Gaming

I agree I always get cramps whenever I play mario kart in handheld. That's why I buy as many of my games as I can on the Steam Deck instead.

Everything Nintendo sucks.

It's no Gameboy, that's for sure. I use it resting on a pillow on my lap, so I don't actually have to hold it up. Works very well that way actually

Wait, the games in the cartridge need to be installed in the main memory as well? Effectively just a drm gimmick?

They can't read the resources they need from the cart like in the past?

Interesting, I adore my switch. I love my deck for its capabilities (e.g., modding) but I’ll usually buy a game on the switch if I have the option. For me, it’s much more comfortable to use for extended time whereas the deck is heavy enough that it’ll give me wrist pain for long sessions. The battery difference is underrated here too. It’s nice traveling or hell even on the couch to not have to worry much about battery on the switch.

The Joy Cons are the worst controllers Nintendo has ever made. If Switch 2 is anything even remotely similar, it's seeing zero use as a handheld from me (if I even buy one).

It's an amazing console, but the shortcomings you've mentioned are legit. When I got my Switch, I immediately ordered the Hori Split Pad. Then I threw the Joycons in a drawer and never looked at them again. A large capacity SD card is mandatory and is so cheap, I don't consider that a big deal.

Online subscription shit is just console bullshit that I won't pay on principle.

All the reasons you've mentioned have been sorted with a Steam Deck, and I haven't ever picked up my Switch from the day my Deck arrived.

All I wanted from the Switch was a console-only version. I know why it didn't happen, but I picked mine up on launch day, I've played on it every week since, and I've used the screen like, a handful of times on one trip the first year I had it.

I haven't disconnected it from the TV since then. I really didn't need the handheld form factor.

Agreed bc I hate holding that thing! I only needed it to be a handheld for me to carry around the house and the ergonomics killed that possibility. Even with a grip on it giving it more bulk it's still awkward to use the thumgsticks and hold the system

I recently bought an adjustable clip to clip the Switch (sans joycons) to my Pro Controller and it’s super comfy for long periods of gaming. I’ve also seen people use 3rd party joycons that are shaped more like the Pro Controller handles which seem comfy too.

You’re right, the base Switch isn’t all that comfy for long periods of play, but there are both ways around that and it can also be played docked, which I think are redeeming features.

Wii U gamepad was a lot more comfortable for me. I'd play Windwaker or Mario Maker or 3D World or Splatoon for hours and never feel all cramped up with half-numb palms. I play Ace Attorney for an hour and it just hurts.

Plus the charging port location makes it annoying to play while charging. It makes sense for the dock, but it ruins it in handheld mode.

I'd love to just get a Steam Deck and be done with it, but Valve won't be shipping here anytime soon and the cost of importing it along with our shitty forex rates end up with the base model hitting PS5 cost territory for me (which is also more expensive here than in most Western nations).