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】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
Bandai to launch online capsule machines controlled by smartphone
That’s no moon…it’s a Japanese-style Death Star lantern!
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Owner of ridiculously long tongue is also a former idol, does cool tongue tricks
The tragedy of Mononofu, the functional two-and-a-half-story bipedal robot【Pics & Video】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
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
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
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】
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
Nintendo might record what you say and show friends in Switch 2 GameChat
Mario Paint arrives for Nintendo Switch Online, finally can reach its potential after 34 years
Leave a Reply