Poll of the Day > Just how portable is the Switch?

(+) Yeah! (+)

I'm watching a stream and the dude's talking about being able to play Smash on an airplane.

You can't do that, right? I'm assuming you have to be a certain distance from the console?
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Yes you can do that
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The screen is the console

The dock just makes it work on the tv

Its kinda the whole point

Anything is portable if you're brave enough
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Well, it can't be that easy to store on your person so... probably not that portable.

Krow_Incarnate posted...

You can't do that, right? I'm assuming you have to be a certain distance from the console?

The console is basically a tablet. The bigger issue with planes is not being allowed to use electronic devices.
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It's not exactly something you can put in your pocket, but it's fine for trips where you'd be carrying a bag anyway.

Zeus posted...

The bigger issue with planes is not being allowed to use electronic devices.

You can use electronics on a plane for most of the flight, there are just some times when they ask you to turn them off

MICHALECOLE posted...

The screen is the console

The dock just makes it work on the tv

Its kinda the whole point

Ah, I see. I thought it was a console that has a portable counterpart.

Got it. Thanks everyone.

Wait, so does it use cartridges or discs?

Between Smash, the new FE, and Hyrule Warriors, I'm tempted to pick one up.
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Zeus posted...

Well, it can't be that easy to store on your person so... probably not that portable.

Chewster posted...

It's not exactly something you can put in your pocket, but it's fine for trips where you'd be carrying a bag anyway.

I can fit it in my pockets. And I'm a small guy. It's not like my pants are huge. I do like big pockets, though. So, it should be able to fit in some pockets, I think. But like Chewster said, you'd probablt have a bag on a trip like that, anyway...

Krow_Incarnate posted...

Wait, so does it use cartridges or discs?

Cards. (Like carrideges, but they are called cards.)
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Chewster posted...

You can use electronics on a plane for most of the flight, there are just some times when they ask you to turn them off

Mine said to turn on airplane mode, but bluetooth was still okay.
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Krow_Incarnate posted...

Wait, so does it use cartridges or discs?

It uses cartridges that are slightly smaller than a SD card.
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So when docked, does it actually play in true 1080? Or just upscaled 720?
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Krow_Incarnate posted...

So when docked, does it actually play in true 1080? Or just upscaled 720?

Depends on the game. Zelda is 900p, LA Noire is 1080p, Mario Kart is 1080, Doom is 612p.
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Oh, okay. That's not bad. I assume most of the first-party games are 1080 or close to it?
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HOLY SHIT!

Warriors Orochi 3U is one the Switch?! What. the. fuck.

DW8 and SoS, too.

Man, I'm pretty much sold.

Between those, the new Fire Emblem, Smash, and Hyrule Warriors....

And also, I'll get to play a Mario game for the first time since.... 2004 >_>'
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Guilty Gear AC+ is on the Switch too

Jeebuz
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Yeah man, Nintendo double downed on efforts to avoid another Wii U fiasco and they've been doing well.

It's crazy. I'm seeing all sorts of shit.

Mutant League Football is going to be on the Switch, for crying out loud.

I could never really commit to a handheld system, for some reason. But with this more or less having the ability to be played on an actual TV screen with the functionality of a portable handheld, in addition to what looks like a really damn solid library.... Fuck, I'm just sold.
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The real limiting factor of the Switch's portability is the battery life, which is roughly 3 hours if you're playing a AAA title on a reasonable brightness.

They sell external batteries to extend the battery life of the Switch (you can't just use any external battery for phones because the Switch has a different voltage requirement), but that arguable limits how portable it is unless you carry a bag for everything around with you.

Which is okay for long trips because you'll have a bag anyway, but might not be okay for daily activities.
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Chewster posted...

Zeus posted...
The bigger issue with planes is not being allowed to use electronic devices.

Ah the bigger picture of why Zeus lives in his own bubble. Has never left his house.

Lil69Leo posted...

Chewster posted...

@Zeus posted...
The bigger issue with planes is not being allowed to use electronic devices.

Ah the bigger picture of why Zeus lives in his own bubble. Has never left his house.

For real. They havent made people turn off electronics in I dont even know how long.

Plus he has no idea that a switch can easily fit in a pocket or carry on bag yet he still needs to voice his opinion on something he knows nothing about.

Maybe hes just overburdened with all the death threats he claims he gets here
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Chewster posted...

Zeus posted...

The bigger issue with planes is not being allowed to use electronic devices.

You can use electronics on a plane for most of the flight, there are just some times when they ask you to turn them off

Basically this. Youll need to put the Switch in airplane mode (done with the tap of a button) and put it away during takeoff and landing. Otherwise, play away.

