The Nintendo Switch decoded: Pros and cons for gamers

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch. Pic courtesy/Nintendo's official YouTube channel

Nintendo's latest offering to the gaming market - The Switch, has the distinction of becoming the first video game console system, that also acts as a handheld gaming device. A look at some pros and cons...

Watch the last commercial detailing the features of the Nintendo Switch below

The pros
Detachable controllers: Nintendo Switch's detachable gaming controllers, gives the player a feel of operating a hand-held gaming system. While apart, they can also fulfill the need to two individual mini controllers.

Can give a traditional feel to some gamers: The Nintendo Switch also possesses a dock, which enables the console to be connected to a television. This gives those couch potatoes a feel of a gaming system of the old days.

Ultimate portability: When detached from the TV, the Nintendo Switch can enable the user to play games anywhere - be it the bed, or a coffee shop, there are no limits when it comes to gaming convenience.

Watch the trailer of 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' below

Ability to play the latest high-end release: 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild', which has been released along with the Nintendo Switch, was a game that previously required a PC or a TV-connected gaming console. But now, due to the portable nature of the Switch, such a high-end video game can be enjoyed anywhere.

So, the Nintendo Switch, with detachable controllers, works as a tablet or as a standard video console connected to a television via a dock.

The cons
Low memory: Gamers would need to purchase a microSD card in order to boost the inadequate memory on the Nintendo Switch.

More games or apps needed: Currently, the only major title available is the 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild', which could become monotonous for gamers, who might yearn for more releases from the gaming franchise. Nintendo ultimately needs to create a robust online store, with games and apps that utilize the touch screen as well as the controllers, to make the Switch become a must-own tablet.

Honourable mentions
There is a selection of mini-games, which utilize the Nintendo Switch's detachable controllers to clever but gimmicky results. One game asks players to mimic milking a cow and another where they are required to cradle the controller like a baby and rock it to sleep.