What Should I Do With My OG Switch? Unlock Its Potential with Wooden Amiibo Displays
The Nintendo Switch, particularly the original (OG) model, remains a fantastic piece of gaming technology even with the anticipation surrounding newer iterations. But, as gamers, we often find ourselves asking: what more can we do with it? How can we breathe new life into our beloved console and enhance our overall gaming experience? While software and game selection are crucial, let’s explore a less conventional, yet surprisingly impactful solution: wooden Amiibo displays. They offer a unique, aesthetically pleasing, and practical way to celebrate your Nintendo fandom.
Beyond the Game: Embracing the Amiibo Ecosystem
Amiibo, Nintendo’s line of interactive figures, are more than just collectibles; they’re gateways to enriched gameplay, unlockable content, and a deeper connection with our favorite characters. However, a scattered collection of Amiibo can quickly become a visual clutter. Wooden Amiibo displays offer a solution that is both organized and visually appealing, transforming your collection into a curated showcase.
The Allure of Wood: Natural Beauty Meets Gaming Passion
Wood, as a material, brings a sense of warmth, natural beauty, and timelessness to any space. Unlike plastic or metal alternatives, a wooden Amiibo display seamlessly blends with various interior design styles, adding a touch of sophistication to your gaming setup. The natural grain and texture of the wood create a visually engaging backdrop for your Amiibo, enhancing their inherent charm.
Choosing the Right Wood Type
The type of wood used in the display significantly impacts its aesthetics and durability. Consider the following options:
- Oak: A classic choice known for its strength, durability, and distinctive grain pattern. Oak displays offer a robust and timeless appeal.
- Maple: A lighter-toned hardwood with a smooth, uniform grain. Maple provides a clean and modern aesthetic, perfectly complementing contemporary gaming spaces.
- Walnut: A rich, dark wood with a luxurious feel. Walnut displays exude elegance and sophistication, making them ideal for showcasing rare or prized Amiibo.
- Pine: A more affordable option with a rustic charm. Pine displays can be easily stained or painted to match your preferred color scheme.
Display Options to Suit Every Collection
The market offers a wide variety of wooden Amiibo displays, each catering to different collection sizes and aesthetic preferences.
Tiered Shelves: Maximizing Space and Visibility
Tiered shelves are a popular choice for displaying larger Amiibo collections. The staggered levels ensure that each figure is clearly visible, preventing them from being obscured by others. Tiered displays are particularly effective for showcasing Amiibo from different game series, creating a visually diverse and engaging arrangement.
Wall-Mounted Displays: A Space-Saving Solution
For gamers with limited space, wall-mounted wooden Amiibo displays offer a practical and stylish solution. These displays free up valuable surface area while transforming your wall into a dynamic showcase of your Nintendo passion. Wall-mounted displays are available in various configurations, including shelves, cubbies, and individual platforms.
Custom-Built Displays: Tailored to Your Unique Collection
For the discerning collector, a custom-built wooden Amiibo display provides the ultimate level of personalization. Work with a woodworker or craftsman to design a display that perfectly accommodates your collection size, aesthetic preferences, and spatial constraints. Custom displays can incorporate unique features such as integrated lighting, character-specific engravings, or hidden storage compartments.
Breathing New Life into Your OG Switch: Beyond Amiibo
While wooden Amiibo displays enhance the visual appeal of your gaming setup, they also indirectly contribute to a more enjoyable Switch experience. A well-organized and visually appealing space can foster a greater sense of immersion and enthusiasm for gaming. But let’s delve into other ways to revitalize your OG Switch and prolong its relevance.
Embrace the Homebrew Community (With Caution)
The OG Switch, particularly those manufactured before a specific date, are capable of running custom firmware (CFW). This opens the door to a world of homebrew applications, custom themes, and the ability to back up your game cartridges. However, proceeding with homebrew carries inherent risks, including bricking your console or violating Nintendo’s terms of service. Exercise extreme caution and thoroughly research any homebrew application before installing it.
Retro Gaming Emulation: Relive the Classics
One of the most compelling reasons to explore homebrew is the ability to emulate classic game consoles. With the right emulator, your OG Switch can become a portable retro gaming machine, allowing you to enjoy titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and even more advanced systems. This is a fantastic way to rediscover your favorite childhood games and introduce them to a new generation.
Custom Themes and Skins: Personalize Your Console
Homebrew also allows you to customize the look and feel of your Switch’s operating system with custom themes and skins. Transform your console’s interface with designs inspired by your favorite games, characters, or even your own personal artwork.
Docking Station Alternatives: Expand Your Connectivity
The original Nintendo Switch dock, while functional, can be bulky and inconvenient to travel with. Explore alternative docking stations that offer a more compact design, additional ports, or even built-in charging capabilities for your Joy-Cons. These third-party docks can enhance the versatility and portability of your OG Switch.
Portable Docks: Gaming on the Go
Portable docks are designed for travel, offering a lightweight and compact solution for connecting your Switch to a TV or monitor while on the go. These docks often feature a smaller footprint than the original dock and can easily fit into a backpack or carrying case.
Docks with Enhanced Features: More Than Just a Connection
Some third-party docks offer additional features such as extra USB ports, built-in Ethernet ports, or even faster charging speeds. These enhanced docks can streamline your gaming setup and provide greater connectivity options.
Accessorize and Protect: Enhance Your Gaming Experience
A range of accessories can further enhance your OG Switch experience and protect your console from wear and tear.
Screen Protectors: Shielding Your Display
A high-quality screen protector is essential for safeguarding your Switch’s screen from scratches, fingerprints, and smudges. Tempered glass protectors offer the best protection against impacts, while film protectors provide a thinner and more flexible option.
Grips and Cases: Enhanced Comfort and Protection
Grips and cases can improve the ergonomics of your Switch and provide additional protection against drops and bumps. Choose a grip or case that fits comfortably in your hands and offers adequate protection for your console.
Carrying Cases: Safe and Secure Storage
A carrying case is a must-have for transporting your Switch safely and securely. Look for a case that offers ample storage space for your console, Joy-Cons, games, and accessories.
The Everlasting Appeal of the OG Switch
Despite the emergence of newer Nintendo Switch models, the original remains a highly capable and enjoyable gaming console. By embracing creative solutions such as wooden Amiibo displays, exploring homebrew applications (with caution), and investing in accessories, you can breathe new life into your OG Switch and continue to enjoy its unique charm for years to come. The image seems to suggest that this is a smaller version for children, perhaps a toy version of a normal size Switch. The ideas in this article so far can all be used for children just as well.