TigerTycoon posted...

The real limiting factor of the Switch's portability is the battery life, which is roughly 3 hours if you're playing a AAA title on a reasonable brightness.

At least for plane rides, a lot of planes have power outlets at each seat these days, so battery life is not an issue there.

Mead posted...

...a switch can easily fit in a pocket or carry on bag...

Id say that most traditional pockets would be a stretch, especially when you add the Joycons or any other controllers. But like Mead said, you can bring a carry-on bag (like the size of a duffel bag) to store on the plane in the overhead compartment, and a personal item (like a backpack) to keep with you and just put underneath a seat while in flight. I have a small carrying case for my Switch, which can hold system and several games. I just bring that in a backpack, along with several cords to charge things like the Switch, my phone, and headphones.

So yeah, no big deal bringing one on a flight. Ive done it a few times. I prefer to use it as a handheld, but you could easily put it on the tray, disconnect the Joycons (or a pro controller) and play it that way.
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Remember the Nintendo Gateway System?
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Zeus, when was the last time you flew?
I remember being able to play my GBA back in 2003 on a plane.
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It fits in larger pockets, like on jackets, but don't expect to put it into jean pockets (even if it'll technically fit, those pockets bend too much). Games are cartridges, similar in size to (3)DS ones (a bit narrower and taller), so it's easy to bring some along.

Krow_Incarnate posted...

And also, I'll get to play a Mario game for the first time since.... 2004 >_>'

You're in for a treat. Odyssey is phenomenal. I can't remember the last time a game kept me so consistently pleased from start to finish. It's an absolute joy to play.
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The switch is like an ipad

But

The battery life on the switch SUCKS

So you need to have the charging cable and regular access to outlets

If, for example, you don't have an outlet for a flight over an ocean, it'll run out of batteries before the flight ends even from full charge.

The_Popo posted...

At least for plane rides, a lot of planes have power outlets at each seat these days, so battery life is not an issue there.

Not only that, but they AC Adapters for cars and at the airport, most seats wil have an outlet. Or you can usually find one somewhere...

The_Popo posted...

Id say that most traditional pockets would be a stretch, especially when you add the Joycons or any other controllers. But like Mead said, you can bring a carry-on bag (like the size of a duffel bag) to store on the plane in the overhead compartment, and a personal item (like a backpack) to keep with you and just put underneath a seat while in flight. I have a small carrying case for my Switch, which can hold system and several games. I just bring that in a backpack, along with several cords to charge things like the Switch, my phone, and headphones.

So yeah, no big deal bringing one on a flight. Ive done it a few times. I prefer to use it as a handheld, but you could easily put it on the tray, disconnect the Joycons (or a pro controller) and play it that way.

The carrying case is probably the reason I dont carry it in my pocket as much. And K guess it depends on the pockets. I know it fits easily into my ABU pockets, but for jeans, it depend. It fits into probably 1/3 if my jeans. A little more if I disconnect the joy cons... and a good number of khakis. I actually test pocket size when I buy new pants...
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oh yes a carrying case is 100% required if you don't want a scratched messy screen

It's portable enought for planes and cars. But not to portable enough for metro rails and bus. i would be afriad it will get stolen using mass transant and you can't hide it/put it in your pocket very well.

It's not portable for work or school, but you can take it to a friends house or coffee shop.
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ernieforss posted...

It's portable enought for planes and cars. But not to portable enough for metro rails and bus. i would be afriad it will get stolen using mass transant and you can't hide it/put it in your pocket very well.

It's not portable for work or school, but you can take it to a friends house or coffee shop.

Just because youre afraid of the getting stolen doesnt mean its not portable enough for them. Its portable enough for metro rails and buses. And definitely for school or work, depending on the situations. Ive taken it to work many times since Ive gotten it. For school, I guess it would depend on the school and rules...

But it is different for different people...
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ernieforss posted...

It's not portable for work or school

I generally have a backpack if I'm going to school, and it fits in there. I also do for work, but then I typically bike to work, so that's not something that can be generalized to everyone.
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TigerTycoon posted...

The real limiting factor of the Switch's portability is the battery life, which is roughly 3 hours if you're playing a AAA title on a reasonable brightness.

This is the reason I haven't bought one. Whenever they release a version that's a bit smaller and has better battery life, I'll want one. I don't even care about the docking. Essentially I want a PS Vita that actually has a game library.

I'm glad I'm not the only who thought Zeus' comment made him sound really sheltered

Well he is

TigerTycoon posted...

