Let's Face It, The Switch Is Uncomfortable To Use In Handheld Mode

The Switch isn't the most comfortable handheld console in the world. However, it would appear that Nintendo is aware of this.

[Neonridr]

it isn't the worst one to hold. The Vita was far more uncomfortable and I had to get a grip for it to hold it otherwise my fingers would cramp up.

[Araragifeels]

Wrong!

[Neonridr]

well I own both, so I am sharing my actual experience. You don't have to agree with me.

[SkatterBrain]

Ive Had my imported from japan launch Vita since like decemer 2011 never had Drift issues, switch had it 4 months got horrible drifting , dissassambled and bought 2 new joysticks on amazon, the Vitas D pad is incredible i love the Satisfying click in feel, only negatives are about the triggers design and joysticks didnt click in

[fiveby9]

My Switch is very comfortable in handheld if I use my Satisfye grip. Highly recommend this for adult sized hands.

[darthv72]

The PSP was pretty uncomfortable for long periods of time. The vita was better because it was slightly larger but the worst to hold would prob be the atari lynx (1st model).

[_SilverHawk_]

When you make a complaint about a Nintendo product you'll typically get the rabid fanboy coming by to talk about a sony playstation product was worst in some way. I'm not sure how a more ergonomically designed handheld such as the ps vita is worst to hold than the more sharper edges of the switch. I think the switch design is good but the console could have definitely been a lot smaller with the same size screen.

Hopefully no one makes an article about why the 2011 released vita has a lot more features than the 2017 Nintendo switch and the vita having a better online functionality while being free but you have to pay for switches online and its rubbish.

[bouzebbal]

3ds is the worst for me.. I have big hands and the triggers are so poorly placed.. I love this console though and all playing it today

[SkatterBrain]

the 2011 Vita having Bluetooth i think switch kept it out cause lil kids shouldnt talk to other gamers, the Toxicity, My Switch feels flimsy like the 2 controllers are disjointed i need to order and replace the plastic clip on things with metal ones, looks a lil complicated , but heard it feels great after

[fr0sty]

The DS was as well... playing a rectangle, especially one with shoulder buttons, just isn't comfortable. At least back in the game boy days, the system was rounded and all the buttons were on the face of it. The newer nintendo portable systems aren't exactly comfortable.

[sprinterboy]

Everyone's hands are different pleb.

[bow2yoda]

you buthurt the sony fanboys...

[TheGamez100]

I combined a silicone skin and grip cover for my vita and its probably the most comfortable handheld ever without any hugely added on weight. Without any of that though, yes it was a bit off and I was always scared it could slip off my hands easily.
I got a grip for my switch which made it slightly better to hold but the damn weight and size still makes it uncomfortable. I may just have to try out the switch lite.

[Neonridr]

for me it was more the shape of the Vita. Those sides are extremely rounded and narrow to hold on to. My hands would cramp up fierce after holding it for a while. The grip helped alleviate that problem. Not to mention without the grip it made performing certain actions using the front touch screen almost impossible while playing some games.. I purchased my Vita as a Remote Play device primarily, so the lack of secondary triggers made certain games a chore to play.

[CDbiggen]

The weight and size of the switch is too much for you? Damn bro.

[gamerz]

I have grips for them all: Vita, Switch and 3DS. Love the feel of a contoured controller since it lets me play longer and since I have a 3D printer I just print them to my exact hand size.

[sprinterboy]

You have a 3d printer wow, be cool to just print off grips.

[gamerz]

@sprinterboy Thingiverse.com has lots of free designs to choose from. You can pay someone there to print what you want if you don't have a printer. They're *really* slow though, the Switch grip took over 7 hours to finish.

[porkChop]

The ergonomics of the Switch could certainly be a bit better. Mainly I think the joycons should have had some curvature to let you really grip them.

I agree about the Vita. My hands would cramp. Even with a beefy grip it still didn't feel great.

[Segata]

Vita is like the best handheld ever to hold. That and Game Gear.

[Neonridr]

I disagree, but that is based off of my personal experience using both for hundreds of hours. I had to get a grip for my Vita.

Your experience might be different.

[PhoenixRising37]

vita was a nightmare for me, my hands were too dang big!

[jznrpg]

I love the Vita . It was super comfortable. Now my Switch is an odd thing to hold .

[ForwardDude]

Right! ( I own both and in the same situation as you )

[godashram]

Guess none of you held a gameboy advanced micro as an adult? or a neo-geo pocket.... or both for 2+ hours at a time. The switch, for me, is more comfortable than either of those 2.

