Is the Nintendo Switch a Console, Handheld or Both?

[isturbo1984]

I know the answer, lol. Do you? I wanted to take a quick poll and see what the community thinks and see what a debate on the subject will yield. No name calling, please. I've seen this quite a bit on the subject. But before you click and answer, hopefully you will read my 5 reasons and maybe change your mind on why the Switch is not only a handheld, but not even a hybrid. Before I begin, it is important to note the difference between a "console" and a "system or device." And it is also important to note that this isn't just about what the Switch or handhelds can't do that consoles can, but also what console cannot do that handhelds can.

6 Reasons the Switch is Definitively a Handheld

1. Independent screen

• Consoles don't have screens attached to them. They don't need them. They plug in and play on a separate, big screen.
• Handhelds would have to require this function to be a "handheld" machine. There hasn't been a handheld without one.

2. Big TV mode

• Consoles connect directly to a larger television or monitor to play in "big tv mode" as their main mode of play.
• Handhelds require an external accessory to do this. The Switch isn't even the first handheld that can do with is the help of an external accessory.

3. Battery power

• Consoles do not have an internal source of power and need to be plugged into an external source, usually the wall.
• Handhelds house their own internal battery in the system to allow portable play and do not require to be plugged in at a source to function.

4. Portability

• Consoles are made to be stationary, grounded to a bigger screen and power source with no option of portability without mods or hacks. No official "lite" version exists.
• Handhelds are made to be portable. Detached from any cords, cables or docks. Any functionality that of a console comes via the help of accessories or mods.

5. Sacrifice in raw power

• Consoles do have to sacrifice power unless it is to help power additional tech.
• Handhelds are forced to lose a lot of power in order to utilize lighter materials and make room for an internal battery.

In conclusion, not only do I think the Nintendo Switch is a handheld, but any argument of it even being a hybrid is ridiculous. From where I sit, not only does the Switch not do anything new that would consider it a hybrid... but as you all can see, consoles and handhelds seem to be mutually exclusive, one being the very definition of what the other cannot do. Agree, disagree? Tell us why or why not. Did I miss anything? Don't forget to vote.

[GeminiSprk]

I'm of the opinion that it boils down to size. A true handheld should be able to fit in your pocket, but that could easily just be because I'm old enough to be used to handhelds being that small.

[Baron Baldric]

I want one Sega Nomad Classic mini with Vectorman :O

[Justince]

The Sega Nomad already did it, whatever it is!

[isturbo1984]

What do you mean? This isn't a petition, lol. Nor is it an argument.

[Borghir]

Care as in: It does not matter. You can argue, but even if we all agree in the end, nothing will happen.

[isturbo1984]

What do you mean, why does it matter? Does something mattering offend you? I think you just answered your own question: because people like it.

[Kashimi]

Image if Nintendo created a box with the exact same connectivity (bluetooth / wifi), ports, and internal components as the Switch but literally just removed the buttons and the screen from the switch and screwed the dock on to the actual unit. It would literally just be a console, not a handheld. Then there would be nothing left to argue. Aside from the added benefit of actually having the screen and buttons and being able to be played in a handheld mode, the unit functions exactly the same way a console would.

[ciderPunk1877]

1. Why does it matter? People like it.

2. Handhelds ARE consoles. (All handhelds are consoles, not all consoles are handheld).

[zekromfan1]

Honestly I would say it’s a fusion of the two, I pretty much only play it in handheld mode. But my only problem with using is in docked mode is how quickly it tends to overheat, I haven’t had to deal with it warping, but I know it has a tendency to do so. So I prefer to watch over it in handheld mode, but I hate how short the battery is when playing the big titles.

[isturbo1984]

The Nintendo Switch is a Handheld Game Console with a docking station that allows it to become a Home Console.
But does anyone really care?

Care in what context? Obviously people do.

[Borghir]

The Nintendo Switch is a Handheld Game Console with a docking station that allows it to become a Home Console.
But does anyone really care?

[Clyde Frog]

Handheld IMO. My youngest son, who I bought it for, mainly uses it in that mode, as well as his friends who have it. We do put it on the big screen for Smash, Kart, and Party though. So maybe it is a hybrid.

[PriestTroit]

I agree. I don't remember how I did it, but way back I used to play Pokemon Blue version on my TV screen in the living room using the N64. The Switch's gimmick isn't exactly new.

[Teratus]

Technically it's mostly a handheld device as the dock part doesn't really contain any additional hardware.

But i'd still call it a hybrid since while all it's hardware is in the handheld part of the console.. it was designed to be both a home console and a portable handheld.

If the dock had come say a year later and Nintendo had said look you can play the switch like a console now then I'd call it a handheld but it's the way it is so Hybrid it is.