7 mistakes everyone makes with Nintendo Switch

TechGamingGaming Consoles7 mistakes everyone makes with Nintendo SwitchDon’t make these common mistakes with your Nintendo Switch, whether you’re a newcomer or established playerWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Don’t make these common mistakes with your Nintendo Switch, whether you’re a newcomer or established player

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo Switch lifestyle

(Image credit: Nintendo)

TheNintendo Switchlaunched almost 7 years ago now, but it’s still a super-popular system – despite umpteen rumours of aNintendo Switch 2being on the horizon for this year or next. I wouldn’t worry about the Switch sequel, though, as there’s still plenty of life in the original console.

But, hold up, despite its longevity there are still umpteen mistakes people make with their Nintendo Switch – or errors that first-time buyers may fall into. So whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time Switch user, avoid these pitfalls and take note of these tips, as you’ll get even more joy(con) from your Nintendo Switch as a result.

1. Don’t forget the OLED model

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo Switch OLED

(Image credit: Nintendo)

If you’re yet to buy a Nintendo Switch then I thoroughly recommend theNintendo Switch OLED. It’s like the original in terms of scale, but it has less screen bezel, so you get a larger screen as a result, while the OLED panel just looks better to my eyes.

Personally I’d avoid theNintendo Switch Lite, which is a smaller-scale console and isonlyusable handheld – the original Switch and Switch OLED both also work with your TV, which for me is my preferred way to use those consoles overall, with handheld gaming a great-to-have option too.

Any downsides? Well, the OLED model is typically the priciest of the lot. I think it’s worth it though. Indeed, I own both the original and the upgraded model, as having two units means easier charging rotation and more Joy-Con controllers on hand too. Double win!

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2. Play the right games

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Link’s Awakening and Skyward Sword

(Image credit: Nintendo)

So this might seem kind of obvious: but the key reason to buy a Nintendo Switch is for all the great games available that you can’t play anywhere else. That’s what sets Nintendo apart and why it’s still such a relevant company more than 40 years after its first home console was released in the 1980s.

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There are boatloads of AAA first-party titles for the Switch to sink your teeth into (they work the same whether you have the original, OLED or Lite): fromSuper Mario Odyssey, toThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, or the more recentSuper Mario Wonder, and plenty more besides. These are all 5-star titles not to be missed.

But the bigger mistake to make would be to invest too much in AAA titles that aren’t Nintendo exclusives. That’s because, while Nintendo does get ports of some classics, such as FIFA, the console’s lower graphical capability often means they’re so-so ports. There was uproar about Mortal Kombat 1 appearing on Nintendo’s console in a terrible state. My advice? Have multiple hardware options. There’s a reason to save under-the-TV space for a PS5 or Xbox too, y’know?

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3. Don’t forget Bluetooth

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo Switch headphones

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Believe it or not, when the Switch first launched all those years back it had headphones support via 3.5mm jack, but you’d have to use a cable. And with so many of us now usingthe best wireless earphonesinstead, that wasn’t going to cut it for many people.

Fortunately for us all, Nintendo quietly rolled outBluetooth audio supportin an update for the Switch back in late 2021. That means you can now also pair Bluetooth headphones to the device – simply head to theSystem Settingsmenu, selectBluetooth Audioand thenPair Device. Nice and easy!

The only downside here is that Bluetooth will further the Switch’s battery drain if you’re using the console handheld, and while its impact isn’t gigantic, it’s something to consider. Using a pair ofthe best wired headphonesisn’t always the end of the world – indeed, some people will still prefer that method.

4. Buy extra Joy-Cons

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo Switch OLED model

(Image credit: Nintendo)

When you buy a Nintendo Switch or Switch OLED it comes with a pair of detachable Joy-Con controllers attached (the Switch Lite is an exception, it doesn’t, it’s a single-piece unit with controls embedded). These Joy-Cons are great for using attached to the console, removed and clipped into the provided cradle to create a separate controller, or split and shared as two individual controllers for multiplayer games.

But the Joy-Cons are slow to charge (around 3.5hrs), need to be plugged into a Switch console to do so (if you have no other relevant accessory for the job anyway), and I’d recommend picking up an additional pair and even a third-party charging dock.

That way you’ll have four Joy-Cons total, which is ideal for in-person multi-player games, such as Super Mario Party (seriously, it’s better than most board games and great family fun around the festive holiday periods), and when you’re not all at it you can charge one pair ready to replace the depleted batteries of your others.

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5. Expand the on-board storage cheaply

(Image credit: SanDisk)

SanDisk Nintendo Switch SD card between user’s thumb and finger

(Image credit: SanDisk)

I’ve already written aboutthe best microSD cards for the Nintendo Switchelsewhere, which is a feature to not overlook! That’s because the original Switch only offers 32GB on-board storage, while the newer OLED model doubles that to 64GB. Still, that’s not enough!

With an average game download netting around 8GB of space, with some as high or beyond 30GB, if you’re using Nintendo’s e-Store for any downloads or add-ons then you’re going to want a whole lot more space than that. And microSD cards are typically cheap to double the storage available.

There is a word of warning about the Nintendo eShop too: sure, it offers convenience, but its pricing structure is often much steeper for games than buying the physical cartridge options instead (which you can onward sell after you’re done, if you want to make a little cash back). Sometimes you’ll find some goodNintendo Switch dealsonline, though, including games on the eShop!

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6. Get the Pro Controller for best solo sessions

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Much as I’ve bigged-up the Joy-Cons and would suggest getting ahold of more than just the one supplied pair, I’ve got to say that the top-tier official Nintendo Pro Controller for Switch is a must-buy if you’re particularly into solo sessions over longer periods of play. I’m fine giving Zelda a go on a Joy-Con, but some hours in I much prefer having a meatier controller to handle the action.

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7. Don’t forget Online Expansion Pack

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Mario Kart 64 Zelda Ocarina

(Image credit: Nintendo)

When it comes to online the Nintendo Switch has Nintendo eShop for purchases, Nintendo Online for playing compatible multiplayer games online, but there’s also Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack. It’s the last of these which I think is a must because it opens up a whole other world of gaming.

In recent years Nintendo has been releasing classic Nintendo titles from the NES to SNES to Gameboy Color to N64 and even some Sega Megadrive games too. You have to have the ‘Expansion’ zone online for access though, which is worth its cover charge for so many great extras. Super Mario 64, Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Star Fox 64, Banjo-Kazooie, F-Zero X and many, many more are all headliners worth exploring.

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1. Don’t forget the OLED model#

2. Play the right games#

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox#

3. Don’t forget Bluetooth#

4. Buy extra Joy-Cons#

5. Expand the on-board storage cheaply#

6. Get the Pro Controller for best solo sessions#

7. Don’t forget Online Expansion Pack#

1. Don’t forget the OLED model

2. Play the right games

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox

3. Don’t forget Bluetooth

4. Buy extra Joy-Cons

5. Expand the on-board storage cheaply

6. Get the Pro Controller for best solo sessions

7. Don’t forget Online Expansion Pack