By: Max Cannon
I've been playing the Nintendo Switch since its release on March 3rd, 2017. As I said in my initial impressions, I love Nintendo's newest console. However, that doesn't mean there isn't some room for improvement. Here are some places that the Nintendo Switch could improve and keep players happy.
A Few Tweaks to Hardware
Though I haven't had any misfortune fall to my own Switch, horror stories have circulated of scratched screens and broken JoyCons. The big selling point for the Nintendo Switch was the ability to play in either a handheld or console mode. When in console mode the Switch rests in a small plastic dock. A small, but vocal, group of gamers have said that dock has left marks on the Switch screen when removed from the dock. And Nintendo has already acknowledged that a "manufacturing variation" cased issues with certain JoyCons having connection issues when detached from the unit -- which Nintendo will repair for free.
It's good of Nintendo to repair broken JoyCons but they shouldn't have been broken in the first place.Courtesy of Nintendo
I've always been gentle when removing my console from the dock out of fear for my new favorite toy, but Nintendo's own promotional videos have shown some pretty aggressive docking/removal of the console. The dock feels very flimsy, as does the kickstand, so I would hope Nintendo may release a sturdier dock in future iterations. And it seems like they've already solved their pesky JoyCon problem.
That weak little kickstand always has me worried in Tabletop Mode.Courtesy of Nintendo Life
Bring Back Virtual Console
Virtual Console has been Nintendo's means of playing older games since the 3DS and Wii U launched. The oldest console added to the library was the Nintendo 64 but we haven't seen anything more recent then that. However there are a multitude of NES and SNES games on the platform. To compete with Xbox Games With Gold and PlayStation Plus Nintendo will be offering a free game each month. Sadly, unlike Nintendo's competitors, this game will only last for the month so when that month is over you'll lose access to the game.
Nintendo's older games make the Virtual Console a massive selling point.Courtesy of Forbes
Virtual Console hasn't graced the Nintendo Switch with its presence at the moment but I would expect us to hear something about it soon. I'd also love to see the inclusion of Gamecube or Wii games onto the service. If I could play Super Smash Bros Melee on my Switch I would be able to die a happy man.
Though Nintendo's eShop had a weaker launch, I'll forgive anyone that brings Zelda along for the ride.
Keep The Games Coming
While The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the best launch games I've ever played, we've got to wait a month until the next potential killer app comes out -- i.e. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. That may not seem like a long time, and in the grand scheme of the console it's not too bad, but gamers will surprise anyone with how quickly they can finish a game and move onto whatever is next. A steady stream of games will keep players happy and returning to their Switch.
Don't worry, Nintendo seems to have a lot of games coming in 2017.Courtesy of Nintendo
Have Your Say!
What changes would you like to see come to the Nintendo Switch? Do you already have the console? Share your thoughts below!
