Question 1 of 2 The author of the article makes an assumption about the age demographic that will find this gaming machine ideal. What is this assumption, how critical is it to the success of Switch, and how might research validate this assumption? Byline: Nintendo Switch Price: [euro] 329 More info: nintendo.com the gadget buzz with andy o'donoghue nintendo has been a household name for decades. In recent years, it has focused on mobile gaming with portable games machines like the Nintendo 3DS but it has never been afraid to try something new. Enter the Switch, Nintendo's hybrid games machine that's meant to be as much fun on the road as it is in the living room. Unpacking the Switch reveals a slew of attachments and add-ons. There's the Switch tablet itself with a power adapter, a docking station and two Joy Con controllers. Then there's a Joy Con grip and wrist straps for the controllers. A regulation HDMI cable to connect the Switch to a TV completes the inventory. This gaming gadget instantly feels like a premium device. Smooth, well made and easy to hold, it weighs just under 300g without the controller pads attached. On its underside is a slot to increase the 32GB of built-in memory. The screen measures in at just over six inches and has a resolution of 720p but the TV mode will output in 1080p to your HD television, improving the picture for living room gaming. The Switch is designed to be used in three different set-ups. Attach the controllers to the sides of the tablet and it functions as a traditional mobile gaming device. Place it in the dock and connect to your TV for traditional console gaming that Nintendo calls TV mode. Finally, it has a little kickstand on the back of its case for table-top mode. Games can be downloaded or fitted into the game card slot. Once you connect the Switch using WiFi to your home network, you can also enjoy multiplayer games with friends, or strangers all over the world. You can also download games and software updates. Of the three modes, I most enjoyed handheld. It's larger than traditional handheld gaming devices but, even with the Joy Con controllers attached, it's perfectly balanced and easy to use. A Nintendo favourite, Zelda is back with a new adventure. In TV or handheld mode, the gameplay is fast and fluid. The stereo speakers are decent quality but you can use the headphone jack to immerse yourself completely. The selection of games is good. Family favourites like Just Dance 2017 are there, as well as Minecraft, while Fifa is on its way. As a games machine, the Nintendo Switch is hard to categorise as it does a good job in all three modes. The new controllers could bring gaming to a new level with their built-in Rumbd HD tech that will allow you to feel effects from the games. The TV mode works well but won't replace your Xbox or PlayStation. Ultimately though, this is best as a handheld device. Snap on the Joy Cons, stand shoulder to shoulder with Zelda and admit to yourself that gaming isn't just for the kids - or the living room.