Daughters looking for Switch for Christmas

GreyLady1985 · 03-09-2020 7:34pm #1

Hi, I hope you can help me. My daughters are looking for a nintendo switch for Christmas and I know absolutely nothing about them. I dont know if one machine can be used by both of them or whether I would need to get two of them. Also when I looked them up you can get consoles that are hand held and cannot be connected to your tv. The girls are 7 & 8. I dont know whether they are too young for this or not, any help would be greatly appreciated.

itsa_me_mario · 03-09-2020 7:42pm

GreyLady1985 wrote: »

Hi, I hope you can help me. My daughters are looking for a nintendo switch for Christmas and I know absolutely nothing about them. I dont know if one machine can be used by both of them or whether I would need to get two of them. Also when I looked them up you can get consoles that are hand held and cannot be connected to your tv. The girls are 7 & 8. I dont know whether they are too young for this or not, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Get the one that connects to the TV. Regular switch. They just need one. Comes with 2 controllers. Best option. Mario kart and Mario Odyssey are fantastic games that show the whole thing off in its best light. I'd get them physical games as they work out cheaper and you can trade them if they are not clicking with them. Also get yourself a controller so you can play Mario kart with them.

RentDayBlues · 03-09-2020 7:44pm

Mine are 6 and 8 - we got one during lockdown! One works fine as it’s good to share. Best game by far is animal crossing, we have others but they don’t get played

GreyLady1985 · 03-09-2020 7:44pm

Thanks so much for your response, I will do that &#55357;&#56898;

itsa_me_mario · 03-09-2020 7:50pm

Nintendo is mean with Animal Crossing in that you can only have one world/island per console. So, they will have to learn to share that island if you get the gane. This is probably a good social skill for them to learn however.

Keep an eye out for a cheaper bundle with a switch and eg mario kart. Might save a few quid.

Note: Nintendo is expensive. But the first party games should last you a long time and you can trade them when you are done with a good return.

Eg

https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/video-games-and-tablets/console-bundle-deals/nintendo-switch-console-bundle-deals/nintendo-switch-neon-console-and-select-game/b/800424

GreyLady1985 · 03-09-2020 7:57pm

Thanks for that, I imagine bundles will start appearing in the coming weeks.

itsa_me_mario · 03-09-2020 8:13pm

GreyLady1985 wrote: »

Thanks for that, I imagine bundles will start appearing in the coming weeks.

There seems to be loads of switches around now, but they were very hard to come by due to covid. I'd be careful waiting especially if it's for Xmas and there is any other covid issues affecting supplies.

CastorTroy · 03-09-2020 8:27pm

Yeah, Christmas is bad usually so imagine what it will be like this year. I've heard of ones starting their shopping already.

blockfighter · 03-09-2020 8:57pm

Id repeat what the others above have said. Don't wait around to buy it. They might be in stock now but that can change quickly.
One console is enough. And Mario Kart is an essential purchase.

.red. · 03-09-2020 9:07pm

I'd say the opposite and reckon 2 might be better. You only need one when hooking upto the TV but the beauty of the switch is that it's also handheld. Siblings who are the best of friends will still fight over toys and having one can cause issues if they share it.
If one has something simple like a cold then they can stay in bed with it without taking it from the other one.

That can work out expensive tho as they will both probably want the same games and you'd end up buying 2 of everything.

plibige · 03-09-2020 10:10pm

I'd say do your research yourself and see what you think suits them best.

But basically your choices are the Nintendo Switch or the Switch Lite.

They are the exact same consoles in terms of "any games that work on the Nintendo Switch works on the Switch Lite". But the Nintendo Switch can be played "docked" (connected to the TV) or in handheld mode (like a tablet), hence the name "switch".

The Switch Lite ironically doesn't switch. It can only be played in handheld mode, and doesn't Dock to a TV.

The other major difference between the two variations is that the Switch has "joycons" that detach on the side and are the controllers. This is a unique feature, to the Switch (no other console has anything like this) and could be a "unique selling point" your daughters might be interested in. Google "joycons" and look up videos/articles about it and you'll get the idea. But basically if they want the Joycons get the switch.

