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How long can you play a Switch before your hands hurt AKA how do you hold a switch
- Thread starter Ashtar
- Start date
Nights Owl
Member
I can play for hours on hours of time before my hands even start feeling a bit sore. (I'm talking like 10).
I usually tend to sit with my elbows resting on something (My knees/thighs, arms of a chair etc) and I think it helps stress your hands less on holding the full weight of any portable.
As it is now my n3DSXL hurts my hands more than my Switch, and that's because it's got weird weight due to the top screen.
I usually tend to sit with my elbows resting on something (My knees/thighs, arms of a chair etc) and I think it helps stress your hands less on holding the full weight of any portable.
As it is now my n3DSXL hurts my hands more than my Switch, and that's because it's got weird weight due to the top screen.
Big for a girl, small for a boy. So... Maybe?
I recently got a Switch and was thinking about making a similar thread, I just don't know how people hold this thing and use the right analog at the same time. So uncomfortable I gave up on handheld mode. Y'all got some tiny hands or something?
franklyshankly
Member
I can hold it reasonably long without discomfort. My schedule lately has prevented me from playing more than an hour or so in one sitting though, so maybe it would get uncomfortable in a longer session.
ILoveMcChickens
Member
Same issue here - but maybe about thirty minutes for me. Getting old sucks.
I have to wonder what kind of musculoskeletal damage this might be doing.
Donniewahlberg
Banned
I either play with the pro controller on the TV or in tabletop mode with the pro controller haha so no problems here. Very much empathise with OP though, I used to get awful palm spots and finger cramp on the Vita (despite loving the console) and I think I would suffer that a little with the Switch if I played handheld alot, especially the palm thing, maybe not the finger cramp so much.
I'm into asymmetric sticks but Imo they would be better both up top for a handheld for weight distribution reasons, although I appreciate that would make the cons as mini pads thing difficult.
Funny thing is I've never had any issues with the 3DS XL.
I'm into asymmetric sticks but Imo they would be better both up top for a handheld for weight distribution reasons, although I appreciate that would make the cons as mini pads thing difficult.
Funny thing is I've never had any issues with the 3DS XL.
BigBeauford
Member
I think the switch's ergonomics are far superior to the vita. Now that thing hurt my hands.
I have pretty big hands, which is what I blamed it on my big hands but my wife had the same complaint and her hands are smaller than mine but probably bigger than the average woman's
Does anyone play in bed on their back?
Weirdly I find the switch to be one of the most comfortable handhelds, I have yet to get any cramps.
The 3DS though, I can barely use it. That downward pressure I have to maintain on the slide pad is extremely fatiguing and I have slender fingers that find the size and placement of everything hard to maintain after even 5 minutes of use. And yeah I have tried every iteration of the system.
The 3DS though, I can barely use it. That downward pressure I have to maintain on the slide pad is extremely fatiguing and I have slender fingers that find the size and placement of everything hard to maintain after even 5 minutes of use. And yeah I have tried every iteration of the system.
shotgunbob04
Member
I can play the Switch for hours and my hands don't hurt.
Once I noticed this, I realized that it was single biggest factor in me hating playing on handhelds in the past. The Vita and the 3DS make my hands cramp up after 20-30 minutes and I have to put them down. The Switch gives me no issues.
Once I noticed this, I realized that it was single biggest factor in me hating playing on handhelds in the past. The Vita and the 3DS make my hands cramp up after 20-30 minutes and I have to put them down. The Switch gives me no issues.
franklyshankly
Member
I've never tried this but it sounds awful. Holding the switch straight up in front of your face?
BomberMouse
Member
Not very long, the whole thing is too big and too heavy. A handheld is usually a bit over 200g, the switch with joycons is over 400g.
Booker Dewitt
Member
I only go for like thirty minutes at a time, so it's not too bad. Except for Mario Kart,having to hold down A is way too much for my right hand, so usually two races and then a break.
Com Truise
Member
About an hour? Then, my fingers start to hurt like hell, I power through the pain, get used to it and can start to play indefinitely. It's an awkward and probably not very healthy process.
In the end, the Switch is just another rectangular flat slab, just like other handhelds. Shit can't be good for your hands long-term. It's a shame too, because I love handheld gaming but for some reason these companies refuse to make them ergonomic.
In the end, the Switch is just another rectangular flat slab, just like other handhelds. Shit can't be good for your hands long-term. It's a shame too, because I love handheld gaming but for some reason these companies refuse to make them ergonomic.
There are actually grips that exist that can help you out for cheap.
