Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is superior in handheld mode because of the access to up 8 or 12 player multiplayer without any split screen. The amount of fun and satisfaction that can be had in that regard is significantly higher than single player or online-only multiplayer. It transformed a Wii U game which (IMO) had about 3-10 hours worth of play, into a Switch game with 500+ hours worth of play.
In fact, I'd argue that most mutliplayer games are significantly better in handheld. There are certain co-op style games that are exceptions, though. But, co-op games like "Don't Starve Together" and Stardew Valley are (IMO) superior in handheld mode.
EDIT
To clarify, I think functionality is vastly more important than graphical considerations. That's kind of what I was trying to get at with the multiplayer thing. But there's also the "book" type games, that you want to curl up with on the sofa or a hammock - and these are your Phoenix Wright games, certain RPGs, and other types of adventure games that are text intensive.
Last edited by Jumpin - on 14 April 2024I describe myself as a little dose of toxic masculinity.
