Introducing the Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch arrived on March 1st 2017. After years of anticipation, the successor to the popular Wii U had finally arrived, but has it lived up to the hype? There’s no doubt that the Switch is an imaginative, ground-breaking gaming system, with a completely revamped controller and some of the best motion capture systems ever seen.

This buyer’s guide should help you decide whether the Nintendo Switch is the games console for you, and how to find the biggest Nintendo Switch savings.

Nintendo Switch: Impressive Entertainment at Home and On the Go

Nintendo has been releasing home entertainment products for over thirty years. Starting with the Game and Watch in 1980, they released the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985, the handheld Gameboy in 1989, then the Super Nintendo (SNES) in 1991. The Nintendo 64 followed in 1996, the Gameboy Colour in 1998, then the Gameboy Advance and the GameCube in 2001. But it was the unveiling of the Nintendo Wii in 2006 that really laid the foundations for the Nintendo Switch.

The Wii Remote was the first mainstream system to offer motion capture technology, enabling users to play tennis or join virtual exercise classes. It was followed by the Wii U in 2012, which refined the technology, making it more powerful and rivalling Sony and Microsoft’s systems in terms of graphical power.

Finally, in 2015 Nintendo announced that the Wii U would be replaced by the ‘NX’. It took a further two years of refinement and development until the Nintendo Switch arrived, representing a blend between handheld and home-based gaming systems that had never been seen before.

How Does the Nintendo Switch Work?

What do Nintendo mean when they say that the Switch is a hybrid system? Isn’t the Switch just another games console with a handheld controller that hooks up to your TV screen?

Actually, it’s quite different. The Nintendo Switch has three main elements that make it unlike any other home entertainment console.

The console itself is the first element. This can be hooked up to a normal TV and used like a Wii or a PlayStation. However, this isn’t the only way it can be used. If you want to use it with your TV, you can attach the console to the second element, the docking station. But it can also be used like a tablet anywhere you like (though you’ll need to charge it periodically).

The third element in the Nintendo Switch package is the Joy-Con controller. This peripheral isn’t like anything gamers have seen before. The standard direction pad and buttons are familiar, but the way that the Joy-Con attaches to the side of the console is less ordinary. By attaching the Joy-Con, users can turn the mobile console into a gaming tablet of incredible power. At the same time, the Joy-Con is adapted for wireless control and motion capture, and provides some of the most impressive tactile feedback yet experienced. It can also be connected to a grip accessory, turning it into a normal gamepad. It’s an impressively versatile piece of engineering.

Nintendo have come up with three different ways to use their console, all of them with different needs in mind:

• TV mode - With the Switch attached via an HDMI cable to any standard flat screen TV.


• Handheld mode - With the Joy-Cons attached to the side of the console, allowing you to play your favourite games wherever you go.

By now, the hybrid nature of the Nintendo Switch should be fairly clear. For the first time, a system can be played on large flat-screen TVs, both with wireless motion capture controllers and standard gamepads, or taken around the home as a mobile tablet. In theory, this makes the Switch a promising gaming platform and a worthy successor to the Wii range, but do its specifications back up the imaginative thinking that created it?

Nintendo Switch: Commercial

How Does Nintendo Switch Online Work?

Using the Nintendo Switch also has an important online element: The Nintendo Switch Online Ordering Service which arrives in autumn 2017, with trials starting from March 2017.

If you intend to enjoy multiplayer games on your Switch, this is the service for you. Initially free of charge if you have a Nintendo Account, it will become a paid subscription after formally launching, and you can expect to find plenty of Nintendo Switch Online offers at HotUKDeals when this becomes a reality.

Additionally, Nintendo Switch Online features a few bonuses for users to sweeten the deal. For example, it will feature a smartphone app, enabling users to organise gaming sessions with their friends. You will also get a free SNES or NES retro-download every month, as well as exclusive offers on Nintendo Switch content; so it will probably be worth signing up.

Nintendo Switch: Basic Specifications

As with all gaming systems, hardcore players will want to know a little about what’s inside the Nintendo Switch before handing over any cash. With that in mind, here are some of the key specifications:

• Dimensions: 10.2 x 23.9 x 1.39cm (when the Joy-Con controllers are attached to the sides of the console)


• Weight: 297g


• Screen resolution: 1280x720p, capacitive touchscreen


• Screen size: 6.2 inches


• Memory: 32GB


• CPU: Customised NVIDIA Tegra processor


• Connectivity: Wi-fi IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1


• Max video output: 1920x1080 at 60 fps (TV mode), 1280x720 (Tablet mode)


• Connections: USB type-C, Stereo out, HDMI, Nintendo Switch game card slot


• Battery life: Over 6 hours, with a 3-hour charging period

These specifications compare well with other consoles on the market, although Nintendo haven’t been forthcoming with detailed information about the CPU and GPU speeds. For example, the PS4 Pro has 8GB of RAM, well below the Nintendo Switch (and weighs about 3.3kg - much heavier). The only shortcomings of the Switch tend to be in terms of graphical performance. You can expect the PS4 Pro and Xbox One S to outperform it when handling first person shooters and other demanding titles. However, as these aren’t a staple of Nintendo’s range this probably won’t be a deal breaker.

