The Nintendos are not brand new anymore, but buying one might be a wiser decision than trying to buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X now. Getting a next-generation PlayStation or Xbox is certainly difficult. But even if you do get the chance, you might want to reconsider.

Spending money on a successor to your current console seems like a no-brainer. But what do we actually want from a new gaming console? I would argue that some of the best things about using a new console are actually not present in the new PlayStation or Xbox. [For example, the game library: most of the games you can play on the PS5 or Series X are the same as what you can currently play on the PS4 or Xbox One. Additionally, a handful of platform exclusives may not be that exciting to you. On the Switch, on the other hand, there are titles that have been released for over three years.

The diversity of games available is a credit to Nintendo. Naturally, one might look to Mario, Animal Crossing, Super Smash Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. These high-quality franchises are good reasons to buy a Nintendo console. But the Switch also has a surprising number of major third-party games, with highlights like Doom, The Witcher 3, and the best indie game library outside of PC. remakes or sequels. I don't blame you if these lineups have left you cold.

In terms of hardware, the Switch has some important advantages. By all means, compare TFLOPs and maximum resolution output and laugh at the poor GPU built into the Switch. However, while it is nice to chase higher frame rates and more beautiful graphics, they are not a guarantee of enjoyable gaming. If graphics are your priority, you may want to consider a gaming PC rather than a console.

Then there's the fact that the Switch's hardware isn't that powerful, making it portable, something I hadn't considered before purchasing the Switch, but having access to a full-featured gaming console anywhere is a luxury that cannot be overstated. Even if I am now under house arrest to prevent the spread of infection, the freedom to play games outside of my desk keeps the mental divide between work and home life from breaking down.

The versatile joystick can also be tested. This controller has a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, and functions just like a conventional gamepad. Not only can you play games as usual, but you can also try out experiences that differ from traditional motion control. No expensive VR headset or other additional peripherals are needed; the Joy-Con feels more comfortable to use than a regular gamepad. The Joy-Con feels more comfortable to use than a regular gamepad because you can use it with your arms relaxed at your sides and both halves of your body apart. This may not be the most common way to play, but it is certainly the way I prefer to use it.

That said, let's be honest about the Switch's irredeemable weaknesses. The multiplayer and online features are a mess, to say the least. Some games require Nintendo's Switch Online subscription service for online multiplayer, while others can be played over the Internet for free. To enable voice chat, you need to use an app on your smartphone. I tend to play games alone, so this is not a concern for me. However, if you are an avid "Call of Duty" or "Fortnite" player, buying a Switch is probably a bad idea.

In Nintendo's defense, the Switch is probably the best console for local multiplayer, given that the Joy-Cons can be used as two gamepads. Up to eight Switches can be played together, four at a time, in the same space; need a second controller for your Xbox or PS5? If so, it will cost an additional $70. It would also be difficult to get enough displays and consoles in one space for a 32-person PS5/Series X local multiplayer session without renting a community hall.

The Switch's internal storage is smaller in capacity and slower than Sony's and Microsoft's consoles; the PS5 has 825 GB of SSD space and the Xbox has 1 TB of SSD; the Switch has only 32 GB of memory. However, Switch games, as a rule, require less capacity because of their lower graphic fidelity. And if you run out of capacity, at least you can easily expand the memory with a microSD card; compare and contrast that with the expensive dedicated SSD drives needed to add capacity to an Xbox or PS5.

Even the most dedicated PlayStation or Xbox fan would have several good enough reasons to switch to the Switch, even if the PS5 or Series X inventory is the next big wave. Of course, the decision depends on why you enjoy gaming. If you are an avid fan of graphic fidelity, rich multiplayer, or exclusive franchises, you may not want a Switch. But if a wide variety of games, and accessibility outside of the living room, appeals to you, then perhaps you should consider Nintendo's hybrid console instead of Microsoft's or Sony's newest console.