In the fall of 2018, my first semester of Junior year was taking off with a bang. My grades were looking good, I had just turned 21. Things were looking pretty good. But I felt like I was missing something and I couldn't quite figure out what it was. I felt like I had a mini-sized hole in my heart. I couldn't identify the cause, but I felt a sense of longing. One day I was sitting in class next to one of my buddies and I notice this girl two rows in front, who had this mysterious tablet looking the thing in her hands. It wasn't a conventional tablet for note-taking, it looked as though it served an entirely different purpose altogether. I nudged my friend and asked him what it was and he whispered back "that's a Switch." A what? "A Nintendo Switch." I was perplexed, to say the least. A portable Nintendo system that is a fraction the size of a Wii U? Get real. When I found myself back at my apartment later that day, reduced to my boxers (signaling a successful day), I pulled out my laptop and decide to do a thorough investigation into this Switch device. I hadn't necessarily been a fan of Nintendo since the original Wii days so I admit I was skeptical.

I did my systematic research which involves Youtube, Reddit forums, and Amazon reviews, in that exact order. I watched a few gameplay videos, specifically Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and was immediately intrigued. I was not expecting the graphics and frame rate of the console to be so smooth. After about 30 minutes of sleuthing, I was sold. Now I had to figure out how I would acquire a device with such a hefty price tag, especially since my parents would laugh in my face if I even hinted the question. So, I did what any no-income student would do. I went to my friend Aaron and easily convinced him to go in on the console with me, half-half. Before the words "Nintendo Switch" had even left my mouth, he had agreed to go in on it with me. After about two or three weeks of paid participation in economics experiments at my college, I was ready to do the deed. On my way back from my Public Relations writing class I excitedly went to the technology department of the student union and did the unthinkable.

I figure that I've done enough trivial rambling about how and why I bought the Nintendo Switch so now I'll explain why it's amazing and ultimately worth the purchase. I will also discuss a few cons to keep in mind when deciding for yourself. What really did me in with this device is the portability of the system. The quality of gameplay, as well as comfort, do not seem to suffer when playing on-the-go. In fact, I'm almost led to believe that the graphics and frame rate are better when condensed to a slightly smaller screen. To all of the video game laymen out there, the Nintendo Switch is essentially a smaller Wii/ Wii U with exceptionally better graphics, gameplay, and a beautiful on-the-go option. One of the best selling factors for this console is the exclusive Nintendo game titles.

You won't be able to find a handful of the Nintendo classics anywhere else but on the Switch. These titles include Super Smash Bros: Ultimate, Super Mario Tennis, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and many more. Disclaimer: Legend of Zelda: BotW is not for the weak minded gamer. I was in for an utter and absolute rude awakening when I bought this game. I expected it to be somewhat similar to Skyrim but had no idea that the puzzles and missions in this game would be so complex and time-consuming. I admit, with hesitation, that Aaron and I collectively logged more than 50 hours of gameplay into this single game. Yeah, I know what you're thinking. "These guys are studs."

Looking forward there are a good number of highly anticipated titles such as Pokemon: Sword and Shield and Luigi's Mansion 3. Luigi's Mansion 3 hasn't been given its official title yet, but both games are expected sometime in late 2019. Aside from game titles, the switch excels in many areas, but multiplayer might its most successful attribute. The smaller, yet comfortably designed controllers allow for anywhere from 4 to 8 players to join in. The multi-player is also unbelievably fun. I think Nintendo games, more so than others, are specifically designed for the multiplayer experience. It's both rewarding and thrilling. It was rare for my apartment to not be utilized as a local hub for Nintendo Switch access.

Now to discuss some qualities of the Nintendo Switch that might cause some players to shy away from this purchase. I think the biggest limiting factor of the Switch is the number of titles available. While the Switch has a handle full of big-name titles, there aren't very many multi-platform titles or indie games available, making the Switch feel like a relatively new console even 2 years after release. After buying the top 10 or 11 Nintendo titles for Switch I felt as though there weren't that many games left to choose from. Luckily there are new titles being announced almost every month, but that still may induce hesitation in a possible buyer.

The second limiting factor is the fact that Netflix and Amazon Prime video are not available on the console. It was definitely a big slap in the face when I found out about this. I suppose Nintendo has an exclusive deal with Hulu and hasn't agreed on terms with other streaming services just yet. Obviously, these are just applications, and it is very possible that they will be introduced to the Switch very soon. Keeping my fingers crossed. The only other possible downfall I could think of relative to the Switch is its steep price. But I honestly believe that you get what you pay for in this scenario.

I couldn't be more happy with my Switch after owning the system for nearly a year. If someone demanded that I rate it out of 10 I would confidently give it a 9. If you're at a crossroads right now I hope that I was able to shed a little light on the Nintendo Switch, possibly encouraging the right decision of purchasing it.