The switch lite doesn't have detachable joycons (its basically a tablet) so doesn't have that feature.

The switch lite is €100 cheaper too, but in my opinion you'd need two switch lites, only one switch.

Like has been said already Mario Kart, Mario Odyssey and Animal Crossing would be the games I'd be looking at for two girls that age. There are tonnes of great Nintendo games, especially for children that age, people will recommend you a few in this thread no doubt

Retr0gamer · 04-09-2020 2:10pm

Not sure it's been said already but pick one up as soon as you can. There will be xmas shortages.

lawred2 · 04-09-2020 2:48pm

Young fellas want a switch as well this Christmas.. so I think I'll take the advice of getting one now

GreyLady1985 · 04-09-2020 9:12pm

plibige wrote: »

I'd say do your research yourself and see what you think suits them best.

But basically your choices are the Nintendo Switch or the Switch Lite.

They are the exact same consoles in terms of "any games that work on the Nintendo Switch works on the Switch Lite". But the Nintendo Switch can be played "docked" (connected to the TV) or in handheld mode (like a tablet), hence the name "switch".

The Switch Lite ironically doesn't switch. It can only be played in handheld mode, and doesn't Dock to a TV.

The other major difference between the two variations is that the Switch has "joycons" that detach on the side and are the controllers. This is a unique feature, to the Switch (no other console has anything like this) and could be a "unique selling point" your daughters might be interested in. Google "joycons" and look up videos/articles about it and you'll get the idea. But basically if they want the Joycons get the switch.

The switch lite doesn't have detachable joycons (its basically a tablet) so doesn't have that feature.

The switch lite is €100 cheaper too, but in my opinion you'd need two switch lites, only one switch.

Like has been said already Mario Kart, Mario Odyssey and Animal Crossing would be the games I'd be looking at for two girls that age. There are tonnes of great Nintendo games, especially for children that age, people will recommend you a few in this thread no doubt

Thanks so much for this, I had looked at the switch lite and thought it might be better to get 2 of them, I will look up the joycons

GreyLady1985 · 04-09-2020 9:16pm

lawred2 wrote: »

Young fellas want a switch as well this Christmas.. so I think I'll take the advice of getting one now

Me too, it would be awful if I left it and then couldn't get one.

TheDoc · 05-09-2020 2:09pm

Picked up a Switch last year and honestly think it’s the beat console I ever got. Playing with my two daughters has definitely been huge for me. Even my GF plays it loads.

My kids a bit younger when we bought it at 5 and 3 but a year on still as crazy about it.

Mario Kart as mentioned is a good shout. My youngest loves watching and my eldest plays it with me. She started off using the motion control which was brilliant starting her off.

Pokemon is a hit in my house. Mario Oddysey and Luigis Mansion were also hugely popular.

Zelda was a slow burner but eldest now loves it.

We havnt bought a big release in ages as the Eshop has a ton of great titles and loads of remasters they come along.

I’d say Animal crossing is the likely next proper buy for us

itsa_me_mario · 05-09-2020 3:34pm

It's the best family friendly, all ages, all sexes console. . And the first party games, although expensive will give you an incredible amount of highly polished, varied entertainment. I would say something like Breath of the Wild is a hugely interactive piece of art. You get way more out of this game than you put into it. Really, it's an astonishing game that you can play with your family.

The joycons can break easily, which is a big screw up but now there are lots of good quality 3rd party pro controllers, so it's not as big a deal as it was.

Definitely get the one that connects to the TV. The games look lovely there and it's much easier to share mario kart , etc on the big screen.

PlayStation and Xbox have loads of tired killing people violently games. They are 18 cert for a reason. And mostly for guys. I have an Xbox too and it's just sad what's available quality wise for kids there. Minecraft, Super Lucky takes and Lego games.

Nintendo seem to be the only company who can spend millions designing original AAA games that anyone can play.

(Edit) Nintendo did not pay for the above advertisement

and I'll shut up now

Glebee · 25-09-2020 3:32pm

I suppose now is the time to start looking for Christmas presents. Whats the best game to pick up at start?

eviltwin · 25-09-2020 3:39pm

Glebee wrote: »

I suppose now is the time to start looking for Christmas presents. Whats the best game to pick up at start?

