In competition with Sony’s PlayStation and Microsoft’s Xbox, Nintendo consoles haven’t always been known for their versatility when it comes to the hardware. Even as recent as the Wii and Wii U days, these consoles, while containing a pretty strong library, weren’t too flexible in their support of other apps, media, or their customization abilities. But while the Switch still garners some criticism in terms of its relative lack of horsepower compared to giants Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo has definitely stepped up their game when it comes to functionality, versatility, and convenience.
The Switch has already has dwarfed its predecessor, the Wii U, in terms of both its functionality and its library, with access to well over 1,000 titles, and can be played in a number of ways, with a number of control methods. On top of this, there is a surprising number of subtle, and not-so-subtle tricks, features, as well as other do-it-yourself tweaks that you can utilize to help get the most out of this home console and handheld hybrid. Some require intricate, next-level tinkering, while others are simply useful features that are well hidden, or just might not have been apparent to casual users of the console.
Regardless, I hope to lay out a wide variety of useful techniques, features, and hacks to help optimize the use of your Nintendo Switch. Many of which, only dedicated users are likely aware of. Let’s get you up to speed by presenting some of the most notable entries.
30 Purchase Games Digitally From The eShops Of Other Countries
Thanks to the convenience of the Switch’s eShop, along with the lack of region restriction, there’s an easy way to snag digital versions of games for the console outside of your particular region.
As a side note, there’s a minor chance you’ll have to work out the purchase with your bank or be charged an international fee when buying a game.
While it’s not exactly apparent, it’s rather easy to pull off once you’ve learned the process. First, you’ll need to make sure you’ve signed up for a new Nintendo account, which you’ll then link to the Switch. After that, it’s simply a matter of going to your account settings and setting your region to the one you wish to download games from. Voilà!
29 Play Switch Games With GameCube Controllers
Excited about the new Super Smash Bros. but dread the idea of playing with those tiny Joy-Cons or the bulkier, less familiar Pro Controller? Well, as it turns out, Nintendo’s got you covered.
In fact, a number of games are not only compatible but work surprisingly well with these unique controllers. You’ll simply need a GameCube controller adapter; of course, you can use the new model Nintendo is bundling with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but as it turns out, the old Wii U model works perfectly fine as well. Just plug it into the USB ports and you’re off!
28 Play With Other Console Controllers Wirelessly Using An Adapter
As it turns out, there’s quite a lot of versatility when it comes to control methods for the Switch. This nifty USB adapter allows you to expand even further beyond the handful of compatible Nintendo controllers and allows for an array of both wireless and USB controllers.
Because you can never have too many controller options!
This includes PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PS4, is compatible with most games, and reportedly provides a super quick response time with virtually no lag. So if Nintendo games tickle your fancy but their brand of odd controllers isn’t really your thing, you can enjoy the best of both worlds with this simple adapter!
27 Override Console Settings And Install Homebrew Using The “Paperclip Method”
People sure discover some crazy ways to exploit and manipulate their gaming hardware, and this trend has continued with Nintendo’s latest console. Hackers have reportedly discovered a way to override lockouts and restrictions embedded in the Switch’s software by using the rather crude method of wedging a paperclip into the controller.
This is supposedly very tricky to pull off and there’s no guarantee your console will be protected - you’ve been warned!
This curved paperclip is meant to slide into the right Joy-Con, and after being locked in place, supposedly tricks it into thinking it’s locked into the console or another device. This apparently opens the door for homebrew software and apps to be downloaded onto an SD card by allowing it to boot in “RCM Mode”.
26 Utilize A Portable Battery Pack For Countless Hours Of On-The-Go Gaming
The portability of the Switch is a neat and handy feature, though its value is diminished somewhat considering how limited its battery life is, especially with a game that’s taxing on the hardware such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Luckily, thanks to the USB-C port on the bottom of the Switch unit, you can utilize a number of external devices so long as they support this type of input. One of the key devices is an external battery, which comes in a variety of mAh (milliamp hour). Hooking it up with the life support of a super-powered battery (like the beast shown above) can net you up to an extra 20-25 hours of battery life, as opposed to just 3 or 4 without one. That’s a lot of Zelda!
