The Nintendo Switch console is a brilliant device with tons of games, features, and lots of customizability in how you play your favorite games.
If you're new to owning a Nintendo Switch, you'll want to learn about the essential tips and tricks to get the most out of your console.
1. Access the Quick Menu
While doing anything on the Switch, you can press and hold the& Home button to access a quick menu. From here, you can adjust the screen brightness, toggle airplane mode, and put the system in sleep mode (the same as pressing the power button).
This doesn't pause the game, so make sure you're not doing anything first. There isn't a ton you can do via the Quick Menu, but it helps with basic accessibility settings to be able to update them on the fly.
2. There's No Need to Turn Your Switch Off
This might seem like an obvious point, but your Switch is designed to be left on all the time just like a modern tablet or smartphone. Sleep mode is incredibly power efficient, with the console only dropping a few battery percent overnight based on personal experience.
That goes for games too. While it's always good to save your game before you stop playing, you can also simply suspend the Switch while playing anything and return to it later. No need to return to the system menu or kill the software.
Note: If you do decide to turn the system off by holding the power button, you'll also kill the currently-running game.
3. Don't Cover the Air Vents
Many users seem to think the vents on the back of the unit near the USB-C connector are speakers. This isn't the case, and they are actually used by the Switch as air intakes as part of the unit's active cooling. Put your hand above the fan vent at the top of the unit, and you'll feel a warm breeze, but that air entered the unit much cooler near the bottom.
This means you should avoid lying the Switch down on soft materials, even if you're just taking a break. The unit heats up considerably when these intakes are covered even for a short while so to prolong the life of the hardware inside, don't cover them while you're playing games.
4. Browse the Japanese eShop
There are more digital games in the Japanese store than in other territories. Since Nintendo is a Japanese company, much of the software is coming from Japan. The delay in bringing these games to other territories is due to localization, translations, and sometimes a perceived lack of demand from Western audiences.
But you can access these releases simply by creating a Japanese Nintendo account:
- Head to the Nintendo Accounts page (you'll need to log out first, or use an incognito window) and click Create a Nintendo Account.
- Fill in the details using a different email address and nickname from your primary account and set Country/region of residence to Japan.
- Once you've finished the process, create a new user on your Switch under System Settings > User > Add New User.
- Launch the eShop app, select the new account you just added, and link your Japanese Nintendo account by tapping Sign in and following the instructions.
In order to purchase games here, you'll need a compatible credit or debit card that allows for international transactions. You may also be charged a foreign currency fee, so check with your bank. While these titles are in Japanese, many of them have English language support. One of the best reasons to buy a Nintendo Switch is how it allows you to do this, as you can get some brilliant deals on the Japanese eShop.
Games you download can be used by any account on the console, and purchases will carry over to your eShop normal region after purchasing from the Japanese e-Shop, though DLC is restricted to the Japanese account on which it was purchased.
5. Restrict Games & Purchases With Parental Controls
If you want to lock down the Switch so that certain users can only access certain games, or to restrict purchases made in the eShop, you're in luck. Nintendo has built that functionality into the Switch from day one. Head to System Settings > Parental Controls to get started. Setting up and using parental controls on your Switch will prevent your children from accessing anything inappropriate, meaning you can relax and let them use the console when they ask for it.
The best way to do this is using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smartphone app for iPhone (App Store) or Android (Google Play Store). This allows you to monitor the console on the go, check play statistics, and even lock the console down completely. Some users have taken to using the smartphone app for analytics purposes, so they can see exactly how long they've played certain games.
6. You Can Play Imports
Switch games are not locked to any particular region, so you don't need to worry about physical retail cartridges not working in your Switch. If you're traveling abroad, any games you buy will be compatible with your console, though be aware some titles may lack English language support.
That also means you can import games from online retailers.
7. The Dock Might Scratch the Screen
Even though Nintendo is skeptical, there are plenty of reports of the dock possibly scratching the tablet. Nintendo used a plastic screen in the Switch -- most other portable devices ship with glass screens that offer far better scratch resistance. The rough plastic of the dock and questionable "closed" design choice also raises concerns.
You can buy dock screen protectors that cover the screen side of the dock, providing a smooth surface between the two surfaces. However, many have speculated that such covers may potentially cause more scratching by trapping dirt and sand over time. Fabric covers may also cause heat dissipation issues.
The solution is simple: get a screen protector. The cheap official plastic screen protector is notoriously bad, so we'd recommend opting for a tempered glass screen protector. Tempered glass is stronger, bubble-resistant, easier to apply, and much more pleasant to touch and look at.
8. Repurpose Your Wii U Stand
Many users find the built-in kickstand for the Switch to not be very good. In this case, you can actually use the Wii U Gamepad stand, as it is a perfect fit for the Nintendo Switch.
It holds the console at a kinder angle than the fold-out stand. You still can't play and charge, but it's worth digging out for one if you bought the Wii U and still have the stand that came with it.
9. You Can Use Wired Internet
If you have a USB to Ethernet adapter, there's a good chance it will work with the Switch. In addition to the officially-licensed Nintendo Switch wired network adapter ($40), there are reports of the original Wii Ethernet adapter and other third-party adapters working too, according to a Reddit thread.
While the official adapter uses USB type-A and connects directly to the dock, it's also possible to use a USB type-C converter to connect to the main tablet itself. There are a few reasons why Nintendo Switch online sucks, but having a wired connection will mitigate any latency problems you're likely to encounter.
10. Transfer Screenshots Without Sharing
The Switch makes it easy for you to transfer your screenshots from the Switch to another device without needing to share them.
Simply insert a microSD card and head to System Settings > Data Management > Manage Screenshots and Videos > System Memory.
You can then select microSD card to copy all data from your console to the microSD card to put onto another device.
Alternatively, you can follow the same steps up to Manage Screenshots and Videos but then select Copy to PC via USB Connection to directly transfer your screenshots over to your PC. This is quick and easy, but you'll need the correct wire.
11. Nintendo May Replace Your Left Joy-Con
Since the release of the Nintendo Switch, many users have reported issues with the left Joy-Con. If you're having issues with this, you should reach out to Nintendo Support.
Since the issue is known, they are likely to replace it for you if you speak to them.
12. Homebrewing May Work for You
If you have a first-generation Nintendo Switch running 14.1.2 or earlier, you will be able to homebrew (hack) your device to use save editing tools, emulators, and more.
Homebrewing your console will allow you to get much more out of the Switch, but you should beware that Nintendo doesn't exactly look fondly at it, and there are risks involved, so do so at your own risk.
Get the Most Out of Your Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a great, underrated console with a lot to offer you. You can play either at home or on the go, customize your device, and enjoy a variety of different games through its library.
The Switch is one of the best portable consoles. Knowing the best tips and tricks will help you get the most out of your console.