Although much of the video game hype this year is around a pair of next-generation consoles, being able to play any kind of video game on a Nintendo Switch is still more than enough for us right now. The Switch thrives because of its versatility in both genre and content (we're finally getting a slew of M-rated titles on a Nintendo device, though families can set parental controls to filter that stuff for their kids). You can play for long stretches on your TV with the Joy-Con or Switch Pro Controller, or you can enjoy your favorite Nintendo Switch game on the go in handheld mode, and you even get motion controls that improve on the fidelity of the Wii Remote's. Multiplayer games, single-player games--they all play beautifully on Nintendo's hybrid device, even if some titles don't run as well as they do on other consoles. We're more than willing to give up graphical fidelity (and occasionally the lack of a robust online multiplayer experience) for the sake of convenience.

The Switch's Game Boy-like ability to play modern, traditionally console games on a handheld is probably the most appealing thing about it. The second-most appealing? The wide variety of accessories. From an outstanding controller and cases to charging stands and more, the Switch has a slew of gadgets that enhance the experience and, at times, change the game entirely.

The major downside, of course, is the fact that the Nintendo Switch is still currently sold out everywhere due to COVID-19-related production issues and higher demand in general due to the pandemic and the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Right now, the Switch is either unavailable or being sold way above MSRP by third-party sellers on sites like Amazon and Walmart. Occasionally, you'll find it bundled with other games or accessories for the exact value of everything included--GameStop has been offering these bundles quite often--and every so often, we'll spot the Switch in stock for $300 online, only to watch it sell out within minutes. We're currently tracking where to buy a Switch, updating our story with links whenever we spot the console in stock, but in general, your best bet right now is to buy the Nintendo Switch Lite instead. It's been much easier to find lately, although certain colors (like the new Coral shade) have still sold out.