I can only really do handheld. Tabletop puts too much distance between you and the screen it's too small imo. Especially for split sceen.
-
Ever wanted an RSS feed of all your favorite gaming news sites? Go check out our new Gaming Headlines feed! Read more about it here.
-
We have made minor adjustments to how the search bar works on ResetEra. You can read about the changes here.
Is tabletop the Switch's most underrated mode?
- Thread starter TheMisterManGuy
- Start date
I own a different brand of the exact same stand and i love it. Solves 99% of the issues with tabletop mode, which I prefer over handheld mode. My partner and I use it all the time for multiplayer MK8D when were traveling. It's fantastic.
I previously didn't use Tabletop mode as much until I had read that doing so preserved the battery life of the console (since the Joy-Cons then transition to using their own battery more exclusively while the console doesn't have to supply to the two controllers).
Now it's my preferred way to play when possible. Love it.
Now it's my preferred way to play when possible. Love it.
I mean, I've definitely played in "tabletop mode" a lot, if sitting in bed playing a game with the Switch completely horizontal on a pillow in front of me is considered tabletop mode.
Otherwise, if you mean actually using the stand, there was the time I was visiting a friend and we ended up playing Rabbids multiplayer. Screen was cramped but it was neat to be able to do that.
Otherwise, if you mean actually using the stand, there was the time I was visiting a friend and we ended up playing Rabbids multiplayer. Screen was cramped but it was neat to be able to do that.
Playing s1945 in full glory mode, 10 000 m high above the sky, that guy is living the dream.This Hori stand is the best investment that I made for my Switch.
With this stand, you can play 'VOEZ' in a confortable way, because it includes adhesive rubbers that prevent the tablet from moving in the most intense songs.
But you also can play its library of shmups in TATE mode, with all of these tasty and delicious Psikyo ports such as 'Strikers 1945' and 'Gunbird'.
Loving my Switch in tabletop mode, and you are right, OP. Such an underrated and amazing feature.
I have the Switch on the desk right next to me in tabletop mode most of the time, since there's no TV in my room and hooking it up to my monitor is a slight hassle. Suits me perfectly; vastly more convenient than holding the thing (I find handheld mode pretty uncomfortable). The kickstand is irritating though.
Tabletop>handheld>>>>docked according to this father and his son, especially for those holidays ARMS sessions when the TV is being hogged by the rest of the family. The kickstand, though not great, has never been a real problem though it does need to be revised by Nintendo somewhere along the Switch's lifespan.
I used it a lot when I was playing Mario Odyssey while watching football all day but that's about it.
Oh yeah you need to buy that Hori stand for it to he anything other than hot garbage.
Oh yeah you need to buy that Hori stand for it to he anything other than hot garbage.
The overwhelming majority of my time with the Switch has been in tabletop, using it as a second-screen system on my desk next to either my computer or tablet, as I have a good setup for running the USB-C cable and keeping it charged for long sessions, even without the Hori stand (although I may still get one). Separate Joy-Cons are just a wonderful way to play (and in the case of my multiplayer staples, Arms and Splatoon, the only way I play) that I prefer them over handheld for nearly everything except the occasional 2D platformer, but I also play away from the TV most of the time, or I just wouldn't be able to squeeze in as much Switch time as I do. Ergonomically, handheld weighs on me after an hour or two. In tabletop I can play all day if I want, with the screen in a stable position if I want to shift positions, sip a beverage, or read ResetEra on the side, all while keeping one or both Joy-Cons in hand.
The most conspicuous downside tends to be text size for certain games. BotW's map was a bit of a strain at that viewing distance and Skyrim was hardly manageable at all.
The most conspicuous downside tends to be text size for certain games. BotW's map was a bit of a strain at that viewing distance and Skyrim was hardly manageable at all.
I tried it out on my coffee table and I couldn't see a damn thing. Also, the kickstand seems flimsy, and I don't want it to break since it also covers up my SD card (great design choice...).
It's amazing for flights. Just use the carrying case instead of the built-in kickstand. Also use it a lot for lazy gaming in the couch while watching TV.
I like OK, but it is also evidence that the Switch needs a bigger screen in a future revision. Also, games should include tabletop settings, which allows you to tinker with the size and positioning of HUD elements, subtitles, etc.
I always use tabletop mode with a pro controller when I'm not playing on the tv. It was probably my most pleasant surprise about the console
The power port being on the bottom of the console is still one of the worst design flaws in console history.
if you fly long haul a lot the switch is an absolute godsend and the kickstand works v nicely on your dinner table while you sink back into your seat with the controller. Switch + iPad with Civ VI will get you to freaking Mars.
