The Nintendo Switch is a console unlike any other. On one hand that means it has a lot of new ideas to explore. It also means that there's a lot to learn, and plenty of peculiar oddities to find about the device.
I'm still finding myself surprised by the Switch on a daily basis, but I've learned a lot at this point. If it isn't something about the hardware, it's something about the software. Even the controllers introduce some nuances as a result of being different.
To help introduce you to Nintendo's upcoming console, we've put together a list of things you probably don't know about it. You can check it out in the gallery below.
Check Out More Nintendo Switch Coverage:
- A Look At Switch Retail Boxes
- Grab Your Nintendo ID Before It's Taken
- Your Nintendo Switch Questions Answered
- The Triumphs and Nuances Of The Nintendo Switch
- What We Want From Nintendo's Hallmark Franchises
- How Nintendo's New Online Infrastructure Can Succeed
- After 20 Hours With Nintendo's New Console I'm In Love
15 Things You Probably Don't Know About The Nintendo Switch
-
6. 3.5mm In Handheld Mode Only
Although the Joy-Con controllers don't have a 3.5mm jack, the Screen does. This means you can only plug in a 3.5mm headset when using the Switch in handheld mode. A Bluetooth headset will be required for personal audio when the Switch is docked. -
3. No Virtual Console At Launch
Virtual Console will not be available at launch. Though, Nintendo has confirmed that it will come at a later date. Hopefully that's sooner rather than later. -
12. Customizable Airplane Mode
Not only is there an Airplane Mode available, but you can choose whether to disable Wi-Fi, NFC, and/or even Bluetooth -
1. Auto-Sleep At Low Battery
You'll never have to worry about your Switch running out of power and losing valuable game progress, because the system will automatically enter Sleep Mode when it reaches critically low levels. In this mode it uses less than 2% battery draw, providing you plenty of time to find a means for charging the device. -
4. Battery Life
You can expect the Joy-Con controllers to last between 10 to 20 hours between charges. Meanwhile, the Screen lasts between 3 to 6 hours depending on what games or apps you're using. -
5. Clock Auto-Update
The clock on the Nintendo Switch will automatically update periodically. Although this might seem silly, it's the first Nintendo console that doesn't require you to manually set the time and date. -
14. Docking Is Effortless
The dock has been designed to easily guide the Screen to alignment. You don't even have to try to get a perfect result every time. -
7. Easter Egg On The Lock Screen
As explained in this video, when exiting Sleep Mode you can choose from three different noises to produce to unlock the screen. The system only tells you about one of them, making the other two an uncommonly known secret. -
9. No Ethernet Port Included
You will not be able to connect an ethernet cable into the Switch out of the box. An add-on peripheral will be required. -
10. Exhaust On Top
The Switch Screen gets hot when playing games, but it does have an exhaust vent on top to blow warm air out of the device. Just be sure not to put your hand over it. -
13. Asymmetric Controllers
The left Joy-Con controller tends to run out of battery faster than the right one, which is unlike anything we've ever seen before. You will also be required to pair both halves of the controller each time you turn the console on. -
Bonus. It\'s Not This
Remember this dorky thing? Thank goodness this wasn't the real Switch. -
8. One Shared Power Adapter
There is only one power adapter included, and it's used to power the Dock as well as the Screen. This means that if you plan to play in handheld mode you will need to pull the power cable out from your entertainment center. You could always choose to buy a second standalone power adapter, though. -
15. Pro Controller PC Support
If you're planning to purchase the pro controller, you might be glad to hear that it works on PC. -
2. Game Saves Are Stored On the Drive
Unlike most Nintendo products, game saves are written to the hard drive. In other words, game saves are not stored on the game cartridge. -
11. Zelda\'s Physical Version Has No Install
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild doesn't require an install if you purchase the physical version. This can save you valuable space on your drive. -
15 Things You Probably Don\'t Know About The Nintendo Switch
