Nintendo, we have a problem.
Make it problems. Nintendo's hybrid console, Nintendo Switch, was well-received upon its release last March 3. However, with the warm welcomes come the hot issues facing the console. From Joy-Con connectivity to dead pixels, the new console is not exactly experiencing a flawless launch.
Nintendo Switch is a good console, that's for sure. If you're still iffy to make the big Switch, here are the issues facing the Nintendo Switch. Also, some tips how to work around them while we wait for Nintendo to come up with permanent solutions.
Skins And Stickers Break Nintendo's Surface
Some fans are complaining that adhesive skins cause surface damage to their console. These decals / stickers cause the paint to peel off the main body and controllers. So keep those amazing decals and put them somewhere that isn't your Switch console.
Screen Isn't Scratchproof
The main selling point of the Switch is its versatility: it can be held as a portable gaming device or docked like a normal console. Except that dock isn't exactly smooth. Users report about their console screens getting scratched by the dock. Some have resorted to DIY measures like putting a cloth where the dock rails are. Or buy screen protectors like the one you use on your phones.
Joy-Con Isn't A Joy To Connect
The first hot-button issue that came out even before the launch is that Switch's detachable controllers, the Joy-Cons, experience problems connecting. The Joy-Con is like the Wiimote for Switch, with wireless connectivity, motion detection, and proximity sensors. But users experience problems like unresponsive controls, delayed responses, controllers moving on their own, or disconnection mid-game. The culprit ranges from wave interference, signal blockage, and ye ol' problem of physical hindrance (like tables, body parts, etc). Nintendo's advice is to reduce the distance from the controller and the system.
Orange Screens Of Death
It is unthinkable that the infamous screen of death will reach the realm of the Switch. But it did, as some users have reported orange screens popping out after their game crashes. Others reported flickering or black-and-white screens. The only solution thus far is a hard reset — that is, physically restarting your console via its main switch. The bummer about this is that crashing computers often corrupt game files. The best way to avoid the horrible thought of losing your Zelda hours of game time? Save, save often.
Return Of The Dead Pixels
For a game system that touts its console-as-portable-screen as its main selling point, dead pixels are really bad news. Users have reported dead pixels popping on their screens. Short of completely mechanically fixing or changing your screen, there isn't much you can do about this. If dead pixels aren't weird, even stranger is Nintendo's response to this. This is bad news, so before you purchase, make sure you do a screen test to check if there are dead pixels hiding that might soon haunt your game life. Dead zombies are good, but not on a $300 console.
Charging Port Is At The Bottom (Of Engineering Design)
One good thing about the Switch is when in portable mode, you can put it on the table and set it upright with its built-in kickstand. It is good ... until you need to charge. And in a moment of ergonomic design afterthought, the charging port is at the bottom. So how to go around (under?) this situation? Either you buy a charging dock accessory, or find a way to snake the charging cord underneath the console.
Saved Games Are Saved In The Console (So They Stay There)
This isn't exactly a physical problem as much as it is a technical issue vis-à-vis game saves. The issue is that games saved in the console ... stay there. They cannot be transferred to another Switch console. Or even a memory card.
So while you can lug your Switch wherever you go, the same cannot be said for the game saves. Which is weird for a device that purports "switching" as its main feature. Nintendo confirmed this but hinted at a probable update in the future.
