The Nintendo Switch is a home video game console developed by Nintendo, released on March 3, 2017. It is a hybrid console that can be used as a home console and portable device. The Switch has been a commercial success, selling over 34 million units as of December 2018.
The console’s defining feature is its hybrid design, which allows it to be used as both a home console and a portable device. The Switch is a direct successor to the Wii U, as it was intended to improve upon the latter’s shortcomings. One of the Switch’s primary selling points is its portability; it can be used as a traditional home console connected to a television, or it can be removed from its dock and used as a handheld device. The Switch’s Joy-Con controllers can also be used individually or attached to a grip accessory, making it the first console with detachable controllers.
The Switch’s software library is primarily composed of first-party titles, due to the console’s relatively short lifespan. However, a number of well-received third-party games have been released for the platform, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Splatoon 2. The Switch has also been praised for its online features and functionality, which include a paid subscription service called Nintendo Switch Online.
The Nintendo Switch was met with generally positive reviews upon its release, with critics praising its hybrid design, portability, and software library. However, the console has been criticized for its high price point, lack of features at launch, and insufficient storage space.
