The 'State of Switch' is an annual survey run by Chris Brandrick from Switch Weekly, asking fans of Nintendo what they think about the hybrid device as it grows older.
This year, more people than ever before responded, with 15,000 reportedly filling out the latest survey. As usual, it covered a wide range of topics from hardware quality to the growing library of games. In addition to this, was a number of questions regarding the recently launched online service for the system.
The below video provides a breakdown of the survey or you can view the full written details here.
Keep in mind, this survey is based on an incredibly small sample, so nothing about these results are definitive or necessarily reflective of the global market. Brandrick also mentions how he intends to bring back the survey for the third time next year.
Did any of these responses surprise you? Tell us in the comments.
[source switchweekly.com]
Comments 65
Could not be happier with my switch two years in. I have discovered (and rediscovered) so many great games and have all but ditched my PS4 and XBone as a result due to being able to take it everywhere I go.
I have a feeling the switch will end as my favorite console ever
So glad that more than 80% of folks want more ports, bring 'em on I say.
I also agree with Persona being the most wanted 3rd party franchise. I feel like P5 port on Switch is inevitable, P3 and P4 would also be nice.
Wow... this was really fascinating actually.
@KryptoniteKrunch Ports are fine so long as they are good.
I think the Switch has done very well, but I would like to see some more improvement being made to it's UI. Mainly the menu system, we need folders at this point and after two years it's time for them to deliver. Some themes would also be nice but that isn't nearly as important.
I love the Switch. Honestly, it's Nintendo's best console since the Super NES (and I love the NES, N64 and Wii U for the record, plus the Classic Editions). So much better than First Person Shooter Station Box One, I mean PS4 and Xbox One
Pros:
Cons:
Nintendo is back and the video game industry is better because of it.
I'd like Pikmin HD.
I am waiting to purchase a Switch until a hardware upgrade with: (in order of importance):
1) Improved internal storage
2) Improved battery life
3) Fix hardware defects
4) More graphical capabilities
or, if no upgrade is announced/released with most of these top 4 requirements
5) Price drop
Interesting survey. For me, my switch has seen some major issues with wear and tear. I dropped mine once at a car dealership and a second time in the bathroom. There is deep scuff marks on the joycons and the switch back has a chip missing as well.
Other than that, Fzero would be great! I'd say my most wanted games list includes Pikmin, Metroid Prime 4, Luigis Mansion 3, Animal Crossing, and then some kind of high quality horror game.
A first party joy con with a d-pad is all I need atm.
I read through the text of the results and found it all very interesting. 15000 is a small but fairly meaningful number of responses. However I would be curious how the results would be if they were conducted from a general gaming website rather than a one that looked distinctly Nintendo oriented.
Personally I bought my Switch at launch, and play it nearly every single day. There have probably been less than 30 days total that I haven't played it. On average I play probably 2-3 hours, but sometimes as little as 15 minutes or as much as 8-10 hours every now and then.
My biggest wish for software changes are support for Bluetooth headphones, a revised eshop, an activity log app, and a successor to Virtual Console supporting everything SNES to Gamecube and Game Boy to GBA
If we got a hardware revision, I am in the Switch pro camp and would want a 1080p handheld screen that uses all the available space (ditch that frame around it!) A stronger battery, and either more internal storage, or a second SD card slot. I'd also like an official Nintendo produced D-pad joycon.
I have over 50 games and it's about 50/50 physical/digital.
The switch sux, there's barely any games on it. Vita is much better.
nb4 people take me seriously
@KryptoniteKrunch I agree entirely.
@JayJ Why would anyone port an unsuccessful game?
@elpuma85 And would you like breakfast in bed too? Sarcasm aside you make some valid points but wanting all those upgrades and a price drop isn't likely to happen. Also I am curious, what hardware defects you are talking about?
Easily My fav system since the release. I have 93 games now, about 50/50 physical/digital
I bought a pair of Bluetooth headphones and now I found out I can’t use them without a wire or a dongle thing. Fix this, Nintendo.
Other than that, I just want to play Yoshi’s Island and DKC2 on Switch.
I borderline hate my switch
It made me fall in love with gaming again. I about quit gaming after the disappointment of the Wii U, a severely underrated fun console. I just never cared for either the PS4 or Xbox One. The Switch has such a diverse user base. Families like it, kids like it, even staunch PC gamers I work with in IT like it. For a working man like me who likes pick and play fun games with few loot boxes and pay walls, it’s perfect.
