Nintendo's new game console is a fast, competent piece of hardware without enough software

It's a big moment for Nintendo.

On Friday, March 3, the Japanese video game giant is launching its new game console: the Nintendo Switch. It's the company's first new console since 2012's Wii U - a console most well-known for being Nintendo's worst-selling of all time.

It's not quite a make-or-break moment for Nintendo, but it's not far off. The company could sure use a hit.

Complimentary Tech Event

Transform talent with learning that works

Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

Nintendo

The Nintendo Switch is a home console (left) and a portable console (right), all-in-one.

With the Switch, Nintendo has the foundations of a great game console.

Across the past week, I've spent dozens of hours with the console - at home on my TV, and out in the world as a portable system. I can happily report that, in my experience, it's a speedy, modern piece of hardware that's well-worth its $300 price tag. In the same breath, a warning: the Nintendo Switch is woefully underserved by software.

This is the duality of the Switch in March 2017, at launch. It's a console worth owning, but you should probably wait a few months to buy one.