‘Rocket League’ on the Nintendo Switch: Our Impressions

Knakveey
Games Nintendo
Games Nintendo

Yet another smash has made it’s way onto the Nintendo Switch recently. This time it’s Psyonix’s car-soccer masterpiece, Rocket League. Fun for all skill levels and ages, Rocket League has the canny ability to make anybody a sports fan.

We went ahead and fired it up on our Nintendo Switch and played a myriad of game modes in different settings. Here are some of our thoughts on how Rocket League holds up on Nintendo’s newest mobile platform.

Portable Mode

The Bad:

  • For Rocket League veterans such as myself, it definitely took some time getting used to the button mapping and joysticks of the Switch. While the button layout isn’t that different from a PS4 or Xbox controller, it’s feel certainly had me playing poorly. Most of that is probably attributed to the joysticks. They’re small, less agile, and restrictive compared to other full size controllers. You’ll need to adapt to the smaller circumferences, then you’ll be back to making amazing aerial shots in no time.
  • The Switch’s screen is also a bit of a hindrance. It’s a bit tougher to line up shots and see action, simply because the screen is small.
  • Portable mode means you probably won’t have online capabilities. The main component of Rocket League revolves around online capabilities.

 

The Good:

  • Playing on wifi while chillin’ on your favorite sofa is probably the best way to enjoy portable mode. Since most games are quick, you can get in a fast match while cooking, sitting on the can, or simply in bed before it’s time to count sheep.

JoyCon Grip

The Bad:

  • Finding an adequate place to set the Switch on it’s stand. You’ll want it to be about eye level and close to your face. Easier said than done, seriously.

The Good:

  • Oh man, what a difference the JoyCon Grip makes! Having the JoyCon controllers closer together makes playing feel a lot more natural. Your finger’s don’t feel as spread and stretched (I have fairly longish fingers) — everything seems more relaxed and intuitive.

 

Rocket League on the Nintendo Switch comes with exclusive Nintendo cars and other gear!

On the Big Screen

The Bad:

  • Nothing! Hooking up your Switch so you can play Rocket League on a big screen is highly recommended.

The Good:

  • With a bigger screen and using the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, my experience with Rocket League was no different from other consoles or PC. This is the way that Rocket League is meant to be played!

Verdict:

Unfortunately, Rocket League just isn’t suited for portable mode on the Switch. The JoyCon design isn’t suited for the game as it’s joysticks are restrictive and the fact you can’t play online while away from wifi is a big deal-breaker.

However, if you’ve enjoyed playing Rocket League on other consoles or PC, then you should definitely consider grabbing this and a Nintendo Pro Controller to enjoy the game as it’s meant to be played — on the big-screen!