Nintendo Switch Review: The Ultimate Hybrid Console?

Here's our in-depth assessment of the Switch, its power, its peripherals and its performance.

(By doing so you help support Digital Foundry as we get a small percentage of any sale)

[VivaPapaya]

I will never understand how people will beg to pay 600 for a phone but 300 for something like this is a "big ask". Get real.

[JLunaVideos]

Now this is a better review than IGN. It goes into detail with every single aspect including the pro controller

[Mantenner]

you cant be beaten in the market, if you create a new one

[Caidezes]

Well, considering it's the _only_ hybrid console...

[coolerdan]

Despite having a 4K capable PC and PS4, I still find myself excited for this console mostly because of the new ways it'll allow me to play my games and it's untapped potential. Sad that people have to discredit the console without even trying it out.

[Nusma]

Gaming PC + Switch is the definite way to go. I'm all set.

[cajunasian]

Best insightful review of the Switch by far by any reviewer. Thank you for truly discussing any pros and cons without any 'fanboy baggage' that other reviewers apparently carry for any review aside from their favorite game system. Looking forward to The Switch.

[VezixHaikal]

basically, the comment section is:
let all of us insult switch cuz it's cool to do so.
not that any of us will buy that console anyway, but its so much fun insulting them and people who wants to buy them hahaha.

[kopicha]

It is funny when so many people talk about the price. Nvidia Shield base model cost $199. That is the closest to Switch itself from the hardware point of view. You have a more "advance" controller with the Switch. While not amazing but more storage at 32GB compared to 16GB on Shield. It comes with a full multi touch touch IPS screen while not comparable to other premium mobile devices out there but it does it job here and that is not available on the Shield. A dock provided, while there isn't much inside, but it is definitely not just a piece of plastic. Since it is required for TV connectivity. Obviously there are some small board inside that contain some simple chipset that works as a controller to interface with the Switch along with additional connectivity. Most important of all it plays Nintendo games and everything at just $100 more. Even a Shield tablet cost $199, but less powerful for sure and controller is sold separately. None of those play Nintendo games. But no one is complaining those from Nvidia. It don't make any sense. 3DS launch at $249 but does less than this. Wii U launch at $299 which also does less than this. With everything said, complaining that Switch is expensive is really beyond me.

[pilksk]

Finally! someone who reviews this as a tablet/portable device and not as a 'home console' this is a high end portable that can be plugged into the TV just like a Nvidia Shield Tablet its not a dedicated home console like a PS4 at the very best this is a secondary console.... But if you look at it for what it is its the best gaming portable on the market.

[Frstman]

I'm sorry to say. I'm no longer a big fan. I am a small air conditioner.

[MrMario]

These are pretty much the only guys I would trust with a console review, happy to see this!

[ProjectDelta]

I'm surprised with the Switch after owning it since launch. Three of my friends who were more skeptical than me enjoyed it. Until you play it in your hand does it hit you how awesome it is to take a console experience with you on the go. Very cool first time experience.

[miguelr]

just came to see all the Sony foundry fans unimaginative "doa" & "wii u 2.0" comments lol

[jecoharman]

What a superb in dept review. Thanks Digital Foundry, I'll be picking up a Switch on launch.

[jjtn]

How about the real price of the console I mean you need a SD Card, a Pro Controller for some games, the cases and the charging grip for the Joy cons.?

[peterkevintaylor]

I do not get the excitement at all. have people not learned anything from Nintendo and the Wii U.

[therick]

don't read comment sections. PS4 fanboys spoling The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

[rodneymugwara]

I'll get this for Zelda, xenoblade and Mario

[mrconroy]

Wow this comment section is salty, do not listen to these salty haters and reviews. Go to Switch Force or Austin Evans, those guys are reliable