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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo get started, connect the Nintendo Switch AC adapter, attach Joy-Con if your model has detachable controllers, and follow the on-screen setup prompts. Then create a user for each player, link Nintendo Accounts as appropriate, and start a game. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is optional unless you want online features such as online multiplayer.
This guide covers the original Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model. Controller steps differ by model; it does not cover Nintendo Switch 2.
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Before you begin: identify your Switch model
Nintendo’s first-time setup instructions cover Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model. The original and OLED models use detachable Joy-Con; Switch Lite does not have removable Joy-Con in the setup flow. Follow the controller instructions for the model you have.
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Nintendo Support describes its setup guide this way: “In this article, you’ll learn how to set up your Nintendo Switch system(s) for the first time.” Nintendo Switch First-Time Setup and Connection.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Set up the console for the first time
- Connect power. Insert the Nintendo Switch AC adapter’s USB plug into the USB connector on the bottom of the console, then plug the adapter into a wall outlet.
- Attach Joy-Con if your model uses them. Follow the on-screen direction to attach the controllers on an original Nintendo Switch or OLED model. Switch Lite’s setup does not include this step.
- Choose language and region. Use the on-screen prompts to select the console’s language and region.
- Choose whether to connect to the internet. You can configure an internet connection during setup or skip it for now.
- Set the time zone. Choose the time zone that applies to where you use the console.
- Choose an icon and nickname. You can set up a new user profile or follow an available option to transfer a user and save data from another console.
- Decide whether to set up parental controls. You can configure them during setup or return to them later. Some settings can be changed after the initial setup.
These are the first-run choices in Nintendo’s official setup flow. You do not need to buy an extra accessory to complete it.
Create users and link Nintendo Accounts
A console user is the profile a player selects on the Switch. Nintendo recommends creating a user for each person who plays and linking a Nintendo Account to each user as appropriate. Follow Nintendo’s Getting Started with Nintendo Switch guidance to create users and link accounts.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
For a child’s account, a parent or guardian may need to prepare their own Nintendo Account first in locations where verifiable parental consent laws apply. The relevant age varies by country, so check Nintendo’s guidance for your location rather than assuming one age applies everywhere. See Nintendo’s getting-started guide for families.
Decide whether you need Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online is not required to complete basic console setup or play offline. Consider a membership if you want online features such as online multiplayer; Nintendo lists it as a step for players who want those features in its getting-started guidance.
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Choose a game and start playing
You can play a physical game by inserting its game card, or get a digital game through Nintendo Store or Nintendo eShop and download it to the console. Nintendo’s welcome materials describe the digital route. When choosing a game, check its age rating and genre, and consider whether you want a physical copy or a download. The official materials cited here do not establish current game prices or compare the costs of the two formats.
Set parental controls for your household
Parental controls can be configured on the console, through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart-device app, and through Nintendo Account family settings. These routes offer different controls, and many console restrictions apply system-wide rather than separately to each user. Choose shared limits with the youngest player in mind.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- On the console: Set restrictions for age ratings, communication, and social-media features. A smart device is not required for every parental-control setting.
- In the smart-device app: Add features such as play-time limits, gameplay history, and exceptions for selected games.
- In Nintendo Account family settings: Manage some eShop content and purchasing restrictions.
Nintendo says changes made through these routes activate when the console connects online. For exact setup steps, see How to Set Up, Adjust, or Remove Parental Controls on Nintendo Switch.
Transfers and optional accessories
Moving to another console
If you are setting up a replacement or an additional system, Nintendo provides options to transfer a user and save data rather than starting over. Transfer details can vary by game and by the data involved, so use Nintendo’s user and save-data transfer instructions and the relevant game-specific guidance before proceeding.
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Charging Joy-Con
On models with Joy-Con, attaching the controllers to the console is one way to charge and pair them. Nintendo also identifies the separately sold Joy-Con charging grip (model HAC-012) as an option if you want to charge Joy-Con away from the console; it is not required to begin setup. See Nintendo’s Important Information for Parents.
Storage cards
The cited Nintendo materials establish that digital games can be downloaded to the system, but they do not establish that a microSD card is required or specify a compatible capacity. Check current documentation for your exact Switch model before buying a storage card.
Quick Recap
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