[CJLogix]

I remember buying an attachment that made the vita feel like an extra wide controller, it definitely helped my fingers from getting cramps.

[Christopher]

I've had no issues with portable consoles. I must be who all the manufacturers are creating their devices around.

[rainslacker]

It's usually the thickness of the portables that causes me problems. Carpel tunnel makes it harder to hold your thumbs so close to your palms for extended periods and they can go numb. Switch is better than vita, but switch I have the same problem with sometimes.

[CptDville]

I also feel this way and own both consoles. My Vita was always attached to a grip.

[Ratchet75]

The vita had way more grip and weight than the switch. I bought a pair of grips, problem solved.

[AuraAbjure]

My hands never cramped up when I was pwning so hard on vita all day. The vita was the best 'cept it only had like 5 good triple A games.

[badz149]

let's just agree on 1 thing. Nintendo has never thought about ergonomics for ALL their handheld. it's all about size and style with Nintendo with no concern of ergonomic.

GBA micro...that thing is a nightmare for anybody over 5 years old!

[sprinterboy]

I got cramp playing rc on the vita alot, especially trying to beat friends times

[Sokol]

What? Vita was excellent to hold.

[LOGICWINS]

I love me some table top mode though.

[CDbiggen]

I love lying in bed with the switch attached to a bendable mount so that I can have it level with my face. Then I have a joy con in each hand and barely move my fat ass.

[EddieNX]

Now that's what I call Switching!

[CDbiggen]

I'm glad people can appreciate such a level of laziness.

[Leeroyw]

Teach me Senpai.....

[Adnanilyas21]

Barely play my switch in table top

[Circuitburnout]

This thing is a nightmare to hold, the Vita was much more comfortable and ergonomic. The Satisfeye grip is the only way I play this thing in handheld mode.

[Neonridr]

if you had baby hands maybe. Vita was so awkward after long sessions. Plus the lack of second triggers was just dumb.

[SierraGuy]

It's also a nightmare to play when you realize there ain't much to play besides first party exclusives.

Omg but wait look at the npd sales! SMH.

[Adnanilyas21]

Don't have to buy it

[Xavi4K]

vita was a nightmare to me especially where some games require you to use the back touch things like R2 and L2 buttons.

[Razmiran]

It could be worse
It could be the vita

[badz149]

sure buddy, keep up the good fight licking that ancient Nintendo's arse

[Razmiran]

Couldnt make out what you are saying
Try taking you tongue out og sonys ass first

[King_Noctis]

Data has shown otherwise. People use the Switch in handheld mode more than they do in docked mode, so if it is really that uncomfortable then the data should have been reversed.

[monkey602]

I use the Switch solely in handheld mode but I do think the tiny buttons and placement are a bit crap. I can use them but they aren't great. More like just putting up with what I'm given

[gamerz]

I wish they would make a right joy-con with the stick on top. And also a left joy-con with a d-pad. I'd buy that set!

[ninsigma]

That doesn't mean they don't find it uncomfortable 😂

[generic-user-name]

The whole selling point of the switch is that 'you can play it on the go'. It's what's been justifying it's largely ported library thus far. Doesn't make it comfortable.

[xVOLTx]

I never use mine in handheld mode... just docked like it should be.

[Ricegum]

Or handheld like it should be.

[Adnanilyas21]

hahahaha

[pietro1212]

I use my switch in handheld mode a majority of the time.

[Miss_Vixen]

Am I the only one who uses and prefers the Switch in docked mode more so than portable mode?

[Drdeadlocke]

your not the only one I also perfer playing it docked, love that pro controller! :)

[shuvam09]

I want a dedicated docked Switch with better performance...
The current Switch if continuously docked can sustain damage...

[lellkay]

It's not to bad, extended sessions can cause me a bit of discomfort, but in small bursts it's fine. The design could be better I guess, i'm sure there will be more revisions.

[Slappy McGee]

The main problem is the right analog stick being directly below the face buttons on the right joycon. It makes moving the camera or aiming more difficult than it should be in handheld mode.

[gamerz]

Yep, for dual-stick shooters you kind of have to hold it with the right side tilted up a bit. Wish they made one with the stick on top that you could swap out for certain games.

[Fraggle1987]

The switch is the worst for cramp i have ever experienced in a hamdheld. Had to get a grip attached. The main problem is if u have to use the right analogue. My god is that thing horrific to control, so awkwardly placed.

