The Switch – The Best Home/Handheld Console Hybrid

After the lukewarm reception to its Wii U console in 2012, Nintendo took an enormous gamble with the Switch. It’s the first home/handheld console hybrid to hit the market in a very long time and it’s proving to be quite the sensation. Whether you want to play the latest Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros or the bonkers sci-fi action of The Legend of Zelda, this is the best console to pick up now.

There are three models of the Switch to choose from: the original 2017 model, the 2019 revised version and the newer Lite and OLED versions. Each has their own unique advantages, but they all run the same software and share many of the same features. We’ll take you through the main differences between them below.

The biggest difference between the different Switch models is that the Lite and OLED versions don’t have Joy-Cons, so they can’t be used in handheld mode. They do, however, have a better kickstand and a smaller, more portable design that makes them easier to carry around.

They also have slightly lower processing power than the full-size Switch, as they run on a modified Nvidia Tegra X1 platform (that’s an ARM-based mobile device processor similar to those in high-end smartphones and tablets). If you want a more traditional console experience with the ability to play big games in front of a TV, then these are the ones for you.

All three Switch models have the same user interface, so it doesn’t really matter which one you buy – they all work the same. You’ll also find a whole raft of accessories to help you make the most out of your console, such as extra controllers, stands, grips and docks.

There are also some great third-party controllers you can use on the Switch, such as the Razer Raid or the mighty Pro Gamepad. They’re a little more expensive than the standard controllers, but they give you a lot more customization options and can be great for playing on the go.

The Switch has a huge library of games to choose from, and with the exception of last-gen rivals like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, it offers a very different experience than any other console on the market. That’s particularly true of its exclusive titles, including Pokemon and Mario and a series of culturally iconic Nintendo-owned franchises like Kirby and the upcoming Donkey Kong adventure.

Celeste is easily one of the best games for Switch players, combining ultra-tight 2D gameplay with a heartfelt story about mental illness and an unforgettable synth soundtrack that alternates between serene and haunting. It’s the perfect way to prove to yourself that the Switch is a truly special piece of technology.Nintendo Switch