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[DoubleClutch]

My main gaming station is my PC: 5800X, 64 GB RAM, and a 3070 makes for a pretty great experience. My display is an LG C3 77” and I have a high end surround sound system with 9.2 audio.

The way I have my setup, I can game on my couch with a controller, at my desk with KB/M, or even on my couch with a KB/M very easily due to the way I’ve connected everything and the layout of my home.

This flexibility also makes it difficult for me to enjoy gaming any other way. Nothing beats a high end OLED big display, high end audio, and the comfort of playing at a desk or on the couch any way I want.

Which leads me to how I’m looking at the Switch 2… I have a Switch since launch but stopped playing it handheld altogether. I’m thinking of a getting a Switch 2, but don’t like the idea of it being docked 100% of the time. Seems like a waste when portability is inherent to its design. Battery degrades for nothing, less power due to the portability…

Could I game on the go? Perhaps… but I find when I’m out and about I’d rather read on my phone, hang out on these forums, etc.. I’d rather experience gaming in the best way possible than on a small screen in my hands. This has basically ruined the Steam Deck for me, and other handhelds.

If you use these systems as they were designed (gaming on the go), how and where do you do it?

P.S., I can see how beneficial it is to someone who spends a lot of time in hotels and on planes, but those days are behind me. Even then I works end up so tired from work and the travel that I just want to sleep at that point. Just not the same gaming.

 

[Skyfox]

It depends on your lifestyle setup really. For whatever reason I’ve often found myself making more time for handhelds because my life is a bit “bouncy” for lack of a better word.

I’m looking at a significant change next year so the value of a portable may take a hit but, oddly, when my life settles down in one area it has a tendency towards motion in another!

There’s a reason smart phones are so advanced and popular I guess.

 

[existensmaximum]

No, I have zero interest in portable gaming and would prefer it to not have a screen. It will stay docked forever by my TV

 

[ReyBrujo]

Yep, it's the only reason I'm buying it above any Mario and Zelda.

 

[Little Mac]

I unfortunately have what you call “adult-size man hands” and the joy-cons don’t work well with this particular disability … so yeah, I’m team dock mode with an overpriced pro controller.

 

[analog_future]

Nope.


I've always wished they'd just release a separate SKU that has no handheld mode and just plugs into the TV.

 

[HogIsland]

I like using a handheld around the house. Even though I have a PS5 and a gaming PC in the livingroom, I still use the steam deck on the couch more than either one just because it's incredibly convenient.

 

[DoubleClutch]

I like using a handheld around the house. Even though I have a PS5 and a gaming PC in the livingroom, I still use the steam deck on the couch more than either one just because it's incredibly convenient.

What’s the difference between that and just turning on your TV?

 

[Kacho]

It’s nice to have for sure. 99% of my Switch time was docked though.

 

[DoubleClutch]

Nope.


I've always wished they'd just release a separate SKU that has no handheld mode and just plugs into the TV.

Same but they’ll never do that because you’ll end up in a Series S situation. Where a game works for one but not the other. It would split the users.

 

[ArtHands]

in bed before sleep, train ride and lunch break at work

 

[Dorfdad]

Yes it has tremendous value for me. I can sit downstairs in my man cave and play the more hardcore games alone, and I can pick it up and play some RpG, and lighter games in the family room with my wife watching tv etc. it allows me to be flexible with gaming and not stuck in a basement should I choose.

 

[Juja]

Aside from exclusive Nintendo made games, that's pretty much its biggest selling point.

 

[analog_future]

Same but they’ll never do that because you’ll end up in a Series S situation. Where a game works for one but not the other. It would split the users.

Not really, they could just have the exact same internals but with no screen. And include a Pro Controller with it instead of Joycons. And make it a cheaper SKU.


Pretty much the opposite of a Switch Lite.

 

[HogIsland]

What’s the difference between that and just turning on your TV?

It's fewer steps. The whole thing is self-contained. Half the time I pick up the dualsense it's dead.

 

[Fbh]

Yes.
These days I don't travel as much as before, but the portability is still nice for the ocasional long flight or long airport layover.
And honestly I still enjoy the portability at home, being able to play in bed or like chilling on the terrace on a summer evening with a beer and some gaming can be nice from time to time.

