Why isn’t Nintendo marketing its new system like this?
The most distinctive aspect of Nintendo’s Switch, by far, is how it straddles the line between a home video game console and a portable, handheld system. But while that hybrid nature has the potential to offer unprecedented flexibility, it can also be a double-edged sword.
For example, the fact that the Switch wasn’t designed exclusively as a portable seems to have resulted in some of its non-computing parts being a little below what some people had hoped for in the ergonomics department. We’ve already seen Japanese gamers find a stylish and affordable workaround for the less-than-optimal kickstand, and now Twitter user @NStyles has come up with another solution to a problem inherent to the Switch’s design.
When most people think of the primary benefit of a handheld system, the first thing that comes to mind is being able to play games on the go, on a bus, train, or airplane. But there’s another thing that’s great about handhelds, which is that you can play them while lazily lying down on a sofa or in bed. Unfortunately, the switch is quite a bit bulkier than, say, a 3DS or Playstation Vita, which led @NStyles to put together this setup.
タブレットアーム+Switchでダメになった人間のサンプル写真をお届けします。
— あれっくす (@NStyles) March 6, 2017
(コントローラをお見せするために持ち上げていますが、実際はもっと楽な姿勢でダメになっています) pic.twitter.com/9yUMfacuaq
By placing the Switch screen into a tablet holder anchored behind his head, then twisting the arm into the proper position, @NStyles is freed from having to hold the main unit, plus liberated from the fear of dropping his brand-new Nintendo system on his nose. And while he’s holding the Joy-Con controllers up in the air, he’s only doing that so they’ll be in-frame for the photo. “Usually, I hold them in a more comfortable position,” he says, ostensibly resting them on his stomach or thighs as he plays.
“Using a tablet arm with the Switch will make you totally dame (“worthless”)” @NStyles remarks, using the phrase Japanese Internet users have adopted for the ultimate in lazy relaxation. But while @NStyles may not be feeling very productive once he nestles into his gaming space, we have to say he did us all a worthwhile service by sharing his idea.
Source: Jin, Twitter/@NStyles
Follow Casey on Twitter, where he realizes he’s never once played his PSP anywhere other than at home.

Japanese gamers report their Nintendo Switch batteries are draining at shocking speeds【Videos】
Switch 2 announced by Nintendo, wisely switches up very little【Video】
Nintendo puts out important notice for casual gamers who’ve bought a Switch during the pandemic
This gigantic faux Switch is exactly how we want to play Nintendo games【Photos】
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Japan’s ministry of economy reminds us to “use sound judgment” before buying toilet paper
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Ramen restaurant in top Tokyo tourist neighborhood skips price gouging, but how does it taste?
Starbucks Japan has a new Frappuccino on the menu, but does it really taste like a cream puff?
How many doughnuts can you pack in a Mister Donut all-you-can-pack deal?
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Public restrooms in Osaka to get in-stall video screens with ads
“Online streamer” tops dream job poll for young Japanese kids, older kids not so interested
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Nintendo issues warning to make sure your Switch can handle the heat this summer
Hot-selling Nintendo Switch at core of heart-warming tale of cross-generational gamer generosity
Brand-new Pokémon games, Sword and Shield, announced for Nintendo Switch【Video】
Nintendo hid a secret message on the Switch’s Pro Controller
One of the best Nintendo Switch accessories can be bought at a 100 yen store
Japanese cushion promises to turn video gamers into prisoners, make them happy about it【Photos】
Playing Switch 2 games with just one hand is possible thanks to Japanese peripheral maker
Is the Nintendo Switch a viable VR platform?【Video】
Nintendo makes a huge crowd-pleasing announcement about the Switch successor
Nintendo Switch has hidden NES emulator, accessed with two tributes to the late President Iwata
Classic 16-bit Nintendo controllers get modern makeover for use with Switch, current-gen consoles
Switch 2 release date announced, Nintendo to sell both “Japan-only” and “multi-language” versions
Six-button Switch! Japanese gadget company turns Nintendo’s console into retro arcade controller
Nintendo Switch Online launches in September, comes with 20 free games and cloud save for a fee