Nintendo Switch Beginner’s Guide – Best games, accessories, etc

It may be one of the best times to get a Nintendo Switch, as the library is expansive and the system itself is getting cheaper. Despite the next console on the near horizon, here’s a Nintendo Switch beginner’s guide to help you make the most of the hybrid system.

Nintendo Switch Beginner’s Guide – Which system should you get?

There are three different systems to consider while buying a Nintendo Switch: the Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. The regular Nintendo Switch was the first to launch and can be taken on-the-go or be played as a regular console on your TV. The Nintendo Switch Lite can’t be played on the TV and can only be played portable. The Switch OLED is the premium option with a better, bigger 7′ inch OLED screen.

If you want the best experience for you or a loved one, the Switch OLED is likely the way to go. In addition to the bigger and brighter screen, it has an improved vertical stand, better audio, and 64GB of internal storage. You can also directly plug in an ethernet cable, improving the online experience.

However, if you’re not fussy, the regular Nintendo Switch is just fine. The screen might be smaller, but it is significantly cheaper than the OLED model, especially if you get the console used. The Nintendo Switch Lite is a decent choice for a younger gamer. I began with that model because of its cheaper price point, and it was uncomfortable to hold in my hands for longer periods of time. Those with smaller hands would likely enjoy the system more. It’s a great little Pokemon machine you can take with you.

Best family-friendly Nintendo Switch games

You can stream YouTube and Crunchyroll on your Nintendo Switch, but the main reason why you’re getting this device is for the games, right? There are plenty of family-friendly titles on the system from Nintendo itself.

A game that anyone in the family can play, however, is Nintendo Switch Sports. Similar to Wii Sports, you’re playing a bunch of competitive games like football (soccer), badminton, volleyball, and more. The controls are easy to figure out, and they’re all fun to play with friends and family. You can even play the game online if you want to test your skills.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is another game you should consider. It’s easy to pick up and play, and it’s thrilling to race against your pals. There are many creative tracks to race on, and there are a bunch of items to master, like the almighty Blue Shell and Bpb-Ombs, to stop your opponents from winning.

Lastly, the Jackbox Party Pack games are fantastic for everyone in the family as you only need a phone as your controller. In one of the games Fibbage, you’re given a prompt, which includes a fact. There’s a blank within the prompt you can fill as a lie. If a player chooses your lie, you win points. If you get the prompt correct, you also win points. There are also drawing games like Tee K.O., which allows you to compete for the best shirt design. Another fun party game includes Super Mario Party Jamboree; each mini-game is entertaining, and there are none I would want to avoid.

Best single-player games for Switch

For those who want to game alone, there are many options available to you. The easiest recommendation I can make is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. As Link, you get to explore a fascinating open world with beautiful vistas and plenty of puzzles to figure out along the way. The environment itself becomes a puzzle as you try to counter cold or warm weather or overcome rocky cliffs. There are a bunch of epic moments within the story, and you meet many characters in your journey to save Hyrule and Princess Zelda.

Super Mario Odyssey is a fantastic title for fans of 3D platformers. It has imaginative worlds to explore, well-designed levels, and a vibrant art style that delights many who play it. “Odyssey does what any sandbox game should — give us a heap of areas that feel different and fun to run around in,” said our review.

One of the best indie games you can play on Nintendo Switch is Celeste. It’s a challenging 2D platformer that has you climb a tricky mountain. You’ll fail many, many times, but the storyline comes hand-in-hand with the struggle and leads to a tear-worthy conclusion (the happy kind). It feels very satisfying to conquer the game by the end, and Celeste is well-designed.

Epic role-playing games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim are also available on the system. They both have surprisingly good ports for the Nintendo Switch. “Yes, it’s certainly a graphical downgrade, but the story, voice work and gameplay are all intact,” said our review for the Switch port of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. “Combat is smooth, and the frame rate is consistent even when you’re being attacked on all sides.”

Best accessories for the Nintendo Switch

If you want to game regularly on the Nintendo Switch, the Joy-Con that come included won’t cut it. Hours of hand strain can attest to that. You may want to invest in a Pro controller. It has a more comfortable feel, like a DualSense or an Xbox controller, and has many battery hours included. It also features HD rumble and motion controls, which enhance the experience.

You’ll also want to consider a decent headset. The Recon 50 has a neat blue and red design to match with the console’s Joy-Con colors. Turtle Beach headsets usually have a good build and can last a while. It’s also fairly inexpensive.

Another note to consider

Unfortunately, you’ll need to purchase a subscription to access online multiplayer. If you or someone you love wants to play online with a friend, they’ll need to be subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online. You can get the standard subscription, which comes with the following:

• Online multiplayer
• Access to an NES, Game Boy, and SNES library
• Online saves backup
• Tetris 99 and F-Zero 99

Or you can get Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which has additional features like:

• Access to Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) games
• Additional DLC for free, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing New Horizons: Happy Home Designer, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.

The regular Switch Online costs $19.99 a year, $3.99 a month, or $9.99 for three months. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can only be bought for a one-year subscription and costs $49.99. There are also family plans you can consider that let up to eight accounts access Switch Online at the same time.