Nintendo Switch

Last month Nintendo launched their latest gaming console, the Nintendo Switch. The console enables players to use it in the traditional way on their television sets or take it out and about using the 6.2 inch touchscreen tablet.

About the Nintendo Switch

Reminiscent of the Wii, the Switch allows you to detach the two Joycon controllers from the side of the tablet unit and use them for one player or two player mode. Even more players can join in by using further Joycon controllers. As with the Wii,  Nintendo have been sure to include sturdy controller wrist straps with console set-ups to ensure no nasty television accidents like before. The initial console set-up also comes with a Joycon controller grip to make the controllers into a single unit, similar to an Xbox 360 controller. A Pro controller is available for those that will be playing long and intense games, but this will set users back around £70.

The Nintendo Switch console does not come with a game and currently only has 3 or 4 retail games available to buy, although there are more ‘lesser’ titles stocked in their online gaming store, much like the Playstation Store and Xbox Games Store. Membership and access to the Nintendo version is free for the next few months but it has been said that charges will be brought in towards Autumn. Players that use the online store will receive certain benefits such as a free game each month although prices to join have not been announced.

Wightfibre’s top 5 game releases for 2017:

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The flagship game for the Nintendo Switch and many are saying why the console was released so soon before more games were available. Battle monsters, travel through breath-taking landscapes and solve over 100 complicated puzzles across an open-air mythical land to save Hyrule. Zelda is a game of discovery, exploration and adventure and gamers that have been following the series are sure to ear-mark this version as a future classic.

1, 2 Switch

This game is designed to showcase the capabilities of the Switch and should have really been bundled in as the free game when you purchase the console (like WiiSports was with the Wii). It has around 28 mini-games that you can play with friends on screen or on the tablet. Games featured include rock the baby to sleep, milking a cow, quick draw shooting, catwalk and an eating contest. Each game uses the Joycon controllers’ various feature such as HD rumble and IR motion camera to show what really makes the Switch different from in predecessors. It also seems that the console is not easy to fool and you cannot trick it into thinking you are carrying out the activities like on Wii.

Super Mario: Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is not out yet and is confirmed for release in winter this year. The trailer for Mario is leaving players desperate to have a go – we see him embark on a journey through new worlds, exploring massive 3D levels in the first sandbox-style Mario game since Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. We may not have played this game yet, but if Mario’s past success’ are anything to go by then it is sure to be on everyone’s Christmas list this year.

Splatoon 2

Splatoon is a colourful, fast moving game which was such a hit, they’ve made this sequel. It is a third-person team based shooter style game which can support up to 8 players (although can also be single-player). This newest release of Splatoon boasts more weapons and gear and ‘Turf War’ battles on-the-go via local multiplayer in portable play styles.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The incredibly popular series of Mario Kart is now in it’s eighth (deluxe) edition, maintaining the charm and fast-paced fun of the original N64 version but introducing new features and vehicles. Characters you can race as and against now include Mario, Luigi, Zelda, Bowser, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, Toad and Shy Guy. As with a lot of other Switch games, this one can connect up to eight players to race via the console’s wireless play feature on tablet or TV. Mario Kart is the next big title to be released and will hit the shelves at the end of April 2017.

Connectivity

As with all top consoles, great connectivity is paramount when playing online, streaming content or downloading the latest game or expansion pack. You can trust Wightfibre to deliver to the service you need to take full advantage of all of the Nintendo Switch services, whilst the rest of the family use the connection for their needs too. If you’re looking to change providers then see how Wightfibre can help and you’ll discover why we have achieved a rating of 9.3 on Trustpilot*.

 

*as of the 11th April 2017