What to do first when buying a Nintendo Switch: tips and tricks



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The Nintendo Switch is a handy little console that adds a lot more flexibility to your game than some of its competition, but it’s different enough to be a little overwhelming when you first buy a Nintendo Switch. This can be true even if you are familiar with other consoles and even other Nintendo systems. To get the most out of your new Switch, there are a few Nintendo Switch tips and tricks you’ll want to do immediately after taking it out of the box, and some may not be the ones you would think about right off the bat.

These are the first things to do when you get a Nintendo Switch, along with a few tips and tricks.

Put on a screen protector

Some of the other Nintendo Switch tips and tricks here don’t have to be in the exact order, but this one has to be first. Seriously do it very first thing you do when you get a Nintendo Switch. Not only is it important to protect the console screen – more on that in a second – but you’ll never, ever be able to remove any dust from the system after it’s been in use for a few minutes, and it will get stuck under the protector if you wait to put it on later. Get the kind of screen protector you prefer, but if you plan to take it with you, invest in a tempered glass protector rather than plastic. It will serve it much better in the event of a fall.

There are several reasons why the Switch needs a protector so badly. The first is that the docking station itself has the risk of scratching your screen when you enter and exit the system. This would be very difficult to do if the Switch had glass on its screen like most phones and tablets do, but it has a softer plastic layer that is very easy to scratch. Put that protector there and never worry again.

Configure the console and create a Nintendo Account

Your console should have some power when you first take it out of the box, but even if it has a heavy load, connect it to the included charger before proceeding to the next steps.

From there, attach the Joy-Con controllers, and with the system on (the power button is at the top), follow the prompts to set your date and time, connect to your local internet, create an icon and a user for your profile and sign in to your Nintendo Account.

If you don’t already have a Nintendo Account, you’ll need to go to a web browser to create one. Just set your username, email, password and a few other details and then verify the information from the email address you chose. You can then link your account to the user profile you just created on the Switch itself.

Configure parental controls

Parental controls will make it easier to talk to your kids about their games.
Parental controls will make it easier to talk to your kids about their games.

Nintendo makes it relatively easy to keep control of what the kids in your household can access on the Switch, and you can control most of it through a free mobile app on iOS and Android. You’ll link it to the Nintendo Account you just created so that you can set up notices and directions that will be sent to the Switch itself. Of course, with your own PIN, you can turn it off and play as much as you want.

Using the app, you can either set an alarm or turn off the switch once the play time reaches a certain point, and a section called “restriction level” to choose which games your kids can play. access and what they can share online. You can even restrict their ability to communicate with others on the Switch – although Nintendo’s almost non-existent use of voice chat does a lot of that for you – and you’ll even get reports on their most played games to make sure. that you haven’t missed anything.

Add friends

The Nintendo Switch uses the friend code system we’ve seen on systems like the Wii U and 3DS before, although there are actually several ways to add friends to the system.

To add someone via their friend code, click on the profile picture at the top left of your screen and you will see “add a friend”. From there, select “search with a friend’s code” and type in the one your friend played to you without the “SW” at the start. From there, you should see their profile appear and you can send them a request. They will just have to accept it and you will be added to the other’s list.

You can also search for nearby Switch users if you’re both using your own console and logged in online, as well as users you’ve played games with before. Some related apps, including mobile games, come with their own friend lists, and you can add your friends on those apps to your Switch list without needing their friend codes.

Get props

The Switch Pro Controller makes TV gaming much more enjoyable.
The Switch Pro Controller makes TV gaming much more enjoyable.

You do not need to buy anything beyond what the Switch comes with, but there are plenty of Nintendo Switch accessories out there that will enhance your experience in a number of ways. One of the biggest issues you’ll run into is that the Switch doesn’t have a lot of internal storage space. Current models have 32GB, which can’t even hold some AAA games like LA Noire or more than a few indie games, while the Switch OLED model released later this year will double it to 64GB, which still isn’t. exactly one ton. Fortunately, Nintendo went with the microSDXC to expand storage, and the cards aren’t that expensive. A huge 512GB card from a reputable brand like SanDisk costs less than $ 90 on Amazon, and that’s more than enough.

We also strongly recommend that you use a Pro controller in place of the included controllers and Joy-Con grip, as the Pro controller has much bigger buttons, better sticks, and a more comfortable form factor. However, you can still keep the Joy-Con controllers attached to the Switch, in case you need to charge the Pro controller and want to use the Joy-Con grip to keep playing.

Your Nintendo Switch carrying case doesn’t have to be adamantium, but getting a nice hard case that can hold the console, charger, controller, and a few other accessories is a great buy when you’re getting the console itself. same. You’ll have all of your gear organized and protected every time you travel, and it’ll only take a few seconds to start playing again. A nice vertical stand from a brand like Hori is also a great idea for tabletop mode to replace the flimsy built-in kickstand.

If you plan to travel with the system or want to play extensively in portable mode, you might also want a second charger. This will allow you to keep the original permanently in the dock, as it is not always convenient to move it from your entertainment center.

Buy Nintendo Switch online

Unlike previous Nintendo systems, you have to pay a subscription to access more online games on Nintendo Switch. However, the service, Nintendo Switch Online, is very cheap and you should buy a year of it when you start. This is also how you can access a growing library of classic NES and SNES games with additional features including suspend and rewind functionality.

To sign up directly on your Switch, go to Nintendo eShop and find the Nintendo Switch Online hub on the left side of the screen. Select this and the Membership Options section to view the available plans. We suggest you go for an annual subscription to save money, which brings your monthly cost to less than $ 2. If you have other friends or family with their own Nintendo Switch, the annual family membership of $ 35 is the best deal, as you can split the cost between up to eight Nintendo Accounts.

Switch Online annual rate

Install the dock

Set it up and forget about it.
Set it up and forget about it.

This doesn’t apply to the Nintendo Switch Lite, of course, but if you have the standard console, set up the docking station before spending a lot of time playing. Not only will your console charge into the dock once it’s set up, but it’s also where you can keep it when not in use. All you need to do is connect the USB-C cable from your charger to the internal port behind the docking station door, plug the other end into a power outlet, and insert the included HDMI cord. in the docking station and your TV.

Just be sure to place the docking station in a location that still offers easy access to the USB ports. You’ll use it to charge the Pro controller, although rarely, if you don’t buy a separate controller charger.

Buy games

And once all of that is done, you’re going to want to get some games! Check out our ultimate guide to the best Nintendo Switch games to help make that experience a little easier. We also have suggestions for the best multiplayer Switch games and the best Switch games for kids if you need family-friendly options. If you already have game codes, you can enter them by visiting the eShop and selecting “enter code” on the left side of the screen.

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