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Is Nintendo Switch The Console For You?
Last year, rumors swirled around Nintendo’s new console, codenamed NX, to replace the ailing Wii U. On October 2016, Nintendo officially unveiled the NX to the world, now named the Switch. The company showed off a slick video that showed how the Switch could transform from a home console connected to a TV, to a handheld console to be played on the go. It’s a logical evolution from the Wii U’s tablet controller that could stream games from the Wii U console to the controller. Earlier this month, Nintendo held a presentation that detailed more features that the Switch would have as well as a definitive launch date and price. The Nintendo Switch will be launching on March 3rd for $299. Nintendo looks to revolutionize how and where we play our games. With that said, here are three things you need to know about the Nintendo Switch
JoyCon Controllers
The JoyCon controllers are the key to the Switch’s versatility. The two small controllers slide onto either side of the Switch console, turning it into a mobile gaming console. The JoyCon can also slide out and be used independently as separate controllers, useful for split screen multiplayer games like Mario Kart. While playing single player games, the JoyCon can either be used in each hand similar to the original Wiimote and Nunchuk or they can slide into a separate JoyCon Grip for a more traditional gaming experience. If that wasn’t enough, Nintendo revealed during their January 12th press conference that the controllers are also motion controllers with gyroscopes and accelerometers. Nintendo showed off different games such as ARMS and 1-2 Switch, which make use of the motion controls for gameplay. The left JoyCon has a share button that allows you to share screenshots and videos. The right JoyCon has an NFC sensor for Amiibo figurines. Finally, both JoyCon have what Nintendo calls “HD Rumble” which just a marketing term to describe enhanced rumble features to detect more subtle and realistic vibrations. For those hardcore gamers out there who prefer the feel of a regular controller, Nintendo will also be selling a Pro controller for the Switch.
Switch Console
The main console itself is a tablet with a 6.2-inch capacitive touchscreen with a 720p resolution. It can connect to the Dock which enables gameplay on an TV and keeps the Switch charged. Speaking of charging, one welcome feature is the inclusion of a USB Type C connector. This allows other devices such as a battery pack to be connected…which is good because the battery life varies wildly depending on the game. Nintendo says battery life is anywhere from 2 ½ hours to 6 hours. Graphic intensive games like Splatoon or Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are likely to tax the battery heavily while lighter titles like NES/SNES games will last a bit longer. Spec-wise, little is still known about the Switch as Nintendo has been reticent to release any detailed information. The only confirmed hardware spec is the custom NVIDIA graphics processor. Most analysts believe it is the NVIDIA X1 Tegra chip using the Maxwell architecture instead of the latest Pascal architecture. This would mean that the Switch is more powerful than the Wii U but not nearly as powerful as the PS4 and Xbox One. On the positive side, the Switch can connect to other Switch consoles to engage in local multiplayer sessions (now you can trash talk in person instead of online!).
What About The Games?
Back in October, Nintendo announced a bevy of third party developers that would be creating games for the Switch. Unfortunately, the day one launch games doesn’t contain as many system selling games as one might expect. The games releasing on March 3rd are:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- 1-2 Switch
- Just Dance 2017
- Skylanders Imaginators
- Super Bomberman R
As you can see, the major first party game on launch day is The Legend of Zelda. Fortunately, more hard hitting games will come out this year such as:
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- ARMS
- Splatoon 2
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Minecraft
- Sonic Mania
- Steep
- Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- I Am Setsuna
- LEGO City Undercover
- NBA 2K18
- Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth
Nintendo also plans to release their online service to enable multiplayer online play. It will be a system like Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus where players can subscribe to the online service for a monthly or yearly price. Like Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus, Nintendo will allow subscribers to download a free NES or SNES game per month…with a HUGE caveat. While Xbox and PlayStation allow subscribers to keep their downloaded games, Nintendo will only allow subscribers to keep the downloaded game for the month it is available. Afterwards, the subscriber loses access to the game unless it is bought. The Switch is likely Nintendo’s last ditch effort to win back gamers after the failed Wii U. Business moves such as not allowing players to keep their free NES/SNES games may come back to haunt Nintendo as a potentially anti-consumer policy. Regardless, the Switch is an innovative and exciting entry into the gaming market. Time will tell if Nintendo is able to woo gamers (and third party developers) back to its platform. It will also be interesting to see how Nintendo will juggle the Switch with its other handheld offering, the 3DS. Nintendo is betting on mobility and based on their massive sales of the 3DS, it looks like they might just be onto something.
Brands looking for the best logo design services know just how crucial logos are in making a lasting impression across audience segments.
In fact, it has been reported that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) spent $1.8 million on its logo rebrand in 1997. That’s how valuable logos are in communicating one’s brand story and, at the same time, building trust and credibility.
The great news is, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg like the BBC did for a logo that works. With numerous platforms offering unlimited graphic design, you can have a beautiful logo design, along with other visual assets you need for your business.
