Nintendo Switch is breaking boundaries and forging new paths for portable devices by introducing The Witcher 3 and Overwatch to the console.
While The Witcher 3 is known for its massive open-world map, insane graphics, immersive storyline, and overall sensational gameplay on PC, the Switch does a rather excellent job mimicking the capability of other gaming consoles.
The introduction of these games seems widely impressive to people like me, but to others this is just a waste of time. Many gamers have rather negative condensations regarding the introduction of large scale games onto smaller, less capable devices like the Switch.
Despite this, Nintendo is on to something that many other developers are staying clear of. Maybe there doesn’t have to be one true way to play these types of games. Perhaps a portable version of the game is exactly what particular people may need in their lives.
In terms of performance, there may be a difference in graphical quality, but there is little difference in the overall game functions and playback. In fact, The Witcher 3 has a similar feel to the consoles widely popular feature of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Overwatch on the other hand does face more criticism when it comes to being a game changer for the Switch and others alike.
As a multiplayer shooting game, Overwatch requires an internet connection in order to be able to do anything. Making this game not the best for a long plane ride or the commute to work.
Additionally with these drawbacks, there are also a variety of technical issues that have presented themselves since it’s made its way to Switch. In particular, reports of characters disappearing in the middle of a match, frame rate issues, and issues with shooting controls are just a few examples of the difficulties of a game this size operating on the Switch.
However, these kinks have room to be sorted out. This is just the initial launch and there is plenty of time to optimize this game for this device. Despite the internet connection requirements, this may be the motivation to get players back involved in the Overwatch leagues.
A handheld device is known for being more accessible and promotes casual gameplay more than other TV based consoles. This may be a more comfortable and convenient solution for normal everyday players.
In a perfect world, large scale games like this would present no differences across every platform they’re compatible with. Obviously, the Switch is not capable of offering that to users just yet, but there is hope that it will eventually.
This is still a positive step in the right direction for portable devices. It is still justifiable that some people may never want an alternative to a controller in hand or a mouse and keyboard. Yet, for some gamers, portable play is exactly what is needed.