Nintendo Switch

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Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch

Original grey Joy-Cons Switch model in handheld mode

Product type	Hybrid console
Initial release	3 March 2017
Region lock	No

For other pages associated with switches, see Switch (disambiguation).

The Nintendo Switch^[1] (codenamed NX during development) is a ninth-generation hybrid game console produced by Nintendo, succeeding the Wii U console. Several versions of the console were released between March 2017 and October 2023, referred to as the Nintendo Switch family of consoles.

The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid gaming console that can function as both a home console (connected to a TV) and a handheld console (disconnected from a TV); it is marketed primarily as the former.^[2]

Two Splatoon series games have released on the Nintendo Switch: Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 3.

The Nintendo Switch 2 console will succeed the Nintendo Switch.

Release history

The Nintendo Switch was officially announced on 20 October 2016, with early footage of Splatoon 2 showcased during its reveal trailer. A minor revision from around July 2018 came with updated firmware to block hacking attempts. A revised version of the console with improved battery life was announced on 17 July 2019 and then released around August 2019.^{[Citation needed]}

As of March 2025, the Nintendo Switch family of systems has sold a combined total of 152.12 million units,^[3] making it Nintendo's best-selling home console of all time.

Models

Three different versions of the Nintendo Switch console were released:

The original Nintendo Switch, released on 3 March 2017.
The Nintendo Switch Lite, released on 20 September 2019. It is a slightly smaller version of the original Nintendo Switch, dedicated to handheld play; it cannot be docked and connected to a TV. It can play all Nintendo Switch games that have handheld functionality. Out of the total Nintendo Switch family sales, the Nintendo Switch Lite has sold 25.49 million units.^[4]
The Nintendo Switch - OLED Model was announced on 6 July 2021 and released on 8 October 2021. It features a slightly larger and more vibrant screen, better audio, improved stand, built-in TV LAN support, and double the internal storage space, but no changes to processing power or output resolution. It has full functionality with all previous Nintendo Switch software and hardware. Early footage of Splatoon 3 was shown during its reveal trailer.^[5] Out of the total Nintendo Switch family sales, the Nintendo Switch - OLED Model has sold 30.19 million units.^[4]

Features

Nintendo Switch consoles consist of the following features:

The console's main component consists of a tablet-like console with a 6.2-inch 720p display that can be placed into a docking station.
- Switch Lites' screens measure 5.5in.
- Switch OLEDs' screens measure 7in.
Home console functionality: when the system is docked, game footage is displayed on the TV screen at up to 1080p HD.
- Switch Lite systems lack home console functionality.
Handheld console functionality: when the console is detached from the dock, game footage is displayed on the console's screen.
Several different compatible controllers featuring gyro, rumble and NFC reading functionality:
- Two detachable Joy-Cons are included with each Nintendo Switch model. generally connected to the sides of the system for handheld play, can be removed and used either as separate controllers horizontally (similar to SNES controllers), used together as a single controller (similar to Wii Remotes), or docked into a grip to give a more traditional experience.
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller This controller has the same setup as the Wii U Pro Controller, except for the second analog stick being set below the face buttons. This controller is compatible with Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 3.
- Other miscellaneous novelty controllers resembling retro systems, i.e. Nintendo Gamecube, Nintendo Entertainment System controllers. These alternate controllers do not feature gyro, rumble and NFC reading functionality.
Custom controller button mapping (as of system version 10.0.0).
Wi-Fi connectivity.
Micro SD card port.
A HOME menu, similar to such menus seen on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS.
A user account system which includes customizable user icons.
Ethernet port (OLED exclusive).
Local connectivity for wireless play with up to eight other Nintendo Switch consoles; Splatoon 2 uniquely allows up to ten systems to connect - eight playing the game and two spectating.
An eShop with Nintendo Account compatibility; titles may be purchased either via the eShop applet on the console or via Nintendo's digital storefront website.
- Digital copies of games and software tied to a user account operate as virtual game cards (as of system version 20.0.0). Players may lend their virtual game cards to members of their Nintendo Switch Online family group.^[6]

The console, like the Nintendo DS and 3DS, uses ROM Game Card cartridges similar to the SD Card format, making it the first home gaming device to not utilize optical discs since the Nintendo 64.

Console colors

Nintendo Switch

Gray
Cardboard brown
Mario red

Nintendo Switch Lite

Turquoise
Gray
Yellow
Zacian blue and Zamazenta purple
Coral pink
Blue
Dialga and Palkia black
Hyrule gold

Splatoon-themed versions

Nintendo Switch Splatoon 2 edition bundle

A bundle of the original Nintendo Switch model alongside a digital copy of Splatoon 2, themed Joy-Cons, a themed carrying case and a plain dock was released on 21 July 2017 in Japan.^[7] This bundle's set of Joy-Cons feature Splatoon 2's signature colors green and pink.

In North America the bundle was released on 8 September 2017 and exclusively distributed by Walmart.^[8]

Splatoon 3 Nintendo Switch OLED

A Splatoon 3-themed version of the Nintendo Switch OLED was announced on 6 July 2022 then released on 26 August 2022. This version features unique blue and yellow Joy-Cons, themed after Splatoon 3's signature colors. The included dock is white with a yellow ink splat. The Joy-Cons, dock and reverse of the main console feature graffiti patterns.

A similarly-colored Nintendo Switch Pro Controller design and carrying case were released separately on 9 September 2022, Splatoon 3's launch date.

Nintendo Switch Online

Main article: Nintendo Switch Online

The Nintendo Switch Online subscription service was launched in 2017; prior to this service's launch, online gameplay was available free of charge.

An active subscription to Nintendo Switch Online is required for online Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 2 gameplay. The subscription offers access to several online services such as save data cloud syncing, the Nintendo Switch App's companion applications SplatNet 2 and SplatNet 3, exclusive retro game libraries and the Nintendo Music application.

Related games

Check this article for additional references.

Gallery

The different play modes of the Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch and footage of an early version of Splatoon 2
A few different ways Splatoon 2 can be played
Eight Nintendo Switches playing Splatoon 2 in tabletop mode
Gray-colored Joy-Con connected to a grip
The regular Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Splatoon 2-themed Joy-Con with straps attached
Splatoon 2-themed Pro Controller
The email received to redeem Nintendo Switch Online items (European Family plan shown)
The box of the Splatoon 3-themed Nintendo Switch OLED.
The Splatoon 3 model, with themed Joy-Con
The Splatoon 3 model in its dock
The back of the Splatoon 3 model with its carrying case
Splatoon 3-themed Pro Controller
Splatoon 3-themed Joy-Con.
Splatoon 3-themed carrying case in blue
Splatoon 3-themed carrying case in yellow
Promotional art for the Gear vs. Grub vs. Fun Splatfest, with Big Man holding a Nintendo Switch
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