What Nintendo Switch Bundles are Available?

Nintendo hasn’t just released its innovative new console onto the market on its own. Buyers can choose between a range of different bundles when making their purchase and it’s important to choose one that fits your budget and needs. Here are the major options:

• The Basic Nintendo Switch Bundle - Comes with the Nintendo Switch console, the docking station and the Joy-Con controllers, and is available in grey or with blue and red Joy-Cons.


• Legend of Zelda Bundles - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the most exciting Switch releases, and is included in bundles of its own. If you want to save money on one of the console’s leading games, it makes sense to purchase a themed bundle which will often come with extra controllers and accessories like carry cases and screen protectors.


• Mario Kart Bundles - Mario Kart Deluxe 8 is another exciting title (and great for families who want a fun multiplayer game to start with). Again, you can find bundles with extra controllers, which may be a good choice if you have a large group of children (or friends) who will want a piece of the action.


• 1-2-Switch Bundles - 1-2-Switch is a great introduction to the features of the Joy-Con controller, as well as being a lot of fun. If you want to get the most out of your console and learn the ropes quickly, a bundle featuring the game could be just what you need.

Always remember to shop around for bundles before making a purchase. Just because titles are bundled with the console doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed a good price. Often, you’ll find that buying the basic console is far cheaper. Then, by hunting around at the HotUKDeals listings, you can find cut-price deals on games like Zelda or Mario Kart, allowing you to pay far less than you would for normal bundles. So shop smart, and don’t be impulsive. You’ll probably find deals for the products you need if you look around.

Highlights from the Nintendo Switch Gaming Range

One of the key things about any console is the range of games available for it. But how does the Nintendo Switch measure up on this score? There are certainly some exciting games either available or on the horizon. Here are some of the favourites right now:

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Zelda is a beloved Nintendo franchise and one of the most famous RPG series in history. The most recent incarnation sees Link battling against nemesis Calamity Ganon across a massive game world. In Breath of the Wild, Link has more terrain and dungeons to explore, more people to meet, enemies to vanquish and quests to complete than ever before. Universally praised, it’s one of 2017’s essential games and you can only purchase it for the Nintendo Switch or the Wii U. It’s a great reason for non-Nintendo owners to invest in a Switch. However, if you are a Wii U owner, there might be less urgency. Both versions are graphically similar and offer the same vast game world.


• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Mario and Luigi have been locked in racing contests ever since the first Mario Kart emerged for the SNES in 1991, and every version has offered new features and innovations. The 8th version was actually released for the Wii U in 2014, but Nintendo have produced a ‘Deluxe’ version for the Switch with extra courses, vehicles, weapons and a new battle mode.


• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - A gaming sensation since its release in 2011, Skyrim is coming to the Nintendo Switch and promises to make the most of its immersive controls and mobile gaming capabilities. Now, when you enter the Elder Scrolls universe, you can continue to play whether you are on the beach, on the train or in your bed. With months of gameplay on offer, Skryim will surely be a Nintendo Switch essential.


• Super Mario Odssey - One of the Top games is another exclusive title to the Nintendo Switch. In Super Mario Odyssey, Mario leaves the Mushroom kingdom and explores in sandbox-style the Nintendo world.

Super Mario Odyssey: Trailer

Those are three of the most eagerly anticipated Nintendo Switch titles and more are in the pipeline, including strategy games like Constructor, platformers like 1001 Spikes, and racing games like Fast RMX. However, while there’s a long list of scheduled releases, the actual selection of Nintendo Switch games is very small. Beyond Zelda and 1-2-Switch, very few games have been made available as yet, leading to sharp criticism of Nintendo’s development policies.

When the trickle of games becomes a flood (mid to late 2017), the Nintendo Switch will come into its own, with a focus on high quality RPGs, puzzle games, sports titles and racing games. But until then, it may be sensible for Wii U, PlayStation or Xbox owners to hold off. All their systems have massive game libraries and a continuing stream of releases. Even if they aren’t as technically innovative as the Nintendo Switch, that’s a big plus.

For Wii U owners, it’s also important to note that the Switch is not backwards compatible with your console. This means that your lovingly assembled collection of games won’t work on your new system and you’ll have to wait for new titles to arrive (or keep two consoles working in parallel, a clumsy solution).

