Nearly two years after release, and the Nintendo Switch feels like a different console. The same core mechanics of the hugely successful handheld / home console hybrid remain, but with a wide library of indie and third-party titles, as well as strong showings from Nintendo’s own beloved IP, the Switch has become even more of a must-own console than it was at launch.
If you’ve read our review and have purchased a Nintendo Switch for yourself, welcome! With our combined experience of thousands of hours spent with the Switch, we’ve compiled the following guide just for you, bringing the latest information and the best tips to the surface, as well as a few essential accessory and game recommendations.
New features
Since the launch of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, the console has gathered a slew of new skills – although not as many as some were hoping for.
Nintendo Switch Online now offers a paid service for online multiplayer – with an emulator for classic NES games bundled in, and the ability to save your game files to the cloud. In terms of what gamers can expect, Nintendo will be rolling out its online service in full. Despite being free at launch, the service will now cost $19 for a one-year membership, $7.99 for three months of service and $3.99 for one month.
Online capabilities are built-in nicely into games like Rocket League and Mario Kart 8: Deluxe, but the Nintendo Switch Online app for your smartphone enhances the online experience with Splatoon 2. That said, building a party of friends is still a pain and voice chat is cumbersome compared to what’s offered on other home consoles.
Nintendo is continuing to drip-feed more retro games each month to subscribers, which we hope will eventually lead to SNES and N64 titles alongside its current NES offering. Nintendo Switch Online still doesn’t feel fleshed out as a paid service though, and we’re hoping to see more features and incentives come to it over time.
The service will also need to boost its list of online-ready multiplayer games within the Nintendo Switch Online app, as it’s currently limited to Splatoon 2.
For the uninitiated, Nintendo Switch Online isn’t like Xbox Live or PlayStation Network. Sure, it will bring about voice chat, however, most of the networking tasks aren’t handled on the console itself. For that, you’ll need an iOS or Android device and a free app.
An update has given the Switch the secret, unmentioned-by-Nintendo ability to work with some wireless USB headsets. Not all work, mind you, but users have found success with a few models that you can pick up on the cheap.
The very same update also enabled the use of wired controllers. Which wired controllers, you ask? The Switch can detect Gamecube controllers via the Wii U accessory when plugged into one of its USB ports.
The Switch’s lack of apps, namely video streaming apps, is a sore topic of conversation for many. But Hulu is currently on Nintendo’s eShop for the Switch, and it seems unlikely Netflix and other streaming services won’t follow eventually.
That’s not all the peripheral software available on the console either. Synth-leader Korg also saw its Korg Gadget music-production software come to the Switch in Spring 2018.
What’s coming next?
While Nintendo has focused on nailing the console’s first year on the market (which it did with flying colors), the focus is now on continuing that momentum into 2019 and beyond. It has a lot of work to do on its Nintendo Switch Online service – it’s odd not to have dedicated servers on the paid service – but perhaps more important is keeping the stream of games consistent.
Moving onto the games of 2018 and beyond, there are many on the way, both confirmed and unconfirmed, to get excited for. Holiday 2018 will be dominated by the new Pokemon Let’s Go games, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, both of which are sure to be big sellers over the coming months.
2019 should see Metroid Prime 4, No More Heroes: Travis Strikes Again, new Yoshi and Animal Crossing titles, and another generation of Pokemon games (never enough).
There’s been chatter about a new Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 console, as a sort of small upgrade to the current hardware, possibly as early as Summer 2019. But it’s just rumors at the moment, and the current Switch offering is good enough to be worth getting on board now.
Proceed to check out the most essential tips to make you a Switch pro, and stay to get a look at the best accessories and games to complement your purchase.
- Still don’t have a Switch? Here are the best Nintendo Switch deals
Below, you’ll find some of the most useful and popular tips for the Nintendo Switch. We’re always digging into the Switch to find what’s new and interesting, so stay tuned for more tips.
How to set up your Nintendo Switch
Let’s start simple. In this beginner guide, we walk through all the steps required to get up and running with the Switch.