25 Charge Your Switch Using A Phone Charger
If you’re like me, sometimes you just like to lounge on your couch or in bed while playing your Switch, and you can’t be bothered with trekking all the way downstairs and waiting 3 hours to charge your console in the dock. Well, assuming you’ve got a USB-C charger for your phone or another gadget, you can use its charger as a makeshift Switch charger that conveniently plugs into the nearest outlet. While, at least in my experience, this charge takes quite a bit longer, it’s still worth it to those who heavily utilize the handheld functionality of their Switch.
24 Access Tons More Space With Access To SD Card Support
Considering Nintendo decided to only grace us with a mere 32 gig of internal storage (some of which gets allocated to save data), most serious gamers will be in need of extra storage.
Luckily, the company at least had the foresight to include SD card support to house digital games, as well as captured pictures and video. In fact, you can use cards running from 32 gigs all the way up to a whopping 256 Micro SDXC. This instantly gives you much more wiggle room to download more from the massive digital library of over a thousand titles at your heart’s content.
23 Play SNES Games From Your SD Card
Going hand-in-hand with the “Paperclip RCM” hack, this feature allows you to play from an endless palette of SNES games if you’ve managed to successfully complete the task and installed the homebrew. You simply download the emulator, drag the ROMs to your SD card folder, and load it into the console as normal. After, go to the “Albums” option on the menu, and just like that, you have access to tons of the classic SNES games you’ve downloaded. Perhaps the coolest aspect is that you can play them in both handheld mode and on the big screen.
22 Online NES Gaming Using Nintendo’s Online Service
The do-it-yourself homebrew techniques are great and all, but what’s a safer, and more legit way to access a library of classic Nintendo titles? Well, Nintendo has got this one covered, at least when it comes to NES games.
Though the Switch’s library of classic titles pales in comparison to the Wii’s old Virtual Console, the list of NES games available on Nintendo’s online service (which currently stands at a mere $20 a year for access to all these games) is growing all the time. You can even play the multiplayer games online, which proves particularly enjoyable for games like Dr. Mario.
21 Combine Two Switch Screens In Certain Games
It turns out the Joy-Cons aren’t the only bits of Nintendo’s console loaded with sensors, but the console itself, in fact, can recognize another Switch unit in its vicinity. This has yet to be thoroughly explored, though the potential it opens up for interesting and crazy new ways to play games is apparent.
Games like Super Mario Party have already played around with this functionality, with minigames like Shell Shocked Deluxe, which allows multiple players to double the size of their handheld screen by pairing 2 Switches together. This ability connects the in-game action seamlessly.
20 Can (Finally) Back Up Your Save Files With Nintendo’s Online Service
One of the biggest criticisms of the Switch’s features (or lack thereof) is the odd decision to exclude any convenient feature that allows for save data backup, either through the cloud or onto external storage.
But as it turned out, Nintendo was listening to the outcry of their fan base - well, at least somewhat. The save backups are here, though they are still relegated to cloud storage only, and only come as a perk of Nintendo’s paid online service. Still, at a measly $20 a year, it’s a small price to pay, especially considering how simple and convenient it is to use.
19 A Hidden Message Right Under Your Thumb
It’s odd to hear about cryptic hidden messages, positive or benign, but that’s exactly the case with this subtly embedded message hiding directly beneath the right joystick of the Switch Pro Controller.
The message specifically reads, “thx2 allgamefans!” You’re welcome, Nintendo!
This certainly must have required a keen eye to locate this tiny bit of text, as you need to essentially tilt the controller and squint at it at the perfect angle to really make out what it says. I suppose this was the point though, as only true game fans would come across this message in the first place.
18 Watch Movies And Shows Using Hulu (And Now YouTube!)
Nintendo has hid no bones about the fact that they were deliberately holding back non-gaming apps, including video apps, in favor of a slew of games. Why? Well, they simply wanted to ensure this product was portrayed as a gaming device. After all, Nintendo is a game company.
