Should I buy a Nintendo Switch right now?

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The Nintendo Switch has been selling like hotcakes (how well do hotcakes actually sell anyways?) It is at approximately 15 million units sold as of Feb 2018. So many people are buying the console (or portable) but is it the right system for you? Let's examine.

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Do you love 1st party party Nintendo titles?

This is a moot point as you probably already own the system, but if not drive to the nearby video game store and and pick up the Switch now. Nintendo really hit it out the park with its first party titles (games that Nintendo make themselves and won't appear on other systems) there is a Mario game (Mario Odyssey) a Zelda game (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) a Mario Kart game (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe) a Splatoon game and a Xenoblade Chronicles game. There is a scheduled Smash Bros game, a Pokemon game and even a Metroid game, go figure. It is rare to see all of these games come out in the first year or so of a Nintendo machine, if they come out at all. If you are a Nintendo fan, why are you still reading this. Get the system!

Do you need to have the best graphics possible?

Then this system is not for you. I am old school. I grew up with the original gameboy and I thought it was great. So I am still amazed by these graphics on the portable. It has only been until recently that you could get console level graphics on a portable. Just for ease of comparison, the Switch can do a bit better than Wii U graphics, but not nearly as good as Xbox One/PS4 and not in the same ballpark as Xbox One X/PS4 Pro. While I think that the Switch’s graphics are “good enough” to get the job done and some games looks fantastic, such as Zelda and Mario kart, when you have the Switch it is differently the number 3 system in terms of looks. Look at any of the 3rd party games such as Doom/NBA 2K/WWE, they all look much worse. So if you must have the best graphics look elsewhere.

Do you love being able play portable?

The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic idea that really works. It is easy to pick up and play, dock it if you wish and play on the TV. I think that being able to continue to play a game outside the house is awesome option. The battery is pretty decent-- about 3-5 hours. If you were a portable player, like I am, this is a must have. When I saw it announced I didn’t even care about the console part. Even to this day, approximately one year later, I probably have played it about 1% of the time on the TV. When I want to play on the TV, I will play my Xbox One X.

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Are you a budget conscious gamer?

I would probably say no, or at least wait a while. There are really no deals to be had here not only that you will probably be premium to play your favorite games. For example Doom just came out for the Switch recently for $60 while the superior versions on the Xbox/PS4 can be had for $20. This example is the norm, not the exception. Switch currently does not have any subscription programs such as PS plus, Xbox Game Pass and EA Access which gives gamers libraries of games for low monthly or annual fees. While some gamers don’t like these subscriptions they do offer value and its good to have the option. The above was purely concerning game not mentioned all the accessory that you may “need” an extra pro controller ($70) a memory card ($100) a carrying case ($40) and the Switch purchase can get pricey really fast.

I am loving my Switch. I had a blast with Mario and Zelda, but I mostly use it to play indie games, which the machine does a great job of doing. Generally, I believe the Switch is a must buy, unless of course you must have the best graphics or want the most for your money, then go elsewhere for your fun. Happy Gaming.