The Nostalgia Switch, by Nintendo

For some quick context, let me first say that I haven’t owned a proper console since the Xbox One (and I bought that for a single game — Skate). But, I’ve owned every iteration of Game Boy and DS that has come out over the last 30 years, and also had a couple of Sony PSP’s during the naughts.

That the Nintendo Switch is both a proper console and super portable, made it irresistible to me. Also, it’s made by…wait for it…Nintendo. Were it any other company I probably would have ignored its siren call (who can forget that amazing introductory commercial?), but as with most ’80s kids, Nintendo holds a special, immutable place in my nerd heart.

The Switch is…awesome. Really. I’ve been so impressed. The software, the games (need MOAR!), the delightful system sounds, the Pro Controller, the ability to easily connect and use third-party controllers (like the sweet SNES30 Controller from 8Bitdo), etc. It’s just a cool system.

The best modern game offering is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (I’ve never been into Zelda; please don’t @me). The best retro offering is Ultra Street Fighter II, which actually includes a 16-bit mode that looks just like the early ’90s versions(!). Together with the SNES controller it’s like childhood all over again.

Overall it’s been a lot of fun and I’m very much looking forward to the addition of new games and seeing how they plan to extend this seemingly-malleable platform.

I hope eventually they will decide to make available for the Switch everything that comes with the NES Classic and SNES Classic. I want all of those games, but I don’t want more plastic, and I’m too old to take the time to hack them onto the device.