Nintendo Switch

What is this platform?

Nintendo Switch is a dedicated Nintendo gaming system. A platform includes both the hardware and the games designed for it: a familiar game title does not automatically mean every version will run on this device.

Main features

The standard and OLED models support handheld, tabletop and television play. Their detachable Joy-Con controllers can be shared in supported games, making the system useful for both solo play and local multiplayer. Switch Lite is a handheld model and cannot output to a television.

What to know before playing

Check each game’s supported play modes and controller requirements, particularly when using a Lite. Game cards and downloaded games are different ways to access software; saved progress is stored separately from the game card. Additional controllers, an internet connection or an online membership may be required for particular features. Choose the actual Switch release of a game and check its language support rather than assuming editions on other platforms are identical.