Finally, we’ve reached our third and most recent major console: the Nintendo Switch. Released only a few months ago, this portable/home console hybrid has been making quite a splash. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype!

Price: The Switch launched on March 3rd of this year at a retail price of $299.99. contents include the switch console,  the necessary cables to get it running on your television, and Nintendo’s two newest innovations: The Switch dock, and a set of Joycon. The what and the what now? Instead of explaining I’ll leave this short ad Nintendo created that paints the picture pretty well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ7OpCAC98g

The switch is definitely working with less graphical power than it’s competitors, but the draw here is that you’re paying for a portable and home console for the price of one. Because of the Joycon’s functionality, consumers essentially are also getting 2 gaming controllers right out of the box as well.

Protip: The switch is currently selling like hotcakes, and is very hard to score. Retailers are restocking regularly to meet demand, however. Keep an eye out!

Security: From the dawn of the internet, Nintendo has famously taken your kid’s safety very seriously…some would say to a fault. Instead of connecting and being able to communicate with players online by default, a cumbersome exchange of friend codes must first be made. The Switch is also taking some new and modern measures to make life easier for mom and dad. They also made a nifty video to make life easier for me:

 

Games: If Nintendo does one thing best, its make games. As I mentioned before, the switch doesn’t boast graphics as great as the Xbox One, or the PS4…but when it comes to sheer gameplay, they tend to deliver. Here are some of my favorites.

Rated E for Everyone

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild:

Fine I’ll admit it. I’ve clocked in more than 100 hours of this game. Easily. “ONE HUNDRED HOURS?! HOW DO YOU EVEN HAVE TIME FOR THAT WITH A KID?!” That’s the magic of the switch’s portable functions….but that’s for a different article. Simply put, this is a bonafide classic.  There are swords and arrows. Violence, but more on the cartoon side.

Super Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:

Mario Kart is tried and true. Nintendo has delivered several iterations of this gem, each (mostly) topping the last, and this one is no exception. Seen by many as the greatest Kart to date, it’s certainly a must.

Protip: We know the red shell they threw at you blew your chances at first place. Take a deep breath, and remember….they are your children, and you love them.

Snipperclips:

As difficult as it is for some parents to comprehend….there are in my opinion videogames that can help in child development, and Snipperclips is a great example. Split a Joycon with your kid,  communicate, and use practical thinking to solve puzzles together.

Final thoughts:

A portable console with two player functionality right out of the box, the switch encourages cooperative gaming. Pick up a control and get to it!