The Switch is a console handheld hybrid system created and released by Nintendo in 2017 and it is the successor to the Nintendo Wii U. It was released in the 9th generation of home video game consoles. The Switch can play games in docked console mode and also in handheld mode by removing it from its dock.
Unlike the Wii U’s GamePad, the Switch does not need to remain within a certain distance of the console to continue playing games. In handheld mode, the Switch can play games from anywhere.
Its Joy-Con controllers slide into the sides of the handheld device, functioning as controllers on each side and can also connect to a grip accessory to be used similarly to a standard video game controller. Each Joy-Con can also be used separately as an individual controller.
The Switch’s games are available as small physical flash ROM cartridges and also as digital titles that can be downloaded from the Nintendo eShop. This system actually has no region locking whatsoever.
The Switch later released a new version that was handheld only and contained no ability to be docked to connect to a TV. This version was known as the Nintendo Switch Lite and was released in 2019. A later version containing a dock was released with an OLED screen in 2021.
The Switch technically competed originall with Microsoft’s Xbox One and Sony’s PlayStation 4, but later continued to compete with the Xbox Series X/S and the Sony PlayStation 5.
Nintendo sold nearly 3 million Switch systems in the first month since its release. Within one year since its release, the Switch sold over 14 million units worldwide, completely eclipsing the entire lifetime sales of the Wii U in just its first year.
As of 2023, the Switch had sold over 125 million units worldwide, becoming the #1 best selling home console for Nintendo and the #3 best selling console of all time, sitting just behind the PS2 and Nintendo DS. Strong first party title releases on the Switch have heavily pushed forward sales numbers, causing people to buy them up in droves.
Some of the most popular games released for the Switch are The Legend of Zelda; Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Many of the top Nintendo Switch games have sold over 20 million copies each.
How To Emulate The Switch?
The best Nintendo Switch emulator that you can use is the Yuzu emulator. Yuzu is the original Switch emulator that was released back in 2018 and still to this day surpasses all of the competition. The team behind Yuzu is the same one that developed the popular 3DS emulator Citra.
The game compatibility list for Yuzu is impressive, boasting the highest number of working titles of any Switch emulator currently available. Yuzu is compatible with Windows PC and Linux devices.
Yuzu can even be installed on certain devices like the Steam Deck. Be sure to check out our Yuzu Steam Deck guide to learn how.
For macOS users, another option for Switch emulation is the Ryujinx emulator. It too has made great progress over the years, but isn’t quite up to the same level that Yuzu is quite yet.
