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Nintendo Switch: Game Console Usability

August 12, 2019 Leave a Comment

With threats of a Nintendo Switch 2 in the air, It is appropriate to evaluate why Nintendo would make a new model after only two years. The lists below notate the year each company released a major update to a game console. It is seen that two years is a short life cycle for the Switch – the average life cycle is between 5 and 6 years.

Playstation : 1994, 2000, 2006, 2013

Microsoft Xbox : 2001, 2005, 2013, 2019

Nintendo : 1996, 2001, 2006, 2012, 2017

If you’re not familiar with the Switch – take four minutes to watch this video. 

Usability Setbacks – Short of Industry Standards

Joycons are uncomfortable to use for two player mode – Those with large fingers face a huge deterrent when challenged to a two player match.  You must purchase accessories to enjoy game play with one joycon. Major flaw in the design packaging to not include or highly recommend these accessories as I find them necessary.

Hard to keep console and joycons charged – It is quite a maneuver to keep the console charged without buying charging accessories. The console allows you to play it 4 different ways, but it can only charge in one of the player scenarios. 

No access to apps such as Netflix or Pandora – This is fail on Nintendo’s part. It is not industry standard to be able to download application and stream on game consoles. You must switch your TV HDMI settings to stream video or music.

Must quit one application to open another – When two people in a household are playing different games, you do not have the ability two run two games simultaneously. The Switch can only run one application at a time. 

Selling Points – Design Freedom and Error Prevention

When it comes to usability in comparison to industry standards and consistency, the Switch falls short. But, the switch is portable and transformable making it a home for cutting-edge technology. Maybe it should not be compared to the industry standard, as the Switch is a merge between a handheld game system and a game console. Despite the industry standard drawbacks, the Switch design has increased user control and freedom, and visibility of the system’s status. 

User control and freedom – Switch users have the ability to play on the big screen with one or two players, on the switch console with the joycons detached with one or two players, or with the joycons attached to the console as a single player. The user has the ability to adapt the system design to the situation.  

Visibility of the system’s status and error prevention – With no other game console, must the user be so aware of the system’s status. Each time an application is switched, the device is turned on, or the joycons are managed, the system forces the user(s) to pause and press a combination of buttons to ensure that the joycon configuration is appropriate for the app opened. It also gives the battery life status of all joycons and the console. 

Image result for the nintendo switch press l and r

Which adjustments do you think will be prioritized when the Switch 2 is released?

 

https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-evolution-of-playstation-consoles/2900-899/10/

https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-evolution-of-playstation-consoles/2900-899/10/

https://www.pocket-lint.com/games/news/nintendo/146899-nintendo-switch-2-release-date-specs-games

https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-accessories-fix-everything/

https://www.imore.com/how-switch-your-joy-cons-back-normal-sideways-nintendo-switch

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