The Nintendo Switch introduced the concept of hybrid gaming to the world. It's a single device that can be played in handheld mode and as a traditional home console. It even features detachable controllers for shared portable gaming.

In fact, there are lots of hidden depths to Nintendo's compact console. Whether you're Switch-curious or have been an owner since launch, there's bound to be some obscure bit of knowledge you're missing. Here's where we come in with the following tips on getting the most from your Nintendo Switch.

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Tips to Get the Most From Your Nintendo Switch

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Tip

Deciding on a Switch

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If you’re buying today and have no strong preferences about game style, go with the Switch OLED model. It has the best screen for portable play, but you can still dock it for TV mode.

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If you want the very best handheld experience — and nothing more — the Switch Lite is an excellent option. You’ll save some money too.

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On the other hand, if you’ll only play handheld very rarely, consider the base Switch model. You’ll save some money, although you will miss out on 32 GB more built-in storage.

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Sometimes, Nintendo put out themed consoles, like the Mario or Animal Crossing-style Switch. Wait for these if you want something special.

Exploring the Console

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The microSD slot is hidden behind the tabletop stand on the Switch and Switch OLED.

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Pull out the kickstand on the back of the Switch, rest it on a flat surface, and detach the Joy-Con. You’re all set up for a quick two-player party game!

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Detach a Joy-Con by pressing the small round button on its reverse, then sliding it upwards until it’s free of the rail.

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The square Capture button on the left Joy-Con takes a screenshot when you press it. Hold it down to capture the last thirty seconds of gameplay.

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Press the Home button to leave whatever you’re doing and go to the Home screen. Hold the Home button for a second to access the Quick Menu. It has handy options for Sleep Mode, brightness, and Flight Mode.

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Remember the touch screen! Switch games don't make as much use of it as Nintendo's DS consoles did, but you can still select on-screen items with your finger. Typing on the keyboard is much faster this way.

Setting Up

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The serial number on your Switch can be found in three places: on a sticker on the bottom of the console, on the bottom of the packaging, and in software via System Settings.

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Create a Switch profile for anyone you might want to use your console. This will let them save their own settings and track their own progress in games. Start at System Settings > User > Add User.

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Keep track of your Switch's energy reserves via the battery indicator in the top-right of the Home screen. You can show a numerical percentage for greater accuracy via System Settings > System > Console Battery (%).

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Set up parental controls (System Settings > Parental Controls) to monitor use, restrict playtime, or pick an age limit for games.

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Go wired. Wireless is convenient, but your connection might be shaky. With a USB LAN adapter for Switch, or the built-in LAN port on the Switch OLED's dock.

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With a code, you can connect with your friends and play together. You can access your friend code from your profile page — click your avatar on the Home screen.

Console Software

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Update your Switch using System Settings > System > System Update. Updates aren't regular, but you can expect, on average, one every month or so.

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The Switch offers almost nothing when it comes to theming. However, there is a dark mode (“Basic Black”), which you can enable via System Settings > Themes.

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You can change button mapping so, for example, A is B and vice versa. Do so via System Settings > Controllers > Change Button Mapping.

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Set up a Mii, your own personalized avatar. Start by going to System Settings > Mii > Create/Edit a Mii. You can use it to identify your profile, and as a playable character in certain games.

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Save storage space by archiving games you're not currently playing. Select a game on your Home screen, then press + > Data Management > Archive Software. Archived games still show up, you'll just need to download them to play.

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The Home screen shows your most recent 12 games. To see your full game library from the Home screen, use the All Software button on the far right.

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Check out your play time for individual games. On your main Profile page, under Play Activity, you'll see the last 20 games you've played and approximate play times for each.

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Once you've connected with friends, you can find out what they're playing. Go to your Profile page and select Trending With Friends to see popular games.

Console Hardware and Accessories

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Buy a good screen protector to prevent accidental damage. Even if you're not carrying your Switch loose in a bag, you can scratch the screen just placing it in the dock if you're not careful.

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Speaking of the dock, consider getting a second one. It sounds like a luxury, but if you have more than one screen you want to play on, you'll save a lot of time and frustrating cable-swapping.