Splatoon 2 is probably also the first game to give me issues. Playing zelda, playing arms, Mario Kart and all indie games are fine. I didn't have a single cramping or pain issue until Splatoon 2. Why? I realized unintentionally I'm actually gripping the controller harder, probably to ensure I can quickly change button presses and such. Since I prefer Splatoon 2 docked, I bought a pro controller now and the pain is gone. I still grip it hard, but it must be a more natural position.
Splatoon 2 is probably also the first game to give me issues. Playing zelda, playing arms, Mario Kart and all indie games are fine. I didn't have a single cramping or pain issue until Splatoon 2. Why? I realized unintentionally I'm actually gripping the controller harder, probably to ensure I can quickly change button presses and such. Since I prefer Splatoon 2 docked, I bought a pro controller now and the pain is gone. I still grip it hard, but it must be a more natural position.
purseowner
Member
The most comfortable device Nintendo has made.
Where? I haven't been able to find any.
Equanimity
Member
I would say about 2 hours is the most I can play without taking any breaks.
family_guy
Member
Depends on the control scheme for the game. I could play MK8 for much longer in handheld mode if I could move the accelerator to the right trigger.
ILoveMcChickens
Member
I solved the problem by getting a Pro controller and playing most of the time on my TV!
BinaryBear07
Member
I can go about 30 minutes before my hands start hurting. It has really stopped me from enjoying my Switch and I may just sell it because I have not found a way to play on the go that doesn't cause pain.
SuperDowns
Banned
I was like surely like a human does any electronic. I didn't realize anyone was having any issues. I am able to hold mine for long periods easily. *shrug*
Imp the Dimp
Member
Indefinitely
I don't think my hands hurt for playing the Switch, at least not for about one hour.
This thread made me think of the 3DS I played again last week (Mario Maker) and my fingers can't support that thing after 10 mins using that D-pad.
I think my hands are too big for it and that's why the Switch is OK, but hey, everyone is different.
This thread made me think of the 3DS I played again last week (Mario Maker) and my fingers can't support that thing after 10 mins using that D-pad.
I think my hands are too big for it and that's why the Switch is OK, but hey, everyone is different.
| Praxis |
Banned
I had the same problem op, but only when I played it in bed. Sitting up on the sofa is fine though.
tenderbrew
Member
I can play indefinitely. Doesn't hurt my hands at all (opposite of the 3DS XL.)
TharpDaddy
Member
My left hand is fine but the placement of the right joycon's stick bothers my hand after about an hour. The pro controller is great.
It's rarely a big issue though and i'm still fine playing in handheld mode.
It's rarely a big issue though and i'm still fine playing in handheld mode.
The only game i can play at length undocked is Binding of Isaac. It's just uncomfortable to play games that are more involving of the controller. I backed this grip project on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1274541538/switchcase-case-with-replaceable-grips-for-nintend
Seems like it will alleviate my discomfort. I know back in the PSP and Vita days, grips were a god send.
Seems like it will alleviate my discomfort. I know back in the PSP and Vita days, grips were a god send.
Koutsoubas
Member
After 45 minutes the area around my palms goes Numb
Deadly Cyclone
Pride of Iowa State
I have that issue with my right thumb because of the stick placement. Keeping my thumb bent 90 degrees for hours makes it hurt, same issue with 3ds. I use pro controller for splatoon though, I cant get good at that game using the small switch controls.
bobawesome
Member
Well, it's not like the battery lasts for more than a few hours. So by the end of my longer sessions, when hand cramps are starting to set in, it's time to quit anyway.
At the end of the day, that's hardly a great accomplishment.
At the end of the day, that's hardly a great accomplishment.
Cuningas de Häme
Member
How on Earth do you hold your Switch? Do you try to keep two fingers placed on the top buttons/triggers?
I have MANHANDS, and still have no problems. I keep my pinkies at/near the bottom for balance.
I like that I can keep my fingers pretty straight, can't hold those tiny XBox or PS controllers. They make my hands cramp, and my fingers hit each others. Really annoying.
I am one of those who loved the Gamepad, it is so comfortable to hold. Don't have to squeeze my fingers in this miniscule space behind the controller. Switch is the same.
Joycons are so small that it becomes an advantage, they fit in to my palm very well and my thumbs are large enough to cover the stick and the buttons. Then I use different parts of my thumb to press stuff.
I have MANHANDS, and still have no problems. I keep my pinkies at/near the bottom for balance.
I like that I can keep my fingers pretty straight, can't hold those tiny XBox or PS controllers. They make my hands cramp, and my fingers hit each others. Really annoying.
I am one of those who loved the Gamepad, it is so comfortable to hold. Don't have to squeeze my fingers in this miniscule space behind the controller. Switch is the same.
Joycons are so small that it becomes an advantage, they fit in to my palm very well and my thumbs are large enough to cover the stick and the buttons. Then I use different parts of my thumb to press stuff.