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The Switch is not a very comfortable console to play portable

I didn't have any comfort issues at all, and I've played through Zelda, Mario, and Rabbids all in portable mode. The Vita is less comfortable to my hands, I cramp up after an hour or two with the Vita. And I am 100% not a Nintendo fanboy.
 
SonicSleuth said:
I didn't have any comfort issues at all, and I've played through Zelda, Mario, and Rabbids all in portable mode. The Vita is less comfortable to my hands, I cramp up after an hour or two with the Vita. And I am 100% not a Nintendo fanboy.
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Same here, aside from the lack of a proper d-pad, I have no issues with the Switch at all. I don't have issues with the Vita either, and I have big hands.
 
The placement of the buttons is pretty bad and so is that excuse of a d-pad. Playing Axiom Verge was murder on my fingers. I was hoping that the Switch could be my side-scroller/ indie machine replacement for the Vita but jesus, playing it is really uncomfortable. I haven't had any problems with 3D games so far, but this is the reason why I'm buying the side-scrollers and other 2D games on my PS4 if given the choice. Otherwise, I'm just not going to buy them.

Stop trying to be different in all the wrong ways, Nintendo.
 
It's that, but also the design is a bit more cramped than the Wii-U. Smaller buttons, sticks... placed in closer proximity to each other. I absolutely hate using it on some surface, so holding the whole thing in my hands is the only way I'll ever use it portable. Ideally, I would like bloated, fat, joycons that are close to the Wii-U gamepad design. :) Half-joking here, but I do dream of bigger and more comfortable joycons over annoying attachments that clamp onto the entire Switch..
 
humansarehorses said:
The placement of the buttons is pretty bad and so is that excuse of a d-pad. Playing Axiom Verge was murder on my fingers. I was hoping that the Switch could be my side-scroller/ indie machine replacement for the Vita but jesus, playing it is really uncomfortable. I haven't had any problems with 3D games so far, but this is the reason why I'm buying the side-scrollers and other 2D games on my PS4 if given the choice. Otherwise, I'm just not going to buy them.

Stop trying to be different in all the wrong ways, Nintendo.
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I agree. I recently got the PRo controller and the gigantic buttons on it (as if to compensate for the tiny ones on the Switch?) seem to close to the right control stick.. I don't have large hands or fat fingers, but my thumb touches the side of the right control stick easily when I press Y or B.
 
The right analog stick is almost unusable in handheld mode unless you move the bottom part of your right hand off the Joycon and move it to the side. Don't know what Nintendo were thinking to be honest.

What Nintendo should do is release Pro Joycons where the shape is more similar to that of a normal gamepad. Make the Joycons thicker is they need to.
 
I never played undocked, the dock is even in the box:-) , but if I dock then I will buy a controller, not going to even try to use those things haha
 
Kinda is... but it's not that bad too. If I play with the joy-cons on it, I don't really like, but guess what, we can detach those, so works fine.
 
I hate the thing portable as well. Very uncomfortable and stiff, too wide. Not a problem for me considering the form factor of the product and the versatility of its function, though.
 
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My first and second impressions on the Switch were a bit underwhelming. The tablet is surprisingly heavier than I thought, and the Joycons are not that comfortable for me.

I love getting a Switch someday, I think I am going to wait for the second version, hopefully slimmer, lighter but more ergonomics.
 
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royox said:
Sorry I'm trying hard but can't understand the purpose of having 2 switches and using one at home and the other as a portable.
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Nothing to be sorry about. It was a dumb purchase, especially since I never use this thing as a portable.
 
I tried one this weekend and I felt it was very uncomfortable. Maybe you just have to get used to it.
 
Its not awful, but yes its unconfortable after a little time. My hands actually go numb for somereason, must be the angle of elbow and not changing positions that i play in that cuts of the circulation.
 
I was sure Switch was gonna get tons of alternatives for joycons, given their interchangeable nature, like some bigger ones with big comfortable buttons, grips, and a proper dpad, but was quite disappointed in that regard. I mean, we didn't even get proper themed ones like NES or Famicom. Wondering whats preventing third parties from producing joycon alternatives.
 
it's not that bad, imo the bezels on the screen, and the display size is too small. Most smartphones nowadays are coming with little bezzel, so going from something like an iphone X to the switch is sort of weird.
 
idontlikeusernames said:
The right analog stick is almost unusable in handheld mode unless you move the bottom part of your right hand off the Joycon and move it to the side. Don't know what Nintendo were thinking to be honest.