@Hoho Why? Sure, it could use some improvements, but other than that, it has some stellar games.
Love it. Best all-round system I've ever owned. And BOTW is just an amazing game. Now all I ask for is for Luigi's Mansion and Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon to be unlockables/DLC for Switch when LM3 is released. Hey, I can dream, right?
@Joeynator3000 Beyond people failing to read the small text and taking you seriously, why even bother writing this?
It adds absolutely nothing to the topic.
Unsurprised at the reality of things being a vocal minority having hardware issues (probably caused by mishandling their Switch), and in general unsurprised about the replies. Now if only Nintendo had conducted this so they'd actually know what people want and what they feel about the product...
But Japanese companies will be Japanese companies. Nintendo's own judgment remains "superior" to that of the people they try to turn into staying and paying customers.
Love my Switch but with just a few changes it could be so much better (bluetooth support, more battery life, voice chat on the console itself, ditching friend codes and revamping friend system with social features like chat)
That being said, I really hope they DON'T waste more time on virtual console stuff. A lot of people might disagree, but sigh, we've played those games for decades. Let them rest.
@BFahey3 that’s not wear and tear. That’s clumsiness 😂
Already on life support since 2018. Time to pull the plug!!
NINTENDOOMED!!!
I have a hate/love relationship with my Switch because of all the amazing games and ports that I don't have time to play with backlog growing everyday.
Also my left analogue controller got the slide upwards problem, and my right controller doesnt click in properly anymore and shoulder button is a bit dodgy, but I have been playing it everyday since release so not really suprised, its only plastic after all.
It needs Tomodachi Life 2
@Heavyarms55 Help me understand the need for virtual console. You and I play about the same per day, and even then I don't have time to play all the new games that I want to. So, I definitely do not have time for old games. I am glad there is the NES online, and I've tried it a couple of times. But if I really want to play the old games, I can get out my old systems. Why is a successor to virtual important?
@justin233
YI and DKC2 on Switch... I see you are a man of culture as well.
15,000 isn't a small sample size.
@dugan Well if you are okay with pulling out and setting up an old console every time you feel like playing an older game, that's entirely up to you. When we are talking about needs there is no such thing for gaming. Gaming is entirely a luxury. But my reasons for wanting VC or some kind of successor service on Switch:
1. It's the Switch. The inherent benefit of having the games on a device that I can play either on the go or on TV with no mess, no fuss is an extreme benefit in and of itself. When the Switch came out one of my very first thoughts about the device was how awesome it would be to have VC on it. No longer do I have to choose between retro titles on a handheld or on a TV it can all be right there on the one device. It was one of my very first thoughts about the device!
2. Modern TVs do not work well with retro game consoles, even if they do have AV inputs they don't even display as well as old CRTs would have and buying 3rd party adapters or clone consoles is not particularly convenient either. And sure, one can get an old CRT, but they take a lot of space and would only be used for that specific purpose.
3. I don't want to pirate games and run a bunch of semi-legal emulators on a Vita or some other hacked device - which is still a tempting option. I would rather buy the games legally.
4. Just because there are games I haven't played yet and want to play does not mean I don't want to revisit old games I know and love as well. Just like I rewatch movies I like or reread books I like, I like to revisit old games every now and then too. The Switch is the ideal format for that.
Not everyone would take advantage of the feature, sure. But not everyone takes advantage of every feature on a phone, or a PC, or other gaming devices - but those features still get made because there are people who want them.
@Blizzia He was telling a joke dude. lol
@Heavyarms55,
1500 is tiny compared to the overall Swich user base,as usual this will be the hardcore fan responses and therfore not indicative of the wider Switch market.
@Heavyarms55 Good points, friend! You are right, I rarely dig out my old systems and I also like point #3.
@Heavyarms55 Ah yeah the beaten horse by now almost disintegrated from vigorous repetition is oh so funny.
@BFahey3 I mean that's not really wear and tear... That's accidental damage.
@KingdomHeartsFan I agree, totally on me. But, I will say that I had dropped my 3ds and ds many more times and got nothing more than a few minor scratches. So i'm just saying the durability isn't nearly as high as their other handhelds.
If I keep it docked, these pockets of time would be wasted on my phone instead. Not as fun!
