Nintendo Switch: 2 years later

Back in the first quarter of 2017, Nintendo announced the Nintendo NX, an ambitious product that was meant to revolutionize portable gaming. The device was aptly named the "Switch" because of its capability to easily switch between portable or docked mode onto the big screen. And so far, it hasn't failed to impress. With a slew of brilliant exclusives, the Switch has spread all over the globe.  However, two years in and the handheld hybrid hasn't come without its fair share of problems.

The Nintendo Switch is an innovative piece of hardware, unique to the Nintendo formula. Nintendo's creative team have really taken the time to make the Switch its own yet different from any other console out there. With removable controllers and Nintendo's partnership with 3rd party firms, there is no limit to the types of accessories available for the Switch. Don't like the red and blue joy-cons? Get them in black, grey, yellow, pink, purple etc. Get some joy-cons with your favourite Nintendo game's design etched onto them. Or change the shape entirely with ones that have a grip. You can even get Bluetooth dongles that allow you to use whichever controller you want, be it PS4, Xbox or Nvidia Shield. You can get cases that make the switch look a little classier, like a leather case, or shinier with a metallic cover. The customization options feel limitless.

The exclusives on this device more than justify its cost. The switch released with its own version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. And that game is massive with a capital Big.  With a jambalaya of Mario games and over 20 more titles announced in this year's E3, the switch isn't going to be devoid of content anytime soon.

There are however, some essentials that Nintendo fail to meet when it comes to online gaming. Even though the servers are solid and it as much lag free as the next console, the voice chat function is simply weird. You have to download an app which isn't available for our beloved nation and requires other methods to download. And you can voice chat only through that app. It will be your means of communication. Another issue is the lack of cloud saves. Due to competitive nature of Smash Bros and Splatoon, Nintendo has excused themselves from employing cloud saves. So, if your switch breaks, there goes your 400 hours of Zelda. 

Currently, Bangladesh has over 5,000 switch users bungling about. It might not seem like much but it's only been 2 years. As more releases come out for the device, more people will indulge in the snappy new console. "It warms up to you." Says Shayan Hussain, a fellow Switch owner. "It's portable, durable, and I can play Zelda and Mario when I'm lying in bed! What more do you need?"