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Edition: Switch + Neon Red and Blue Joy-Con|Change
Price:$402.80+ Free shipping

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Showing 1-10 of 154 reviews(Verified Purchases). See all 283 reviews
on March 20, 2017
I would love to give my Switch 5 stars, but I just can't, due to a myriad of issues ranging from overpriced accessories, dubious design decisions clearly intended to encourage consumers to buy things that should be unnecessary as well as some just awfully cheap parts that don't match an otherwise superb quality.

Let's start with the good:

+ The premise of a home console you can play anywhere is perfectly executed. The Wii U was the Switch's prototype; It showed promise, but it didn't quite deliver. The Switch DELIVERS. Going from TV to handheld and back is seamless and instant, especially if you have a TV that can "sync states" with devices attached to it. And the battery is big enough for a few hours of Zelda or several of something like Snipperclips or NeoGeo games. (It's not meant to replace the DS as the take-everywhere Nintendo console. So the poor battery life is somewhat forgivable.)

+ The screen is very high quality. It is IPS and I found that it doesn't distort colors like some reviews have mentioned (one professional review actually said you should expect poor viewing angles because it's IPS, which just isn't true; IPS are the best LCDs suited for multiple viewing angles). When Netflix comes out or if someone is sitting next to you watching you play or groups playing Snipperclips, etc, everyone will be able to get an excellent view of the screen. No problems with viewing angles. And the color, luminosity and contrast are all superb. 720p is an understandable compromise. If it was 1080p, not only would the screen cost significantly more, but it would need a bigger CPU, GPU, and battery, all which would drive up the price to be exclusive. Nintendo does not want to be an exclusive company. And nothing looks pixelated — though you can see aliasing if you look for it.

+ The plastic on the controllers is luxurious. They feel great to the touch. You really need to experience it in person.

+ Twin ball-joint thumb sticks on a portable. Need I say more?

+ Though the joy-cons are small and seem like they'd be uncomfortable, I really like them, together or apart. The tension in the sticks is perfect with some very slight "grooves" for horizontal and vertical movement (personal preference, but I like it this way).

+ Multiplayer from the get-go. No longer do you have to shell out extra on a second controller to get multiplayer on day one of your console ownership.

+ The operating system is barebones and FAST! with a small footprint. I prefer this to something that tries to be a poor man's computer with unnecessary features and animations that bog it down and increase loading times (looking at you XBone and PS4). And it looks slick, too.

+ Startup times are maybe one or two seconds max. No other console respects your time like the Switch. Pick it up and resume where you left off in Zelda instantly. Put it in sleep mode and it's instantly off so you can go get your life things out of the way before getting back to Zelda. Then instantly turn it back on and game away!

+ The fan is very quiet and does a great job at keeping the console cool. It does get noticeably warm during long sessions, but it's a pleasant warmth to the touch and not alarming at all.

+ The size of the console is right on point. It is probably the most comfortable handheld from Nintendo (they're not very good at comfortable handhelds though), but it's not so big you can't easily fit it into whatever bag you have. That being said, and as I said before about the batteries, the Switch isn't really a replacement for the 3DS and unless you're a big dude like Boogie2988, you'll never find a pocket this will fit in. Being so large, the screen guarantees a cinematic experience on the go; something which even the 3DS XL doesn't quite deliver.

+ It feels very sturdy and tough. This is Nintendo. They make tough devices. (There are some issues though. Look in the negatives, below.)

I feel like I could keep fishing for compliments for this System, but I think I've exhausted anything of significance... Let's move on to the gripes:

– The cover for the screen is hard plastic, much like the one for the upper screen of the 3DS. Except this one is about 5x as glossy as the 3DS and intended to be touched. This causes two problems: 1) if playing in a bright room or outside, the reflections on the screen make it nearly impossible to see details in the game you're playing. I hate seeing my face overlaid on top of my game. 2) it scratches easily. For a handheld touch device of this size and price, a glass screen is almost a necessity. However, glass also breaks, so if the console is for a child, that would mean it has a great chance of cracking from a drop. Conversely, children are not delicate with touch screens and will inevitably cover their screen with scratches. However, Nintendo is not really marketing this console to children like it has others in the past — millennials seem to be their target demographic, judging from their ad campaign — and that makes me think a glass screen would have been the right decision, even if it elevated production costs.

– $70 for a pro controller. $80 for a second pair of joy-cons that don't come with a grip. $30 for a charging grip (you can't buy a non-charging one independent of the console). Depending on how you look at it, this makes the official controllers for the Switch the most expensive in the business. But controllers have always been too expensive, in my opinion. ($70 might be okay for a pro controller because it's so good.)

