Nintendo Switch

Ten Reasons I Own: A Nintendo Switch

Over 3 years since i last posted in this category, when I visited the virtues of PC Gaming. Now I’ve had my Nintendo Switch* for a while, I reached ten reasons why it’s worthwhile to me. Maybe.

It’s not my favourite platform, but it is the most convenient.


1. Golf Story

Still one of my favourite exclusives on the Nintendo Switch, and an early contender for best “Game I Played This Year”. Golf Story is an excellent RPG / casual golf game hybrid and a real joy. The top 3 points on this list are why I caved and bought the system, but Golf Story tipped it over the edge.

Golf Story – Download code*


Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

2. Mario Kart 8: Deluxe

It wasn’t enough to get me to buy a Wii U (let’s be honest, it would have taken a lot) but when I finally got round to putting some real time into Mario Kart 8 I did have to concede that it’s probably the best Mario Kart yet. The main issues I had with 8 were:

  1. The bizarre juxtaposition of Mercedes product placement as DLC in the mushroom kingdom
  2. The break from the traditional mould for Deluxe on Nintendo Switch, where all the cups are unlocked immediately, taking away the joy of unlocking them as you progress.

However, I’ve since accepted 1 by simply ignoring that the vehicle is there and 2 was less of an issue once I starting playing and just approached it as I would usually. Started with the first cup on 50cc and worked my way through.

Buy Mario Kart 8 here*


Nintendo Switch - Animal Crossing

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Yep, not even out yet (and has had further delays since I picked up my Switch). However, the trailers all look great and I can’t wait. Easily my favourite Nintendo first party IP and just the promise that it was coming was enough to influence my purchase.

Pre-order*, like me.


4. Indies Post-Vita

I never did get round to writing my “Ten-Reasons I own – PS Vita” post, maybe I’ll still get to it later. However, while the Vita was my preferred platform for lots of indie games that were available on other formats, like Limbo, Velocity, Axiom Verge, the ‘death’ of the system means that suitable games no longer receive Vita ports. The Switch has now taken this role in my house, and Hollow Knight & Timespinner are early examples of great indie games I’ve really enjoyed on there.


Virtua Racing - SEGA Ages

5. SEGA Support

As a self-proclaimed Sega Boy I do find it satisfying that some of the best games on my Nintendo Switch are from SEGA. The SEGA Ages ports are very polished, and while I’ve got (and enjoyed) a few of them, Virtua Racing stands out as a top example.


Tetris 99

6. Tetris 99

This arrived by surprise after I had already got my Switch, but it now stands as a system exclusive that could justify buying a Switch all on its own. Easily my favourite Battle Royale game, and the recent update to add achievement-like ‘badges’ and daily quests have only strengthened its position. It also made the DLC content much more appealing.

Tetris – objectively the best game of all time.

Buy the weird physical edition here* (or just download it for free if you have Nintendo Online)


Handheld games

7. Handheld Mode

I know there are plenty of people who mostly (in some cases, exclusively) play in handheld mode, but for me it represents a compromise. I’d still much rather play docked on my television, but being able to play in handheld mode when the TV is otherwise in use helps me carve out additional playtime. It’s very much a “nice to have” but not the reason for me to buy it, hence me not including the Nintendo Switch in my Top 5 Handhelds.

The Switch Lite isn’t for me, but this one is stupid pretty*

8. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order

Not the greatest game, but solid fun and a surprise Nintendo Switch exclusive. I really enjoyed the previous games on the Xbox and 360, and this one is more of the same. The fanservice has been updated for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the character roster is much more 2019, but it is very much the same game. I’m still having a great time with Ultimate Alliance 3.

Buy it here*


Virtua Racing Split Screen 8 Player

9. Local Multiplayer

This is a weird one, since on the surface it shouldn’t be any better than the PS4 or Xbox for local multiplayer stuff. However, for some reason, the Switch has established itself as the system of choice for local multiplayer games in my house. Granted it’s mostly my girlfriend and I playing Raging Justice or versus mode Puyo Puyo Tetris. I think it’s probably down to the start up speed, but it’s definitely an important part of the system.


Nintendo Switch - SNES

10. SNES Classics (& NES I guess)

It was a long time coming, but Nintendo didn’t disappoint when they finally got round to adding SNES games to the system. Following the “free” NES games included with Nintendo Online, Nintendo has added SNES games to the service. I’m not a big fan of most of these games, having mostly missed out on the NES and SNES first time round. However, I’m really pleased to see Super Metroid on there (as mentioned on my metroidvania post) and I do like the chance to dabble with both libraries of games essentially for free. Also my girlfriend has probably gotten my money’s worth for the online service, by just playing Dr Mario.


*affiliate Amazon links, I’ll get a small cut if you buy anything

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