They sell external batteries to extend the battery life of the Switch (you can't just use any external battery for phones because the Switch has a different voltage requirement), but that arguable limits how portable it is unless you carry a bag for everything around with you.

you can use pretty much any powerbank.
if a powerbank doesn't support "power delivery" fast charging at the right voltages and amperage it will still provide power, but while playing demanding games it will only reduce how fast the switch battery drains instead of slowly recharging it.

I think the portability is great. I have a small hard cover case for it and I can take it with me whenever I go over someone's house or someplace. The battery life has never really been a problem for me seeing as I never play for more than 3 hours at a time anyway and by the time the battery is going to die, I'm usually somewhere where I can just dock or charge it anyway.

it's a upgraded tablet, of course it's portable
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Mead posted...

switch can easily fit in a pocket

Dude wut.

Unless you carry a backpack, purse, briefcase, or man purse (messanger bag) you CANNOT bring a switch with you places.

I hate nintendo for forgetting about 3ds. That actually can fit in your pocket. Even the xl although thats still a bit difficult depending on your clothing and body size/shape.
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bulbinking posted...

Mead posted...

switch can easily fit in a pocket

Dude wut.

Unless you carry a backpack, purse, briefcase, or man purse (messanger bag) you CANNOT bring a switch with you places.

I hate nintendo for forgetting about 3ds. That actually can fit in your pocket. Even the xl although thats still a bit difficult depending on your clothing and body size/shape.

As you said, its depends on your clothing and body size/shape. But it can fit in pockets. Just not all pockets.
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"Forgetting" about 3DS? TBH I'm surprised they're still releasing as many games as they are. For example they're putting Captain Toad on 3DS even though it's also getting a Switch release.

It's more portable than the OG Xbox

Chewster posted...

"Forgetting" about 3DS? TBH I'm surprised they're still releasing as many games as they are. For example they're putting Captain Toad on 3DS even though it's also getting a Switch release.

They are releasing a good number of games for both, IIRC... or they did for some, anyway...
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i just came back from the mall and there was a 7-year old kid at the food court playing the switch. he tried to put it in his pant pocket but couldn't. i give him props for taking off the controller and putting them in his other pocket. but the tablet part couldn't fit. Luckly, he was wearing cargo short so he put it in one of his velcro pouches. that whole side was super flat. if he falls bumps into something it will probably scratch or crack the screen.
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The new Pokemon games make me want the switch a lot. Maaaaaaybe I can justify it by my birthday. I feel like a dummy for buying the 3DS so late into the life cycle

Chewster posted...

I'm glad I'm not the only who thought Zeus' comment made him sound really sheltered

The last flight I was on there was a person worried about people having their phones out and planes crashing.

They were several generations earlier than I am and probably hadn't flown in a decade. Or maybe after 9/11
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LinkPizza posted...

They are releasing a good number of games for both, IIRC... or they did for some, anyway...

Yeah but I think that was just third-party/indie stuff so far. A first party game like Captain Toad seems to suggest Nintendo isn't fully ready to kill of the 3DS, or doesn't know what to do with it.

Doctor Foxx posted...

I feel like a dummy for buying the 3DS so late into the life cycle

Why? The library's huge now, and cheap used copies of games are everywhere. You're at pretty much the perfect point to balance availability with cost, and even when you can't find a copy of a game, being able to purchase them digitally means you don't have to.

Chewster posted...

or doesn't know what to do with it.

I think that's most of it. They don't want to kill it off because it's still a very successful system that they can fall back on if the Switch tanks, but the Switch's handheldish nature means making a proper successor to it would be a little redundant. I'm guessing if the Switch has another solid year or so, they'll stop supporting the 3DS because the Switch will have enough of a foothold to not need it as a fallback plan. Depending on how the market shifts, we may or may not see a new dedicated handheld option when the time comes to make a successor for the Switch, but I don't see a successor for the 3DS this generation.
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3DS is currently the best value for the money of a console that is still being supported.
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CarefreeDude posted...

3DS is currently the best value for the money of a console that is still being supported.

The games are still stupidly expensive. Sorry but I forgot how ridiculous the pricing is
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My biggest regret with the 3DS is that it's fucking hand cramp city. At least the New 3DS XL is, I have no idea about other models.

Chewster posted...

My biggest regret with the 3DS is that it's fucking hand cramp city. At least the New 3DS XL is, I have no idea about other models.

The 2DS XL has been fine for me for a few hours at a time.
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Yeah I kind of wish I had waited until I knew they were going to make a foldable 2DS. I think that got announced only a few months after I bought mine. Although I think it's a similar form factor? But I'd still take the reduced price to sacrifice 3D