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Nintendo Switch

"NX" redirects here. For the South Korean company known as "NX", see Nexon.

The Nintendo Switch (known as NX before its release) is a video game console created by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Wii U and was released on March 3, 2017.[1]

Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch logo.svg
Nintendo-Switch-wJoyCons-BlRd-Standing-FL.png
ManufacturerNintendo
TypeHybrid video game console
GenerationNinth generation
Release dateNintendo Switch:
March 3, 2017 BRANintendo Switch Lite:
WW September 20, 2019Nintendo Switch – OLED Model:
October 8, 2021 CHN
Introductory price
MediaNintendo Switch Game Card, download
Controller inputJoy-Con, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Online servicesNintendo Switch Online, Nintendo eShop
Backward
compatibility		No compatibility
PredecessorWii U
Nintendo 3DS
SuccessorNintendo Switch 2
A Nintendo Switch (bottom left) next to two gray Joy-Con in the Joy-Con grip (bottom right) and the Nintendo Switch dock (top). The Joy-Con can be separated from the console, as shown here.

The Switch is a hybrid console, similar to the lesser known Sega Nomad. The player can either connect it to a television or use it by itself as a handheld gaming device. It uses controllers called Joy-Cons, which can attach to both sides of the console. They can be attached to a grip when playing on a TV. The Joy-Con also have a feature known as HD Rumble, which allows for immersive vibration of the controllers. There is an infrared sensor on the bottom of the right Joy-Con that can detect shapes, and distance.

There are more than 1000 games for the Nintendo Switch. Some notable titles include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Pokémon Sword and Shield, with new titles coming out for the Nintendo Switch such as Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope.

Background

In 2012, Nintendo released the Wii U, but it was a complete failure selling only 13.56 million units. It remains the worst-selling mainline console Nintendo has released. However, Nintendo's handheld console, the Nintendo 3DS, was selling quite well. In 2017, the Nintendo Switch was launched through a trailer. The Wii U would end up being discontinued before the Switch even came out. Most Wii U games have been ported and/or upgraded on the Switch, with games like Mario Kart 8 and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze being some notable ones.

Reception

The Nintendo Switch received widespread acclaim. The Switch became the fastest-selling console, outselling the Wii U in only nine months.[2] In May 2020, it was announced that the Nintendo Switch had sold over 107 million consoles since its release.[3] As of November 2020, the Switch is the best-selling Nintendo home console.[4] On 6 May 2021, Nintendo Switch sold more units than the Nintendo 3DS, with 84.59 million units.[5] One major complaint about the console relates to the Joy-Con controllers and a frequent "stick-drift" issue.[6] "Stick-drift" is when the joystick receives input that the user doesn't initiate, causing the stick to "drift" in a direction not intended. Common reasons for this issue is wear and tear on the contact pads responsible for interpreting input and dirt.

The Switch sold over 132.5 million units as of November 2023.[7] According to an extrapolation, the Switch is going to be the best-selling console of all time.[8]

Models

Nintendo Switch Lite browsing Wikipedia

Original Model

The original Switch model had an LCD screen and had 32GB of internal memory. It costs $299.

Lite version

A version called the Nintendo Switch Lite was released on September 20, 2019.[9] It costs less and is smaller than a normal Nintendo Switch, doesn't use wires or anything and is a standalone device. Some games require an additional Joy-Con to play.[clarification needed] It cannot be connected to the TV via the "dock".[10][11]

A Nintendo Switch OLED Model

OLED model

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model is an upgraded version of the Switch that has a 7-inch OLED display, improved speakers, a larger and more adjustable stand, 64 GB of internal storage and a dock that includes a LAN cable port was announced by Nintendo on July 6, 2021.[12] It was released on October 8, 2021 with a price of $349.99 (£309.99).[12][13]

Accessories

The Nintendo Switch has several accessories. Nintendo Labo is a series of cardboard add-ons which the user builds to play games with. Ring Fit Adventure includes a circular piece of rubber called a Ring-Con, and a leg strap. Similar to the Wii, the Switch also has a wheel shaped holder for the Joy-Con.

