All information about the handheld console

When the Nintendo Switch was released in 2017, it changed the console market forever. But what distinguishes the handheld from the competition and which models are there now? We explain everything you need to know about the mobile console.

Who is the console suitable for and what are the alternatives?

The Nintendo Switch is certainly the most accessible of all consoles currently on the market. she offers Games for every age group: Parents can play co-op titles like Super Mario Odyssey with their kids, for adult gamers there are games like Dark Souls and The Witcher 3. And even target groups without a gaming context are treated with things like Dr. Addressed Kawashima’s Brain Training and Ring Fit Adventure.

The Nintendo Switch can be connected to the TV or used in handheld mode. In this respect, the console Just as suitable for gaming in the living room at home as on the go on trains, planes and as passengers in cars. Thanks to the multiplayer function and the game modes for up to twelve players, the console is perfect for small and large families and a hit for every party.

Alternatively, there is currently the PlayStation 5 on the market, which has had the most successful sales start of all previous consoles. Microsoft currently has the Xbox Series X and S. The former is the more powerful model, which is primarily designed for 4K gaming with up to 120 FPS. However, all consoles mentioned can only be used stationary. The consoles of the Nintendo 3DS family offer a handheld alternative. The latest model here is the New Nintendo 2DS XL. And of course you can also play on PC and laptop. For most games, however, a current model with a powerful graphics card is required.

Nintendo Switch (Lite) & OLED: This is how the handhelds differ

Nintendo Switch: Old and New Edition

The classic version from 2017, whose model number always begins with “HAC”, has now been replaced by an updated version in stores and is therefore only available used. the new edition of the Nintendo Switch, which was released in mid-August 2019, looks the same as the previous version. However, the model number is different as it now begins with “HAD”. In addition, it is characterized by a improved battery life out.

Irrespective of this, both versions can be used on the TV, as a handheld or in table mode. All Nintendo Switch software works on both, and a Joy-Con set consisting of two Joy-Cons is also included. The Joy-Cons feature HD vibration and an IR motion camera. Scope of delivery and functions are also the same, only small adjustments have been made. The Nintendo Switch is also available in several variations. You can usually choose between the all-grey console and the console with joy-cons in neon blue and neon red. Additional Joy-Cons can now also be purchased in other colors – the combination of neon pink and neon green is particularly popular.

Nintendo Switch Lite: The most compact version of the console

In addition to the classic Nintendo Switch, there is now also one Nintendo Switch Lite. It can only be played in handheld mode. Joy-Cons are not included and must be purchased separately. The Joy-Cons are required for certain software, so not every software can be played on the Switch Lite.

Find out all the important details about the Nintendo Switch Lite and whether the console is worth it in the following video:

You can find out which games are compatible with the Nintendo Switch Lite and for which you need additional hardware on the Nintendo’s official website. Biggest advantage of this version is that it significantly cheaper compared to the regular Nintendo Switch is. It is also available in many different colors, which should be another reason to buy the Lite version of the console.

Nintendo Switch OLED: More colors thanks to the new display

Last became the Nintendo Switch OLED released. As the name already suggests, the main difference to the predecessor is the new OLED panel. In addition, other small things such as the kickstand have been improved. It now extends over the entire back of the console and is therefore much more stable. However, all of this is also directly reflected in the price, since the OLED version costs significantly more compared to the other two versions.

You can find out what the differences are in detail between the individual consoles in the following article:

Power consumption, battery life and storage capacity of the console

The Nintendo Switch is one very power efficient console. If it is not connected to the power supply, it consumes just 0.2 watts in standby mode, 7 watts in the menu and 11 watts when gaming. If you charge the console in parallel, consumption increases to a maximum of 18 watts. For comparison: The competing consoles from Sony and Microsoft still have a power consumption of 80 to 90 watts. Fortunately, the temperature development of the console is also kept within limits. It typically gets up to 40 degrees warm on the back when playing in handheld mode.

The battery life depends entirely on the model you own. The old version of the Nintendo Switch (model number with “HAC”) only lasts 2.5 to 6.5 hours, the improved model (number with “HAD”) and the OLED version last at least 4.5 to 9 hours before they are empty. The battery performance of the Nintendo Switch Lite is similar to that of the old switch: it’s over after 3 to 7 hours. How long the console lasts depends not only on the screen brightness but also on the game – the more complex the graphics, the shorter the runtime.

While the PlayStation 5 comes with a relatively large hard drive capacity of 825 GB, the internal storage of the Nintendo Switch is severely limited. The regular version only has 32 GB – the OLED model has at least twice as much space with 64 GB. That’s hardly enough for more than 5-6 full-price titles. Zelda: Breath of the Wild alone eats up 13 GB. Luckily, the storage of the Nintendo Switch can easily be expanded with micro SD cards, the limit here is 2 TB – that goes a long way. There is already 128 GB for cheap money, so the memory is enough for several Switch titles. The RAM of the console is 4 GB.

What is included with the Nintendo Switch?

In addition to the console, the classic Nintendo Switch comes with the following:

• Nintendo Switch Docking Station (to charge & connect to TV)
• 2 Joy-Con controllers (either gray or neon blue/neon red)
• 2 Joy-Con holders for table mode incl. wrist straps
• Joy-Con grip that turns both Joy-Cons into a gamepad
• 1.5 meter HDMI cable
• Power pack incl. charging cable

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and of course the individual game software are available separately.

Furthermore, both Nintendo itself and third-party suppliers offer a wide range of accessories for the console – be it bags, protective films or controllers. In this way, you get even more out of the console and can customize the gaming experience to suit your needs.

Connect Nintendo Switch to TV

In order to be able to use your Nintendo Switch on the television as well, the following steps must be observed:

1. Open the back cover of the docking station for the Nintendo Switch.
2. Plug the power pack and HDMI cable into the appropriate slots inside the docking station and close the cover again.
3. Plug the power adapter into a power outlet.
4. Plug the HDMI cable into the appropriate slot on the TV.
5. Remove the Joy-Con controller from the console (there is a small round button on the back of the controller that must be held while removing).
6. Plug the console into the docking station. If it is placed correctly, the screen lights up briefly and displays the loading icon.
7. Check whether the corresponding HDMI input is selected on the TV.

Nintendo Switch Online: Is the subscription worth it?

The subscription service Nintendo Switch Online allows you above all Access to online multiplayer and the service’s smartphone app, which gives you access to voice chat. You don’t need the app to play locally. The service currently costs EUR 19.99 per year, and family membership for up to eight accounts is available for EUR 34.99. But you also get the following service-exclusive features:

• Access to online multiplayer.
• Access to the smartphone app for Nintendo Switch Online to use the voice chat feature.
• Numerous playable SNES and NES games for the Nintendo Switch.
• Save saves permanently in the cloud to protect you from losing game data in the event of a console defect.
• Exclusive bonuses such as Nintendo Switch Game Coupons and certain special offers.

With the so-called “Expansion Pack” Nintendo has expanded the offer again: For around 40 euros per year or 70 euros for the family subscription, you can now also play selected N64 and Sega Mega Drive titles on your Nintendo Switch. Some of them, like Mario Kart 64, also have an online mode. Up to 4 players can then prove their skills in the retro racer. Finally, you get access to the otherwise paid DLC “Happy Home Paradise” for the popular life simulation Animal Crossing: New Horizons.