What Nintendo should do is release Pro Joycons where the shape is more similar to that of a normal gamepad. Make the Joycons thicker is they need to.
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I think maybe you need to come to the realization that your experiences are not shared by all people. I honestly don't even understand what you're saying about the right stick. Like, at all.

I played Switch basically the entire train ride from London to Brussels Thursday and had no issues whatsoever. Different folks have different experiences, you are likely an outlier.
 
SonicSleuth said:
I think maybe you need to come to the realization that your experiences are not shared by all people. I honestly don't even understand what you're saying about the right stick. Like, at all.

I played Switch basically the entire train ride from London to Brussels Thursday and had no issues whatsoever. Different folks have different experiences, you are likely an outlier.
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You see the irony in your reply, don't you ;)?

I do not think it is so rare, but it is also normal in consoles that have 2 or 3 identities. What makes me mad is the design of the kickstand, more for looks than usability, while the joycon can range from decently usable (Super Mario Odissey) to a bit uncomfortable (DOOM scenario). The asymmetric design does look cooler, it is workable, it does lend to a nice symmetry when you hand the controller to another player, but a Wii U style symmetric setup would have worked better ergonomically (enjoying it despite A != enjoying it because of A).
 
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I've found my hands have adapted very well to playing the switch in handheld mode. Initially there was some slight discomfort, particularly using the right joystick. That was until I realized that I could rest my thumb joint on the nub of the stick, leaving the tip of my thumb free to access the face buttons. I find this arrangement very comfortable.
 
I'm "double jointed" in my thumbs and I find that it's very difficult for me to play in hand held mode, the OG 3ds is unplayable for me. One thing that bothers me about Nintendo is that they always shoehorn in features that most people don't use or is a novelty that gets old fast. This leads to things like no dpad or oddly placed thumb sticks. For me the compromise to make the joycons work separate or connected makes them good at neither.
 
technozombie said:
I'm "double jointed" in my thumbs and I find that it's very difficult for me to play in hand held mode, the OG 3ds is unplayable for me. One thing that bothers me about Nintendo is that they always shoehorn in features that most people don't use or is a novelty that gets old fast. This leads to things like no dpad or oddly placed thumb sticks. For me the compromise to make the joycons work separate or connected makes them good at neither.
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Yes exactly. I'm convinced that's why the joysticks and buttons are not offset from each other. Problem is they are sacrificing what 98% of people are using 98% of the time for the sake of making the joycons slightly more usable as a separate mini controller. Very gimmicky imo.

I just hope a revision alleviates this to some degree.
 
I have arthritis in my hands and handheld mode is really uncomfortable after about 30 minutes. The pro controller is like silk in my hands by comparison.
 
I feel the same way. My hands don't fit comfortably around the switch and it's awkward when I try and press the trigger buttons. I use my pro controller and a little stand when I fly or go on a train. That's the only way I can play for an extended period of time. My hands aren't super big but apparently big enough to feel uncomfortable. Kotaku did a survey with their staff and people with small to medium sized hands liked the feel a lot

https://kotaku.com/joy-con-comfort-vs-kotakus-hands-1793015792
 
After playing a bunch of Fortnite in handheld mode I've gone and ordered the Skull & Co grip case. It's a bit pricey but hoping the comfort justifies the price.
 
The weird thing with the left joycon is driving me nuts.

when plugged in - it works fine in the menu , but frequently stops working in games and no amount of reattachment gets it to work again. I can detach the unit and it works when not attached. If i reboot the machine - it's suddenly fine again.

that said, i'm fine with it as a portable - if i ever get my hands on it , it's usually to play on the go.
 
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Playing any game that requires walking and looking at the same time makes me cringe, playing fortnite on the switch in handheld was comparable to playing on a phone due to its awkwardness thank god I barely ever take my switch out the dock.
 
I think this is one of the reasons why they are coming with a ''new/portable'' switch. I also expect some ergonomic improvements to get rid of pressure points while playing handled.
 
Speedwagon said:
I personally find it too wide and unwieldy. I can't hold in in one hand without adjusting my grip. So it's not really ideal for a child, definitely.

In terms of ergonomics while playing, I think they should've kept the top right analog stick from the Wii U. I understand why they moved it to the bottom, in order to keep it symmetrical when you switch it into tabletop mode, but I think they could have made some workaround and keep the analog on top. It's far more comfortable for the right thumb.
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To keep symmetry but also for marketing branding reasons (it makes the logo more iconic too). The console is quite thing, the back is flat, and right joycon is very low and small... my right hand is quite cramped when playing and the little off centre kickstand makes it harder to use in table top mode than it should be. I like the console but it choosss form over function more often than I would like.
 
