The Nintendo Switch is the only thing that got me through 2020.
I’ve never been one for anxiety-inducing games that require fine motor skills to embark on high-speed car chases or shoot zombies. I prefer world-building and narrative-driven games that allow me to unplug and disconnect from the world around me. And in a stress-filled year plagued by a global pandemic, I have never been more grateful for my Nintendo Switch and its serotonin boosts.
Our pick
If you want a console you can disconnect from the TV and take with you, or if you just prefer Nintendo’s games, the Switch is for you.
The Switch is a console made for these times. I can get lost in a game’s rich narrative while holding the console under a pile of blankets, or I can plug it into its TV dock to get a full view of the world I’m exploring (and feel like I accomplished something that day by leaving my bed).
When the pandemic began, my boyfriend, my cat, and I moved in with my family to help out for a bit. My Switch easily traveled from my apartment to an Airbnb (to quarantine in), and then to my parents’ living room TV. Most consoles tend to take over TV systems, but the Switch just plugs into them.
We’ve broken up the monotony of a homebound life with family game nights, playing Mario Party and Jackbox Party Pack. Initially, my parents hesitated to join, but in the end they became the most active—and loudest—players. On other nights my sister, my boyfriend, and I made popcorn and bonded over multiplayer games like Luigi’s Mansion 3 or Super Smash Bros Ultimate.
In times like these, we can all benefit from what the Switch offers. Maybe that’s some time alone, getting lost in a new world. Or maybe it’s breaking up the 233rd day of March by racing bikes as Mario characters and yelling excitedly with your loved ones.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA few of my favorites
Night in the Woods is a rich, story-driven exploration game with killer visuals, lush lore, and delightful dialogue. It’s a cult favorite that encompasses what it feels like to exist in between spaces: youth and adulthood, acquaintance and friend, the known and unknown. Explore a weird town, play bass, do crimes!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an absolute masterpiece in world building, combining story-driven play with open-world exploration that lets you go at your own pace. Plus, it has gorgeous, cinematic visuals.
Overland is a turn-based strategy game that pairs beautiful visuals and entertaining dialogue (plus, dog companions!) with apocalyptic survival. It’s one of those rare games that is challenging while still remaining very, very fun.
Untitled Goose Game is a delightful, cheeky game in which your only goal is to be a goose wreaking havoc throughout a sleepy English town.
Jackbox Games Party Packs are the perfect group game, with a wide variety of hilarious, collaborative mini games that players join in from their phones. There are currently seven editions to choose from, but I'd recommend the first one to start. (Bonus perk: It can be played remotely with friends and fam.)
When to buy
If you see a Switch in stock, and it’s not marked up over $300, snag it. The Nintendo Switch has struggled to keep up with the demand this year, resulting in price gouging by third-party sellers. This is one of the rare times when paying full price ($300) is actually a decent deal, all things considered.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTThe numbers
$300 Average street price
$160 Best price we’ve ever seen
Don’t forget the accessories
To make the most of your Switch experience, you’ll need a few things. A microSD card will allow you to download more games directly, instead of waiting for and keeping track of physical copies. You'll need extra controllers for any multiplay with over two people. Although you can buy more Joy-Cons, I highly recommend getting Pro Controllers (your thumbs will thank me). A Bluetooth audio adaptor will let you pair your wireless headphones with the Switch, and a carrying case will make transporting the whole shebang much, much easier.
This post is part of our 2020 “52 Things We Love” series, an ode to Wirecutter picks that have withstood the test of time. Read the entire series.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTMeet your guide
Sasha VanHoven is Wirecutter’s audience development manager for content strategy. She covers everything communications and strategy, from UX writing to editorial and advertising. Previously, she worked as an associate editor, community manager, and events producer at 99U/Behance. Single-tasking is not her forte.
Further reading
The Best Nintendo Switch for You: Original, Lite, or OLED
by Andrew Cunningham, Arthur Gies, and Haley Perry
For Nintendo fans and gamers on the go, the Switch is a no-brainer, and we’re here to help you figure out which version to get—for yourself or someone else.
In Celebration of Mar10 Day, Here Are 5 Deals on Nintendo Essentials
by Dan Kim
It’s-a Mario Day, and we’ve got some great deals on some of our favorite Mario games for the Nintendo Switch.
5 of the Best Couch Co-op Games for Nintendo Switch
by Haley Perry
We’ve assembled our favorite games for families and friends to play together on the Nintendo Switch (and more).
The Best Game Consoles
by Arthur Gies and Haley Perry
Video game consoles are more popular than ever, but it can be hard to figure out the right one to buy. We’re here to help.
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