The gaming giant still has a few advantages …
Nintendo has officially started moving away from its original models as it focuses on the Switch 2, which now means the inevitable termination of older eShop and internet services draws closer than ever. But is the original Switch still worth it despite this?
The short answer is yes, because regardless of people’s hype and controversy over Nintendo’s Switch 2, the original Switch’s services won’t be closed for quite some time yet. There’s also a multitude of benefits to having a Switch compared to its competitors too, so sit back and relax, for surprisingly, Nintendo still has a lot to offer.
So no matter if you’re a noob or a veteran gamer that’s curious or just looking for new inspiration, these five reasons should satisfy any desire regarding Nintendo Switch insights!
Massive Game Variety
Compared to the Switch 2, which currently has under 400 games, the original Nintendo Switch has a colossal total of over 11,000 titles available, with some only being on eShop. This includes anything from recent AAA titles, to indie and free to play games.
However, if you’re more a physical game collector, or perhaps prefer to own physical media in general, you may find avoiding or restricting usage of the eShop highly beneficial for this purpose. The good news is that there’s an estimated 4,000 physical titles released worldwide, giving people a huge chance to own their games in real life rather than having them downloaded digitally to the console.
Although some games publishers like Limited Run and Super Rare Games only release selected titles as limited editions, it is possible to pre-order them, ensuring you get a copy right away. If you don’t, the scarcity makes them rarer and sought after, therefore increasing their value and prices on the second-hand market.
There’s nothing quite like not knowing what to play thanks to the sheer volume of games, and this experience is common for the Switch. Variety is king in gaming, from platformers, shooters, RPGs, strategy, to simulators and more, Nintendo probably has the biggest range when it comes to aesthetic and genre. Where else could you find Mario and Dark Souls in the same place?
Exclusive Titles
Talking about Mario: where else would you find him other than at Nintendo itself?
Nintendo has created and owns many of the world’s most recognisable franchises, from Zelda, Donkey Kong, and Super Mario himself, to more recent ones such as Splatoon. The exclusivity of these beloved characters remains a core principle of Nintendo’s appeal and business model.
The exact reason why many prefer Xbox for Halo’s storyline and gameplay, is the same true for Nintendo’s franchises. Nowhere can you explore wildlands as a Pokemon trainer, be in debt to Tom Nook, or command Pikmin other than on a Nintendo console, and that’s the best, yet occasionally annoying thing ever!
Whilst competing consoles fight over teraflops and frame rates, Nintendo relies on the irreplaceable magic of its extensive library. You might grudge having to give out considerable amounts of money just to play a handful of franchises, but the moment your favourite game loads, that annoyance evaporates. Nintendo has relied on exclusivity to produce some of the greatest experiences in gaming history, and it doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon.
Portability
Having the ability to continue gaming even when the console isn’t physically connected to the TV is a massive relief, for at times when relatives are binge watching Netflix and not allowing interruptions or maybe you simply find it easier to play handheld and find wires a hassle, the Switch is a perfect option.
But is holding the entire console still not good enough? Then here’s some good news: Nintendo designed the Switch in a way that enables its Joy-Cons to be removed and used as controllers wirelessly, allowing you to play whilst the screen remains separate. Like a mini portable TV, the console’s screen can be placed somewhere convenient yet close enough to see, and then you can game anywhere, including on vacation without needing wires or an actual TV.
Although handheld consoles aren’t anything new, with everything from the Game Boy in the 90s to the PSP in the 00s, the Switch manages to set itself apart in how far this type of hardware has progressed in the last couple decades. Games that are now possible to play on handheld couldn’t have been imagined even a decade ago, but now epic titles such as Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim can be played anywhere without needing a TV!
Why the Switch Still Wins
Rediscovering the Nintendo Switch isn't about chasing the highest graphical fidelity or latest AAA title; it’s about reconnecting with pure, addictive fun. Whether you are a veteran gamer returning for nostalgia or a novice looking for a refreshing change of pace, this console consistently proves its value by prioritising the player experience above all else.
From its unrivalled hybrid versatility made to suit any busy modern lifestyle, library of iconic exclusive franchises not found anywhere else, to being an affordable entry point compared to PC rigs or other consoles, the Switch remains an absolute entertainment goliath.
So, is the Nintendo Switch still worth it? Absolutely. Long after the novelty of other gadgets fades, Nintendo’s hybrid will continue to deliver memorable experiences that justify every single penny. It’s time to dust off those Joy-Cons, boot up your favorite world, and explore the magic for yourself.
