1996 Nissan Maxima Ignition Switch

I have been having trouble starting my Maxima due to what appears to be a dmalfunction between the key and ignition. Whenever I insert the key in the ignition there is some play between them so the key wiggles quite a bit. To start the car I have to push the key to the side, top, or bottom. Either way, once i do that it doesn't start immediately but does eventually start. I recently replaced the altenator and the starter so i can't see either being the cause of my toubles. Do you think I should just replace the ignition switch or the entire assembly. The car does not have a chip in the key for alarm purposes but does have a standard factory alarm.