I’m also concerned about overheating. Remember, the Switch increases its power consumption in “docked” mode, so it needs decent airflow. But you can’t really use the Orion without setting it in your lap, where the only airflow is an occasional fart. (To be fair, I haven’t had any problems with overheating, even when playing games like Splatoon 3.)

I should also point out that the Orion has rear-firing speakers. They sound pretty decent, but they’re pointed in the wrong direction.

My eyesight is terrible. And because game developers are idiots who couldn’t care less about accessibility, I can’t really read in-game text on a TV. It’s just too small. So, I usually play games on the Nintendo Switch in portable mode.

Because of my situation, the Orion feels like a compelling upgrade for my Nintendo Switch. It’s a bigger screen, and it runs my Switch games in “docked” mode for a slight boost in graphical performance. There’s also a nice anti-glare coating, which the Switch lacks. Awesome!

Unfortunately, the Orion’s screen doesn’t look too amazing. It’s a 768p IPS display with a pretty weak contrast ratio and zero touchscreen functionality. I wouldn’t say that the Orion looks awful, but I’ve seen better-looking portable monitors that cost half the price of the Orion.

I’m also worried about durability. The Orion’s plastic screen looks thin and easy to scratch (it reminds me of those old portable DVD player screens). Personally, I wouldn’t give this accessory to a child, which is a shame, as it could made a great gift for families who want to take multiplayer games on the go. (Orion comes with a flimsy carrying pouch, but a hardshell case would be more appropriate.)

Honestly, I think that Up-Switch completely missed the mark here. The whole point in this accessory is the display. Nobody wants to spend $250 on a crappy 768p display, but they may be willing to buy a $350 accessory that turns their Switch into a 11.6-inch 1080p beast.

Advertisements for the Orion imply that it’s a portable device. But it requires wired power, it’s big and bulky, and you can’t really play it without setting in your lap. So, what’s the deal?

The Orion feels like a prototype. It’s an interesting product with a smart design and some very frustrating problems. But looking at this crazy thing makes me laugh, and to my surprise, it’s a pretty fun toy. I’d love to continue using it.

Here’s my problem; the Orion is a novelty. It’s a silly idea that someone managed to bring to life. And I’m not sure why you’d spend $250 on such a thing. It’s neat, and it may be useful in some situations, but it’s a $250 accessory that nobody really asked for.

Every time I think of some convoluted situation where Orion might come in handy, I realize that a portable monitor could get the job done for $100 cheaper. The only exception is bad eyesight—if you have trouble seeing the Nintendo Switch’s screen but want to play in handheld mode, maybe the Orion’s worth trying.