It’s launching with a piece of software that, more than anything in the Wii U’s first year, demonstrates its inherent capability of delivering what Nintendo says is one of the Switch’s primary missions: a big-budget, AAA game that exists across a handheld device and a television-connected portable. It takes the basic concept of the Wii U, of a tablet-based console, and fulfills the promise of it in a way Nintendo simply wasn’t capable of realizing in 2012.

Polygon’s entire staff in the original 2017 review: “Compared to the Wii U on its merits, the Switch is a slam dunk.

Once again, Nintendo redefined how we could think of game consoles.” Instead, it harkened back to a time when we played games on the couch against our friends, and it made it clear that a true console experience could travel with you during your commute.

Engadget’s Devindra Hardawar in a post-launch review: “While I appreciate the raw power that its competitors offer, the Switch proved that power isn’t everything.

Its runaway away success guarantees that it will see support from first- and third-party developers for many years to come.”

CNET’s Jeff Bakalar in a post-launch review: “The Switch’s first five months have been impressive, and now that we’re closing in on a year, it’s easy to give it a slam dunk recommendation.

Once you hold and use the Switch, it just makes sense.”

Going from playing on the tablet to the TV is completely effortless, and there’s no sense of compromise whichever way you choose to play.

The Verge’s Ross Miller in the original 2017 launch review: “ The most shocking thing about the Switch might be how many obvious pitfalls Nintendo has managed to elegantly avoid.

Other major gaming publications also say the Switch is a terrific console.

Download free the stretchers switch