@KingdomHeartsFan I’m sorry but compared to the other major companies out there I think Nintendo’s personality is just fine and are for the most part pro consumer. They still have the ability to troll/joke with their fan base then give them what they were waiting for. When other gaming companies do the same it still ends in disappointment
Love. My. Switch.
Don’t get to play it nearly enough, but it got me back into gaming after a ten year hiatus!
I want some sort of trade-in plan for analog stick drift. The controllers are at a "fair" price, but it's way too high to just go and buy some new ones every time a stick starts drifting (or pressing on a stick no longer works as "R3" or "L3").
Furthermore, I'd want to see Gamecube games on it, but that's just a part of a rapidly growing library which is already there (given its total lack of some very much wanted titles / genres), and if I truly want to play GC games, I can always use my GC I suppose.
As for the operating system or non-game software, I'd love to see folders and maybe Netflix.
But beyond that, I got it since day one, and only went back to Wii U to finish Tokyo Mirage Sessions, and to 3DS for a couple of games now and then. My PS4 now serves as a glorified movie player, much like my PS3 and 2 did before. Unlike then, now I don't even follow up on game releases on Sony's system to satisfy my "needs".
Well, I managed to chip a section out of the top left of my machine by clumsily knocking it over on my desk in dock mode. Unlucky. I have a gb original which is still intact
Otherwise, very happy with the Switch.
Pro
Games are great
Nintendo exclusives
Love the flexibility
Nice hardware
Lots more potential
Cons
Speakers are quiet
Feels a little too premium to take out the house (weirdly I take my iPad out all the time)
Expensive games (they are good value but 60 still stings for me)
The rest, just little niggles. I’d love to put physical games onto the sd cart so I can have best of both worlds.
I only recently picked up a Switch mostly because there hasn't been a lot on it that I had to purchase. Breath of the Wild, Captain Toad, New Super Mario Bros U, Bayonetta 1 & 2, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Pokken Tournament, Mario Kart 8, and even a lot of indie releases were already available (and purchased) on the Wii U. There was just nothing that screamed 'must play'.
Even since getting one, my library is quite small. It's ironic that the most compelling game for me on the system is a free-to-play title (Paladins) and provided by Switch Online (Tetris 99). Now I am sure that will change when Dragon Quest and Animal Crossing drops (and I get around to buying XC2), but it so far is a system with a ton of games that I generally already own or am not interested in.
@TommyTendo You have no idea how badly both my daughters want a Tomodachi Life 2 for their Switches. lol They've both mentioned it multiple times now.
As for what I think of the Switch now, two years in? Absolutely love it. Tax time this year has become "Switch game purchase and backlog adding" time. I play my Switch just about every day, whether for a little or a lot...sometimes as little as a few minutes to several hours...and its all thanks to its hybrid nature. I play my Switch much much more than my PS4 now. I have over 100 games in just 2 years...mostly digital but 20 or so physical, as well. The Switch is the first console to really make me appreciate a portable digital AAA library. Monster Hunter and Skyrim go with me everywhere...and I love it. Recently bought a 400gb card, and after redownloading everything I've had to juggle before on my 128gb card...I only have about 120gb left to fill up...and already have ideas on how to do it (FFX/X-2, FFXII, Dragon's Dogma, and Warmastered Edition are some leading candidates to help fill it up)...so I'll probably need to start switching SD cards out soon...which surprises me no end. Do I think there could be some upgrades to the system? Sure...: folders and themes are my biggest wants for the UI...maybe the eShop upgraded to be more like the Wii U eShop (which I loved the setup there)...but overall I love my system. As far as system/hardware upgrades...I fall into the "Switch Pro" camp...and I'd buy one instantly...which I've never been one to do (upgrading hardware). I still have a base unit PS4, and have never really felt any kind of a need to jump to a PS4 Pro...but a Switch Pro I'd buy in a heartbeat. My absolute favorite system of all time now.
While I see my Switch as my current console of choice, there are things that could definitely be improved upon.
1- I'm a bit fed up of seeing most games on the e-shop being constantly priced higher there than on most, if not all, competing systems. Even if the difference is not that much, it's often enough for me to not buy the game out of frustration. The feeling I'd be throwin my money out the window by buying the Switch version of a game is very present all the time I log into the eshop. Simetimes, even games on sale on the eshop are pricier than their REGULAR price elsewhere. Note that it's not about the amount of money, I don't have a problem paying $80 if the game is worth it. This situation makes the Switch the platform where it is the most expensive to play on this generation. At least where I live.
