Nintendo Switch
Intro: The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid video game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was first released on March 3, 2017, and has since become one of the most popular gaming systems in the world. The Switch is unique in that it can be used as both a home console and a portable device, allowing players to take their gaming on the go. In addition to the docked mode, the Nintendo Switch’s portability comes with 2 other modes: hand-held and tabletop mode. In hand-held mode, the Nintendo Switch become the typical handheld gaming device, similar to Nintendo’s previous product - the Nintendo DS. In tabletop mode, the Nintendo Switch is able to detach its wireless joy-cons and have another player play on the same device, allowing multiplayer, on the same device, and on the go. The Nintendo Switch also holds exclusive game titles like Pokemon and the Legend of Zelda. With its unique design, strong lineup of exclusive titles, and ability to be played anywhere, the Nintendo Switch has proven to be a major success for Nintendo based on its sales.
Design: The Nintendo Switch features a modern and portable design that sets it apart from traditional gaming consoles. The main component of the Switch is the tablet, which has a 6.2-inch touchscreen display and two detachable controllers, or Joy-Cons, on both sides. The Joy-Con controllers can be attached to the sides of the tablet for portable play or used separately for traditional console gaming. The Nintendo Switch also comes with a dock that connects the tablet to a television for home console play, hence docked mode. One of the key features of the Nintendo Switch's design is its versatility with its controllers. The Joy-Con controllers can be used in a variety of ways: as traditional controllers (similar to Xbox), motion controllers for motion-based games(similar to the Nintendo Wii), and as individual controllers for local multiplayer gaming. The Switch's tablet can also be placed on a tabletop using a built-in kickstand, hence tabletop mode, allowing for local multiplayer gaming without the need for additional display or controllers.
Portability: In continuation of the Nintendo Switch's design is its portability, the tablet-like device can be easily removed from the dock, allowing players to continue their gaming experiences wherever else. The Joy-Con controllers can also be detached and used separately, making it easy to play with friends or family. The Switch's battery life ranges between 3-9 hours depending on the game and settings, which is convenient for hand-held gaming. The Switch's portability has proven to be a major selling point for the console. The design could be revolutionary, as the first gaming console comes with the option of both traditional console gaming and portable or hand-held gaming. The Nintendo Switch's portability has given players the freedom to enjoy their favorite games wherever they are, making it a unique and popular option in the gaming industry.
Ethical Implications of Production: The Nintendo Switch has faced criticism for its production process, specifically in regard to working conditions and labor practices. Allegedly, the minerals Nintendo has sourced to make the Nintendo Switch come from conflict zones in Africa. On top of that, slave labor is enforced to extract the metals from the dangerous mines. The facts are that Nintendo’s return surveys from their supply lines have returned 76% in 2017, meaning 24% of their supply lines could be in conflict with unethical working standards. Nintendo does have the commitment to raise that percentage of certified supply lines to 100%. But from 2016 to 2017, the increase in certified supply line percentage only went up by 2%. So it is unclear whether Nintendo is continuing to make progress towards that 100% as no related percentages were released. In 2022, Nintendo has released a statement on its website about respect of human rights. The statement made clear that there are no situations in Nintendo’s supply chain that would constitute as forced labor, which is verified by third-party auditors. In addition to this statement, Nintendo has also released its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) on working conditions and their mineral procurement, striving for equality, good working conditions, and responsible mining. The statements would seem Nintendo has taken a fair amount of effort to take and continue ethical and responsible actions towards their supply line and the environment.
