Nintendo Switch Solo Tablet

Earlier this year, Nintendo released a new gaming console called the Nintendo Switch. I grew up playing Nintendo and Super Nintendo, but spent many hours playing games on other Nintendo consoles such as the Wii and WiiU over the years as well. So when I first heard about Nintendo's newest console, I knew we had to have it for our family.

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A third Nintendo Switch bundle that is reviewed positively by gamers is the Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Bundle. Are there benefits to purchasing a used Nintendo Switch? Most gamers prefer to purchase their consoles new whenever possible; however, a used Nintendo Switch is a great option if the console is in good working condition. Between the launch of L4T (Linux 4 Tegra) Ubuntu by ByLaws and the release of emuMMC for the Switch, there has never been a better time to own a (hackable) Nintendo Switch. Now, ByLaws has.

Perhaps your kids have heard about the Switch and have been begging you to get one. So what is it? What do you need to know about the Switch as a parent?

(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

What is the Nintendo Switch?

The Nintendo Switch is sort of a cross between a handheld gaming system and a regular home console. The console comes with a tablet, a docking station, two mini controllers called Joy-Cons, and a grip to attach the two mini controllers to form a regular controller. The tablet screen is also a touch screen, just like an iPad or any other tablet.

(KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images)

It is a really versatile gaming system! You can play it on the go, similar to a Nintendo 3DS or any other portable gaming system, by sliding the Joy-Cons onto the edges of the tablet. Or you can slide the tablet into the dock, slide the Joy-Cons into the grip, and play the Switch on your TV. Or you can set up the tablet on its built-in stand and play on it as if it were a small TV screen. And it's really easy to switch from one mode to the other, which is really the best part about this console.

5 Things to Know Before Buying a Nintendo Switch for Your Kids

1. It Can Be Enjoyed by the Entire Family

While the Switch certainly allows for solo gaming on the go, it is also a great family console, much like its predecessors the Wii and WiiU. So be prepared to spend some quality time playing fun games, like Mario Kart, together.

2. It Has Great Parental Controls

You can restrict features and content, keep track of what your kids are playing, and set limits on how long your kids play for. There is even an app for your smartphone that lets you control these features. Handy, right?

3. It Is Expensive

It retails for $399.99, which certainly isn't cheap, but considering the versatility of the gaming console, I think it is worth it. The fact that it is portable really makes it seem like you are getting two video game consoles in one, which I think justifies the price tag.

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4. You Will Need to Buy a Screen Protector

My biggest concern with being able to switch between playing modes is the possibility that the tablet's screen could get scratched going in and out of the dock. I highly recommend getting a screen protector to prevent scratches.

5. There Aren't a Lot of Games...Yet

Unless your kids are really into the Legend of Zelda games, there isn't much available yet. However, they do have an exciting lineup of games coming out, including a new Mario title, which my kids and I are excited to play. However, the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a fantastic game so you'll definitely want to scoop up that game if your kids are ages 10+.

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Size	Approximately 4 inches high, 9.4 inches long, and 0.55 inches deep (with Joy-Con attached) *The depth from the tip of the analog sticks to the tip of the ZL/ZR buttons is 1.12 inches
Weight	Approximately .66 lbs (Approximately .88 lbs when Joy-Con controllers are attached)
Screen	Multi-touch capacitive touch screen / 6.2-inch LCD Screen / 1280 x 720
CPU/GPU	NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor
Storage	32 GB of internal storage, a portion of which is reserved for use by the system. Users can easily expand storage space using microSDHC or microSDXC cards up to 2TB (sold separately).
Wireless	Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)() Bluetooth 4.1 (In TV mode, Nintendo Switch systems can be connected with a wired LAN adapter - sold separately)
Video output	Up to 1080p via HDMI in TV mode Up to 720p via built-in screen in tabletop mode and handheld mode
Audio output	Compatible with 5.1ch Linear PCM output Output via HDMI connector in TV mode
Speakers	Stereo
Buttons	Power button / Volume button
USB connector	USB Type-C Used for charging or for connecting to the Nintendo Switch dock.
Headphone/mic jack	3.5mm 4-pole stereo (CTIA standard)
Game card slot	Nintendo Switch game cards
microSD card slot	Compatible with microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC memory cards *Once the microSDXC card is inserted, a system update will be necessary. An Internet connection is required to perform this system update.
Sensor	Accelerometer, gyroscope, and brightness sensor
Operating environment	41-95 degrees F / 20-80% humidity
Internal battery	Lithium-ion battery/4310mAh
Battery life	Model number: HAC-001 (product serial number starts with “XAW”) Approx. 2.5 to 6.5 hours The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 3 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Model number: HAC-001(-01) - Available starting in mid-August 2019 (product serial number starts with “XKW”) Approximately 4.5 - 9 hours The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Charging time	Approximately 3 hours *When charging while the hardware is in sleep mode

Size	Approximately 4.1 inches high, 6.8 inches long, and 2.12 inches deep
Weight	Approximately .72 lbs
Output	USB Port (USB 2.0 compatible) x2 on the side, 1 on the back System connector AC adapter port HDMI port

Joy‑Con [L]	Joy‑Con [R]
Size	Approximately 4.02 inches high, 1.41 inches long, and 1.12 inches deep
Weight	1.7 oz	1.8 oz
Buttons	Left Stick Up/down/left/right/L/ZL/SL/SR/- Buttons Capture Button Release Button Sync Button	Right Stick A/B/X/Y/R/ZR/SL/SR/+ Buttons HOME Button Release Button Sync Button
Wireless	Bluetooth 3.0	Bluetooth 3.0/NFC
Sensor	Accelorometer Gyroscope	Accelorometer Gyroscope IR Motion Camera
Vibration	HD Rumble
Battery life	Approximately 20 hours *This is an estimate. The battery life may be shortened depending on the usage.
Charging time	Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes * Joy-Con controllers are charged by attaching them to a console or charging grip connected to a power supply.

Size	Approximately 4.02 inches high, 1.41 inches long, and 1.12 inches deep
Weight	Joy‑Con [L] 1.7 oz Joy‑Con [R] 1.8 oz
Buttons	Joy‑Con [L] Left Stick Up/down/left/right/L/ZL/SL/SR/- Buttons Capture Button Release Button Sync Button Joy‑Con [R] Right Stick A/B/X/Y/R/ZR/SL/SR/+ Buttons HOME Buton Release Button Sync Button
Wireless	Joy‑Con [L] Bluetooth 3.0 Joy‑Con [R] Bluetooth 3.0/NFC
Sensor	Joy‑Con [L] Accelorometer Gyroscope Joy‑Con [R] Accelorometer Gyroscope IR Motion Camera
Vibration	HD Rumble
Battery life	Approximately 20 hours *This is an estimate. The battery life may be shortened depending on the usage.
Charging time	Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes * Joy-Con controllers are charged by attaching them to a console or charging grip connected to a power supply.