Summer is fast approaching and whilst that usually means holidaying and trips to the beach, the coronavirus pandemic has put our usual plans under threat. Self-isolating can be very difficult, even more so when you don’t know when it is going to end. A silver lining exists for gamers – gaming provides an escape from the craziness in the world. Wherever you play your games you can enjoy this escape into other worlds. For me, one platform stands out at this time and it’s the Nintendo Switch.
Disclaimer: At the time of writing it is difficult to get your hands on a Nintendo Switch from official retailers. In response to this demand, Nintendo released a statement on March 26, 2020 stating that “Nintendo Switch hardware is selling out at various retail locations, but more systems are on the way.”
What makes the Nintendo Switch the console you NEED to have this summer, say versus other popular consoles such as Sony’s PlayStation 4 or Microsoft’s Xbox One? For one, it’s innate support for portability makes it the perfect companion for when you relax out in the garden. Here in the UK at least, this lockdown has been made to feel even more insufferable as it’s coincided with us getting a rare bit of sun. Thankfully, this dire situation is made more bearable when you can sit out in your garden chair, soak up some sun, and have some fun playing on the Nintendo Switch.
If relaxing out in the garden isn’t your thing or you prefer to do that without the distraction of gaming, the Nintendo Switch can always be docked and played on the TV inside instead. With games such as Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games 2020, Summer Sports Games, Smoots Summer Games and more, you can enjoy all the summer activities you’d usually be doing, virtually.
Further, the Nintendo system by far and large possesses the most charming library of games. This year alone, Nintendo fans have adored games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX. Since its release, Nintendo has put out some stellar games for the system. New Nintendo Switch owners should definitely consider picking up titles such as: Pokémon Sword and Shield, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Super Mario Maker 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, and the masterpiece The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. What do all these games have in common? They can only be found on the Nintendo Switch.
How about new titles coming to the system this Summer? Nintendo Switch owners can look forward to some classics being brought back to life on the new system. These include popular 2K titles such as the BioShock collection, the Borderlands games and XCOM 2. Also coming soon are anticipated titles such as Trials of Mana, Burnout Paradise remastered, Minecraft Dungeons, Catherine: Full Body and more. Lastly, Nintendo recently confirmed that Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition will be releasing May 29, 2020.
For those unfamiliar, Xenoblade Chronicles originally released back in 2010 on the Nintendo Wii and was regarded by critics as a ‘must-own’ title back then. It scored a 92 on MetaCritic, a review score aggregate website, which also aligned with the score users gave it. A definitive edition of this critically-acclaimed RPG for the Nintendo Switch is a big deal indeed, even more so for those who missed it when it first came out.
If you’ve been sitting on the fence when it comes to picking up a Nintendo Switch and this article has pushed you over it, here’s the essential info you need to know:
When you go to buy a Nintendo Switch, here’s what you should know: the base Nintendo Switch model was replaced last year with an update version that features an improved battery life. The original Nintendo Switch model has a battery life ranging from 2.5 to 6 hours after a full charge, while the updated model features an increase to 4.5 to 9 hours. Naturally, battery life depends on the intensity of the game being played and if you are using the Switch in portable mode or in docked mode.
Whether it be on a Nintendo Switch as this opinion piece recommends or on any other device, gaming can provide a welcome relief during this pandemic. The important thing is to stay inside and stay safe. We at ThisGenGaming encourage all of you to stay inside, stay safe, and enjoy some games such as the titles mentioned above.