3DS owners might also be thinking about making the "Switch" to Nintendo's new console. Should they do so? Possibly, but Nintendo has made it clear that the Switch is not designed to be a 3DS replacement. The 3DS is more compact, has better battery life and is lighter - all of which make it preferable for mobile gaming. So, if you already have a 3DS and only really use it on the move, the Switch won't really make sense unless you have the money and desire to use both simultaneously.

What Kind of People Will the Nintendo Switch Appeal To?

This is the really important question, but it’s not yet an easy one to answer. Why not yet? Because the full potential of the Nintendo Switch hasn’t become clear. It could be widely embraced and lead to a revolution in home and mobile gaming, or it could be shunned and overwhelmed by new Xbox or Sony systems.

Assuming the Nintendo Switch performs as well as the Wii and Wii U, it will almost certainly be ideal for families with younger children. Nintendo’s titles are always pitched at younger gamers, with less violence and gore and accessible gameplay. They are also usually excellent multiplayer experiences, making the Nintendo Switch a possible focal point for group family fun.

If you are the kind of gamer who lusts after death matches and multiplayer carnage, the PS4 Pro or Xbox One S could be a better fit. There’s little chance of games like Resident Evil or Call of Duty carrying over to the Switch, or similarly adrenaline-fuelled games being developed.

Graphically, the Nintendo style won’t appeal to everyone either. For some fans, Link and Mario are like members of the family. For others, cartoony visuals and quirky sound effects won’t cut it. Make sure you are the kind of person who is in tune with Nintendo’s aesthetic before making a purchase.

Accessories to Enhance Your Nintendo Switch Experience

One of the important things to recognise about the Nintendo Switch is the importance of accessories. You simply can’t get everything out of the system unless you have a set of Joy-Con controllers, the docking station and the cables needed to hook everything together, and not all of these accessories are included in basic bundles. Here are some vital accessories that all Nintendo Switch purchasers will want to think about:

• The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller - Essentially a classic-style gamepad, the Pro Controller may be useful for experienced gamers who can’t get to grips with the Joy-Con system. Includes advanced rumble and motion capture technology, making it fully compatible with the latest Switch titles.


• Joy-Con Charging Grips - This handy accessory allows to clip together the left and right Joy-Cons, and also allows you to charge those controllers during play - ideal for long RPG exploration sessions.


• Joy-Con Straps - These wrist straps attach to the Joy-Con controller, making it easier to handle and protect from damage during games that rely on motion capture.


• Carrying Cases - The Nintendo Switch console can be vulnerable to scratches and damage, particularly when you use it extensively as you travel. The Nintendo Carry Case provides excellent padding for users to need to play as they move.


• The Joy-Con Wheel - This handy controller allows you to place your Joy-Con controllers in a steering wheel which you can then use in Mario Kart Deluxe or other racing titles, adding a whole new gaming dimension.

These accessories aren’t always cheap to purchase. If you buy a basic package, you can easily run up large bills by adding extra accessories on an ad hoc basis, so try to find combo deals or bundles that save money. There should be plenty to choose from at the HotUKDeals Nintendo Switch listings.

How and When to Make Your Nintendo Switch Purchase

If you’ve made up your mind to buy a Nintendo Switch, the next step is the crucial one: finding the very best deals around. It’s easy to pay over the odds for gaming consoles, even from reputable companies, so be careful when you choose your bundle.

The first place to look is the Nintendo website, not to make a purchase, but to double check that the Nintendo Switch meets your needs. When you’re certain that it will cut it, head over to the HotUKDeals Nintendo Switch listings, where you will find the latest deals from the UK’s largest gaming companies.

You’ll see Nintendo Switch bundles from GAME, Currys, Tesco, Amazon sellers, eBay merchants, Very and Smyths - with grey and coloured versions all available to choose from. Check for cheap Zelda bundles as well, as you can save plenty of money by buying the console and the game together.

Remember to search for bundles with the right mix of accessories as well. If you want to play with five people, you’ll need extra Joy-Con controllers. If you intend to spend hours on Mario Kart Deluxe, the steering wheel could be essential. Shop around, wait a few days and see which deals come up. You’ll probably find a saving that cuts the price of upgrading to the Nintendo Switch.

However, you may also want to delay for longer. Black Friday in November is always a great time to find gaming deals. By then the range of Nintendo Switch games will be far higher, while the online multiplayer service will have started up as well. If you are upgrading from a Wii U, autumn could be the cheapest and best time to do so.

Either way, you’ll find a constant stream of the very best Nintendo Switch discounts when you bookmark the console’s HotUKDeals listings.

Find Massive Nintendo Switch Savings at HotUKDeals

The launch of the Nintendo Switch opens up a new era in gaming, with its blend of home-based and mobile features. To share in the experience of playing this cutting-edge gaming system and save money in the process, check out the Nintendo Switch HotUKDeals listings.