With the Switch 2 in particular if it's strong enough to run last gen games and current AA and indie stuff decently I could see myself preferring to buy some third party game son it over the Ps5 simply because of the portability. If it was just a weak home console I'd have no reason to buy anything that isn't exclusive to it, so I'd only end up using it once or twice a year for Nintendo games.

 

[Davevil]

not anymore for me.
I can't use a small screen to play anymore... so much so that even cell phone games on external monitor

 

[S0ULZB0URNE]

No value. I want a docked only version.

 

[clem84]

I like using a handheld around the house. Even though I have a PS5 and a gaming PC in the livingroom, I still use the steam deck on the couch more than either one just because it's incredibly convenient.

I've always felt the same. I like the portability of... portables. lol Even around the house. Being able to lay down in bed and gaming a little bit before going to sleep, sitting down on this comfortable chair I have in my kitchen. Sometimes I'll even sit on my couch next to a TV where there's a Switch dock and still play in portable mode. It's just fun to use it sometimes. It makes for a change of pace.

I also play it at work when I have the chance, never in public transit though. Where I live, it's a little risky.

It's of great value to me.

 

[BennyBlanco]

I love handhelds so yeah.

 

[NuclearDiarrhea]

When I'm taking a shit, yes.

 

[NeoIkaruGAF]

Yes. As it is with Switch 1.

 

[rm082e]

Nope. I tried using the Switch as a mobile gaming machine and it just murdered my hands so bad it wasn't worth it. I liked the idea in principle, but it was too small (just like the Vita and PSP).

Steam Deck solved that problem by being larger. It's now my travel gaming machine.

 

[Dacvak]

Of course it is. I always play docked while at home, but it’s so nice just grabbing my Switch to take it anywhere.

I’ve got a Switch HDMI adapter to plug it into TVs when I travel, too. Docked mode on the go!

 

[Woopah]

Very much. Since:

1. I can play it on train and plane journeys
2. Can play it while the TV is in use
3. I can take the Switch and dock to friends' and family's houses and play it there

 

[NeonDelta]

When I had a switch I never took it out of the house. Would much rather Nintendo had a standalone console that was more powerful.

 

[Doggyred]

No, I have too much self respect to be seen playing video games in public.

 

[DaleinCalgary]

Too tough on my dainty hands. It stays docked

 

[DoubleClutch]

No, I have too much self respect to be seen playing video games in public.

While funny, there is truth to this. People will look down on a grown man playing video games in public. Especially if you’re a professional.

 

[Trilobit]

I love being able to take it with me on long trips and its size also makes it easy to bring with me as a party console.

 

[Robb]

For sure, I have kids that hog the TV(s). I’d estimate I use the current Switch roughly 30-40% portable and the remaining hooked to a TV.

Very rarely use the tabletop mode though. But maybe that’ll be more enticing if the Switch 2 has a significantly bigger screen.

 

[Codes 208]

While funny, there is truth to this. People will look down on a grown man playing video games in public. Especially if you’re a professional.

By boomers and karens, sure.

Ive inadvertently stirred up conversations with strangers from playing my 3ds in public

 

[Hudo]

Yes.

 

[blacktout]

I like using a handheld around the house. Even though I have a PS5 and a gaming PC in the livingroom, I still use the steam deck on the couch more than either one just because it's incredibly convenient.

Yeah, I find myself using the Switch in handheld mode on my bed a lot, even though I have a TV in my bedroom. This allows me to have youtube playing on the TV, which is great if neither the game nor the video demand my full attention, like if I'm watching some silly true crime or gaming news video while playing a grindy RPG or a puzzle game.

I only really dock the Switch if I'm playing something like Tears of the Kingdom where I actually want to give the game my full attention.

 

[touchfuzzy]

Yes it's of extreme value to me, 90%+ of my gaming time now is portable. More convenient, easier to pick up and put down, can take it anywhere in the house easier, I don't hog the TV when someone else is always wanting to use it and the TV consoles in particular (wife+three boys under 10). My wife and I do "together but separate" hangouts where she watches a dumb Netflix show and I play a game on Switch, and we chitchat the whole time, it's nice.

