Nintendo Wii or Switch
Author
Discussion

Ken_Code

Original Poster:

1,566 posts

25 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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My two little boys had their first console experience this week, playing Sports and Mario Kart on the Wii at a relative’s house, which they loved.

I quite like the idea of getting a console like this for them, and am wondering whether it makes sense to buy them a Wii, or if the Switch offers all the same stuff (especially the motion-sensitive controllers for the sports and steering) or if that’s not really what it’s about. The eldest is six, and the idea is to allow them the odd hour to play together.

There also seems to be more than one version of the Switch, so if anyone could explain how that works too I’d appreciate it.

Mr E

22,697 posts

282 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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The Wii is obsolete (although a brilliant machine)

Switch is current - but I’d expect a replacement to be announced in the next 12 months or so.
Controllers are motion sensitive in a similar way to the Wii.

Essentially 3 versions;

https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Hardware/Nintendo-S...

Switch lite which is a pure handhold - doesn’t connect to the telly, controllers don’t detach, single player only.
Switch full. Connects to telly, controllers come off to be used separately and as motion controllers (like the Wii)
Switch full OLED. As above but nicer screen.

I’d suggest you want one that connects to the telly with detachable controllers.

Ken_Code

Original Poster:

1,566 posts

25 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
quotequote all
Thanks.

Do I then need to buy physical copies of the games, or are they downloaded?

Shaoxter

4,497 posts

147 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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Ken_Code said:
Thanks.

Do I then need to buy physical copies of the games, or are they downloaded?
Up to you, physical games have plenty of resale value but not as convenient. If it's something you'll keep then I'd get a digital version.

Mr E

22,697 posts

282 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
quotequote all
Ken_Code said:
Thanks.

Do I then need to buy physical copies of the games, or are they downloaded?
Both possible to suit your preference. Budget for a decent sized SD card.
There’s also an online play membership cost thing (that gets you a load of retro systems under emulation if that’s your thing)


Mr E

22,697 posts

282 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
quotequote all
I note there’s a bundle that comes with Switch Sports.

If you’re buying as a gift, unbox it, set it up and download the game/updates before wrapping it.

Nothing more disappointing than opening the exiting toy and then waiting until you can play with it

Ken_Code

Original Poster:

1,566 posts

25 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
quotequote all
Mr E said:
I note there’s a bundle that comes with Switch Sports.

If you’re buying as a gift, unbox it, set it up and download the game/updates before wrapping it.

Nothing more disappointing than opening the exiting toy and then waiting until you can play with it
Thanks, that’s good to know.

mike9009

9,544 posts

266 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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If you are not price sensitive get the switch. We have had both over the years. Loads more content at the moment on the switch....... It is easier to setup (no silly bar balanced on top of telly), higher resolution.

The detachable controllers are more small hand focussed.

The transportable nature means my kids play with it on journeys, if we are feeling generous. Or even watch YouTube.......

Their peers can play with them on line. Minecraft is a particular favourite.

Edited by mike9009 on Saturday 1st June 11:39

paulrockliffe

16,346 posts

250 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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When I looked a couple of years ago we ended getting an X-Box instead, what tipped it for me was that the Switch didnt/doesn't have apps for watching stuff, which seems a bit of an oversight. They were going to need another mobile device, which does games too, so figured it was better to have the console instead of the switch.

119

16,926 posts

59 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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N64 for the win.

Baldchap

9,395 posts

115 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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[redacted]

Mr E

22,697 posts

282 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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[redacted]

Defcon5

6,459 posts

214 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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Switch is a great first console, some games (Mario deluxe and Mario kart off the top of my head) have settings that essentially play the game for you (auto steering and auto acceleration etc) that mean younger siblings can ‘play’ without it turning into a scrap after 5 mins.

My eldest has had his switch for 5 years (10 now) and whilst he has a PS5, the switch still gets used which is a strong testament.


Mr E

22,697 posts

282 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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What inputs does your tv have? Just HDMI or is there an adapter for composite video?

Defcon5

6,459 posts

214 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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Scart to HDMI adapter?

Mr E

22,697 posts

282 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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nuyorican said:
Will have to check Resident Evil 4 and DOOM are included.
They are not

Mr E

22,697 posts

282 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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nuyorican said:
Oh. Better dig out the Wii too.smile
Sold mine for a pittance years ago.

I built a rasp pi that emulated everything to snes a couple of years back. I reckon a Pi 5 could do a Wii as well, but the controllers are tricky

Defcon5

6,459 posts

214 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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Scart to HDMI adapter?

hungry_hog

2,730 posts

211 months

Saturday 1st June 2024
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I'd go OLED. Better quality display and when you come to sell you will get a lot of the money back.

For games I'd go for physical copies.

I sold my Switch earlier this year. The 8 games (sold separately) raised about GBP250

Super Mario 3d all stars went for 70 quid. Rest went for between 20 and 35

All adds up!

Defcon5

6,459 posts

214 months

Sunday 2nd June 2024
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Yes if you buy the games second hand they are effectively free, as whenever you sell them you will get your money back