I use it during break at work, but yeah its not the best especially when your chair is on a lower edge so you cant see shit since the Switch is facing high.
The kickstand is a piece of shit.
The kickstand is a piece of shit.
The default kickstand is useless. However if you get the Nyko metal kickstand or the leather case that folds around to create a sort of kickstand then yeah, that way of playing is perfectly valid.
Without those, the Swith falls face first with a slight bump of the table...
Without those, the Swith falls face first with a slight bump of the table...
Undoubtedly. I play tabletop in my office during lunch nearly everyday. If it was just a handheld, I'd leave it docked at home all the time unless I was travelling. But as a portable console, I'm always taking it with me.
The whole "playing an hour a day at work" has also opened the door for me getting into more types of games that are well-suited for playing in short bursts.
The whole "playing an hour a day at work" has also opened the door for me getting into more types of games that are well-suited for playing in short bursts.
If you really wanna impress your date, there's only one way to go:
Choose Super Mario Bros. Vs, look back to your girl with a sly look on your face.
"Remember this?", you coyly ask.
Despite its arcade roots, obviously the girl will mistake it for the classic Super Mario Bros. Anyway, play for a bit, then it's time to "switch" things up a bit ;)
"Watch this...", your coy smile transforms to a devilish grin. You're now playing and showing her Super Mario Odyssey. You, in full control of the date at this point, have one last question for her before you know you're about to get lucky:
"How do you feel now that you've seen how far video games have come?"
I definitely use tabletop mode the least. When I do use it, I use the stand in my Switch case. I use it the most when I'm not home and want to play Mario Kart multiplayer.
It's awesome when flying. Helps to move hands around and not get a DVT.
Just clocked 8 hours in tabletop mode today:
Just clocked 8 hours in tabletop mode today:
I've used it twice.
Once I grabbed Tacos with my buddy on a Whole Food rooftop. I pulled out the switch and we played some street fighter, just like a commercial!
and when I went to the beach with some friends. We all played some Mario Kart before going out one night.
Once I grabbed Tacos with my buddy on a Whole Food rooftop. I pulled out the switch and we played some street fighter, just like a commercial!
and when I went to the beach with some friends. We all played some Mario Kart before going out one night.
I enjoyed playing Overcooked in tabletop mode with my brother's Switch, but the screen could stand to be a smidge larger. We really had to cram in together on the couch (my sister played too) to be able to see the action.
I honestly think a future revision with thinner bezels (and perhaps a sturdier stand) would go a long way towards improving the utility of this mode.
Outside of this, I have used tabletop a bit on my own Switch for Mario Kart (multiplayer) and Splatoon (single player). Gyro aiming does not work great in handheld mode, so tabletop is a must there.
I honestly think a future revision with thinner bezels (and perhaps a sturdier stand) would go a long way towards improving the utility of this mode.
Outside of this, I have used tabletop a bit on my own Switch for Mario Kart (multiplayer) and Splatoon (single player). Gyro aiming does not work great in handheld mode, so tabletop is a must there.
I like the idea, it's what sold me on Switch. After getting one I realized the screen is just too small for me to play that way without hunching over to be close to the screen (granted I'm playing Zelda which seems more designed for being a console game).
Yes. People in here need to get a Hori stand. Tabletop mode is great if you are with friends and don't have access to a TV and it's also amazing if you enjoy shmups, a few pics I took on an airplane during a recent trip:
Yes. People in here need to get a Hori stand. Tabletop mode is great if you are with friends and don't have access to a TV and it's also amazing if you enjoy shmups, a few pics I took on an airplane during a recent trip:
Wow, I didn't realise tabletop can do portrait too, that's awesome! Ikaruga and Radiant Silvergun pls!
Its good, but the stand is bad and the charging port being on the bottom without some sort of gap was an oversight
I don't use it often, but the other day I brought my Switch (and my Wii U) into my new media class to demonstrate how gameplay is shaped by the affordances of specific platforms, and I couldn't get the projector setup to recognize the Switch dock to demonstrate 1-2-Switch. But then I realized that it really wasn't necessary—the basic visual signifiers for Quick Draw (who wins, who loses) that anyone would need to see were readily clear even on the small screen.
Here's the stand I use, it's metal with a stiff hinge, and can be shoved to the seat in front of you, as well as stand free.
I think their character selection tells you a lot.
Would you put out on the first date if they pick someone lame like Luigi or Toad?
Yep, TATE mode, baby! :D It's sooooo great and the Namco arcade collection on Switch has it too!