Depends on age and what your kids are into.

The Mario games are pretty good but can be challenging for younger kids. Animal Crossing is a great game but there's only one game option so gameplay would need to be shared among multiple people.

You can't go wrong with Pokemon or Legend of Zelda for older players.

Don't forget independent games via the Switch store: I bought Untitled Goose Game last Christmas and it turned out to be a huge hit with everyone in my house.

Uncle Pierre · 25-09-2020 3:39pm

Just saw this thread now and am following as it suits the likes of me perfectly - somebody who knows next to nothing about them, but whose young lad (six, going on seven) wants one of these.

His birthday is early December so the idea is he gets one then (partly paid by birthday money, partly by Bank of Mam and Dad), and then gets some other games at Christmas too.

He's definitely getting one anyway, because mindful of the shortages during Covid, I actually bought one during July! It's well hidden in a high-up spot though, and there's no way he'll find it before then.

He's already picked out a few of the "mainstream" games that he'd like (e.g. Minecraft, Mario something or other), but would be interested in hearing suggestions for others, preferably low cost, to download too - just like poster above mentioned that Goose Game.

Glebee · 25-09-2020 4:17pm

eviltwin wrote: »

Depends on age and what your kids are into.

The Mario games are pretty good but can be challenging for younger kids. Animal Crossing is a great game but there's only one game option so gameplay would need to be shared among multiple people.

You can't go wrong with Pokemon or Legend of Zelda for older players.

Don't forget independent games via the Switch store: I bought Untitled Goose Game last Christmas and it turned out to be a huge hit with everyone in my house.

Thaks for that. My girl is 9 and all see seems to be interested in if Fortnite and Roblox. I presume thesecan be played on Switch?

Gunmonkey · 25-09-2020 5:08pm

Glebee wrote: »

Thaks for that. My girl is 9 and all see seems to be interested in if Fortnite and Roblox. I presume thesecan be played on Switch?

Fortnite; yes (even a special European bundle coming Oct 30th https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/09/a_limited_edition_fortnite_nintendo_switch_bundle_has_been_announced_for_europe )

Roblox; doesnt look like it.

DrSpongeBobz · 25-09-2020 5:10pm

Minecraft a great game for kids

LowOdour · 25-09-2020 5:54pm

Good thread this!

Young fella is looking for one and a tablet but we have said no to switch and yes to the tablet.

But, half thinking the switch would be the better (if more expensive) option.

blockfighter · 25-09-2020 8:00pm

Uncle Pierre wrote: »

Just saw this thread now and am following as it suits the likes of me perfectly - somebody who knows next to nothing about them, but whose young lad (six, going on seven) wants one of these.

His birthday is early December so the idea is he gets one then (partly paid by birthday money, partly by Bank of Mam and Dad), and then gets some other games at Christmas too.

He's definitely getting one anyway, because mindful of the shortages during Covid, I actually bought one during July! It's well hidden in a high-up spot though, and there's no way he'll find it before then.

He's already picked out a few of the "mainstream" games that he'd like (e.g. Minecraft, Mario something or other), but would be interested in hearing suggestions for others, preferably low cost, to download too - just like poster above mentioned that Goose Game.

For low cost games, get the likes of Overcooked 2. It's a fun multiplayer game that will have you all shouting at each other as you try to work together to complete cooking tasks.
Rocket League is a great car-football game and it's now free. So download it anyways and try it out. And the Rayman games are good and usually on sale fairly frequently.

Fysh · 26-09-2020 12:55am

LowOdour wrote: »

Good thread this!

Young fella is looking for one and a tablet but we have said no to switch and yes to the tablet.

But, half thinking the switch would be the better (if more expensive) option.

It depends - if the tablet is deliberately bought so it can do things other than playing games (e.g. I use mine mainly for reading digital comics) then yes.

