In 2020, our lives capsized. Rather than spending my sweet sixteen surrounded by my friends, I found myself nestled between the four walls of my bedroom in a state of impending boredom – a familiarity for us all. However, in spite of my birthday not going as planned, I received a gift from my family that would be life-altering, and would combat my boredom through its extensive game library – my Nintendo Switch.
I was no stranger to Nintendo games. I, too, had a pink DS Lite during my childhood, and I would feel the stresses of culinary calamity weighing on my six-year-old shoulders whilst playing Cooking Mama. Nostalgia and the pandemic intertwined for me, and there has never been a more perfect mishap in a video game release than Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a game that is a part of a franchise that holds a special place in many hearts. Animal Crossing: New Horizons was released in March 2020, after being anticipated since 2018. The timing of the game was integral to its success, as it encouraged Nintendo superfans, casual gamers, and beginners to stay inside and pick up a Switch. Compared to older Animal Crossing games, New Horizons does have its limitations. However, it’s undeniable that it’s legacy has led to the rise of “cosy gaming”.
In addition to new releases, the Switch has remastered numerous Nintendo classics. Most notably, Super Mario 3D All-Stars remastered three iconic Mario games: Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. Interestingly, I played all three games on three different consoles as a child: the DS, the GameCube, and the Wii, showing the Switch’s versatility in reigniting different dimensions of our childhood experiences in gaming.
One of the main benefits of the console is that, compared to its competitors, the cost is low, coming to £260. With the lower price, there comes a vast game library, including cheap or free games available on the market – yes, even Fortnite - meaning that you can jump between intense Mario Kart sessions with your friends or relax in a slow-paced session of Stardew Valley. Crucially, the Switch is a console of convenience, being portable for any occasion, whether that be battling boredom on long-haul journeys in reading week or hosting a games night with friends, where several people can bring a console to play.
Personally, the game which resonates with me most is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a crossover fighting game of both Nintendo and third-party characters. It’s sickening how many hours I’ve recorded playing this game, where I’ve snuck my switch into school or been playing online for hours when I should be studying. While other franchises such as Sony have tried to mimic Smash Bros. by making PlayStation Allstars, nothing will ever top the staggered reveals of new characters joining Smash Bros. and it’s major competitive scene. That doesn’t mean to say that beginner players can’t enjoy the buzz of the game, with 89 playable fighters to choose from.
Overall, I couldn’t recommend owning a Nintendo Switch enough, and with the Switch 2 coming around the corner this year, there’s no better time than to pick up the controller, whether you are a video game fanatic, a casual player or a complete beginner! The Switch continues to thrive from its versatility towards several audiences, regardless of experience.
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