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Nintendo Switch: Still Worth It A Year In?

The Nintendo Switch surprised everyone during its phenomenal release, however, some are still relativity hesitant on the console. So, should you buy a Nintendo Switch a year after release? Is it still worth it?

Despite how prolific many consumers believe they are, no one was able to predict how successful the Nintendo Switch would be. For all intents and purposes, the Wii U failed. Yet, Nintendo seemed to pick up the scattered remains of their previous console and create something incredible. The Switch seems to be a fan favorite as Nintendo has shipped over 15 million units of the hybrid console since its release on March 3rd, 2017.

Nintendo’s unique system is far from perfect, though. There are issues Nintendo has failed to address. The economic prosperity of the Switch remains unhindered by this. Still, there are few that remain uninterested in the console because of these flaws. So, should you pick up a Nintendo Switch in 2018? Or should you wait?

Build Quality

Nintendo faltered in many respects upon the release of the Switch. Many consumers complained about scratched screens, bent consoles, and Joy Con connection issues. Any product that is manufactured will have manufacturer issues. Thus, this is par for the course. Since then, however, Nintendo seems to have adapted. Upon the console’s subsequent waves of manufacturing, each issue seemed to have been solved. Fewer complaints regarding the Switch’s build quality have surfaced. Although the dock is still a little finicky, it certainly isn’t a deal breaker.

 width=Nintendo Switch in Handheld Mode via Playm

Games

It seems we’re still in port season as far as the Switch goes. Constantly we are bombarded with multiplatform and Wii U ports for the Nintendo Switch. Although many were extremely excited, most of the recent Nintendo Direct’s announcements consisted of ports for the Switch. These include Crash Bandicoot N’Sane Trilogy, Okami HD, Undertale, and South Park: The Fractured But Whole. Many believe the Switch’s library is oversaturated with ports, and there aren’t enough exclusives represented on the roster.

Although few and far between, the Nintendo Switch exclusives have been stellar. Both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Super Mario: Odyssey were nominated for Game of The Year. Ultimately, Breath of the Wild won. Yet, both installments in each respective franchise were incredible. Nintendo’s first-party exclusives seem to be headed in the right direction. With Metroid, Kirby and Yoshi games on the way, the future looks bright. However, a prospective Switch owner needs to understand how currently abysmal the exclusive line-up is. With a bit of patience, the consumer may find some gold in a few months upon the eventual release of first and third-party exclusives for the console. But patience is required.

 width=Super Mario: Odyssey Representation via Eurogamer

Experience

Without a doubt, the most marketable attribute of the Nintendo Switch lies in its portable nature. Although the player can use the console portably or docked, most consumers take advantage of its on-the-go nature. This is the console’s competitive advantage. It offers something more to consumers than other console manufacturers. Unlike many of Nintendo’s other ideas, this isn’t a gimmick. It’s a functional advantage which offers more utility to gamers.

For those who have an extremely high preference for playing games on-the-go, the Switch is the perfect console. Yet, many multiplatform games run poorly on the Nintendo Switch. An example of this would be DOOM (2016) and Skyrim. Although each Bethesda game is completely playable on the Switch, neither run or look as smooth as they do on the PC, PS4, or Xbox One. That being said, the portable aspect is still extremely enticing. Oftentimes, I would prefer a portable version of a game as opposed to its more visually appealing yet bulky counterpart. Playing DOOM (2016) in bed is an extremely satisfying experience. When contemplating the purchase of a Switch, you should consider your preference. Are you more interested in graphically demanding software or are you more interested in transportable experiences?

Price

The Nintendo Switch retails at $299 USD. I believe, for what you’re getting, this is an extremely fair price. The accessories, however, are relatively expensive. For an extra left and right Joy Con or the Pro Controller, you will be spending around $70 USD. In addition to this, a new dock will cost you around $80 USD.  There are third-party controller and docks which result in a heavy discount relative to their first-party counterparts. But if it is important for you to own first-party accessories, you’ll end up spending quite a solid sum of money.

Additionally, games are typically more expensive on the Switch relative to other consoles. As multiplatform games release on the Switch following their initial release on other consoles, they’re typically priced right at the $60 USD price range. This can be frustrating for a Switch owner because these sometimes 5-year-old games can be purchased on the PS4 or Xbox One at $30 USD. These prices, however, typically only affect ports.

Should you take the plunge?

All in all, the Switch is an extremely fun console to play around with. I definitely think everyone should give it a try, but I understand why some might be hesitant. Ultimately, the potential Switch owner must make the decision which best suits them. As everyone’s gaming preferences are different.

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