Did you just unbox your brand new Nintendo Switch? Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to adopting a Nintendo console.
The improved kickstand of the Nintendo Switch OLED // Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid
Have you just bought or received a Nintendo Switch? Here is everything you need to have in mind to get the best out of your first steps with the Nintendo hybrid console.
Console configuration and optimization
The Nintendo Switch is a console that is easy to use. If you have the classic model or the OLED model, it is recommended that you install the dock that came with the console to be able to connect it to a TV. The dock simply connects: an HDMI cable to the TV and the power supply to charge the console.
The Nintendo Switch dock can be used on a television // Source: Anthony Wonner – Frandroid
The first console configuration is done in a few steps: setting the language of the region, selecting the time zone, connecting to the Internet and creating the first console profile. Each profile allows for separate progression on most console games. If one or more children are going to use the console, do not hesitate to configure parental controls.
If the controllers supplied with the console are not to your liking, or if you want to make the use of the Switch more convenient, discover our selection of the best accessories for the console.
Our tip: Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo offers a paid subscription to go further with the console: the Nintendo Switch Online. A good addition to your new console to fully enjoy it. The service is marketed from 3.99 euros per month per Nintendo account, or 34.99 euros for 12 months and up to 8 accounts for the family plan. In particular, it allows access to online play on the Nintendo network (to bring friends to your island in Animal Crossing New Horizons, face other pilots in Mario kart 8 or other fighters in Super Smash Bros), but also to be able to save the progress of your games in the cloud. As a bonus, Nintendo offers access to a catalog of NES and Super Nintendo games, the manufacturer’s first two home consoles.
Nintendo also offers the Nintendo Switch Online + Additional Pack offer for 39.99 euros for 12 months per account, or 69.99 euros for 12 months and 8 accounts with the family offer. This second package also includes a catalog of Nintendo 64 and Mega Drive games as well as the Happy Home Paradise extension for the game. Animal Crossing New Horizons.
Our tips
Here are some other things to know to get the most out of your Nintendo Switch.
If you want to use it on the go, you can connect a Bluetooth wireless headset to it by synchronizing it with the console.
We also recommend that you read our guide to capture and share your favorite moments in games. Note that it is possible to transfer images directly through the console’s USB-C port with the same cable you use for your other USB-C devices.
To go even further, you can download Nintendo’s smartphone apps. They allow you to manage voice calls on online games without going through the console and to manage the parental control of the console remotely.
The essential games
A console would be nothing without its games. Here is a selection of essential games for Nintendo Switch.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Should we still present Mario Kart? Nintendo’s popular family racing game offers one of its best versions on Switch with over 50 tracks and plenty of drivers and vehicles. There are of course new tracks, but also a selection of the best tracks from previous episodes. Gaming is also one of the console’s finest technical feats.
Whether it is to liven up an evening with friends, family or face all the challenges alone, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have.
Animal Crossing New Horizons
The containment game and one of the console’s biggest hits. Animal Crossing is the perfect game to relax.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons // Source: Nintendo
Build a paradise island, invite travelers to become your fellow villagers and participate in the many activities offered by the game such as fishing, insect capture, fossil research and the reimbursement of a loan shark.
Super Mario Odyssey
The Nintendo 64 had Super mario 64, the Nintendo Switch has the right to Super Mario Odyssey. The game uses the excellent principle of mixing exploration and platforming from its illustrious ancestor in a selection of vast kingdoms in the open world.
This time, it will be necessary to collect moons to hope to travel around the world to prevent the forced marriage between Bowser and Peach. For this, Cappy, Mario’s cap, will allow you to take control of the monsters and make the most of the environments. A great diversity of gameplay and one of the best soundtracks of the Switch are on the program.
Pokémon Let’s Go
If you’ve never put your fingers on an episode of the popular Pokémon series, or are new to it, Pokémon Go on mobile, the version Let’s go is the perfect way to experience the role-playing game with dozens of monsters to capture.
Pokémon Let’s Go and a reimagined version of the very first Pokémon games with the famous 151 monsters. You no longer capture pokémons by weakening them, but by throwing pokéballs directly with the Joy-con as in Pokémon Go. The game offers very pleasing 3D graphics and a cooperative mode ideal if you want to play with a child. Playful and cute, a game we highly recommend.
Celestial
The Nintendo Switch has also proven to be the ideal console for enjoying the best indie games. It’s hard not to mention Celeste in this category. This game which seems from a distance to be a simple 2D platform game will take you to surpass yourself with increasingly tough challenges, but still easily accessible. Just what it takes to say ” i can do it “.
One of the most influential games of its generation which makes the accomplishment interactive and makes it reason with a relevant story. If you feel the soul of a completionist, Celeste will then offer you dozens of hours of activities to discover all the mysteries of this monument.
Honorable mentions
Nintendo Switch is full of great titles in every genre possible. If you haven’t found satisfaction among our essentials, here are a few titles to keep in mind, they are all excellent: The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, Dragon Quest XI, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Hades, Hollow Knight, Divinity Original Sin 2, Ring Fit Adventureand 51 Worldwide Games . Without forgetting MinecraftandStardew Valley, and… well OK, we stop there.
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