I've seen people recommend the AA battery pack for the joy cons. It adds extra girth which makes it more comfortable for some people.

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IMG_0887.jpg
 
I have an issue with every handheld since the gba Advance. I get pain in my hands from playing on those small devices really fast. It's a shame because there are awesome games on it. That's why 8 bought the super game boy Adapter and every Adapter possible for handhelds to play them on a screen with a controller. I also use the switch as a homeconsoke only.

I hope Nintendo will invent a thing that will let us play our physical ds and 3ds games on the TV 😁
 
Most handheld, I get hand cramp after a while. :( I have old "ambassador" 3DS - and unless I put on that gigantic analogue stick attachment, it's pretty hard on my hand after 30 min or so. PSP was the same way, and PS Vita seems to be a bit better but not perfect. (I can play comfortably up to about an hour)

Switch, I've played with my daughter's one - and it's better than my 3ds - but I just feel very awkward holding it for some reason. It's not like I have gigantic hands (rather small and short fingers)...

But the biggest gripes for me is the size of font for all portables now. You know, the old eyes... :( It sucks to get old.... I think I might have to get reading glasses now to play portables...
 
I have small hands and the thing feels excellent in portable mode. It really is one of those cases of Japanese design sensibilities catering to those of us without big mitts.

That said, the Pro controller is vastly to my preference and is my choice whenever there's an option.
 
Yeah, my hands go numb after a while. I'm gonna buy a grip case when I get paid.
 
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Vawn said:
I don't have a comfort issue, but give me a freaking D-pad if you want to replace Vita as the best place for indies.
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This. Nintendo could get me if they'd introduce a revision of the Switch with a proper D-Pad. I would pre-order that shit.
 
PocoJoe said:
15mins and it feels bad so yeah, really uncomfortable.

Vita with plastic handle thingy were years ahead
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Except for lack of R2, R3, L2 and L3 buttons. I love Remote Play, but those missing buttons kill it for some games.
 
I have almost no issues with control apart from when I play Celeste, but what really pisses me off is the lack of Bluetooth headphones support. I'm so used to it with the phone and tablet that the need to get the cord and connect really pisses me off.
 
I mostly prefer to have it in "table-top" mode if I want to go portable. Just pull the kickstand out, pull off those joycons or use the Pro controller, and place the tablet on a desk or table in front of you. Because yeah, the weight is too much and the position of the "dpad" buttons doesn't work while supporting the weight yourself while playing.

The real best position is to have it stood up on your chest with a joycon in each hand laying down in bed on your back. What beats that?
 
The Switch is uncomfortable for me to play portable. Parts of my hand become numb. To be fair, the 3DS was also a bit awkward for me too though I could play on the 3DS longer. I think it's the JoyCons; they cut into my hand. I have medium to small hands.
 
That's why I almost always play docked. It gets uncomfortable after a while if I'm traveling and playing for long periods. The system being so heavy doesn't help either.

The performance drop in handheld is also VERY annoying. Xenoblade 2 slows down so much in handheld, it's frustrating.
 
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If I'm playing portable I do prefer to set it down and use the Pro Controller. It's more the overall width coupled with the placement of the right stick that bothers my hands; I just don't like how my hands feel spread out like that and while supporting the console. Even the joycons in the included grip are fine to me, minus the lack of a Dpad, but I suppose I just have a long history of not liking my hands to be oriented in a certain way while playing games. I had the same issues with the Game Gear and Sega Nomad back in the day and took to resting them on my knee to support the console, and so I could position my hands at least in a better manner to play a game.

Now that I think about it, the Wii U tablet gave me the same problem when I played with one of those. Not knocking any designs here through, I'm thinking this is just clearly a "me thing/problem".
 
Considering that the joy-cons are detachable. And that Nintendo support 3rd party joy-cons.
I'm surprised we haven't got 3rd parties making "normally" size joy-cons.

I thought we were going to get a lot of different grips and buttons layout.
After all there is really nothing stopping it except software support by nintendo.

switchGC2.jpg
 
The Switch, like the DS, like the PSP, like the vita, like the gameboy, like the *insert handheld here* is cramped and not conducive to big hands. More news at 11.

The WiiU gamepad was comfortable because it was an actual controller, it was not a handheld console.

No handheld has ever been comfortable to use for extended periods for people with big hands. This is a fact of life. The majority of people on earth have tiny hands. This is also a fact of life. Ask not what your handheld can do for you, but ask what you can do for your handheld.
 
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