– There is only one charging port and it is on the bottom. The Switch needs a bottom charging port, of course, so that the docking gimmick works perfectly, but it really needs a second one on the top to charge it during table-top play, since the battery is not fantastic. The Wii U controller has a charging port on the top and bottom for similar reasons. A second port would be cheap because it wouldn't need the full USB functionality, just the ability to carry a current. Why didn't Nintendo do the same with the Switch? Because they want you to spend $20 on the official stand that raises it up so you can charge it from the bottom. Ridiculous.

– The battery should be 50–100% bigger. It is something like 4350 mAmp. I would have paid another $50 for a battery twice as large. But maybe it's not only a cost, bust a space issue. If you want to play Zelda for more than 2-3 hours handheld, you will need a battery bank. I picked up a 10000 mAmp battery with a USB-C outlet and it will completely charge the console one time while playing Zelda and 1.75 times or more while the console is in sleep mode.

– Paid online services required to play multiplayer games. Boo Nintendo. Boo. You were often praised for not doing this BS like your competitors, but now you've decided to start nickel and diming your customers. Fortunately, the only online Nintendo game I can think of worth playing is Splatoon. There may be a possibility that no one pays for the service and Nintendo drops this crap. Fingers crossed! (At least I'll never have to pay extra fees for online PC gaming — the only way I play online games anyway.)

– It is very true: The left joy-con can lose connection from even just crossing your legs the wrong way. I told Nintendo on the phone about it and they offered to "repair" it for free. But that means like 3 weeks or more without Zelda... also shipping costs. I just can't send it away right now. (By repair, they probably mean put in the quality receiver it should have had in the first place. Apparently just soldering a copper wire to the receiver is enough to make it work wonderfully... might be something I attempt myself in the future.
*UPDATE*
I sent my left joy-con off for repairs. After 4 business days it returned with absolutely zero connection problems. If your joy-con is having issues I highly recommend Nintendo's repair service.

– The dock needs to be heavier. It moves around too much. It feels cheap compared to the console, but fortunately, it's not something you have to touch frequently.

– The dock WILL scratch the screen if you're not careful. Fortunately it won't scratch it any on the viewing surface, just the black borders.

– the resistance for docking and removing the Switch should be a little firmer, too. It can be difficult to remove the joy-cons without lifting the console back up. In order to address this problem and the one listed above, I added a piece of the soft side of Velcro to each track on the dock. This helps protect the screen as well as adds just enough resistance to make the act of docking and undocking the Switch much more pleasant and stable.

I have no problems with the kickstand. Though I can't get mine to pop out like it's supposed to. It looks like it's bolted in place on mine. Maybe I'm just being too timid, but I don't want to break it. It will tip over if you touch it on the left side while it's in table-too mode. But the reality is that you're not supposed to be touching it when it's on a table, anyway.

I love my switch, but I'm worried Nintendo is headed down the same path as Apple has with their products in that they are started to intentionally gimp their products in favor of selling accessories and adapters. Also, I can't stand behind fees to play games online when I already have to pay for an internet connection.

I absolutely would not hesitate to recommend this console. I just wish it didn't feel like Nintendo was starting to become the kind of company that uses cheap tricks to get customers to spend more than should be necessary.
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on May 17, 2017
Pretty happy with the Switch so far, great concept that works. The Switch has a premium feel as opposed to the WiiU's fisher price feel, it doesn't feel like I'm going to break it and it looks cool with my other consoles. The dock is basically a glorified ac/hdmi adapter and is the only part of the system that feels cheap. Luckily I don't see myself moving the dock much so there isn't much issue. Having two controllers in the form of the Joycons is pretty amazing as well. Yes, they're small and yes they look ridiculous but, they are more comfortable than they should be and they sell plastic housings for them to make them a little more ergonomic. The rumble in these things is also really cool, "rumble technology" is something I didn't even know existed or thought I would care about but the rumble is "3D", best way to put it. My girlfriend loves taking it in the car with her and has actually played it more than I have. Haha. This system probably won't convince you to love Nintendo but if you were disappointed with the WiiU and are excited about the future of Nintendo it's hard not to recommend this. The games that are out are decent and you have two must buy exclusives already; Zelda and Mario Kart. Nintendo was very smart re releasing Mario Kart 8, it is perfect for the Switch and having an HD Mario game on the go is truly a lot of fun. When we run errands or are finished eating out we have the option to play two play Mario Kart instantly and it has sort of made us more social. Go Nintendo. The only downside to the Switch is there is not a traditional controller and you have to purchase one for 80$. Granted, it's one of the best controllers I have ever used, no exaggeration, the triggers are HEAVEN and it also doubles as a PC controller so that's nice. The joycon grip controller works well enough to play games, it's my girlfriends preferred method when she isn't playing it mobile, but you might want to invest in a Pro controller if not only to make other people take the Switch seriously. I wish they would sell a pricier bundle that came with a Pro Controller but I'm glad Nintendo had the hardcore gamer in mind at all, and released it. On the other hand Nintendo's online is still pretty terrible but they are going to start charging so maybe, maybe they are taking steps in the right direction, finally. Admittedly, the Switch doesn't have much to offer aside from an HD portable experience but it's Nintendo's next step and it seems they are trying to blur the line between home and mobile consoles and that is something to be excited for. I would recommend this to anyone who missed out on the WiiU, Nintendo fans, mobile gamers, and dudes with girlfriends.
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on May 18, 2017
I'm not a video game person, and only ever purchased systems for my kids (Wii & Wii U). We've loved Splatoon so much on the Wii U I felt it necessary to get a switch for part 2. I'll list the pros & cons from the perspective of a non gamer that wanted something for the family.

