Nintendo switch... Help!

[Stormystar]

Hi, I'm hoping someone can help point me in the right direction. My little boy (8) is hoping for a nintendo switch this Christmas. It a hell of a lot of money and a lot more that we have budget for. I've explained to him and he's asking for lego now. My husband found out last night that he's had an unexpected bonus from work. We can now afford it, but think it would be better as a family gift, (2 other younger boys). Are they really worth it? Would I buy the console and game or are there hidden extras I need to buy? I'm so not into technology (game wise). Thank you in advance.

It's an amazing console, really good for family games. Amazon do bundles, Mario cart is a good one. Think they have it for £275 at the minute.

I think it would be a fab family gift. I've got one for DH this year :). My BIL has one and it is just as much fun as the Wii, but more portable and flexible in terms of the kinds of games you can play on it.

It comes with 2 controllers, so you'd need a third if they all want to play together. The wireless joy-cons are expensive, but I noticed wired controllers in Argos for a lot less.

The must-have game at the moment is the new Smash Bros, which is released this week. But I recommend Splatoon 2 and of course Mario Kart is a classic :)

I would definitely say it's worth it. I would say If it's for the family you would need to purchase another controller so causes no arguments on who's turn it is...we opted for a wireless one..... so they could play against each other on certain games.

If you get the Mario kart bundle you really need two racing wheels to play better. But they're about £15 for two wheels.

Console is good.

Sorry, you'd need 3 wheels for three kids.

My boy is almost 8. We have had a switch for a year, and could have lived without it.
He dabbles in Minecraft on the switch, but the games don't hold his interest for long, and can't afford to buy loads. Got Mario kart, lego worlds, Zelda, Mario odyssey. Kindle fire kids unlimited has much more use. I had some stuff to trade at CEX so have got Go Vacation and extra handsets ordered so whole family can play, but handsets are dear. Second hand switch items from CEX are dearer than on Amazon, so no saving unless you have stuff to trade in.

You need a protective case and screen protector. Plus memory i think.

Mario cart bundle was more expensive on Amazon than the components bought separately so check that out.

We have bought it for 8yo ds. Plus all the extra joy cons and wheels. Hames we got are Mario cart 8, amd pokemon lets go eevee (or there is lets go pikachu) as he is Pokemon fan. Have pre ordered smash bro. Spent £500!!. Not got much else for him. Except books and will probs buy some things he needs anyway.

Mario party looks good for group play.

Bought the basic package and mario odyssey "for DH", but I knew DS6 would love it.

I think as a family console it's been a good buy. DH plays it himself (Zelda), DS plays himself (ninjago), they play together with DD (mario kart), I play with DH (mario odyssey). It's small enough to travel with so we can bring it to Ireland when we travel home to see family, but works great on the tv.

Ooooh glad I found this thread! DH picked the switch up for DS (7yo) and got crash bandicoot. Is that at any good?

I used to love super Mario bros when I was younger, so might suggest that and steering wheels to family members who are asking for ideas.

What does the basic package come with? Just the console and 2 controllers? (It's up the loft so I can't see it at the mo)

I bought one yesterday on Games website, £289 including Mario Kart and Lego Worlds, if that's of any help OP

I had the switch this year and we absolutely love it. So far got 1-2 switch and mario Kart and both are so much fun. Curry’s has extra controls (£60 for two) dd’s 8 and 4 play really well together and it’s so easy for them to pick up. It’s a really good family console, one of the best brought out I think

What games would be good fun for a nearly-12-year-old boy and a couple of old fogeys? DS is getting a Switch for Christmas with Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Mariokart 8, but I'd like to get something a bit more sporty at some point that he can play with DH. Is 1-2 Switch any good?

We got one as a family gift last year and it has proved very popular indeed. I don't play much but the kids and DH play together often. Also good when the kids have friends over.

The fact it works on tv screen or as a gaming tablet is a huge plus and the reason we chose the switch over Xbox etc

The fact it was a family present means it doesn't belong to any one child and they have to share nicely (in theory )

We did buy some steering wheels (around £7 each on amazon) and extra controllers so 4 can play at once. And a microphone for the singing game that isn't used much tbh

DC are 8 and 10. Popular games are mario kart and mario tennis, portal knights (a child friendly quest game), fifa. You don't need loads of games I find as there are so many versions/levels

DS 8 is getting Minecraft for switch and the Pokemon game as presents this year

This is brilliant, big thank you to you all. Knew I could count on mumsnet! Will compare prices and buy order one tomorrow hopefully, thanks!

I've got one. It's a big outlay but I'm hoping it will be as long lasting as the Wii which we used for years.

I'm really excited

We got our DS one last Christmas he was 6. He has played on it weekly since. We started with Mario Odyssey which is a great game for 6+ (even adults) and he also loves mario kart and splatoon. Christmas this year is Super Smash Bros. Minecraft is good and I got into that for awhile and mario party is fun for the family and 4 player. He’s also getting let’s go pikacho from a family member for Christmas.

You don't need the racing wheels, they are a fun gimmick that's all. A tip is that these kinds of accessories tend to go cheap in places like CEX or Game once they have been out a little while.

You get two controllers (joy-cons) and I'd recommend getting a second pack of joy-cons to take that up to four.

I thought it was really gimmicky - DH got it - but it's absolutely brilliant, I'm a convert. I love the way you can so easily take it from being a handheld to TV-based console, and only have to swap the dock, it means we can take it with us when we visit family and all sorts.

We got a case for it and a screen protector just in case.

I would just get the console, extra joy-cons and 2 games. That way if they get Christmas money they can look at more games, plus gives ideas for birthdays etc. There are lots of demos to download on the store as well.

On Mario Kart there is an option to steer the car by tilting the controller, this works with or without a wheel attached. But it's only easier that way for little kids who struggle with button controls, I find it just makes me go all over the place as I don't hold the controller straight to begin with especially if I'm holding the baby at the same time! The wheels aren't attached to any axle so there's nothing to hold them in place.

I bought a bundle deal console last week with maria kart for £267 and got new customer cash back from top cashback too! Cheapest bundle I've seen since Black Friday so snapped it up.

I got mine from Very for £269 with Mario kart and a Pokémon game.

If you look on HotUKDeals there’s some good deals at the moment.

Can you play active games on a switch? A bit like a Wii, tennis and boxing etc?

Yes there are a few like that, the controllers are motion sensitive.