Nintendo’s Switch has been a great success and it continues. Did you just get one? Our guide offers you a list of excellent games to discover on the portable console of the Japanese manufacturer.
Nintendo Switch has now been available for over four years. And the Japanese manufacturer’s portable console has never been so popular. The launches of the PS5, Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X in November 2020 have not changed anything: the Switch continues to sell and will soon cross the milestone of 90 million copies sold. It might even beat the PS4 eventually.
Available in two versions (soon to be three), it is now based on a catalog of solid values thanks to the many licenses from Nintendo. All the references are there, which allows users to have a choice. Have you just fallen for the latest Nintendo console? Super (Mario): we will help you enrich your game library with nuggets and complete your pack with essential accessories, useful both outdoors and indoors.
Five essential games
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
How to avoid The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for this early selection? Voted best game of the year 2017 at the Game Awards ceremony, this title whose development was overseen by Eiji Aonuma is simply a must-have.
Once the title is in hand, you will embark on a journey that will forever change your vision of open-world video games. Or just video games. Spoiler: there will be a sequel, still on Nintendo Switch.
Super Mario Odyssey
Finally a Mario game worthy of the name. Those who waited to relive the joys of a Mario 64 or a Sunshine will not be able to resist. Super Mario Odyssey is a Nintendo Switch exclusive title that will give you control of the famous mustached plumber in colorful worlds for a variety of challenges.
In this opus, the magic operates thanks to an atypical hat, which can interact with the environment. Super Mario Odyssey is full of ideas and offers a very original gameplay.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Originally released on Wii U, Mario kart 8 continues its way on Nintendo Switch in a Deluxe version. This includes all the additional content of the old edition with four additional cups, new characters, the 200cc mode, but also exclusive content such as the Ink boy and Ink girl characters from Splatoon, the various battle modes and new items. .
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the perfect game to spend a frenzied evening with friends. The atmosphere will be resolutely convivial. Except when someone takes a blue shell …
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the big Switch novelty of the year 2020. The game has become a phenomenon – and made a big splash. To date, the time-consuming life simulation game has sold 33.89 million copies. This is the console’s second best-selling product.
The immense success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons earned it a deserved nomination at The Game Awards 2020 in the “Best Game of the Year” category.
Hades
Hades is our favorite of the year 2020. Driven by stunning art direction, stunning storytelling and mastered gameplay, this indie game developed by Supergiant Games is highly addicting.
Despite its difficulty which may discourage some, Hades captive. So much so that we go on for hours without realizing it. The goal is to become better, attempt after attempt.
The accessories
Play Stand monitor support
This screen mount was designed and manufactured by Hori, but is now officially licensed by Nintendo. The small plastic kickstand on the back of the Switch is not very strong, nor very practical: with this support, you can enjoy your hybrid console with your family during a picnic.
It offers 3 playing angles depending on your position and allows you to recharge your console while playing. Bonus: you can now find them with the effigy of Zelda or Mario.
Transport pouch
Designed by BigBen, this carrying pouch is partitioned and padded to protect your screen. You will also find game storage boxes.
We also recommend a pouch the size of which matches that of the Nintendo Switch Lite.
Tempered glass screen protector
Even though the Nintendo Switch has a reputation for being tough, a touchscreen can get scratched easily. This ultra-thin protection is sensitive to the touch, thanks to a light film which guarantees the responsiveness of the touch controls. And its thickness does not block the insertion of the console into the dock. These two tempered glass screen protectors apply very easily without blowing bubbles. They have a water and oil resistant coating that protects your screen from fingerprints.
Please note: the Switch Lite is equipped with a smaller screen, which requires protection adapted to its size.
The Pro Switch controller
The Pro Controller for Nintendo Switch offers optimal comfort when the console is in living room mode, in other words connected to a television. Shaped like a traditional controller, the Pro controller is ergonomic and comfortable; in short, ideal for your long gaming sessions.
Which Switch model should I buy?
Since the start of the 2019 school year, Nintendo has been marketing a range with, on one side, the classic Switch and, on the other, the Switch Lite. The price difference, of around a hundred euros, can tip the scales. To help you choose, we encourage you to read our dedicated comparison.
In a few weeks, a third model will be available on the shelves: the OLED Switch, which is not more powerful, but improves comfort in portable mode for a few tens of euros more. We’ve also compared the two to help you choose.
Nintendo Switch
This is the classic console, offered with all the options in terms of playing possibilities. This Switch can be used in portable mode, in table mode (with the crutch) or in living room mode (thanks to the supplied dock).
It is not more powerful than the Lite, but offers a slightly larger screen. Note that Nintendo has improved the autonomy since the release, without increasing the price.
Nintendo Switch Lite
Conversely, the Switch Lite cannot be connected to a TV and does not have a kickstand to be able to be placed on a table. It is aimed at a younger audience, with its more basic finishes, but its improved strength and pop colors.
Should you invest in a USB-C external battery?
The internal battery of the Nintendo Switch is not the strong point of this machine. Autonomy is announced at around 5 o’clock on Breath of the Wild, a little more if the brightness is not at its maximum. The Anker 20,000mAh battery is designed for devices with a USB-C port – like the Switch. It allows you to fully charge the console more than once.
Do I need to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online?
Like Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo charges for online gaming on Switch (skip free-to-play like Fortnite). To experience frenzied games from a distance, it is therefore necessary to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online. The service also gives access to some bonuses, such as free games.
Nintendo Switch Online prices :
Should we wait for the Nintendo Switch OLED?
For a long time, rumors counted on the marketing of a Switch Pro, more powerful than the two current models. Finally, Nintendo surprised everyone by lifting the veil on an OLED version. Offering the same performance, it offers better comfort with a larger screen (and OLED, therefore), a better finished dock, a 100% redesigned kickstand, better quality speakers and 64 GB of storage. Our first impressions on it are positive. If you spend a lot of time gaming in portable mode, then it’s worth waiting for its release, slated for October 8.
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