The Nintendo Switch is the best-ever gaming console, according to experts

The Nintendo Switch is in a category of its personal when it comes to gaming. The handheld gaming console is sufficiently small to slot in a bag, however highly effective sufficient to run traditional and action-packed games like the Mario Bros. franchise and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

First launched in 2017 as a standalone console for gaming at dwelling and on the go, the Nintendo Switch now has a universe of its personal with gear and equipment tailor-made to its distinctive design.

Below, we break down every little thing you want to make the most of your Nintendo Switch gaming expertise. We additionally share the finest equipment and games for inexperienced persons and skilled avid gamers alike.

SKIP AHEAD Everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch | What is the Nintendo Switch? | Which Nintendo Switch model should you buy? | The best Nintendo Switch accessories | The best Nintendo Switch games

Nintendo lately introduced the Nintendo Switch 2, which can launch someday in 2025. The console seems to have an up to date design, with a bigger display, new kickstand and new controllers that seem to connect to the facet of the console magnetically. The new console will play each bodily and digital Switch 1 video games together with new Switch 2 titles. Certain Switch 1 titles will not be supported or be absolutely appropriate, according to the model.

We will replace this information as we be taught extra about the new console.

To put collectively this information, we spoke to three gaming experts for his or her perception, and recreation and kit suggestions. I’m additionally a longtime participant of the Nintendo Switch myself, having been drawn in by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild when it was first launched in 2017. I’ve since expanded my gaming to roguelikes (video games the place you repeatedly try the identical playthrough whereas gaining expertise and expertise every time), social simulations and puzzles.

The Nintendo Switch is a gaming console that you just play two methods: by itself in handheld mode or you’ll be able to dock it and hook it up to a TV. The Switch runs on Nintendo’s proprietary working system, which manages the reminiscence, safety and networking (amongst different options). It’s WiFi-enabled so you’ll be able to join to Nintendo’s eShop, by way of which you should purchase and obtain digital video games, however you don’t want WiFi to play video games.

There are three variations of the Nintendo Switch. The finest one to purchase is dependent upon the place you propose to use it and what sort of options you favor.

Nintendo Switch

The authentic Nintendo Switch provides three forms of gaming: handheld, tabletop (thanks to a kickstand) and on the TV (by way of the included HDMI wire). It has a 6.2-inch display and comes with detachable joy-cons (controllers). You may also play native co-op, which means you’ll be able to hyperlink your system to different pals’ Switches and recreation collectively.

Nintendo Switch OLED

This is successfully the identical as the Nintendo Switch, however with a bigger, 7-inch OLED display and enhanced audio in handheld and tabletop mode. If you have a tendency to play in TV mode, then it won’t be value the improve — because you gained’t get pleasure from these advantages whereas enjoying on a TV.

Nintendo Switch Lite

This is extra compact and light-weight, and is meant for handheld mode solely. Unlike the different fashions, you’ll be able to’t play native co-ops (though it nonetheless has a wi-fi choice) and there are not any detachable joy-cons or separate grips. It is available in 5 colours: yellow, blue, grey, turquoise and coral.

Below, we curated top-rated video games and equipment you should purchase in your Nintendo Switch. Every merchandise on this listing is both instantly really helpful from one among our experts or is a recreation or accent that we’ve performed ourselves.

Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch 2017 (2-Pack)

A skinny, but sturdy display cowl can shield the display from scratches and dings. (Note that totally different Nintendo Switch fashions require totally different screen-protector sizes.) “Much like a screen protector for a phone, [this is] a good idea to reduce damage to the screen if dropped,” says Justin Masson, a co-host on the podcast Nintendo Dads who’s been enjoying varied Nintendo consoles for 35 years (and the Switch since its debut). It comes with moist wipes, a cleansing material and a squeeze card for straightforward set up. 

Game Traveler Deluxe Travel Case

In my expertise, this Nintendo Switch case is simply the proper measurement. It’s sufficiently big to home the Nintendo Switch charger and dock (together with the precise Switch) and has sufficient house to pack all of my cartridges, however nonetheless matches right into a backpack. I took it on a 10-hour flight, and like that the onerous shell retains every little thing secure. It has a built-in stand, a padded display protector and instances for each recreation cartridges and microSD playing cards.

Nintendo Switch Game Traveler Slim Traveler Case

When I would like to take my Switch for a brief journey — the place I do know I don’t want all the bells and whistles — I attain for this smaller Nintendo Switch case, which has a slim profile and light-weight really feel. (It’s additionally licensed by Nintendo particularly for the Switch.) It’s sufficiently big to shield the display whereas nonetheless becoming into my purse, and comes with a recreation card case and a case for a microSD card.

SanDisk 256GB microSDXC-Card

Jon Downey, host of the podcast SpawnCast, which covers Xbox, Nintendo, Playstation and PC gaming, who’s been gaming for 30 years and has performed the Nintendo Switch because it was first launched in 2017, says that reminiscence playing cards are vital. “While you can play most games from the cartridges you get when you buy a game at the store, some titles are only available digitally and can fill up your internal storage fast,” he says. Masson additionally considers this specific reminiscence card important; it provides an extra 256 gigabytes of storage.

SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless Gaming Headset

Masson likes this headset for its nice microphone, and says it’s snug on the head and ears. Plus, it’s simple to join: “The wireless dongle can be connected to both the Nintendo Switch dock and plugged into the bottom of the Nintendo Switch handheld for a wireless experience,” he says. It additionally has 24 hours of battery life on a full cost, according to the model.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a worthwhile improve when you’re gaming incessantly. “Joy-cons are great controllers to use, but if you are looking for a larger, more traditional controller, this is the perfect solution,” says Masson. “It includes motion controls, HD rumble and amiibo functionality.” (Rumble refers to the vibrations that line up with the recreation and amiibos are motion figures that join to video games.)

Nintendo Blue/Neon Yellow Joy-Con

Dr. Vela likes to have further joy-cons readily available, since some occasion video games permit for a lot of gamers. That manner, you’re not caught passing round a single joy-con to everybody. “Plus, joy-cons come in a variety of colors and skins, so you can find ones that fit your personality,” he says.

Satisfye ZenGrip Pro Gen 3

“The Switch can cause some hand cramping in handheld mode for people with medium to large hands,” says Downey, who likes this model particularly. “A grip can work to add better ergonomics to the system.” This one is appropriate with the Switch and Switch OLED, and is simple to use (simply slide the console into it), according to the model. It has silicone tabs and bumpers that maintain it in place, and is designed to preserve airflow to hold the console cool, according to the model.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

With greater than 50 million units sold as of 2023 (it was launched in 2017), Mario Kart 8 is the bestselling recreation in the Mario Bros. franchise. And for good cause: Masson likes the totally different racetracks (which embody tracks from earlier video games), in addition to the choice to play in battle mode, versus merely racing by way of a course. 

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The recreation that bought me on the Nintendo Switch, Breath of the Wild is an open-world masterpiece. (Masson calls it “boundary-breaking.”) The kingdom of Hyrule provides huge fields, forests, deserts and even a volcano full of enemies and charming NPCs (non-playable characters) alike. In it, you’ll be able to combat your manner by way of 4 main bosses to get to the last Ganon, or grow to be a digital errand-runner for everybody you encounter and revel in the playthrough for so long as potential. (I additionally love its sequel The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which dropped this yr, however it’s value enjoying this one first.)

Hades

My husband and I began enjoying this roguelike — a recreation style that requires ranging from the starting each time you die, unlocking new talents and expertise with every try — over the holidays just a few years in the past. My brother-in-law joined in, adopted by the remainder of my household, who couldn’t get sufficient of the poignant storyline and enjoyable mechanics. You play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, and battle your manner to escape the varied ranges of the Underworld, which get more and more more durable. Once you “beat” the recreation, it reveals all kinds of recent challenges.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

This is alone want listing; I don’t usually play Mario Bros. video games, however reviewers say that this is bizarre — in a great way. Masson, for his half, likes that the typical, side-scrolling gameplay “is turned on its head with the addition of Wonder Flowers,” that are a power-up merchandise in the recreation. You’ll see pipes springing to life and might float by way of outer house or flip into a large Spike-Ball, he says.

Mario Party Superstars

Masson is additionally a fan of this digital board recreation, which has a number of boards that help 4 gamers with 100+ mini video games included. You have to race to accumulate the most stars, whereas sabotaging your opponents, and Masson appreciates you can “party at your own pace by suspending a game and picking up right where you left off.”

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Masson calls this a “cozy game,” the place you create a life on a abandoned island. “You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean,” he says. “The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises year-round.” You may also play co-op and go to your mates’ islands.

Baba Is You

This puzzle-based recreation is all about logic; for every puzzle, you get a press release with sure circumstances that you’ve got to make true. I really like you can play as a bunch with out having to cross round the joy-cons; individuals can merely provide up potential options. The puzzles get more and more more durable as you progress, and the artwork and music are cute — which in my expertise is useful to offset the inevitable frustration if you get caught.

Super Mario Odyssey

This 3D tackle Mario “is one of the better-looking games on the platform,” says Downey, who additionally says that the controls are extraordinarily responsive. Mario will get new strikes, like seize and cap throw, to assist his efforts to rescue Princess Peach, together with hidden collectibles and new kingdoms. “Even after finishing the game completely, I’ll still jump into the game here and there just to run around as Mario in the different worlds,” he says.

At Select, we work with experts who’ve specialised information and authority primarily based on related coaching and/or expertise. We additionally take steps to guarantee all professional recommendation and suggestions are made independently and with out undisclosed monetary conflicts of curiosity. 

• Justin Masson is a gaming professional and co-host of the podcast and YouTube channel Nintendo Dads, which has critiques, commentary and perception about Nintendo video games. He’s been gaming for 35 years, beginning with Nintendo’s NES, and has been enjoying the Nintendo Switch because it was first launched in 2017.
• Jakin Vela, Ph.D., is a sociologist, gaming business professional and the govt director of the International Game Developers Association.
• Jon Downey is content material creator who covers Nintendo recreation critiques and hosts the SpawnCast podcast, which covers Xbox, Nintendo, Playstation and PC gaming. He’s been gaming for 30 years and has performed the Nintendo Switch because it was first launched.

Deanna Pai is a contract magnificence author and editor who has been overlaying health and beauty for greater than a decade, however considers gaming a private ardour; she nonetheless has her GameBoy Color circa 1998. For this text, Pai spoke to three gaming experts and drew from her personal expertise to put collectively a complete information to the finest Nintendo Switch video games and equipment.