PRO
- the portability is amazing, and it's shocking that this design hasn't taken off with another console sooner. Transitioning from the TV to portable is seamless & effortless.
- the Joy Con controllers. These things are a real delight...and marvel of design & innovation. I thought for sure I would hate them but once you're use to them, they're terrific.
- game performance and look of games. A good example to compare for this is Mario Kart 8. The difference between the Wii U version vs the deluxe is very noticeable. Graphics, responsiveness, overall look & feel are far superior.
- Zelda. This game deserves ALL the hype it's getting. It's amazingly immersive & addictive.

CONS
- the cost for accessories is really high. $80 for additional joy cons?
- built in memory. only 32gb built in storage? 64gb should have been the standard. And there's only one port for an SD card so You'll have to get a large card and hope the eshop doesn't have great content to download, or use USB's on the dock.
- the tv dock feels really flimsy and I get nervous every time I dock since it doesn't feel secure at all.
- overall online features & base OS. The Switch OS is very basic and there seems to be a much more limited approach to online engagement....or at least minimal when compared to the Wii U (could get Netflix on the Wii U don't see that you can on the Switch)
-limited game selection at launch. Unless you really love Zelda I'd hold off getting the Switch until a few more games come out. There's really only 2 right now that have any replay factor...Zelda & Mario Kart. The 1 2 Switch game is a complete travesty

Overall I'm really impressed with this system and can't wait for Splatoon 2!
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on May 5, 2017
perfect! exactly as described and arrived quickly. We initially had some problems with it frequently crashing but went to the Nintendo Switch website and did everything suggested in the troubleshooting site and it has not crashed since. Well packaged also.
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on April 18, 2017
This game system has given me so much enjoyment for the short amount of time that I have owned it. It is easy to use and set up, and the battery last a good three to four hours detached from the power source. The controllers are easy to use, both connected to the switch and with the accompanying controller connector. Overall, the Switch really lives up to its potential as a hybrid console/portable game system.

Unfortunately, there is still very limited content for the system, which I currently own exclusively for Zelda. There are some virtual console titles that would be nice to own, but overall the system will not take off for content until this summer.

I do recommend purchasing this system eventually, but it is fair to wait for more content to come to the system.
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on May 19, 2017
Probably the best gaming product I have purchased in the last decade. Easily the best console.

Nintendo has outdone themselves if I'm honest. The blend between portability and play-ability has made the Switch a staple in gatherings now. Easy to move and use, powerful enough to provide grand gaming experiences, and intuitive enough to introduce to nearly anyone. While my only complaint lines with the game line up and not the console, I do wish there were more co-op games available. The system coming with 'two-controllers' is a huge benefit and was a major selling point. The lack of a starter game, however, does suck but with Mario Kart 8: Deluxe out now, there really is no reason not to get one.
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on April 4, 2017
My daughter has not stopped playing , she loved it! The whole family has played with her, great fun!
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on April 6, 2017
has been everything that nintendo has promised. waiting on more games but as of now zelda has worked well and I'm glad I got it in two days at retail price with prime
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on May 20, 2017
Had an issue with the charger but nintendo support resolved it very quickly and in the first call. Other than that issue I love this console 5 stars
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on May 4, 2017
Order came in 2 weeks later than original delivery date... but great portable gaming system.
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