Many popular games, including Grand Theft Auto V and Skyrim, are already being ported to the new Nintendo Switch console, which was recently released to enormous success. Some game developers don’t know how to port their game to the Switch due to its complex architecture, but this article will make the process simple! These steps will show you how to save time and money by porting your game from any platform to the Nintendo Switch.
1. Determine if porting the game is worthwhile.
This is one of the first important decisions you must make if you want to learn how to port a game to the Switch. If the game you wish to port is incredibly popular, it may be prudent to port it to the Nintendo Switch. This could potentially increase your game sales due to the Switch’s growing popularity. However, if you are developing a new, unpopular game with few sales, it would not be worthwhile to port your game to Switch because you would gain little profit.
2. Establish a budget for the porting procedure.
The cost of porting your game to the Nintendo Switch could be substantial. However, if you are aware of how much you will spend, you will be in a better position to determine whether it is worthwhile to spend so much on a single game. The most costly aspect of developing and porting a game is the game engine itself. There are numerous game development engines, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
It is possible to construct your own engine from scratch, but doing so can be costly and time-consuming. Unity is a low-cost option for experimenting with various options prior to making the final decision. It is extremely user-friendly, and some online retailers even include a free license year with every purchase. Unity enables the creation of 2D games, which the Nintendo Switch does not natively support. However, if you wish to continue using the same engine and achieve good performance, Unity is an excellent choice. Then, you can evaluate Unreal Engine 4 to determine whether or not it will meet your needs.
3. Determine whether the game will be converted to 2D or 3D.
Depending on the popularity of your game, it may be worthwhile to attempt porting it again if the initial attempt failed. However, this means you will have to repeat all of the steps and make a new determination as to whether it is worthwhile to convert the game from 3D to 2D or vice versa. Consider your budget, the small audience for this game, and whether you are willing to invest the time and effort required to port the game again.
4. Choose a game engine
If you decide to convert your game from 3D to 2D, select the engine that will benefit you and your team the most. There are numerous options available, but Unity is likely the best option. It is incredibly simple to use, especially since it has its own online editor! Unity also allows you to create 2D games, which is useful if you believe the Nintendo Switch does not support 3D games well. If you believe the Switch will natively support 3D games, Unreal Engine 4 may be a better option.
5. Create the menu layout for the game.
Numerous Nintendo Switch games include a tutorial and menu, which is crucial to their success. The tutorials ensure that players understand each button and how to play the game, whereas the menu allows them to personalize their experience. You should attempt to imitate these designs as closely as possible, as it will help your Switch game stand out. Examine what other games your audience has played and attempt to imitate some of their designs. You can also examine the Nintendo Switch’s menus to determine how they function so you can create a similar interface for your own game.
6. Modify each of the buttons used to control the game.
Because the Nintendo Switch utilizes joy-con controllers, you will need to modify each button in your game. The joy-con thumbsticks, directional pad, and A/B/X/Y are among the various buttons that need to be modified. It is also important to experiment with all of the buttons on the left and right joy-con controllers, as well as the various joy-con combinations. You don’t want to leave any mistakes in your game because it could become a major issue in the future.
7. Create a map for the game.
You can design the map for your game in a variety of ways, so it is worthwhile to experiment with something new. Examine the Nintendo Switch’s menu system to determine how it operates. You can also try emulating the menu design of their games to see how it functions in yours. Try a tower defense game to see how this type of map performs on the Nintendo Switch if you don’t know which map you need. The Nintendo Switch also supports a couch mode, allowing you to create a tower defense or puzzle game for players who are sitting next to one another. This is a lot of fun and could give your game, no matter what it is, an additional dimension.
8. Conduct testing on multiple devices
You should test your game on multiple platforms to ensure its compatibility with the Nintendo Switch and its ability to run smoothly. There are a variety of sensor types and wireless connection standards present in the Nintendo Switch. Be sure to test your game on as many of these devices as possible to avoid major issues in the future. If your game does not already support both options, you should also consider converting it from 2D to 3D or vice versa.
9. Create a patch if necessary.
If you’re using a game engine that supports this, you won’t need to make a patch, and it will work fine, but it’s a good idea to do so anyway, as it helps fix any bugs that may have been introduced during development. If the game crashes or has errors, or if the game screen on your Nintendo Switch is not displaying properly, a patch may be able to resolve these issues.
10. Make your game accessible on the Nintendo eShop.
To publish a game on the Nintendo eShop, you must review the following requirements. The first and simplest step is to create a Nintendo account. After approval, you’ll be able to log in and submit your game! You must also establish a release date and price for your game. You should also ensure that your game is compatible with the Nintendo eShop and, if possible, include relevant keywords in the game’s description.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch is a very popular console, particularly due to its versatility. Therefore, if you believe that your game would be well-received on this new platform, you should attempt to port it so that it is accessible to all potential customers. It is also important to note that you can create and play 2D games on the Nintendo Switch, which is ideal for those with limited experience developing 3D games. However, you should also consider certain technical issues when porting your game. The Nintendo Switch uses joy-con controllers instead of joysticks, making it more difficult to create and play camera-sensitive games.
