Evaluating the Switch: Week One

The Switch is officially one week old and with that comes a surprising amount of analysis that can already be done. The JoyCon desyncing issue remains something that can affect players, but doesn’t seem as widespread as it was before. Console availability remains scarce, but that’s to be expected. Accessories are also in short supply, which is far less expected. Going to both Wal-Mart and Best Buy stores revealed no Pro controllers or many other things beyond JoyCons and screen protectors. Not being able to find a case for it is a bit worrisome, but does ensure that I am extra-careful with it and make sure to properly place it in the cradle to avoid scratching. With depth perception issues, what I usually do is place an overhead lamp above me or shine a flashlight down into the dock so I can properly line things up. It’s cumbersome to some degree, but it works.

The console’s small library has already been expanded quite a bit with a slew of Neo-Geo games being added to the lineup. This may not seem big, but it instantly gives owners access to high-quality 2D fighters like King of Fighters ’98 and World Heroes Perfect, quirky fighters like Waku Waku 7, and intense scrolling shooters like , NAM 197, Shock Troopers, and Metal Slug 3. These aren’t going to revolutionize the console’s library on their own – but they do add some much-needed diversity. Rhythm gamers seeking something new should try out the touchscreen-only Voez, which is the only game that is tablet mode-only so far. This could lead to the Switch being a go-to console for mobile gaming, which isn’t an altogether bad thing.

With the Switch’s library up to 17 games after a week on the market, there are certainly enough games from enough genres for everyone to have fun. The newly-added arcade classics mix things up while Blaster Master Zero offers up retro-inspired thrills and looks like the best entry that series has seen in quite some time. The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth, Has-Been Heroes, Puyo Puyo Tetris, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are the next games coming out for the system via the eShop – and each looks fantastic in their own way. RPG fans will find a lot to like with HBH, while Puyo Puyo Tetris is a dream come true for long-time puzzle fans. The revamped Mario Kart 8 might not be a must-own for Wii U owners, it is one for those who missed out on that console. The first week of the system shows great promise, with opportunities for growth when it comes to availability of products and making sure that people can actually buy the device while they want to and not running the risk of people just giving up on it.