Nintendo Switch In 2021: A Look Back

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Nintendo Switch in 2021: A Look Back

Hey guys! Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the Nintendo Switch in 2021. It was a pretty awesome year for the hybrid console, and there's plenty to unpack. We will look at the game releases, hardware updates, and the overall vibe of being a Switch owner back then.

The State of the Switch in 2021

In 2021, the Nintendo Switch was in its fifth year, having been released in March 2017. By this point, the console had already established itself as a major player in the gaming world, thanks to its innovative hybrid design, which allowed players to switch (pun intended!) between playing on a TV and playing on the go. This unique selling point, combined with a strong library of first-party and third-party games, helped the Switch maintain strong sales momentum. Throughout 2021, the console continued to be a hot commodity, often selling out in stores and online. The demand was fueled by a combination of factors, including the release of highly anticipated games, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (which led to more people staying home and seeking entertainment), and the console's appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers. The Nintendo Switch ecosystem in 2021 was vibrant and thriving, with a steady stream of new games, accessories, and updates keeping players engaged. Nintendo continued to support the console with regular firmware updates, adding new features and improvements to the user experience. The online services, while still a point of contention for some, continued to evolve, offering online multiplayer, cloud saves, and access to a library of classic NES and SNES games through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Despite its success, the Switch also faced some challenges in 2021. The ongoing chip shortage, which affected the production of many electronic devices, made it difficult for Nintendo to keep up with demand. Scalpers also contributed to the problem, buying up consoles and reselling them at inflated prices. Despite these challenges, the Nintendo Switch remained one of the most popular and sought-after gaming consoles on the market in 2021. Its unique design, strong game library, and continued support from Nintendo ensured that it remained a relevant and exciting platform for gamers of all ages.

Top Game Releases of 2021

Alright, let's dive into the real reason we all love the Switch: the games! 2021 was packed with amazing titles, offering something for everyone. From long-awaited sequels to innovative new IPs, the Switch's game library continued to grow and impress. Some of the standout titles include:

  • Monster Hunter Rise: This action RPG was a massive hit, bringing the thrill of hunting giant monsters to the Switch. Its smooth gameplay, vibrant world, and deep customization options made it a must-have for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
  • New Pokémon Snap: A delightful return to a beloved N64 classic, New Pokémon Snap tasked players with taking photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats. Its charming visuals, relaxing gameplay, and adorable creatures made it a perfect game for unwinding.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD: This enhanced version of the Wii title brought improved graphics, smoother controls, and quality-of-life improvements to a somewhat divisive Zelda game. For many, it was a chance to re-evaluate Skyward Sword and appreciate its unique story and dungeons.
  • Metroid Dread: After years of waiting, Metroid fans finally got a brand-new 2D Metroid adventure. Metroid Dread was a tense, atmospheric, and challenging game that expertly blended exploration, combat, and stealth. It was a triumphant return for Samus Aran and a highlight of the year.
  • Mario Party Superstars: This party game brought together classic boards and minigames from the series' history, offering a nostalgic and chaotic multiplayer experience. It was a great way to relive the glory days of Mario Party with friends and family.

These are just a few of the many great games that were released on the Nintendo Switch in 2021. Other notable titles include Bravely Default II, No More Heroes 3, Shin Megami Tensei V, and WarioWare: Get It Together!. With such a diverse and high-quality lineup, 2021 was a fantastic year for Switch gamers.

The Nintendo Switch OLED Model

A significant hardware update arrived in 2021: the Nintendo Switch OLED model. This wasn't a full-fledged sequel or a "Pro" version that many had hoped for, but it offered some notable improvements over the original Switch. The most obvious upgrade was the vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, which delivered richer colors, deeper blacks, and improved contrast. This made games look more stunning and immersive, especially in handheld mode.

Aside from the screen, the OLED model also featured:

  • Improved Dock: The dock included a built-in wired LAN port, allowing for a more stable and reliable online connection.
  • Enhanced Audio: The speakers were upgraded for clearer and more immersive sound.
  • Increased Internal Storage: The internal storage was doubled to 64GB, providing more space for downloaded games.
  • Wider Adjustable Stand: The kickstand was redesigned to be wider and more adjustable, making it easier to prop up the console on a table.

While the OLED model didn't offer any improvements to processing power or resolution, the enhanced screen and other upgrades made it a worthwhile upgrade for many Switch owners, especially those who primarily played in handheld mode. It injected some new life into the Switch lineup and demonstrated Nintendo's commitment to refining the hardware.

The Community and Online Experience

The Nintendo Switch community in 2021 was as vibrant and passionate as ever. Online forums, social media groups, and streaming platforms were filled with discussions, fan art, and gameplay videos. Players shared their experiences, offered tips and tricks, and celebrated their love for all things Nintendo. The online experience, however, remained a mixed bag. While Nintendo continued to improve its online services, they still lagged behind those offered by Sony and Microsoft. The Nintendo Switch Online subscription provided access to online multiplayer, cloud saves, and a library of classic NES and SNES games, but it lacked some of the features and polish of its competitors. Voice chat, for example, still required the use of a smartphone app, which was clunky and inconvenient. Matchmaking could also be unreliable, and the overall online infrastructure wasn't always the most stable. Despite these shortcomings, the Switch's online community remained active and engaged. Players found ways to connect with each other through online games, social media, and community events. The shared love of Nintendo games and the unique appeal of the Switch brought people together from all over the world.

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of the Switch in 2021

2021 was a fantastic year for the Nintendo Switch. It was a year of great games, a hardware refresh, and a thriving community. The console continued to defy expectations and cement its place as one of the most successful gaming platforms of all time. As we look back on 2021, it's clear that the Switch had a lasting impact on the gaming world. Its hybrid design revolutionized the way people play games, and its strong library of titles appealed to a wide range of players. The Nintendo Switch in 2021 was a cultural phenomenon, a source of entertainment, and a reminder of the power of video games to bring people together. Even with the upcoming release of new consoles, the Switch's legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

So, that's a wrap on our little trip back to 2021! What were your favorite Nintendo Switch memories from that year? Let us know in the comments below! And as always, thanks for reading!