Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch remains an inexpensive option if you do not want to buy an expensive PC or a PS5. You get many exclusive titles but are somewhat limited compared to larger consoles or a gaming PC. For the old Switch, you will pay between 280 and 300 euros.
Advantages: With Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon, Nintendo has several strong exclusive franchises that you can only play on the Switch. Another advantage: You can use the console both on the TV and in handheld mode. The detachable controllers (Joy-Cons) allow for couch co-op with friends or family at home. This makes the Switch particularly flexible.
Disadvantages: The old Switch is technologically outdated, and you do not get powerful hardware. Therefore, you will clearly have to make concessions in graphic quality. Many AAA games cannot be played or only with significant limitations on the Switch (such as Hogwarts: Legacy). For some retro games and online multiplayer, a subscription service is mandatory (about 25 euros per year).
What alternative is there? The Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor and offers you more power and better processing. However, the battery life may be shorter. Many newer games can be played on the Switch 2 without issues, but sometimes the upgrades to the version for the Switch 2 are fee-based. Another disadvantage is the price: At about 450 euros, the Switch 2 is not exactly cheap.
Mobile Gaming
Almost everyone owns a mobile phone, which is suitable for gaming. Many games can usually be installed directly through the Google PlayStore or Apple AppStore without any detours.
Advantages: Many games now also work on mobile or at least have a mobile app. This includes many gacha and Asian games like Genshin Impact or Wuthering Wave. But also some other games, like Terraria or Stardew Valley, have now been released as native apps for Android.
Disadvantages: When gaming on a mobile phone, it ultimately depends on your device: With a top model, you can enjoy even demanding games in high detail, with a budget model, probably not. If you have a fast phone, mobile gaming can be a viable alternative. Otherwise, you face the same problem as on a PC: Only with a better phone does gaming really become fun.
Costs: Generally none, if your phone is fast enough. For games like Terraria, you will need to purchase a license or if you want to get rid of annoying ads.
Under Android, Google now offers a subscription (Google Play Pass), where you can use many games ad-free and without purchase. Costs per month: 4.99 euros.
What alternatives are there? If your phone is too weak and you do not want to buy a new one, various alternatives are available. Either you opt for a console like the PS5 or Xbox or you take a look at the Steam Deck, which we will introduce in the next section.
Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta and the inventor of Facebook, believes that the mobile phone will not last much longer. And he has officially introduced the alternative. Read more about it on MeinMMO: Mark Zuckerberg announces the end of the mobile phone and introduces a successor
