The next-generation gaming platform is here, and it's called…Nintendo Switch! This device brings a host of new features to the table, including integrated online functionality that makes playing with friends more convenient than ever before.
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid device, capable of functioning as a home console and a portable system. This enables the user to play at home (on a TV), on the go (on the Switch's handheld mode), or anywhere in between. Simply put, the Switch embodies all the best of both worlds.
The device supports multiple monitors, enabling users to play simultaneously on one screen (for example, a TV and a laptop), or split the display so each person can play on their device individually (a feature known as ‘tetris mode' – where each player takes control of a corner of the maze). The device also boasts an incredibly high quality display, perfect for playing some of the most popular NFT games from the Nintendo library. And did we mention that it's portable?
In this article, we will discuss the best sites to play Nintendo Switch games online. With so many fantastic games available, and integrated online functionality, it's very easy for anyone to find an activity they enjoy and continue playing long after the fun has stopped.
Xbox – Integrated with Windows, making it the perfect match for any PC
While the Nintendo Switch is primarily a handheld device, it also has a built-in kickstand that can be used for watching TV shows or playing games on the go. It is, in fact, the ultimate hybrid console, due in part to the fact that it can be used as a standalone device but is also built in such a way that enables it to connect to the internet (via WiFi or Bluetooth) and play online features. This is made possible by utilizing Microsoft's xCloud gaming service, which enables PC owners to remotely access their games and play remotely – all from a dedicated, secure server. Sounds complicated? It's not. All you need to do is download the xCloud app to your device and get started. (Make sure to also check out the Windows 10 version, which features a completely redesigned user interface and more interactive elements).
In addition to the ability to play online, the Xbox also offers a wealth of locally-hosted games (either through the use of cloud computing or dedicated servers). It's a console that will certainly never go out of style, and with the Switch being directly competing for sales, it's clear that Microsoft didn't sit back and allow the competition to dictate the market; they actively worked to ensure that their product was better suited to the digital generation. (And let's face facts: the Switch is a great device, but it really is difficult to play in the dark, with only the glow from your screen providing light).
It should come as no great surprise that the Xbox is home to some of the best online play on the market. Microsoft has built a brand around making games accessible to everyone, and the Xbox is largely responsible for that. (Plus, it helps that the device is designed in such a way that makes navigation easy – even for those with no previous experience).
Steam
Valve saw the success that the Xbox achieved and decided to offer gamers their own dedicated device. With the help of Chinese manufacturer Tencent, the Steam Deck was born. (And, once again, we see a device that had to overcome significant technological hurdles to succeed).
The Steam Deck is a hybrid device, meaning that it can both function as a standalone console and also connect to the internet via a cell phone tower (or other WiFi connections). This enables the user to play online features, such as multiplayer and leaderboards, without needing a stable connection.
What's more is that Valve saw the potential of the Switch and worked hard to ensure that their device did not have the same release lineup as its rival. While the Switch had first-party hardware partners such as Nintendo, with the Steam Deck it's a case of third-party hardware companies fighting for dominance. (As a result, you'll see a more even split between first and third-party games – though there are exceptions to this).
Valve is one of the largest companies in the world, with a market cap of around $150 billion. They're more than capable of producing a top-notch gaming console, and with millions of their customers buying games on a regular basis, it's clear that they want to ensure that their gamers have the best possible experience with their hardware. (They don't even have to look far, as the Steam Deck takes advantage of NVIDIA's Geforce Now game streaming service, which is powered by the company's GTX 1080 graphic card).
PLAY STATION
If you're not into the mainstream, but you still want to play modern games, then you should consider investing in a PlayStation. (Or, for older games, a Dreamcast or Playstation Classic – these are all great devices that still hold their value, even today).
While the Nintendo Switch utilizes an asymmetrical disc format (with the left side being for games and the right being for consoles and additional content), the PlayStation used a symmetrical Blu-ray approach (enabling the user to utilize both sides of the disc for games and other content). This allowed for a much sleeker design – with the console's outer case being much smaller than its competitors.
What's more is that Sony actively worked to ensure that all of its products were as “future-proof” as possible – meaning that the console could still play most games even a year after they were released. This is, in part, thanks to the inclusion of the “Pro” cartridge (found inside some PlayStation consoles), which provides an extra layer of security for the disc inside. (This allows for some interesting “jokes” about extra content being available for gamers who “finish” their consoles early).
Another interesting aspect about the PlayStation is the inclusion of a dedicated, on-device search function. It's a simple enough feature to enable when playing locally, but it enabled a level of convenience for users who wanted to look up game information online. (This is especially helpful for gamers who played on several different platforms but wanted to keep their library of games organized).
ROBOJIRA
Developed by Hudson Soft, the iconic (and sometimes frustrating) puzzle game series, Robojira, has been around for nearly 30 years – and the games still hold up fairly well. (Though the game is often criticized for being excessively difficult).
The games center around a collection of brightly colored blocks that the player must manipulate into forming a pattern or sequence that matches one of the various shapes and colors displayed on the screen. (These shapes change based on the difficulty setting chosen by the user).
While the goal of the game is to simply create a pattern or sequence (with the occasional timed element thrown in), it's not always easy to determine the correct order of play. As a result, YouTube videos showcasing players' incredible solving skills have become incredibly popular, with millions of views and hundreds of thousands of comments.)
WHERE CAN I PLAY THE NES GAMES?
With all of these options available, it's clear that finding the best site to play your favorite games is no longer an issue. Simply visit our guide, or type “nintendo switch games” into your favorite search engine, and you'll be presented with a list of top-rated and most popular destinations based on how happy their users are with the service.
It's always important to look for a membership when considering joining an online platform. These days, many sites offer free trials, meaning that you can test out the service without having to commit. This is a great option for those who are unsure about whether or not they'll like the games that the site offers, or just want to find something new to play. (It's also useful when trying to decide which site to join, as you can test drive many different platforms all in one place).
When it comes to playing NES games online, the choice is clear. But that doesn't mean that all sites are created equal. There are a few key things that you should look out for if you want to have an excellent experience, whether you're playing on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
TV VERSUS HANDHELD
When playing on a bigger screen than your smartphone (or smaller screen than your laptop), it's generally better to use a handheld. This is mainly due to the higher resolution available on larger displays – up to a million pixels, compared to the TV's 960,000. (That's double the pixel resolution! At 4K, your TV's pixels are effectively quadruple those of a handheld).