If it's mainly a games platform, definitely go for the Switch. Tablet and mobile games have a lot of "free-to-play" games designed around constantly nudging you to spend real money on an "optional" doohicky that will give you the edge you need to win, and ironically you can spend more money that way than buying the games outright.

gar · 04-10-2020 9:47pm

Hopping on this.
What game to get out of mario kart, super Mario 3d, Mario brothers u deluxe, mario party?
Have 2 boys aged 8 and 6

Thanks

Gar

gar · 04-10-2020 9:47pm

Hopping on this.
What game to get out of mario kart, super Mario 3d, Mario brothers u deluxe, mario party?
Have 2 boys aged 8 and 6

Thanks

Gar

plibige · 05-10-2020 2:08pm

gar wrote: »

Hopping on this.
What game to get out of mario kart, super Mario 3d, Mario brothers u deluxe, mario party?
Have 2 boys aged 8 and 6

Thanks

Gar

I think personally Mario Kart is timeless, and can be enjoyed by anyone at any age at any time. It can also involve multiple people and can be played casually or more seriously. So I'd be looking at that for sure.

Mario Party would be a "great game over Christmas", its basically a board game with mini novelty games inbetween. The joycon controller is used almost the same as a wii controller in it and you'd have great fun doing silly things while playing a board game. Not a lot of long term use out of it, its really just a party game. But great fun over Christmas.

Super Mario 3D all stars I assume you mean? Ye this will be the hot game this Christmas. Its four classic Mario games packaged together as one. Its probably the best way to get into what 3D mario is all about. And with 4 games in one you'd get serious longevity out of them.

I'd avoid super mario u deluxe if I was you. Its a 2D side scroller. Its a fine game but it would be a lot more infuriating to play and die a lot at that age. It might be something to get down the line, if they wanted it. But to be honest its not even the best 2D side scroller on the switch.

The other big mario game on the switch are Mario Odyssey. I'd recommend to get it at some stage down the line when they get used to the switch. Mario Odyssey is the newest 3D Mario game, and probably one of my favourites. There is an "easy" guided mode on it too to help young gamers.

Depending on your budget for Christmas i'd be looking at it this way. Mario Kart as your number one buy, Mario 3D All Stars as a number 2. I'd probably get Mario Party as a fun way for you to play the switch with them, but it wouldn't be a priority and would be a distant number 3 buy. I'd avoid Super Mario U Deluxe. And I'd put Mario Odyssey in my back pocket as a present for either ones next birthday or maybe Christmas next year.

Hope that helps

Glebee · 05-10-2020 4:41pm

On the look out myself and dont want to leave till last minute.

Switch on its own - Smyths vs Amazon, €330 vs €293(amazon france)
Switch with mario kart 8 Smyths vs Amazon, €383 vs €366(amazon germany)

Mucashinto · 05-10-2020 5:09pm

Uncle Pierre wrote: »

It's well hidden in a high-up spot though, and there's no way he'll find it before then.

Ah, this brings back fond memories of discovering the NES in the top of my parents’ wardrobe that Santa was bringing for Christmas

Gunmonkey · 05-10-2020 10:35pm

gar wrote: »

Hopping on this.
What game to get out of mario kart, super Mario 3d, Mario brothers u deluxe, mario party?
Have 2 boys aged 8 and 6

Thanks

Gar

Well my 2c after playing with my nieces (8 & 6):

-Mario Kart is vital, its just that popular with them. Also, if ya dont mind springing for them, I got these ( https://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/6851150/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CVideo+games%7C14419738/c_2/3%7C19780877%7CNintendo+Switch%7C50000328/c_3/4%7Ccat_50000328%7CNintendo+Switch+accessories%7C50000330.htm ) to help them grip the Joycons.
-Mario Party....oddly enough I dunno. Only played the mini games without the boardgame component (about 70 of them so lots of replay-ability) but the then 5 yr old found it a bit hard on some of the games and very frustrating. It could have just have been her, your own might have a better time of it.
-Not played Mario Odyssey, Mario 3D All Stars or Mario Deluxe but my 8yr old niece was saying one of her friends brought his Switch to school and she played Odyssey and seemed to enjoy it. Would recommend that over 3D All Stars as its more forgiving for younger players too.

