Tech Up! Nintendo Switch Hardware Review

What can be said about Nintendo Switch that has not already been revealed? Well, they say that a picture speaks a thousand words. How about 147, though? That is a lot of words, then. Be sure to check out that link, though, as it shows off all of Cubed3's photos of the hardware and accessories - from the Switch and its dock, to the Joy-Con in grey, neon red, and neon blue colours, the Pro Controller, and so on. The only thing missing so far is an arcade stick, but hey, HORI has you covered for that one with a plethora of official Switch goodies on the way, also including useful charge stands and screen protectors.

Want to check out a few of Cubed3's other articles on Nintendo Switch? See what the team felt about Switch after its initial reveal, take a look at the hands-on report from the Nintendo Switch Premiere event, or even the first look at the system from a week before launch, and there is always the taste of Breath of the Wild or the slew of hands-on preview articles for key Switch games. There has been coverage in abundance, and full reviews will start pouring in soon enough. For now, it is time to focus on the hardware, with Zelda's review to follow.

Nintendo Switch has been the hero of the day in that regard. After just one week of jumping between the two early review copies provided - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Just Dance 2017 - it has passed numerous tests in the comfort, durability, and flexibility stakes. Playing on the TV? Brilliant, even just using the Joy-Con separated for a bit of Zelda RPG action (juicy titbit for you all: there is some motion element included, and they are put to use in the most fantastic of ways). The Joy-Con grip (both charging version and vanilla, non-charging, edition) augments the experience and is the perfect alternative for those not wanting to fork out for an expensive Pro, but obviously the Pro is indeed king, even if it is simply because of its proper D-pad, as opposed to directional buttons…oh, and the fact it can work natively on PCs (great news, Steam gamers, right?). Relaxing on the sofa? No problem, since handheld mode works a treat, with Switch feeling like the real deal, making the GamePad of Wii U seem like nothing more than an early prototype. Want to show off the new Zelda adventure to the missus? Easy peasy. Just pull out the stand on the back, click in place, and slide those Joy-Con off the side to play away...or leave them in and connect up the Pro Controller. Whatever suits. If you have four Joy-Con and a grip, leave two attached to the Switch screen whilst in stand mode, and use the other two attached to the grip. Lots of options are available and help make Switch so accessible that having to go back to PlayStation 4, et al, and be stuck in one place is quite tiresome.

As for the interface of the system itself, it is clear and user-friendly, with the layout and ease of navigation using normal controls or the capacitive touch screen aimed at making Nintendo Switch as appealing to the non-hardcore gaming demographic as Wii was, but this time far more polished. Size is not a point of contention, either, with the portable screen working just fine for two people to crowd around, and the Joy-Con not being as bad as some have made out. Those bigger-handed folk out there - present company included - should be able to comfortably use the Joy-Con in general, and when the wrist-straps are attached, the Joy-Con are made slightly chunkier, and simpler to hold than before, so any lingering complaints some may have should quickly wash away.

There will be a Day One patch included that updates many features, including a News option, and the eShop, amongst other treats that will no doubt impress. For now, though, just the idea of being able to go from the big screen, to portable, or even to tabletop mode thanks to its funky little pop-out stand, with all manner of control combinations, makes for the ultimate gaming experience. Nintendo has definitely delivered the goods with Switch, and things can only get better from here on in.

9/10

Exceptional - Gold Award

This is by far the most stylish piece of hardware Nintendo has released so far, taking as many of the core elements from its past systems and amalgamating them into the wonderful Nintendo Switch. It has all of the sleekness expected from the likes of Sony and Microsoft, but still that quirky and family-friendly feeling that Nintendo is renowned for. This is the perfect system to play anytime, anywhere, with anyone. Objective complete. Now you're playing with power…

**If readers have any questions, please do ask away in the comments section**