That’s nice and all, but what of those wanting a convenient way to pull up videos on a decent-sized screen, but aren’t keen on the idea of spending $300 on a tablet? Well, Nintendo is finally obliging, as they’ve sort of quietly nudged out the popular TV app Hulu. But just recently, YouTube has also joined the ranks of video streaming apps, and it’s surprisingly a solid and easy-to-use version of it. Now we just need Netflix…
17 Talk To Friends Online Using Nintendo’s Voice Chat App
Although the Big N’s track record with online voice chat - and online gaming in general - has been rather spotty, they’ve at least come up with a means to engage in chat with friends by using a relatively convenient phone app. This app, called “Nintendo Switch Online” comes with features that coincide with your games, like a Splatoon 2 selection and stat screen. Most notably though, you’re given specific in-game chat rooms that are meant to run along with your game, working as a sort of Skype-esque voice chat with friends. Sure it doesn’t run through the console itself, but it’s a start.
16 Quick Access To A List Of ALL Your Owned Games And Apps
This is a pretty simple technique once you’ve located it, though it can be missed rather easily too, as it’s shoved away in the back end of the main menu. Basically, once you’ve built a library that’s robust enough, you’ll notice some game icons begin to go missing.
All that’s happened here is that the menu defaults to only showing a bundle of your most recently played games, and other titles get relegated to a hidden “all software” option on the right side. Simply click on this and your entire library of titles will pop up, allowing for easy access to everything.
15 Keyboard Support For Speedier Typing
Yes, on top of the variety of controllers available, the Switch can apparently also recognize a basic USB keyboard, at least to a degree.
Something as simple as a USB port sure goes a long way, doesn’t it?
There are no reports of actually controlling your games with a keyboard and mouse in true PC gaming fashion as of yet. Still, you can at least make things easier when it comes to typing words, passcodes, and credit card information in the eShop, by opting for one of these as opposed to the touchscreen’s keyboard, or - God forbid - a joystick. And hey, maybe they’ll be used for any of the MMOs that the Switch happens to land in the future!
14 Utilize Airplane Mode To Cut Back On Lag And Frame Rate Choppiness
Yes, the Nintendo Switch can be a life-saver on a boring airplane ride, but as it so happens, the console’s airplane mode isn’t just meant to switch off Wi-Fi at the request of your Flight Attendant. Whether intentional or not, it actually serves another purpose.
As it takes up some memory with Wi-Fi running in the background, this can cause bits lag or frame rate hiccups, at least in the more graphic intensive games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Users have actually reported that simply switching to the mode made the game noticeably smoother in notorious lag-ridden areas while docked, like Kakariko Village.
13 Bluetooth Headphone Support
The Switch seems to pride itself on portability and convenience, so why not take this to the nth degree by pairing it up with some headphones, sans the bothersome wires that come with them?
Luckily, you can do just that. Help yourself to a cheap purchase of a pair of Bluetooth earbuds, coupled with a transmitter that plugs into either the headphone jack, (ideally when in handheld mode) or into the dock’s USB ports. There have been reports of slight latency issues, though it’s not a significant degree if you value the convenience.
12 Ethernet Connectivity For A More Solid Connection
Those USB ports on the Switch dock come through yet again! It turns out that they can also be used for a more solid and at least slightly quicker internet connection. Using Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi may be limiting in terms of the console’s portability and thus convenience, but it will no doubt make for more reliable online matches of Splatoon 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. You just need to pick up an ethernet adapter as an intermediary, connect an Ethernet cable from your nearby router to the dongle, and you’re good to go!
11 Locate Your Missing Joy-Cons With A Nifty Feature
Who would have thought Nintendo would actually have a built-in feature to assist you in finding your missing controllers? Though, considering how small these devices are when separated, I suppose it makes sense.
In order to avoid embarking on a wild goose hunt by aimlessly checking under couches, between cushions, and behind your wall unit, you can opt for an easy-to-use feature. Simply visit the controller options, and click on “search for controllers”. Your Joy-Cons will then begin to vibrate, allowing you to follow the sound right to them, assuming they’re in earshot.
