Nintendo Switch review
Three play modes and two controllers in the box, which is why it works as a gift for a family rather than a person.
The verdict
Give the Switch to a household rather than a person, because two people can play out of the box and it works on a television, on a table or in the hand. Skip it if the recipient specifically wants high-end graphics or plays competitive online games with friends on another platform, where a PS5 or a PC is the right answer.
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con
~$330
A hybrid games console with a 6.2 inch screen and detachable controllers, playable on a television, propped on a table or in the hand.
Check price on AmazonSpecifications
| Screen | 6.2 in LCD |
|---|---|
| Play modes | TV, tabletop and handheld |
| Controllers | Detachable Joy-Con, two included |
| Multiplayer | Local co-op, online and local wireless |
Specifications above come from Nintendo's published feature list. Treat pricing as approximate, since Amazon pricing moves.
What it does well
- Two controllers in the box means two people can play immediately, which almost no other console offers.
- Tabletop mode turns any surface into a two-player setup, and it is the mode people use far more than they expect.
- It travels. A console that fits in a bag gets used on trains, in hotels and in waiting rooms.
- The exclusive library is genuinely broad and skews towards games that people of very different ages can play together.
- It is the console least likely to sit unused, because it does not require a television to be free.
Where it falls short
- Graphics are well behind a current PS5 or a gaming PC, and on a large television that is visible.
- The LCD screen is a step below the OLED model, which is the upgrade most people notice immediately when they see them side by side.
- Internal storage is limited and games are large. A microSD card is close to a required accessory rather than an optional one.
- Joy-Con drift has been a widely reported issue across the product's life, and controllers are expensive to replace.
- Online multiplayer needs a subscription, and the online service is weaker than its competitors.
What owners report
Owner reports are unusually consistent on one point: the Switch gets used. Households describe it as the console that comes out on holidays and weekends because it does not need the television, and because two people can play with no extra purchase. That is the strongest argument for giving it rather than a more powerful console.
The most reported problem is Joy-Con drift, where a stick registers movement without input. It is well documented across the product's life and worth knowing before you buy. The practical response is to keep the receipt and check Nintendo's support options in your country.
The third theme is storage. Games are large and the built-in storage fills quickly, so a microSD card is the accessory to buy alongside it. If you are deciding between this and a more expensive console, our practical gift versus indulgent gift comparison covers the question honestly.
Who it suits
- Families and shared households.
- People who travel, commute or want to play without taking over the television.
- Anyone buying for a mixed-age group who will play together.
Who should skip it
- Players who want cutting-edge graphics.
- Anyone whose friends play competitive online games on another platform.
- Someone who already owns one, where the OLED model rather than this one is the upgrade.
Alternatives worth considering
PlayStation PlayStation 5 Console
~$580
Far more capable graphically with a strong single-player library, for a dedicated gamer who plays on a television and does not need portability.
Check price on AmazonTurtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 Wireless Amplified Gaming Headset
~$117
If they already own a console, a headset is the accessory that most improves the experience and costs a third as much.
Check price on AmazonAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
~$85
If the household mostly watches rather than plays, this improves every evening for a quarter of the money.
Check price on AmazonCommon questions
Is the Nintendo Switch still worth buying?
As a household gift, yes. It remains the only mainstream console that plays on a television, on a table and in the hand, and it ships with two controllers. If raw graphical power matters, it is comfortably the weakest of the current consoles and that will not change.
Switch or Switch OLED: which should I give?
The OLED model has a noticeably better screen and a better stand, and costs more. If most of the play will be handheld or tabletop, the OLED is the upgrade people notice. If it will mostly be docked to a television, the screen difference does not matter.
What else should I buy with it?
A microSD card, because internal storage fills quickly, and one game. Those two additions turn the console from a box into a gift that works on the day it is opened.
What is Joy-Con drift?
A widely reported fault where an analogue stick registers movement without being touched. It has affected the product across its life. Keep proof of purchase and check Nintendo's support options in your country before you need them.
Can two people play out of the box?
Yes, which is the main reason it works so well as a household gift. The two Joy-Con detach and each works as a small standalone controller for many games.
Keep reading
This review draws on published specifications, manufacturer figures and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not tested this product ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. Confirm current prices and specifications before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.