REVIEWING NINTENDO SWITCH (After Only Two Days)

Nintendo Switch has arrived, and I managed to get one at a midnight launch event. I'd intended to get the all-grey model, but had to "settle" for one of the two remaining red/blue editions. Once I opened the box at home, I was glad I'd gotten the neon set; the color scheme is actually quite inviting in person.

The Nintendo Switch is adorable in a way that only Nintendo can manage. Setting it up involves simply removing it from the box and plugging it in to charge it. That's it--It's good to go for handheld and tabletop use at that point, and pleasantly gives you the option of setting up the included TV dock for big-screen play at a later time if you prefer.

After two days with the device, here are my thoughts:

PROS: Brilliant, fun design. The tiny Joy-Cons are comfortable to use in any of the three configurations: attached to the console (the portable screen is the console), detached and held individually, and docked with the (included) grip. The screen's display is sharp, vivid, and perfectly responsive to touch controls. The sound is terrific. It boots up quickly and the home screen user environment is slick and responsive. Battery life is decent, and the Joy-Cons charge themselves while attached.

The "HD Rumble" featured in the Joy-Cons is pretty nifty. As demonstrated by the (sold separately) game 1-2-Switch, these controllers can effectively simulate anything from an Old West pistol firing to virtual marbles rolling inside the controllers to milk passing through a cow's udder. Yes, the soon-to-be-infamous Milking Game of 1-2-Switch must be experienced to be believed. Nintendo is, indeed, the Wonka chocolate factory of the game industry, and that's what makes them wonderful.

CONS: Not much to complain about. The home screen environment is efficient and slick, but it lacks the charm and whimsy of the UI's from Nintendo's Wii, Wii U and 3DS lines. I'm sure more customization options are in the works. In the meantime, the hardware itself exudes enough charm on its own--and the user account icons choices are wonderful.

OVERALL: Switch feels like a winner to me. A full-fledged home console that also functions as a portable device is a game-fan's dream come true. I'm loving my time with the console, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild looks spectacular on both the built-in screen and my home television. I also picked up 1-2-Switch, SnipperClips, Fast Racing RMX and Let's Dance 2017, which makes this--for me--the most satisfying launch-day game lineup I've ever experienced. With many more great games in the pipeline over the next several months, I think the Nintendo Switch is poised for a terrific year.