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There are three distinctly different ways to enjoy the Nintendo Switch — over the next 3 weeks we'll examine each of them. This first part looks at Nintendo's sleek new platform as a home console in what they're calling TV Mode.

You often need a direct comparison to really understand a shift in power, and it wasn't until recently that I got that with the Nintendo Switch. Like many gamers I've been clamouring for any whiff of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild around. I've watched every video, read almost every article I could find — to say I'm excited about it is understating things dramatically.

I've now played it on both the WiiU and the Switch, however, and the difference is immediately noticeable. The Switch has power in it. The two versions of the game are identical in terms of content, but the higher resolution available on the Switch when docked makes the entire game crisper and prettier. The scene where Link leaves the cave where he has slumbered and enters the greater Hyrule is gorgeous on the Switch, thanks to the significant increase in power available to the console when docked. Another difference too — Breath of the Wild uses the extra computing power of the Switch to ramp up the audio, capturing the sounds of Hyrule as beautifully as it captures the sights.

The power of the Switch continued to captivate as I played through the same opening few scenes on Nintendo's more powerful console. Another factor of note — the Joy-Con Grip felt like a natural fit in my hands. It looks big and bulky, but the handles at the rear of the Grip fit exactly into place as I held it, and I quickly forgot I was technically holding two separate controllers married by a single piece of clever hardware. In fact, like all good controllers I forgot I was holding anything at all.

The Switch dock holds the keys of power to Nintendo's newest console. The custom built Nvidia Tegra processor kicks into a higher gear when the dock is being used — a fan on the dock engages and the processor lifts to run at a higher clock speed to provide extra power. It's one of those things to keep in mind, because you'll want to keep the dock area well ventilated. The Switch's ideal operating temperature range is below 35 degrees celsius — which can be a challenge during these hot summer months. That's not to say the Switch won't work above 35C — it would simply prefer it if things were cooler (wouldn't we all).

When in TV Mode feels familiar. It's a console you understand, something you can plug some controllers into while you play Ultra Street Fighter 2 on. The Pro Controllers work wonderfully, and of course Ultra Street Fighter 2 looks gorgeous on a big screen as you hadoken your way to victory.

But the Nintendo Switch unleashes its potential when you undock it and wield it separately — even if you're not using it in handheld mode. We'll dive into the Tabletop transformation of the machine next week.