Here are the top options:
1. Penji
Hailed by users as the best graphic design company in 2025, Penji offers design expertise without the long-term commitment of hiring an agency or an in-house designer.
Pros:
- A vast pool of professional creatives, each with their own field of design expertise
- Fast turnaround time of 24-48 hours
- Dedicated app where users can request projects and revisions, communicate with their design team, and download designs
Cons:
- It may not be a practical service if you only need one to two designs per month.
2. Kimp
Kimp, meanwhile, is another design-as-a-service provider that provides graphic design and video design.
Pros:
- Simple pricing plans (Graphics, Video, or Graphics + Video)
- 7-day free trial available
Cons:
- Graphics and videos are offered in separate plans, and you have to choose the highest plan to get both.
3. Design Pickle
Design Pickle is another logo design agency you may want to consider if you need unlimited graphic design and budget is not an issue.
Pros:
- Offers a dashboard where you can track your requests
- Wide variety of design projects available
Cons:
- Its higher tiers are a bit steep compared to its competitors
4. Design Shifu
Last but not least, Design Shifu is a good option for first-time design platform subscribers. Offering the lowest pricing rates among other players, it can be a good option for users with tight budgets.
Pros:
- One of the cheapest rates for unlimited graphic design
- Good option for design service newbies
Cons:
- Lower tiers don’t come with options like custom illustrations
Featured Image Credit: Photo by George Milton from Pexels
With many internet users searching for products or services online before buying, a strong online presence is no longer optional, but has become essential. That said, many brands aiming to produce consistent visual branding are now turning to unlimited graphic design services.
What’s the best graphic design company offering graphic design as a service today? We rounded up four of the most popular ones in the market, including their top features.
1. Penji
First on our list is Penji, which offers unlimited graphic design at a flat monthly rate. Over the years, this company has emerged as a reliable service provider and has outlasted quite a few players in the design industry.
Features:
- A wide array of graphic design services, from branding kits and logos to motion graphics, print design, and web design
- Working with them is like working with a creative agency because of a dedicated design team, but without the same cost
- Offers more than 120 types of creative services
2. Design Pickle
Design Pickle, meanwhile, is also among the first providers of unlimited graphic design. Their list of services is wide, including motion graphics, but it’s only available in the top tiers.
Features:
- Users can request one or two active projects at a time, depending on their plan
- Features workflow integrations with Slack and Zapier
- Provides social media graphics, print design, logos, and more; offers motion graphics and video, but only for higher plans that cost more
3. ManyPixels
ManyPixels, meanwhile, is among the graphic design service companies often touted as mid-level, affordable graphic design agency for clients who need simple designs. It takes pride in offering reliable services for every client.
Features:
- Wide range of designs, from social media posts to marketing assets and web design
- Some of its plans provides a dedicated designer
- Slack communication available in higher tiers
4. Kimp
Do you need static images and video assets regularly? Kimp offers both. This unlimited graphic company provides graphic design in about 24 hours and video assets in up to four days.
Features:
- Motion graphics and static graphics
- Transparent pricing model
- Provides a dedicated project manager
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels
When it comes to subscription-based graphic design services, the right fit depends on your specific requirements, needs, and budget. That said, the best graphic design subscription service would give you the most value for your money and the best results for your project.
Here are four of the most popular unlimited graphic design players and why they are crowd favorites.
1. Penji
For years now, Penji has been hailed by users as the best graphic design subscription service. Featuring a state-of-the-art app, it’s one of the creative subscriptions that makes it so easy to request a design and attach all the visual pegs you need. Requesting revisions is also easy; you only need to point your cursor at a section of the design, click, and type in your comment.
The best part? Penji has a powerful team of vetted designers (it only hires the top 2% of creatives), making it arguably the best graphic design subscription service. That means they can handle anything you might need – from logos and branding guidelines to posters, packaging design, and even UI/UX design.
Pricing: Subscriptions start at $499, with a 30-day money-back guarantee
2. Design Shifu
Design Shifu can be one of the best creative as a service providers for users who are new to graphic design outsourcing. They also offer one of the cheapest options for limited design credits (not unlimited) which can be good enough for those who are just testing the waters.
Pricing: Starts at $199 per month for 5 design credits
3. Kimp
Kimp, meanwhile, is one of the best graphic design subscription service options for small businesses and startups with a limited budget. They offer a turnaround time as quick as 24 hours and allow two active requests at a time. Their cheapest package is already enough for day-to-day graphic design needs. If you need video design and motion graphics, however, you may want to consider getting their pricier tiers.
Pricing: Starts at $448.50 per month
4. ManyPixels
Also included in our best graphic design subscription service providers is ManyPixels. It offers branding and marketing designs, including social media, web design services, and illustrations. Aside from graphic designs, the platform also does video editing and motion graphics, making it a good choice for influencers and ecommerce brands.
Pricing: Starts at $599 per month
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki from Pexels
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