The Nintendo Switch Breaks Longevity Record: Here are Five Things That Make the Console Great
It has broken the record of the Famicom, with 2686 days. Here are five things that marked the Nintendo Switch as one of the best video game systems in history.
1. Hybrid playability.
When we think about video game consoles, we usually picture a plastic box, designed to be put under the TV, you plug in a couple of controllers and insert the game cartridge (or disk), and you are ready to go.
Then we have hand-held devices like the Game Boy or the Atari Lynx. These are designed to be portable, allowing you to carry them on road trips, or help you plow through a boring wedding (even if you are 35). These might sacrifice visuals due to their limited hardware, but they are still fun to play.
With the rise of smart devices with lithium batteries and small silicone components being more common, it was a matter of time before handheld consoles became more powerful. Nintendo released the DS, and subsequently the 3DS with lithium batteries similar to what you find in cellphones.
What if you could combine the best of both worlds? Have a premium gaming experience while reaping the benefits of portability? This is the main concept behind the Nintendo Switch. Without a doubt, what made the Nintendo Switch a truly special console, beyond the great games of course, was the ability to play them in both hand-held and TV-mode.
2. A worthy game library.
Some say that the Nintendo Switch picked up what the Wii U left, which unfortunately could not fill in the shoes of its predecesor, the Wii. Apart from questionable marketing strategy and naming, the Wii U has great first party titles.
The likes of Mario Kart, New Super Mario U, Breath of the Wild, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate are a few examples of first party titles that the Wii U had. As mentioned earlier, the console did not sell well, so many people unfortunately missed out on these gems.
Here is where the Nintendo Switch steps up. Many of these games were 'ported' into Switch versions. Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Breath of the Wild, and many more, got a second chance and really took advantage of the console's high selling numbers.
It is safe to say that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate feel like the best versions of the games. All the content that has been added feels like the culmination of their creator's vision. These games are must-haves for any switch owner.
Another pillar of the Switch's incredible library is the virtual console. Nintendo has managed to cure a fantastic list of retro games from consoles like the NES, Super NES, N64 and many more. We even have the chance to play gems from Japan and such. Nintendo recently added Perfect Dark and Turok to the lineup of Virtual Console games.
The best part of this is that you can seamlessly play online or with a friend.
3. A fantastic hardware design.
The Nintendo Switch surprised us all with its slick design. The form factor of the console is fantastic to say the least. It seamlessly integrates the detachable Joycon to the housing of the console (screen and SOC).
Nintendo did not leave things there; they were working on what perhaps unintendedly boosted the Switch's sales. The Switch Lite. This version of the console 'removed' the ability to dock the console to a TV and remove the Joycon.
The Switch Lite looked more like a true hand-held, rather than an old school TV console. However, the price for it was so competitive, and Nintendo launched them in different colors and versions, that the sales went beyond expectations.
The smaller form factor truly added to the portability appeal of the 'hand-held'. You could play all your Nintendo Switch games, plus virtual library, without sacrificing performance.
Some people criticized Nintendo for this move, but time proved the 'Big N' right. There is a market for people who want to experience Triple A titles with the convenience of portability.
4. An open window for amazing gadgets.
The console's design is an open window of endless possibilities for gadgets. From bigger controller grips to attachable decks, the Nintendo Switch has been getting plenty of gadgets during its lengthy life cycle. Nintendo also attempted to bring something to the table. The Nintendo Labo.
These cardboard gadgets made the console something truly special. You could build a piano, a steering wheel, a fishing rod, and many more 'peripherals', taking advantage of the Joycon's motion capabilities. Despite being more of a gimmick than a true gadget, the Nintendo Labo helped sell consoles throughout the world.
One of the most recent gadgets out there is the Nitro Deck, an attachment that makes the console look like a Steam Deck. Its hefty and substantial housing makes the console feel more natural in your hands. It also has 'hall effect' sticks so you don't have to worry about stick-drift anymore. It also has other features like programmable buttons, and you can use it as a controller if the console is docked.
5. It's a console that is catered to both newcomers and life-long fans.
Another thing that makes the Nintendo Switch one of the best video game consoles out there is that it is catered to life-long fans who seek these fantastic Nintendo experiences; it also welcomes newcomers who are curious about dipping their toes into the world of Nintendo.
Life-long fans have been getting amazing games that are truly memorable. The likes of Zelda, Mario, Animal Crossing, and many other titles, have gotten arguably the best games in their specific franchise. As mentioned previously, fans also have access to the ever-growing Virtual Console, which is turning out to be one of the best ways to play classic titles out there.
Newcomers are not left out. They find in the Switch games that are accessible and easy to get into. One of the most recent examples is Animal Crossing: New Leaf. The game became insanely popular during the lockdown a few years ago. Nintendo provided a fantastic outlet for many individuals to enjoy themselves during challenging times.
Since its release, the system has become extremely popular. Variants such as the Nintendo Switch Lite and the Nintendo Switch OLED, as well as numerous special editions, have kept both collectors and newcomers engaged over the years.
We absolutely love the Nintendo Switch, and we are expecting its successor to be even better.
What are your thoughts on the Nintendo Switch? Did you expect the system to be out for so long? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy gaming.
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