[birracerveza]

>It seems that the only use of such a "Nintendo Switch Emulator" is to play pirated games?

No, it's not the only use, it's also used play Nintendo Switch games without using a Nintendo Switch, which is a 2017 console with 2012 hardware but otherwise really, really good games.

I already prepurchased Zelda Tears of the Kingdom physical but I am debating whether I should just play it on my deck, as it will probably run better than on a Switch with all the features that come with an emulator.

[kevincox]

Honestly I love Nintendo games but couldn't care less about the console. If I could buy their games for desktop I would have bought a ton. But they have no interest. They would rather that you also buy their hardware and rebuy their old game ports every generation.

So I use an emulator. It is such a good experience. Better quality, save states, I can backup and transfer save files. I can record and screenshots are easy to manage unlike the manual SD card shuffling required on the Switch.

[birracerveza]

I like the Switch... conceptually at least. But it's old, it's weak, and the joycons are badly built. A new version is long overdue.

Nintendo doesn't want to release a new one? Then don't mind me using Ryujinx instead. Hopefully the Nintendo ninjas will not kill me in my sleep because of th

[kevincox]

I should have made it clear that I have no problem with the Switch in general! It's a fine console but it's not for me. I don't have much if any mobile gaming needs and for at home a higher power device suits me better.

For me personally the only reason to get a Switch would be for exclusive games, which IMHO is a bad reason to buy some specific hardware. I would much rather that people buy the hardware that suits their needs best (which may be a Switch for people who want mobile gaming) and games were largely available cross-device (resource requirements being the rare exception). I do understand the economic reason for exclusive contracts, but it is so consumer hostile.

[cubefox]

Of course you buy all the Switch games you play on the emulator ... right? Right?

[birracerveza]

Well, yes. Mostly because I only play first party Nintendo games, and buying them is like buying gold because they never depreciate in price, if not outright appreciate in value. Hell, even the Switch itself, which I bought at launch, costs WAY more now than what I paid back then! That is absolutely crazy.

The only thing I "pirate" are Pokemon games because I want to laugh at how unfinished they are, but I usually give up one hour in.