[Nodoze]

500% this. Almost instant hand cramping. It is time we move away from how thin a device is and move to how usable and comfortable it is.

I could care less how thin a device is. Apple continues this ridiculous trend and continues to take features and functions out of their devices (memory card readers, network port, HDMI ports, headphone jacks) yet they charge MORE.

[mynameisthumper]

I can say confidently that I have likely used the Switch docked less than 20 times since I got it at launch. This doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate that it can dock, just that I don’t find docking it worthwhile. Handheld mode is what I bought the Switch for, and while it’s too heavy and makes my wrists beg for death, I would much rather play handheld than anything else.

I’m so excited for the Lite, I’m really hoping that it solves a lot of my issues with Switch!

[xX1NORM1Xx]

i love the switch but i 100% agree, i feel like i can only play certain games hand held because otherwise i get really bad hand cramps.

[No Way]

Maybe if you have little girly hands, you lil girly boy.

[deafdani]

It is. But then again, pretty much all handheld devices are uncomfortable to hold for extended periods of time. The Switch is still better to hold than the 3DS, DS, and everything that came before, in my opinion (can't speak for PSP / PS Vita because never personally owned neither).

[XtaZ]

Buy the Satisfye-grip. It's the best and mandatory accessory for Switch if you use it in handheld mode.

[Segata]

Not as bad as DS but yeah. I got those Daemon X Machina joycons. It's like having a big pro controller in handheld.

[ReignMan_27]

Have you tried using motion controls for games like Breath of the Wild with those? I know they don't have motion built in them like the regular joy cons, but I've heard that the Switch screen itself has gyro built in. Thinking about getting them myself.

[Amplitude]

its good sitting down but not laying down

[SLiSH83]

I too have a hard time playing in hand held mode on switch. Looking at some kinda grips for it

[DarkZane]

For me, the Switch is too big in handheld mode. The Vita and 3DS XL were the right size for me. The Switch lite is a welcomed addition for me. It's bigger than vita and 3ds xl, but not by much.

[FanboySpotter]

I don't agree. It feels nice on the hands. Not for hardcore competitive games though. Like if you play smite or something just use pro controller.

[Bleucrunch]

I totally agree, it hurts the neck and back because of the position you needs to be in when playing in handheld mode. When en route to work in the morning and taking the train, I place my book bag on my lap and play my switch. The benefits of that are:

>The arms are elevated
>My neck and back are not being strained
>I wont get those horns on the back of the neck like these kids are getting these days (YIIIIIKES)
> In a more comfortable position.

But its definitely uncomfortable, nothing Nintendo can do Im afraid. Its an ergonomic nightmare ya know....

[Kosic]

I can't even play mine ATM got my left hand in a cast can't touch the analogue stick with my thumb.

[Tigerblud]

I just slide mine into a grip and I don't have any trouble. Doesn't take anytime at all. I will say without the grip I did get cramps and I don't think that ever happened on my Vita.

[lazyboyblue]

It's not that bad.

[Father__Merrin]

I've only had a try out and tbh it's way more a handheld than TV console. Felt comfortable enough I'd possibly change the bumpers to be more angled down

[Dandizzle]

switch is not comfortable to hold, it is too heavy, buttons too close, you naturally do not hold your hands in an ergonomic position.

[Lilrizky]

maybe compared to ps4 and xbox one

but compared to ds/3ds/wii-u/vita it's a step above for sure.

[TheEnigma313]

For certain games it's uncomfortable. I'd rather use docked mode when I can

[smashman98]

Speak for yourself.

[MetroidFREAK21]

Yeah, it does cramp my hands, then again any handheld does... I prefer TV mode anyway 🤷‍♀️

[Tross]

Well, it is bigger than other handhelds. Then again those other handhelds don't have tabletop mode and have smaller screens, so the size and weight is tradeoff. There's always docked mode too, which is how I tend to play Switch anyways.

[oricon]

its hilarious how all the most popular switch stories on this site are all the negative ones lol

[Asuka]

I've played Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for about 700 hours the majority of which was in handheld mode. I can't recall it ever being a bother for me but then again I have pretty small hands. I can see how it can become uncomfortable for someone who has much larger hands that has to essentially "claw" The thing instead of resting it in their palms.

