On March 3, 2017, the release of the Nintendo Switch by Nintendo was an event that went beyond the simple debut of a new console. If asked, ”Is it a home console or a handheld?” one could immediately answer, ”It’s both.” It was a piece of hardware with a concept unlike anything before. Playing on a large screen connected to the TV at home and continuing the fun on the console’s built-in screen while out became a perfectly natural part of daily life. It’s a symbolic sight that some people choose handheld mode even at home so they can play without hesitation while their family uses the TV. The freedom to play games anywhere held far more value than anyone imagined.

The main unit is shaped like a horizontal tablet, and by attaching Joy-Cons to both sides, it functions as a handheld. When docked, it instantly transitions to TV Mode, switching the visuals to the television. This seamless experience was something to marvel at upon first touch. Furthermore, by extending the stand on the back and sharing the Joy-Cons, it functions in Tabletop Mode. The design philosophy of achieving three styles with a single device completely rewrote traditional views on hardware. Rather than just changing how you play to suit the situation, its true value lies in how it naturally blended into the flow of everyday life.

On September 20, 2019, the handheld-only model, Nintendo Switch Lite, joined the family. The unit became even more compact and lightweight, making its portability stand out. The wide range of color variations—Yellow, Gray, Turquoise, Coral, and Blue—is part of its charm, making the fun of choosing a color a value in itself. While the Joy-Cons are not detachable, this creates a sense of unity with the body, resulting in a beautifully cohesive look. The inclusion of a proper D-pad on the left side was also welcomed by many fans. As a model that refined the essence of a handheld, it holds a unique presence.

Among the launch titles, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild left a particularly powerful impression. Sweeping game awards worldwide and setting a phenomenal sales record of 31.61 million units, this masterpiece was the driving force that instantly spread the console’s appeal. Furthermore, the sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, released on May 12, 2023, also became a massive hit with 20.28 million units sold, showing no signs of slowing down. There are very few examples of a single piece of hardware achieving such global acclaim and commercial success simultaneously.

Since then, a seemingly endless stream of popular titles has appeared, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Mario Odyssey, Ring Fit Adventure, Splatoon 2, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Monster Hunter Rise, and Momotaro Dentetsu: Showa, Heisei, Reiwa mo Teiban! The lineup covers a wide range of genres and ages, catering to every scene from quiet solo play to lively moments with family and friends. This rich library of software is undoubtedly the primary reason for the hardware’s long-lasting lifespan.

The Nintendo Switch has evolved beyond a mere entertainment device into something that moves with the rhythm of our lives. From the living room and bedroom to cars, trains, and even vacation spots, the scenes for play are limitless. An experience designed so naturally that you barely notice the act of switching modes is something we take for granted now, but it was truly revolutionary. The fact that expectations for new titles remain high even years after its release is proof of the vast potential this hardware still holds.