Whether you’re an experienced gamer or new to technology, this is the place to start if you just bought a Nintendo Switch.
How to stream to Twitch from your Nintendo Switch
If you’re coming from a PC, Xbox One or PS4, you might be wondering how to stream your gameplay online with the Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, it’s not cheap, but it’s fairly easy with the right equipment!
You’ll need a PC, an Elgato Game Capture card and obviously, a Nintendo Switch. Once you have those ingredients, you’re smooth sailing.
Get inspired by these Nintendo Switch mods
The Switch is built to stylishly transition between home and portable use, but of course, it still doesn’t suit everyone’s needs. Whether it’s dock mods or awesome aesthetic changes, check out how the community is making the Switch better.
Even more tips and tricks
Find out how to easily check the Switch’s remaining battery percentage, maximize battery life, access fun easter eggs and more with these Nintendo Switch tips and tricks.
Part of what’s great about the Nintendo Switch is that it comes with everything you need to get started, whether you’re at home or on-the-go.
But as you might imagine, Nintendo and third-party companies have devised many accessories for the Switch. Some aren’t totally necessary, though there are definitely exceptions.
Below you’ll only find the essentials (some of which could save you major headaches down the line).
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
While not a totally necessary accessory, it can make all of the difference if A) you desire a more traditional controller for your Nintendo console or B) if you’ve grown accustomed to Xbox One or PS4 controllers.
It’s not the most affordable add-on, but given its excellent battery life and low-profile design, the Pro Controller pays for itself in time.
Orzly screen protector
The Switch’s display is too precious to put at risk of smudges or scratches. That’s why you need a screen protector as soon as possible. Even if you mostly play your Switch docked at the television, bad luck could strike that one time you go to move it.
There are plenty of Switch screen protectors to choose from, but Orzly’s is among the best because of its low price, easy installation and the fact that it includes five protectors in the box.
A microSD card
Nintendo wisely chose microSD as its swappable storage standard. It’s simple to find and better yet, it’s fairly inexpensive.
Do yourself a favor and pick up one of these cards so that you can leave your precious 32GB of internal storage for OS updates and apps.
Simply put, this is an essential purchase, no matter the capacity that you choose. However, we’d recommend at least 128GB if you don’t want to swap it out for a new one after a year or two’s worth of games.
- Looking for more Nintendo Switch accessories? Find them in our dedicated guide for add-ons.
Nintendo’s consoles are always a great source of variety when it comes to games. And although the company’s third-party relationships have been spotty in the past, things are looking up for the Switch.
Thanks to some strong first-party efforts and some solid third-party ports, 2017 with the Switch isn’t as lonely as many worried it be. In fact, it’s the opposite. There are an abundance of games (good ones, even) to play on the Switch. Here are a few of the essentials.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
“This isn’t just the most accomplished Zelda adventure yet, it also ranks as one of the most impressive launch titles for any console, period. If you harbour any thoughts of picking up Nintendo’s new console, then make no mistake – under no circumstances should you make a purchase without also buying this game.
Breath of the Wild is a must-have release, and represents a new high watermark not only for Nintendo as a developer of AAA content, but for the genre as a whole.”
Read the full review: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
ARMS
ARMS is a fighting game, but stating it as merely just a fighting game is underselling it. Polished with Nintendo’s signature visual charm and surprising depth in gameplay, ARMS is an incredibly fun, tense experience that’s worthy of your purchase whether you’re alone or playing with friends.
Come check out our ARMS tips and tricks
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
If this is your first dip into the wonderful world of Mario Kart, welcome! Secondly, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!? Hrm, sorry about that.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the finest racing games available, bar none. It’s packed with tons of characters to choose from, kart combinations to trick out and more than enough courses to keep you entertained for the days, months and years to come.
Simply put, it’s really, really fun. Here are some Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tips and tricks to get you started after you buy the game.
Even more of the best Nintendo Switch games
The Switch library is growing quickly and while we’ll always keep this page updated with the best of the best, there are plenty more where these came from on our collection of the best Nintendo Switch games.
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