[Drdeadlocke]

the butterfox trigger grips for switch are amazing and relieve all hand cramping

[Ninte]

I play mostly in handheld mode and I can say it's not comfortable for a long period of gaming. Maybe for a short time but I rarely play mine on the TV. I had this problem also where the hand starts to get cramps.

[DaDrunkenJester]

Yep, had to buy a 3rd party peripheral to make it comfortable. Or I just play it 90% docked anyway.

[Majinzo]

The only problems I had with it were the dam controllers. They can’t seem to stay synced.

[Xavi4K]

well since I got the Switch I played it exclusively in handheld. The only time I connected it to TV was when I just wanted to try the Doc...and its comfy for me at least.

[EddieNX]

It's fine. Stupid article

[LoneGaymer]

It's pretty uncomfortable but nothing a grip from amazon won't fix.

[Bigman4k]

I disagree i dont have no problem holding Nintendo Switch in my hands for portable mode

[dkrusen87]

I think it's difficult because it is large to carry in your pocket...some pockets work and some don't..I like carrying around with me when I am out around...it helps in some ways

[Adnanilyas21]

Have to disagree, since I bought it 80% I play in handheld not uncomfortable at all. Everyone has there own opinion of course

[3-4-5]

* Which is why since launch day in March 2017....I've played it 100% exclusively with the Pro Controller on a TV.

I have my 3DS, Vita & PSP for portable gaming.

[Bandit50]

I hated playing my switch for this very reason ... lucky there is some good grips out there .
I don't think Nintendo gave it much thought when they were designing how the switch will be held in portable mode ... I would of thought the comfortabillty factor would of been a top priority ,
I shouldn't have to purchase a grip for my switch to make it playable without my hands cramping .... in my opinion the switch is a poor design in this regard ... the joys cons need to fill up your hands like a controller dose ... not a stupid flat surface design .

[AK91]

I actually have to agree I prefer using it on the docked mode always even when I detach the Joy Cons it still feels SUPER awkward to use.

[TheHateTheyGive]

This is false, switch feels really good in handheld mode. As a portable its excellent, playing fortnite on the road is sweet. If i traveled alot switch wold be my system of choice. Also, the xbox one controller is heavy and almost the weight of the switch.

[feenix-5]

Ummmm, no. Its just fine. GTF over yourself

[RosweeSon]

I guess this is why it was mainly a home console that could be taken with you on the move, they also give you options for using a “normal” controller at the home so maybe just use it as more of a home console. It’s been out a few years now bit late ey 🤷🏻‍♂️✌🏻 ;🤓

[Elronza]

This is true as my Jxd S192 is far more comfortable to hold than my Switch.

[Munnkyman]

I started to use handheld mode in the past 2 weeks. I have large hands and it can be uncomfortable with some games.

[battlegrog]

Yep which is why i didnt buy it. All they needed was for the right analog stick to be at the top

[Jrios355]

Agreed. I hate how uncomfortably flat and long the back of the Switch is, since there's nothing round for my fingers to rest on. I wish the back of the joycons were rounder, and the LZ and ZR buttons were a bit lower. It's why, in my opinion, I found the Wii U gamepad to be far more comfortable to hold.

[Smitty2020]

It did feel awkward but I am used to it now adapt and overcome they say

[Einhander1971]

Playing Super Metroid most of last night in hand held mode, not a problem. Also have Vita no problem there either.

[plmkoh]

Forget how uncomfortable the grip was, the D-pad would be the worst of it weren't for the X360.

[Good-Smurf]

One of the reason why I sold it,just too flat for your hands and fingers to wrap around without it dancing behind the screen wishing for any kind of shapes or bumps it can rests it.
The tiny joy con exacerbate the issue even more making portable play very tiring no textured grip or indentation for palms to fit or hold onto just a tiny smooth footprint that I have to clumsily grab and hold onto it.
I wouldn't be surprised that this is the intentional design flaw that Nintendo made just so they can develop accessories to sell to people afterwards,mind you they used to be cards and toys company before get into video game.
PSP and Vita didn't have this ergonomics issue other than that select and start button on original Vita are tiny.

[Welshy]

If the analog sticks weren't offset it would be fine. I get that they're like that for using the joy cons individually, but if the right analog was at the top of the joy con like the left it would could way less cramp imo.

[Movieworld]

Never found it uncomfortable

[Larrysweet]

Lite fixes this

[CrimsonWing69]

Boy, that’s gonna be a problem for Lite, amirite?

[OMNlPOTENT]

I find it more comfortable than the DS or the Vita.