switch games offers the best of both worlds — a portable console with a full library of games that also plays on your TV. From first-party Nintendo titles like Pokemon and Mario Kart to unique third-party indie releases, there are plenty of amazing games to play on the Switch.
The Switch comes with a few essential accessories, including the console itself and two Joy-Con controllers that can become individual controllers for some games. It also has a dock that lets you play the console on your television. The Switch has a built-in Wi-Fi connection, so you can play most games on the go, but it requires an internet connection to access the online store and receive updates, downloadable content and game news.
A Nintendo Switch can support up to eight players over local wireless. This is great for co-op or versus gameplay, but the system also supports multiplayer over the internet. This allows players from all over the world to join in on your gaming fun, whether you’re at home or away.
Depending on the kind of game you’re playing, the Switch can handle varying levels of graphics processing power. This has a direct impact on battery life, with graphically heavy games draining the Switch faster than simpler ones. This is why the system tries to keep its default settings as light as possible, and why it suggests you limit your playtime when you’re not playing the most demanding games.
In addition to its many modern games, the Switch has a wide selection of classics from previous generations of Nintendo consoles. Those games can be played on the console itself or through its online store, which also hosts many independent titles that can’t be found elsewhere. The most popular of these are the various Pokemon titles, the popular Tetris 99 and the Xenoblade Chronicles series, but there are several more worth checking out as well.
One of the most important aspects of any gaming experience is the community, and the Nintendo Switch’s online presence is strong. There are a number of ways to play multiplayer games over the internet, and you can also use its chat features to interact with other players in-game.
If you’re a subscriber to Nintendo’s Switch Online service, you can download 23 N64 titles, 40 Sega Genesis games and seven Game Boy Advance titles. That doesn’t include the new Expansion Pack, which is an optional add-on for the online subscription and gives you access to a larger selection of retro games.
Bayonetta 2 is a raucous action blockbuster that makes the most of the Switch’s powerful graphics engine. It’s a perfect way to cap off this popular character-based franchise, and it’s a blast to play on the go or at home. Cuphead is another high-quality indie title that takes advantage of the Switch’s unique capabilities. It combines airtight bullet-hell action with a delightful jazz soundtrack and 1930s-inspired aesthetics, resulting in an addictive, challenging game that’s well worth your time.