213: Siri in a Can

Hardware Appeal

The Nintendo Switch's hardware has captivated the hosts with its unique features and versatility. Marco Arment shares his fascination with the Switch's portability and its potential for party games reminiscent of the Nintendo 64 era, like Mario Kart and Splatoon 1. He appreciates the ability to switch between docked and undocked modes, finding it particularly appealing for casual gaming with friends and family. Marco also highlights the impressive design of the Joy-Cons and the overall coolness of the hardware, despite not being a frequent gamer 2.

The click that it makes when you slide one of them in and removing it is so cool.

--- Marco Arment

John Siracusa adds that many enjoy playing portably within their homes, such as in bed, enhancing the console's appeal 1.

   

Gaming Preferences

The hosts discuss their gaming preferences and experiences with the Nintendo Switch, focusing on the types of games they enjoy. Casey Liss expresses his anticipation for games like Mario Kart and Sonic, which align more with his interests than Zelda 3. He mentions the need for a pro controller to enhance his gaming experience on the TV. Marco considers the cost of the Switch and games like Zelda, weighing the potential enjoyment against the investment 4.

I'm looking for a reason to spend my money on this thing, and I just can't come up with it yet.

--- Marco Arment

John suggests that for those interested in a broader range of games, a PS4 might offer more variety, though Nintendo's exclusive titles remain a strong draw 4.

   

Zelda Insights

Zelda on the Switch sparks enthusiasm and varied opinions among the hosts. John Siracusa describes the Switch as primarily a Zelda delivery device for him, highlighting his deep engagement with the game despite wishing for faster hardware 5. He compares the immersive experience of playing Zelda to watching a captivating movie, where the focus is on the content rather than the medium. John also notes that Zelda can be overwhelming for newcomers, yet it offers a potentially transformative experience for those unfamiliar with the series 6.

For an experience, it impresses experienced Zelda fans.

--- John Siracusa

Casey anticipates that Mario Kart might be the game that defines the Switch for him, similar to how Zelda does for John 6.