 

[Labadal]

If I get a Switch 2, it will not have anything to do with its portability. I don't use portable mode on my Switch.

 

[Pasta la Vista]

Nope as I've become older my eyesight has been degrading. I hate playing games with glasses.

 

[Celcius]

I've only ever used my Switch in portable mode.
For the Switch 2 however I plan to only use it hooked up to a TV.

 

[Crayon]

Handhelds seldom work for me. Always been like that. I like the idea, though.

My switch is downright bad for it. So many reasons, but the final nail was the joycon attachment rails failing and making the whole thing unusable when actually held in the hands. The only way I've had any success was on long flights where you can kick the thing up on your dinner tray and settle into some "full size" games.

When I do think I want to bring a handheld, I bring a classic. Things that are small and have good battery life. Neogeo pocket is good. I have a swan crystal that would be great if I could read a little more japanese. My favorite is my lynx. It gets great battery life with a modern lcd screen. However, it is quite large. Reasonable for a car ride. But a gba or ngpc are pretty much ideal. DS lite was great, too.

Switch 2? I don't care about the portability at all. Not even for playing on the couch. It'll sit in the dock, the joycons will go in a drawer and hopefully I don't need to buy another pro controller.

 

[DoubleClutch]

Handhelds seldom work for me. Always been like that. I like the idea, though.

My switch is downright bad for it. So many reasons, but the final nail was the joycon attachment rails failing and making the whole thing unusable when actually held in the hands. The only way I've had any success was on long flights where you can kick the thing up on your dinner tray and settle into some "full size" games.

When I do think I want to bring a handheld, I bring a classic. Things that are small and have good battery life. Neogeo pocket is good. I have a swan crystal that would be great if I could read a little more japanese. My favorite is my lynx. It gets great battery life with a modern lcd screen. However, it is quite large. Reasonable for a car ride. But a gba or ngpc are pretty much ideal. DS lite was great, too.

Switch 2? I don't care about the portability at all. Not even for playing on the couch. It'll sit in the dock, the joycons will go in a drawer and hopefully I don't need to buy another pro controller.

The fact that emulation is so great on phones and tablets, both iOS and Android makes for a great experience of replaying the old classics. I find it easier to experience those games portably.

 

[Sebastian1295]

I rarely if ever see anyone playing a switch in public anywhere kids included. I don't see it at malls, restaurants, parks, etc. I feel the portability factor is bigger in japan while the U.S customer base prefers to just game at home. I also feel like using your cellphone while out of the house is more practical than carrying an entire portable console with you and that alot of people feel the same way.

 

[Azelover]

Oh yes. Certainly.

I wouldn't give up on the hybrid model though. There are some games I prefer playing docked. Many games.

But there are a few games that are better on the go. It's just nice to have the option.

 

[Kataploom]

ZERO.

That thing is always plugged below the TV and the only times it gets out of the dock it has nothing to do with gaming.

 

[Rawbutt Jellybean]

I've always preferred Nintendo handhelds to consoles so portability is very important to me.

 

[Putonahappyface]

I'll probably buy the Switch 2 now Nintendo have beefed up the graphics. I've no interest whatsoever in a handheld for gaming, so I'll keep it permanently docked.

 

[Edgelord79]

Would be pretty important to my family as we never play the Switch docked as it’s underwhelming. Of course if they still make toy joycons then it’s a moot point.

 

[Bond007]

I realized maybe 10yrs ago that handheld gaming is no longer for me. Switch is docked 100% of the time ~ OLED or not.
Switch 2 will be the same.

If another vita came along I’d support it cause I’d like option of Sony games for the platform.
But I’m not out here buying the Portal either

 

[R6Rider]

Yes, but not as much as being able to dock it.

 

[MadchesterManc]

Given how cumbersome the original Switch is, I doubt it's gonna be as portable as a Vita or 3DS. So that's a not much for me

 

[chakadave]

In my mind yes. I also like the low power consumption