Retro Frog ROTATE for Nintendo Switch Switch OLED
40In this episode, we test out the RoTATE by Retro Frog, designed to allow you to play Arcade Classic Games that have been ported to the Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED in the proper orientation and aspect ratio.
Moment of truth here, when I first got back into retro gaming I wanted full-screen display for my games. Yup, I was one of those who couldn't stand having those bars on either side of my game, so I would play 4:3 games in 16:9. Well, you live, you grow, you learn, and so did I, and as such I can no longer play retro games in the wrong aspect ratio.
I suspect that was the same mindset Todd Gill from Retro Frog had when he designed the RoTATE. As he says in his own words from his Kickstarter campaign:
"I was sitting out in my garage running a garage sale and found myself bored as the sale was going slow with a customer maybe every 15 or 20 minutes. I thought about bringing my Nintendo Switch out there with me and playing in between customers. However I largely play the Switch in console mode attached to a monitor in my office. I've personally found that, due to the large size and weight of the Switch, my hands would begin cramping up. Sure, the Switch has a kickstand built in, but, depending on which version you have, it ranges from not very useful to somewhat useful. So I gave up on playing the Switch while I was out there."
"Later that night, I started thinking about it again. We like to travel and the idea of bringing the switch along is really appealing. So I set out to design a stand that could hold the Switch with the ability to adjust tilt AND rotation as many Nintendo Switch games including vertical or TATE orientation display options. Hence RoTATE was born. "
Todd did go through a few production delays, as he had intended to ship in December 2022. I received my RoTATE from Kickstarter (yes, I did back the project and this was not provided for review) in mid-2023. When I received it, the final assembly was quite easy. I had to attach the main part to the base with the included thumbscrew, adjust the angle of the neck, and I was ready to go!
While Todd had discussed the Nintendo Switch in the Kickstarter, I was curious to see if it would fit the Switch Lite. I had thought the Lite was shorter, and within seconds it was confirmed that it would not fit. However, the RoTATE does fit the original Switch and Switch OLED beautifully. I especially appreciate the alignment posts at the bottom of the mount, along with the "USB ↓" that he added to the print. Thanks, Todd, I needed that! However not only does it tell the mounting orientation, the pegs hold the Switch in place so it doesn't slide side-to-side while playing. It also maintains the proper balance while you're playing.
The base and mount are both pretty cleverly designed as well. You can adjust the viewing angle in 18-degree increments, so it is easier to get the right angle (not 90 degrees) for your viewing comfort. The ball-bearing supported mounting block locks into position every 90 degrees with to lock it into place. This is a very well-thought-out and simple design!
There are a ton of shooters on the Switch that feature TATE mode, but for me the only thing I really have is Donkey Kong. I went through the menu and set up TATE mode and got to playing, and man, this was wonderful! The game was no longer restricted by the height of the Switch display, it now took up the display much more fully! Now, DK isn't the exact right aspect ratio to be full screen in TATE mode on the Switch, but it's pretty close.
Why It RoX:
- Well-thought-out design
- Ball Bearing Supported
- Disassembles for easy transport
- Much more sturdy than the stock Switch kickstand
- Unlocks proper aspect ratios for certain games
- Supports a small business
What could be improved:
- 3D Printed instead of injection molded
- Not compatible with Switch Lite (would require a redesign)
- Not as appealing for those who don't need Tate Mode
Should you buy one?
Todd has created a really neat stand here for the Switch and does address a need for some. TATE mode has been baked into the Evercade EXP and original handheld, so there is an audience for it. How large is that audience, however? I have 1 game, Donkey Kong, that supports TATE mode, although I do still want to get the physical Switch Version of Ikaruga ($$$). I think if you know what TATE mode is, this is a must-buy. If you know of it but not what it's called, this may go over your head. Even if you don't need TATE mode, this is an awesome tabletop stand for the Switch and Switch OLED, and something you should consider.
This is available on Kickstarter at this time but will be coming to Stone Age Gamer soon.
#nintendo #nintendoswitch #SwitchOLED #TateMode #RetroFrog #DonkeyKong