Not exact matches
The games play identically, and you can switch
between the two different
modes seamlessly — «
docking» the console is as simple as dropping it into the included
dock.
Luckily, after spending many hours playing the Switch version in both handheld and
docked mode, I can confidently report that these issues are few and far
between on Nintendo's compact console, running silky smooth no matter how you choose to play.
Speaking of which, the integration
between the game in portable and
docked mode is done really well with no major hit on the performance or visuals.
Keyboard
Dock — $ 99.99 — Ergonomic, comfortable full - size keyboard with 7â $ ³ Galaxy Tab replaceable inserts that doubles as a charger for power and synchronization of media and data —
Dock contains convenient stereo audio output jack for connecting to speakers or home stereo Desktop
Dock — $ 49.99 — Doubles as a Galaxy Tab charger using the Micro USB wall adapter that comes with the Tab; allows users to view movies, display as a digital picture frame and listen to music — HDMI output to view HD content on HDTV enabled with 1080p resolution and provides HDTV connection to play content from the Galaxy Tab to a television Car / GPS
Dock — $ 99.99 — Conveniently positions 7â $ ³ Galaxy Tab display screen inside car for turn - by - turn GPS navigation instructions and traffic updates — Attachable to either the windshield or car dashboard and rotates freely
between landscape and portrait
modes
Targeting a wide swath of gamers, the Edge can switch
between four separate
modes (Tablet, Keyboard
Dock, Gamepad Controller and
Docking Station).
I absolutely do play my Switch outside of the
dock, in fact I probably split my Switch gaming fairly evenly
between portable and
docked mode.
Developers will have to account for the parity
between docked and undocked
modes and that means accounting for portable specs to make sure that the experience is uniform.
Castle of Heart provides bright fields, foggy mountains, and massive castles and towns as the backdrops to each level and the game transitions well
between docked and handheld
mode, providing crisp visuals that easily convey what you're supposed to focus on.
Unfortunately, it's not without its hiccups — Online Multiplayer is still under construction, graphical consistency
between Docked and Portable
mode is an issue, as well as a lack of polish across the (score) board holds back this fun, creative title from taking the championship ring.
I did end up pulling the Switch out of the
dock and enjoying the game in handheld
mode for several minutes, and I can attest to the fact that the system switches
between TV
mode and handheld
mode without any trouble at all.
It's also locked at 30 fps — I didn't encounter any stutters during the hours I logged — and as far as I can tell, in
docked mode Skyrim runs
between 900p and 1080p, whereas in handheld
mode it uses the Switch screen's native 720p.
Given an absolute standout, load times are near non-existent here, with only a flicker of black screening
between scenes, an impressive feat given Arms is locked in at 60 frames per second in 1080p in
Docked mode.
The gameplay is fun, with a decent amount of depth to it, the online feels smooth and visual performances are smooth, showing no dips in framerate
between handheld and
docked mode, and with online battles.
When the Switch launched, numerous players reported a notable difference
between docked and handheld
mode when playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
As far as the major differences
between mobile and
docked mode, Digital Foundry notes it mainly affects distant objects at best.
Targeting a wide swath of gamers, the Edge can switch
between four separate
modes (Tablet, Keyboard
Dock, Gamepad Controller and
Docking Station).
The ability to easily swap
between different
modes just by dropping the system into its
dock is what makes it truly special.
When the system is
docked, you can choose
between «quality
mode,» which locks the framerate at 30 frames per second with 1080p resolution, and «performance
mode,» which bumps the framerate up to 60 frames - per - second and drops the resolution to 720p.
The device sports a magnetic detachable Acer Snap Hinge design for transition
between modes along with a latch - free keyboard
docking.
Naturally, it seems like the game will be able to provide even more of that experience based on the upcoming Switch version
between its portable or
docked modes, and should make for an excellent travel companion.