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  • Which Console is Right for You? PS4 vs Switch

    Which Console is Right for You? PS4 vs Switch

    If you’re a little late to the current generation of gaming, you might be wondering which console is the right call for you. There area number of reasons to own either system, but most people don’t have enough income (or free time) for two systems. If you’re tossing up which one to get, don’t worry. We’re here to help you figure out which one is right for you!

    PS4 vs Switch

    Portability

    The biggest and most notable aspect of the Switch to point out right away is the portability factor. The Switch can be taken out of its dock and used like a gaming tablet, making it a very flexible device. If you’re playing a game in the living room but need to catch your train, just pop the Switch out of the dock and head out the door.

    Most games look great at 720p on the smaller Switch system screen. It’s a testament to Nintendo’s magic that Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild look so silky-smooth even in handheld mode.

    Power

    The PS4 way outclasses the Switch in terms of raw power. This goes double for the PS4 Pro. While you can’t take either system with you on the go, they’re both incredibly beefy consoles that can put out a gorgeous image. The PS4 Pro is even capable of rendering 4K images at 60 FPS, making it one beast of a home console.

    If crisp graphics are a bigger deal to you than portability, consider a PS4.

    Exclusives

    Both systems sport impressive lineups of exclusive games. The PS4 boasts God of War, Horizon: Zero Dawn, Persona 5, Spider-Man and tons of other AAA adventures. Nintendo’s console, of course, sports their lineup of exclusive series, from Splatoon to Mario to the Legend of Zelda.

    In short, if you’re after a fun, portable system with ample couch co-op and colorful characters, you want a Switch. Meanwhile, if you want big, cinematic gaming experiences in your living room and don’t mind having no local multiplayer worth mentioning, get a PS4. Both systems bring something awesome to the table.

  • Nintendo Unveils Details of Switch Online Service

    Nintendo Unveils Details of Switch Online Service

    After multiple delays and rampant speculation, Nintendo has finally announced details of their paid online service for Switch. Originally slated for a Fall 2017 release, the service will finally launch this Fall. Priced at $20 per year, the service will allow users to browse and play a select library of NES games with new online functionality.

    The Games

    Nintendo is bringing classic NES titles the Legend of Zelda, Balloon Fight, Dr. Mario and Super Mario Bros. 3, Donkey Kong, Ice Climber, Mario Bros., Soccer, Super Mario Bros. and Tennis to the service, with more to follow. This is in contrast to Nintendo’s previous Virtual Console branding, which Nintendo says won’t be returning to Switch. This Netflix-like approach resembles game-streaming services and could represent a new, modern direction for Nintendo.

    Interestingly, Nintendo promises online play for many of these NES classics, but has given no further details. One could only hope for simultaneous co-op in Super Mario Bros 3, or epic matches of Tennis! This is clearly Nintendo playing to their deep well of classic games in order to set themselves apart from their competition.

    Cloud Saves

    This service will also (finally) allow users to make cloud back-ups of their game saves, a feature that has been standard for Nintendo’s competition for years. Many players have noted that the lack of cloud saves led to them losing all of their save data when their console was lost or damaged. The inclusion of cloud saves will certainly lead to sighs of relief from Switch fans.

    Online Play

    The online service is also necessary to play games online, of course, so fans of Mario Kart 8, Splatoon 2 and Super Smash Bros. will have to shell out if they want to play those games main modes. Thankfully the service is significantly less expensive than Sony and Microsoft’s offerings, positioning Nintendo as a more family-conscious company yet again.

    Speaking of families, the online service will also allow a $35 subscription that allows one account to share online features to the other accounts on the Switch. The $35 plan would be ideal for families who all play games from the same Switch.

    What Else?

    This is a somewhat bare-bones announcement, and leaves room for speculation. Certainly, Nintendo will have more to say about this service, which launches this fall, by E3 this summer. Many fans are hoping for news of digital versions of Game Boy and Super Nintendo games. many others are eager to see if Nintendo will incorporate voice chat in a form other than their much-maligned Nintendo Online App.

  • The Best Nintendo Switch Accessories

    The Nintendo Switch has put Nintendo back in the limelight. After the success of the original Wii and the failure of the Wii-U, it seems that the mojo is finally back. Gamers everywhere are enjoying console-quality gaming on the go.

    Not only has the Switch sparked the imagination of its consumers, it has also created an accessory niche that third-party companies are taking advantage of. Here are the best accessories you can get for your Nintendo Switch.

    5. Screen Stand

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    With its detachable Joy-con controllers and overall portability, the Switch is practically begging for a stand. While this is a typically inexpensive accessory, there are a few features you’ll want to be sure to get: Adjustable angles is almost a requirement, as is the ability to fold the stand flat for easy packing. Finally, make sure the charging port is available for use while the Switch is sitting on its stand.

    4. Joycon Grips

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    The detachable Joy-con controllers are easily one of the best features of the Switch. The portability and ability to turn one controller into a pair is brilliant. However, for those with larger hands, the Joy-cons can be a little problematic. And for travel, the Pro controllers can be too bulky. This is where Joy-con grips come into play! Like the stand, there are several companies making these products. If possible, get your hands on one before you buy – comfort is key.

    3. External Battery

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    One of the most common complaints about the Switch is how fast the battery drains. For those with short commutes or easily accessible charging stations, it’s no big deal. For others, the relatively low battery life in the Switch is a deal breaker. Luckily, there are some external battery solutions available. While they are more expensive than some of the other accessories on this list, having a mounted backup battery on your Switch could be a necessity for long commutes or remote play sessions.

    4. Dock Mount

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    Sticking the Switch dock in your television cabinet may not be the best way to get easy access to your device. And if it’s already cramped with other consoles, the unusual vertical orientation may not fit at all. So, mounting the dock may end up being your best bet. A third party solution like this one allows you to mount the Switch against your wall (or side of your cabinet) and even keep it running cool with a fan.

    5. Nintendo Labo

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    Topping our list is Nintendo’s very own accessory called the Nintendo Labo. The Labo allows you to craft different cardboard “Toy-Con” creations like robots, guitars, stands, motorcycle handles and more. You can purchase a variety kit with a lot of different projects or single purpose kits. And of course, you can mix and match to create your own unique creations.

    We give the Nintendo Labo high marks for out of the (cardboard) box thinking!