Hardware

The original model of the Switch has a 720p LCD screen, 1.02 GHz quad-core CPU, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of flash storage. The OLED model has the same CPU and amount of RAM, but with an OLED screen and 64 GB of storage.[13] "Switch 2" controllers do not work on the Nintendo Switch.[14]

Emulation

The Switch 2 cannot natively run Switch games (but the Switch 2 is "backwards compatible" somehow).[15] A controversial way to play Switch games is to emulate on the Steam Deck[16] or a personal computer (by Ryujinx for example).[17]

Nintendo Switch Media

  • The Nintendo Switch, a hybrid portable/home console released by Nintendo in 2017. It is shown here in the portable mode, with the controllers (neon red & blue) attached to the sides of the main unit.

  • Nintendo-Switch-Console-Docked-wJoyConRB.jpg

    The Nintendo Switch, a hybrid portable/home console released by Nintendo in 2017. It is shown here in the docked/home mode, with the controllers detached from the main unit and in the included grip.

  • Nintendo-Switch-Console-Bare-FL-B.jpg

    Back of a Nintendo Switch (without controllers), showing the kickstand, MicroSD slot and charging port. The Joy-Con slotting mechanism is visible on the short side.

  • Innenleben der Nintendo Switch 20230405 HOF09139 RAW-Export.png

    View of the hardware inside the console from the back

  • Joy-Con strap - 3.jpg

    Joy-Con ストラップを付けた任天堂 Switch 有機ELモデルの Joy-Con。

  • A Nintendo Labo kit simulating a fishing rod and reel

  • Nintendo Switch Lite Pokemon Zacian and Zamazenta edition White BG.jpg

    The Nintendo Switch Lite integrates the Joy-Con into the main body.

  • Nintendo Switch – OLED-Modell, Konsole und Dock 20230506.png

    The Nintendo Switch – OLED Model features a larger OLED display, a metal body and a redesigned kickstand.

  • Nintendo Switch Online logo.svg

    Nintendo Switch Online logo

References

  1. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities at line 38: bad argument #1 to 'ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  2. ↑ Byford, Sam (January 31, 2018). The Nintendo Switch has already outsold the Wii U. https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/31/16954212/nintendo-switch-sales-earnings-q3-2017. Retrieved April 2, 2021. 
  3. ↑ Reynolds, Ollie (10 May 2022). "Nintendo Switch Has Now Sold Over 107 Million Units". Nintendo Life. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/05/nintendo-switch-has-now-sold-over-107-million-units. 
  4. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities at line 38: bad argument #1 to 'ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  5. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities at line 38: bad argument #1 to 'ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  6. ↑ Joy-Con drift lawsuit adds Switch Lite to class-action complaint. Owen S. Good. Sep 19, 2019
  7. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities at line 38: bad argument #1 to 'ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  8. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities at line 38: bad argument #1 to 'ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  9. ↑ "The Nintendo Switch family grows with today's launch of Nintendo Switch Lite". Nintendo. https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/2019/the-nintendo-switch-family-grows-with-todays-launch-of-nintendo-switch-lite/. Retrieved 20 December 2020. 
  10. ↑ Switch Lite and Playing it on the TV with Converter
  11. ↑ Can you play the Nintendo Switch Lite on a TV?
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities at line 38: bad argument #1 to 'ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities at line 38: bad argument #1 to 'ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  14. ↑ What Happens when you use Switch 2 Joycons on a Switch 1? July 2025
  15. ↑ How Do Switch 1 Games Actually Work On Switch 2? Nintendo Life. May 2025
  16. ↑ How to set up Switch emulator on the Steam Deck. Rishabh Kalita. May 24, 2024
  17. ↑ How To Play Nintendo Switch Games On PC. RGT 85

Special editions

The Nintendo Switch has seen a delightful array of special editions, each offering a unique aesthetic to celebrate beloved games and franchises. From the vibrant Animal Crossing: New Horizons edition with its pastel colors and themed Joy-Cons, to the sleek Pokémon editions, featuring iconic characters and designs, these consoles are highly sought after by collectors. The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate edition, with its striking red and black design, and the Monster Hunter Rise edition, with its intricate artwork, are other examples of the creativity Nintendo brings to its special edition consoles. These limited releases often include exclusive artwork on the console and dock, as well as themed Joy-Cons, making them a must-have for fans.

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