Have you just unboxed your brand new Nintendo Switch? Here’s everything you need to know when adopting the Nintendo console.
The improved stand of the Nintendo Switch OLED // Source: Anthony Wonner – Aroged
Have you just offered yourself a Nintendo Switch or received one? Here is everything you need to have in mind to take your first steps with Nintendo’s hybrid console.
Console configuration and optimization
The Nintendo Switch is an easy-to-use console. If you have the classic model or the OLED model, it is recommended to install the dock supplied with the console to be able to connect it to a television. The dock simply connects: an HDMI cable to the TV and the power supply to charge the console.
The Nintendo Switch dock allows it to be used on a television // Source: Anthony Wonner — Aroged
The first configuration of the console is done in a few steps: settings of the language of the region, selection of the time zone, connection to the Internet and creation of the first profile of the console. Each profile allows you to have a separate progression on most games on the console. If one or more children are going to use the console, do not hesitate to configure parental controls.
If the controllers supplied with the console are not to your liking, or if you want to make it more practical to use the Switch, discover our selection of the best accessories for the console.
Our tip: Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo offers a paid subscription to go further with the console: the Nintendo Switch Online. A good addition to your new console to fully enjoy. The service is marketed from 3.99 euros per month per Nintendo account, or 34.99 euros for 12 months and up to 8 accounts for the family formula. In particular, it allows access to online gaming on the Nintendo network (to bring friends to your island in Animal Crossing New Horizons, face other pilots in Mario Kart 8 or other fighters in Super Smash Bros), but also to be able to save the progress of its games in the cloud. As a bonus, Nintendo offers access to a catalog of NES and Super Nintendo games, the manufacturer’s first two home consoles.
Nintendo also offers the Nintendo Switch Online + Additional Pack offer for 39.99 euros for 12 months per account, or 69.99 euros for 12 months and 8 accounts with the family offer. This second package also includes a catalog of Nintendo 64 and Mega Drive games as well as the Happy Home Paradise extension for the Animal Crossing New Horizons game.
Our tips
Here are some other things to know to get the most out of your Nintendo Switch.
If you want to use it on the go, you can connect a wireless Bluetooth headset to it by synchronizing it with the console.
We also recommend reading our guide to capturing and sharing your favorite moments in games. Note that it is possible to transfer images directly through the console’s USB-C port with the same cable you use for your other USB-C devices.
To go even further, you can download Nintendo applications for smartphones. They allow you to manage voice calls on online games without going through the console and to manage the parental control of the console remotely.
Essential games
A console would be nothing without its games. Here is a selection of essential games on Nintendo Switch.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Do we still have to present Mario Kart? Nintendo’s popular family racing game brings one of its best versions to Switch with over 50 tracks and plenty of drivers and vehicles. There are of course new circuits, but also a selection of the best circuits from previous episodes. The game is also one of the finest technical feats of the console.
Whether it’s to liven up an evening with friends, family or face all the challenges solo, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have.
Animal Crossing New Horizons
The lockdown game of 2020 and one of the console’s biggest hits. Animal Crossing is the perfect game to relax.
Animal Crossing : New Horizons // Source : Nintendo
Decorate an island paradise, invite travelers to become your fellow villagers and participate in the multiple activities offered by the game such as fishing, catching insects, looking for fossils and paying off loan sharks.
Super Mario Odyssey
Nintendo 64 had Super Mario 64, Nintendo Switch has Super Mario Odyssey. The game takes up the excellent principle mixing exploration and platform of its illustrious ancestor in a selection of vast kingdoms in the open world.
This time, it will be necessary to collect moons to hope to travel around the world to prevent the forced marriage between Bowser and Peach. To do this, Cappy, Mario’s cap, will allow you to take control of monsters and make the most of the environments. A great diversity of gameplay and one of the best soundtracks of the Switch are on the program.
Pokémon Let’s Go
If you have never put your fingers on an episode of the famous Pokémon series, or you have started with Pokémon Go on mobile, the Let’s Go version is the perfect way to discover the role-playing game with monsters to capture by the dozens .
Pokémon Let’s Go and a reimagined version of the very first Pokémon games with the famous 151 monsters. You no longer capture pokémons by weakening them, but by throwing pokéballs directly with the Joy-con like in Pokémon Go. The game offers 3D graphics that are very pleasing to the eye and an ideal cooperative mode if you want to play with a child . Playful and cute, a game that we warmly recommend.
If you are already a connoisseur of the license, we recommend the best (but more complex) episodes since released on Nintendo Switch such as Pokémon Scarlet and Purple or Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Our guide is primarily intended for newcomers, and Pokémon Let’s Go remains the easiest to learn to start in the series.
Celeste
The Nintendo Switch has also proven to be the ideal console for enjoying the best independent games. It’s hard not to mention Celeste in this category. This game, which seems from afar to be a simple 2D platform game, will lead you to surpass yourself with ever tougher challenges, but still easily accessible. Just enough to say “I can do it”.
One of the most defining games of its generation that makes achievement interactive and resonates with a fitting story. If you feel like a completionist, Celeste will offer you dozens of hours of activities to discover all the mysteries of this monument.
Honorable mentions
The Nintendo Switch is packed with great titles in every possible genre. If you have not found satisfaction among our essentials, here is a jumble of titles to keep in mind, they are all excellent: The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, Dragon Quest XI, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Hades, Hollow Knight, Divinity Original Sin 2, Ring Fit Adventure and 51 Worldwide Games. Without forgetting Minecraft and Stardew Valley, and… okay, we’ll stop there.
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