2- A proper left joycon with a proper d-pad would be a godsend.
3- I get it that Nintendo wants NES games to be a bonus for online subscriptions. Fine. But either make it a full Netflix-like retro game service covering other systems as well, or create a second one that will act as a real virtual console like you had on Wii / WiiU / 3DS. However shape this may take, we need a legit solution here for retro titles we want to play.
4- Bring on additionnal services/apps like Netflix (with download support) to the platform, as well as a web browser. Plex too, while we're at it. I'm tired of having to lug around BOTH my tablet and my Switch, in case I want to either play a game or watch some series or movies on the go.
That pretty much sums it up for me about what I'd want improved on the Switch.
@Realnoize
Don't forget that Hulu IS on the Switch...and it has full movies and TV shows. Sure, its not a Netflix size movie library...but there are plenty of good ones on there. I have both a Hulu and Netflix accounts though, so I guess I have an advantage there. Also...YouTube.
I couldn't be happier with it. The Switch has already become my all-time favorite gaming system — one major reason is that I actually get to spend time playing games on it. I'm certain I've already logged more hours on my Switch than on my Xbox 360 or Wii U (or my PC in the last 10 years). My gaming time dropped off dramatically after my first child was born in 2010, and again when the second arrived in 2012. So I don't mind getting ports of great 3rd party titles in the slightest, as I never really got to play games like Skyrim, Wasteland 2, etc. (Would still love to see a Mass Effect Trilogy or Dragon's Age Trilogy on Switch)
Only real complaint I have is that the JoyCons don't seem to be very durable. R button broke on my original right JoyCon, so I bought a new set (I was too impatient to mess around with trying to get a replacement part). A couple of weeks ago, the right analog stick started drifting like crazy, so I swapped it for the analog stick from my original, broken right JoyCon. Now the analog stick on my left JoyCon is starting to drift. My original left JoyCon still works fine though, so I'll just go back to that one.
Still, it's a concern for the longevity of the console.
@Highlar
Yeah, we don't have Hulu in Canada. Canada's digital streaming offering is actually piss-poor IMO compared to what's available in the US.
And regarding Youtube's implementation on the Switch, I installed it, tried it, and uninstalled it right away. I mean, the best use of YouTube on the Switch, for me, is to look at tips for the games I'm playing when I'm stuck, but then again, starting YouTube requires you to shut down the game you're playing, so it makes the app useless for me. The e-shop doesn't require you to shut down the game you're playing. Why wouldn't this be possible with YouTube? So even if YouTube is on the Switch, I have to use my tablet or phone alongside my Switch to access YouTube while I'm playing a game....
But the idea, to me, is that by putting Netflix on the Switch (with offline downloads capabilities - like on most phones and tablets), it would make it possible for me to only bring my Switch with me everyday for the commute ride to/from work, instead of both my Switch AND my tablet.
@KingdomHeartsFan that is true
@TheAwesomeBowser my right shoulder button is broken, my left stick has a wonder, my right joycon, has trouble syncing up now and this is all after sending it in to get fixed. I could blame my nephews but they haven’t played it that much: it’s the quality of the make.
As for its stellar games; Mario odyssey and breath of the Wild string you along with gameplay promoting instant gratification over delayed gratification which in my mind makes them dull baby games made for babies, or the parent of the baby who has limited time.
As for the rest of its stellar games. They’re either known quantities(Mario kart 8, bayonetta, captain toad, etc) or barebones sequels(Splatoon 2, kirby, Mario tennis)
For the first half of this year, the only notable release is yoshi which only Appeals to the kirby sort of demographic. You have to wait till summer for games to come out.
I’d swap my switch for a Wii u
@Darknyht that’s my experience
Oh goodie, we have the good ol' "Nintendo makes baby games" comment. You can always count on at least one of those each time. Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild might have cartoony graphics, but I never found them "baby" at all. They are fun, challenging games that creatively blow away almost anything else done in the gaming industry right now.
The other thing about people complaining about Wii U ports. You do understand that only 13 million Wii U were sold. It's by far the worst selling Nintendo console in history (outside of the Virtual Boy). The Switch has already sold 35 million units, that's over 20 million people who likely never played the Wii U version of these games.
