The Nintendo Switch is the latest unique and innovative console from the iconic gaming company Nintendo. Nintendo has had a history of keeping one foot in the past and one going toward the future, for better or for worse. While the hardware itself (being able to take console games on the go is an all around amazing feat) is a definite high point, Nintendo has always stayed behind the competition in terms of graphical capabilities, immediate third party support, and the inclusion of features that are mainstays on other consoles.

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Unlike PlayStation and Xbox, the Nintendo Switch has a few extra hoops to go through if you want to stream your gaming adventures onto Twitch or YouTube. Even though this might be a daunting task for some beginner streamers, the Switch has many cool features that players may not know about that keep the console fresh and interesting.

10 Streaming From The Nintendo Switch

Nintendo with Twitch logo

Using Twitch as the main example, you’ll need a few extra tools if you want to stream your latest Splatoon sessions online. Streamers will need a semi-well running PC, a capture card, and a few extra HDMI cables. First of all, the Switch must be docked in order to stream (sorry Switch Lite owners). Next, take the HDMI cable that plugs into the TV and plug it into your capture card and connect your capture card to your PC with its USB cable. After that, connect another HDMI cord from your capture card’s output port back to your TV, and then launch OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) and link it to your Twitch account. Follow the directions to link your capture card and set up any webcam and microphone you’d like, and in moments you’ll be streaming your favorite Nintendo games for the world to see.

9 Use A USB Keyboard

USB keyboard attached to a Nintendo Switch

If the Switch is undocked, the touch screen keyboard isn’t the most comfortable to use. Controllers can be used to navigate the keyboard, but that can take forever especially if you’re new to typing with a controller. Luckily, if the Switch is undocked, you can plug your USB keyboard into the bottom of the Switch and use it in place of the touch screen and the controller. It’s a bit of a clunky setup, but it’s very helpful for players who need that extra bit of comfort when typing on the Nintendo Switch eShop or texting friends.

8 No More Lost Controllers

Nintendo Switch Joy Cons

Everyone has misplaced a controller at some point, it’s only natural. Unfortunately, most consoles don’t come with a solution for this except for the Nintendo Switch. The console’s Joy-Con controllers are innovative little controllers, but they can get lost between couch cushions very easily.

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Not to worry, because in the settings menu under “controllers”, you can set up a mode where pressing the shoulder button of your other Joy-Con will make the other loudly rumble, making it easier to find. If you lose both at once however, you might be on your own.

7 The Ultimate Mobile Gamer

Nintendo Switch pro controller phone

With the Switch undocked, gaming on the go has never been easier and more robust. This also means that games you may have on your smartphone can be just as fun and shouldn’t be given the cold shoulder, and Nintendo thought about that same thing. The Joy-Con controllers can be connected via Bluetooth to your smartphone to play most games available on the platform, and they can also be connected to your PC at home as well. Nintendo gives and gives until it can’t anymore.

6 Going Global

Nintendo Switch eshop

One of the many perks about the Nintendo Switch is that its vast library isn’t region-locked, which means that players can freely download and buy games that are exclusive to other regions (Japan, for example), without the game being blocked. The Nintendo Switch gives players the opportunity to switch their location via the Nintendo website so that they can potentially take advantage of better prices or sales in other regions. Feel that Nintendo power!

5 Protect Your Saves

Nintendo Switch saves

If you’ve ever been concerned about a nosey roommate or a curious family member taking your Switch and affecting your precious Fire Emblem: Three Houses progress, Nintendo has a solution.

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Since the Switch functions much like a mobile phone in terms of portability, in the settings menu, Switch owners are able to add a lock screen for when their system boots up. You can create your own code that only you know for when you have curious guest coming over.

4 Stay On The Go

Nintendo Switch holder

Some Switch models are better than others, but a constant problem with a mobile console is battery life. You could be far away from a save point, only to have your console shut down and ruin your whole day. Thankfully, there are some first and third party battery packs that can further increase your battery life so you don’t need to be scared of losing all of your progress anymore. Never be caught without a charger and a wall outlet ever again.

3 Gaming Over The Clouds

Nintendo Switch Breath of the Wild

The similarities between the Nintendo Switch and mobile phones are plentiful. The launch trailer for the Nintendo Switch infamously showed a happy soul playing the Switch set up on the tray table in front of him. This is made even more plausible with the Switch’s inclusion of its own airplane mode, much like a smartphone or a laptop, that turns off any and all network connections to adhere to flight rules. There is no room for renegade gamers sitting in coach.

2 Check Your Time Played

Nintendo Switch profile page

Oddly enough, a feature that many gamers want with their console is the ability to see how long they’ve played a certain game. The Switch offers this feature, by clicking on your Mii icon. Gamers can see just how many hours they’ve actually put into tormenting people in Untitled Goose Game or how ridiculously long it has taken to complete everything in Breath of the Wild. It can be both a badge of honor, but also a sign that you may need to take a walk.

1 Turn On Your TV

Nintendo Switch and dock

The Nintendo Switch is a top contender for most relaxing console created. Whether docked or undocked, the Switch can fit any gaming style. Because of this, the last thing a person wants is to sit down with their controller only to realize their TV remote is across the room. Thankfully, booting up the docked Switch gives off a signal that automatically turns on the TV that it is connected to. It’s an incredibly relaxing prospect, but hopefully the volume is just right. If not, the journey to the other side of the room of the remote may be a long treacherous one, but anything is possible.

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