Outside of those, could always go with Minecraft; Ive heard its been reasonably popular with kids or something

Glebee · 05-10-2020 10:49pm

Is there a service like gamepass for the switch??

plibige · 05-10-2020 11:05pm

Glebee wrote: »

Is there a service like gamepass for the switch??

To say its like gamepass is being very dishonest but there is a service with Nintendo switch online of NES online and Super NES online where you get a library of games from that era. If you Google it you'll get an idea of the games you get.

The pro's is its very cheap for €20 a year compared to other services. The con is its only from the 8 bit and 16 bit era. Maybe they might add more consoles down the line but they haven't added anything a quite a while now and I'm starting to doubt they will

Uncle Pierre · 05-10-2020 11:05pm

Mucashinto wrote: »

Ah, this brings back fond memories of discovering the NES in the top of my parents’ wardrobe that Santa was bringing for Christmas

I remember finding a big Lego set in similar circumstances myself, when I was probably only about 8 or 9 years old.

This one really is safe enough, though. It's in a plain brown box on top of some presses along with four other plain boxes, which he knows are "Dad's stuff" and which he has no interest in. He hasn't even noticed the extra box up there, and it's been there a couple of months now.

Took it down last night when he was asleep, to have a look at some of the download games that people here have suggested. Have to say I'm looking forward myself to when he gets it, so that I can play with it properly!

Rhyme · 06-10-2020 9:13am

Uncle Pierre wrote: »

Took it down last night when he was asleep, to have a look at some of the download games that people here have suggested. Have to say I'm looking forward myself to when he gets it, so that I can play with it properly!

I have a 1 year old and reading this really resonates with me. I can't wait for himself to be old enough to cop what's going on and be excited for birthdays and Christmas and such. I even find myself putting off things for myself so I can afford things for him. I'm cheaping out on my lunches this week so I can buy a little toy tool set as he was goggle-eyed at the weekend watching me put together some furniture and fitting them for the living room (brackets, saws, drills etc). We can put together his new chair at the weekend. I can't imagine what I'll be like buying him a console when he's older

McMurphy · 07-10-2020 1:45pm

So I'm buying 2 switches for 2 of my kids - ages are 8/10

Going by the thread I should be looking at getting them the following:

2 X switches (one red and one grey)
1 X mario kart
1 X 3d mario all-stars
1 X animal crossing?

Am I right?

Loads of kart bundles currently on Amazon, but the grey with animal crossing or 3d all-stars looks to be out of stock everywhere.

Prob just going to get the grey console by itself and purchase the games (animal crossing/3 d all-stars) separately.

Anyone any heads up of stock availability/bundle deals?

I know it's only early Oct, but it's madness in the shops already.:eek:

kingbowser · 07-10-2020 8:42pm

Had to sign up again to give some good advice

Get physical games if you want to easily share the game or sell it later - should keep a good price. Someone can maybe explain how to juggle a digital copy between switches (and you can google) but it seems like a PITA especially with kids and 2 consoles involved. Thanks Nintendo !

Mario Odyssey instead of 3d allstars as a first 3d mario game for switch. Cheaper, much better use of switch technology and fantastic game. 3d all stars is old games running on emulators on switch. While they are fine, Galaxy is amazing, the other 2 are clunky in 2020 on the Switch and do not show the Switch off to its full potential. 3d allstars is more expensive ! There are issues with camera and controls on the Switch. Really, Odyssey is the first 3d Mario platform game they need to play.

They can play Mario Kart on the same console e.g. connected to the TV with one cartridge. For portable play against each other on different switches you'll need 2 mario kart cartridges. Also, makesure you don't get the Switch lite. Get the one that connects to the TV.

Animal crossing. If physical then then can share the cartridge and have separate games/islands/saves on each console. If digital hhhhmmmmm .... thanks Nintendo. Animal Crossing might not be to their taste, but at this stage I imagine they know exactly what it is.

8/10 ---> I highly recommend Zelda Breath of the Wild. The only downside is that you will all become lost in Hyrule for about 100 hours each. But it's brilliant game that no switch owner should be without. Or parent. In fact. I recommend you play this and Odyssey.

Daughters looking for Switch for Christmas

Comments