I don't need media apps like Netflix, Hulu, Youtube on my Switch. I have an iPad if I want to watch media. I game on my Switch.
And for those wondering why Nintendo needs a Virtual Console on the Switch:
1. The Virtual Console was on the Wii/Wii U for over 10 years. People built up a large library of games and now have to keep their Wii/Wii U hooked up to play them. I have an SD card with a ton of VC games and have to keep my Wii U hooked up to play them.
2. Nintendo platform games don't "age" like most games. You can pick up and play them and they are still fun. They are like Beatles music for video games. Heck, sometimes I hooked up my NES Classic and play some Excitebike for 15-20 minutes and it's still just as fun as when I played it in the 80s.
3. The portability factor is a huge plus now for these games.
4. Nintendo has been strict about ROMs. Either make a platform to make these legally available or relax the enforcement of these draconian rules.
I think you could even have to versions of a VC available: an iTunes like version where you download the games for a price or a streaming service like Apple Music where your subscription gives you access to the games.
@kingbk challenging games?
@Bondi_Surfer In a similar place although it was the Wii U that broke my hiatus, but yep, love the Switch, it is indeed a new way to play. The convenience of taking it to someone else's house and simply popping it into their dock is fantastic, no wires, no fuss. Just click.
Still puzzles me how people two years down the line are still crying about power and graphics though, like they were somehow going to get parity with the PS4 and Xbox out of a semi-portable device without it melting....at a sensible price. If they bought a Switch expecting that then they're mugs.
Also let's remind NintenDoomed fandom where are you now.
@KingdomHeartsFan bless your heart
90% of the time our two Switches are used for portable Fortnite & YouTube.
And they probably have a dozen other games they just HAD to have and don't play.
Nice, lots of support for Persona - definitely a great series!! P5 would be terrific, and seems possible since there's a PS3 version. I also wouldn't mind seeing Q2 on the Switch.
Kingdom Hearts 3 though... good luck with that! There are three possibilities: 1) mobile port like FFXV 2) downgraded visuals like DQXI (hopefully not the 2D version) 3) ....crickets....
Nice to see that maybe I'm not the only person who wants FFVIII (lost to the sands of time apparently) and Tactics.
I found the video to be annoying - then I went to the linked article, which is much better than having someone read it to you!!
@Nater bummer - might as well get a tablet or phone if you're just going to play YouTube and Fortnite. Or another platform if you actually want to play Fortnite at 60fps.
Are they actually playing Fortnite as a game or more as a chat room?
@Hoho Blah blah blah, continue your blind hatred while I continue to get excited for Mario Maker 2 and Luigi's Mansion 3.
@blecch I got them both RX 580 PCs for Xmas. the older boy has almost moved exclusively to Fortnite on that. Younger can't get used to the KB/Mouse, so he'll sit there on the Switch and play instead. smdh
Now if only I could get them to watch their YouTube garbage on their PCs and shut the Switches down to save on the wear and tear.
And we've been down the tablet road... They don't make any durable enough for my kids. 😃
@TheAwesomeBowser blind hatred? I think I mapped out with plenty of clarity my gripes with this generation of hardware.
In order to fully enjoy the switch, you either like buying the same game twice, or you skipped those great games that were already available elsewhere. Therefore the success of switch seems to be predicated on either wastefulness or ignorance.
Moreover, the fact that you couldn’t humor a differing viewpoint indicates that you’re immature.
@Hoho Chill, mate. Nobody wants to hear the same thing a googolplexianth (yes, that's a real number) times. Also, you can't call me immature when I can't see the Switch as being a perfect console. It obviously has some problems (cough NSO cough). Not only that, but you can't use capital letters correctly. Ironically, Wii U is even worse. It has even more trashy games (cough Amiibo Festival cough Ultra Smash cough) and even less 3rd party support which, consequentially, makes the Wii U the worst Nintendo console to own as of right now. You know what, though? If you hate the Switch so much, just leave. This site is better off without you.
@TheAwesomeBowser the site would be one step closer to an echo chamber without me.
The switch’s release calendar is pretty standard thus far, but the marquee game
releases are worse.
Keep in mind as well the switch straddles both mobile and console markets. All the more reason to regard the release calendar as Hohum.
@TheAwesomeBowser also when was I repeating myself?
@Hoho I'm just gonna ignore you now. There's no reason for me to suffer your baloney.
@TheAwesomeBowser enjoy your brittle existence.
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