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If you're on the road a lot, invest in a battery pack—it should double or even triple your playtime. Make sure you can connect it to the Switch's USB-C port.

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Another must for travelling gamers: get a good case! They range from simple faceplates to full-blown luggage cases with custom compartments for all your accessories.

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Check out Amiibo. They are collectable figures that provide additional bonus features for some games. They use NFC to connect to your console and provide bonus characters, extra skins, and even new game modes.

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Expand your Switch storage with a microSD card. They are versatile and can provide several times the built-in storage.

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The Switch supports Bluetooth headphones for easier, less intrusive gaming. Set up via the Bluetooth Audio menu under System Settings.

Joy-Cons

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The Joy-Con Grip accessory, included with non-Switch Lite models, approximates a normal controller. However, there’s no substitute for an actual, full-sized controller, especially if you value comfort. You should check out Nintendo’s own Pro controller first.

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Bear in mind that other third-party controllers are available. The most common examples are from 8Bitdo, PowerA, and HORI.

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Joy-Con are known to suffer from drift, a problem that results in actions occurring seemingly without input. Nintendo will replace them in certain locations, but try a can of contact cleaner first. A quick spray can revive misbehaving controllers, for a short time at least.

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Joy-Con are highly portable but, for the same reason, easy to lose. If you ever need to find a missing controller, visit Controllers > Find Controllers and follow the instructions. Your chosen controller will vibrate, making it that little bit easier to locate.

Getting Games

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Most games are available to buy digitally. Digital purchases offer maximum convenience but less longevity; when Nintendo turns its servers off you'll no longer be able to redownload a game.

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More prominent games, and some indies, are available physically. You'll need to transport and swap game cards if you want to play them, but physical purchases are also often cheaper.

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If you’re stuck wondering what games to buy, your best bet is to begin with Nintendo titles. Nintendo systems are generally known for their excellent first-party games and the Switch is no exception.

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Games do go on sale, but first-party games are known for holding their price. Look out for ongoing indie sales and bigger sales events based around holiday periods.

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Explore the Switch's wild side. Nintendo has produced games that do a great job of showing off the hybrid's versatility, including Ring Fit Adventure, Labo, and Mario Kart Home Circuit.

Using the eShop

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The eShop allows you to buy digital games right from your Switch. You can pay by credit card or PayPal, check out the latest sales charts, and pre-order games that haven't even released yet.

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Make use of the eShop's wish list. It allows you to keep track of games you're interested in, and highlights when they go on sale. You'll also get email notifications announcing sales.

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Use points for discounts on eShop purchases. Whenever you make a purchase on the eShop (or register a physical purchase) you'll earn gold points.

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Register on other region's eShops. You'll need to set up a profile for each and you probably won't be able to pay with your bank account, but you can redeem codes and gift cards.

Nintendo Switch Online

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Buy a subscription to NSO for access to multiplayer online games. You can pay monthly or annually, and also benefit from a family membership.

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An NSO subscription also gives you free access to over one hundred classic NES and SNES games. This library has grown over time and contains many renowned first-party games.

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Another benefit of NSO is cloud saves. Enable them (System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud > Settings > Automatically Back Up Save Data) and you'll be able to recover save data if your Switch storage is damaged.

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There's a companion app for Nintendo Switch Online. Most importantly, it has a voice chat feature which provides for communication during multiplayer gaming.

Make the Most of Online Info

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Register on My Nintendo. It's the central place to manage your Nintendo reward points.

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Check out Deku Deals. It's an alternative to the eShop wish list with better notifications, and more details of a game's historical price.

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Buy games on your region's Nintendo website. If your console has power, it will download new software even while you're away.

Pick a Switch and Get to Know It

The Nintendo Switch is a simple, approachable console. It's aimed at everyone, from long-term Nintendo fans to families and new gamers alike, and is packed full of fun and exciting games to entertain all ranges.

Still struggling to pick a Switch? It can be hard to choose between the OLED model, original model, and the Lite. If you can afford it, the OLED is best, but if you only want portable play and want to save money, the Lite will serve you well.