As both an avid video game lover and a die-hard Nintendo fan, I couldn't have been more excited when the Switch 2 was finally announced. Metroid, Mario, and Zelda helped to define my childhood, so the mere thought of seeing some of my favorite video game franchises make the leap onto Nintendo's next-generation hybrid had me ready to open both my wallet and my heart.
Unfortunately, as launch day approached, that early excitement began to fade. Rather than the console and its launch lineup, pre-release coverage of the Switch 2 was dominated by concerns over Nintendo's questionable pricing strategy, Trump's troubling tariffs, and pre-order problems that would ultimately leave many fans empty-handed come June 5th. To say that things could have gone a bit more smoothly for Nintendo would perhaps be a bit of an understatement.
Now that the Switch 2 is finally here, though, one big question remains: is it a must-buy piece of hardware, or can potential buyers afford to wait a little while before splashing out?
The Best War Games's Nintendo Switch 2 Review
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a significant leap forward compared to the original console, but besides one game, its launch lineup is underwhelming.
Switch 2 vs Switch 1: What's the Difference?
|
Switch |
Switch OLED |
Switch 2 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Price |
$299.99 |
$349.99 |
$449.99 |
|
Display Output (Handheld / Docked) |
720p / 1080p |
720p / 1080p |
1080p / 4K |
|
Screen Size |
6.2'' LCD |
7" OLED |
7.9'' LCD |
|
Max Framerate |
60 fps |
60 fps |
120 fps |
|
Battery Life |
4½ - 9 Hours |
4½ - 9 Hours |
2 - 6½ Hours |
|
Internal Storage |
32GB |
64GB |
256GB |
The Switch 2 is better than its predecessor in just about every measurable way. It has a larger screen, a more powerful processor, and can play games at much higher resolutions and framerates with faster loading times. Its controllers are better, and there's more onboard storage as well, meaning players will be able to keep more of their games on the console without having to spend extra on expandable storage. That said, there are one or two areas where the original Switch still has the edge.
Although it may be a little smaller, the screen on the Switch OLED is much better than the Switch 2's, with faster pixel response times and noticeably deeper blacks. Battery life on the original Switch is a little better, too, although neither of these things should matter too much to those who'll be playing their Switch 2 docked most of the time. However, one thing that could bother both handheld and big-screen users alike is the price. The Switch 2 retails for $449.99, which is $150 more than the original Switch and more than double the cost of a Switch Lite.
Nintendo Switch 1 vs Switch 2: What’s the Difference?
For those with burning questions about the main differences between Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, here is a detailed comparation.
Nintendo Switch Launch Lineup
- Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer
- Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Deltarune
- Fantasy Life I: The Girl Who Steals Time
- Fast Fusion
- Fortnite
- Hitman: World of Assassination
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Mario Kart World
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
- No Man's Sky
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Rune Factor: Guardians of Azuma
- Sid Meier's Civilization VII
- Split Fiction
- Sonic X Shadow Generations
- Street Fighter 6
- Suikoden I&II HD Remaster
- Survival Kids
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
At launch, the only new first-party Switch 2 game is Mario Kart World, which serves as a worthy successor to 2014's Mario Kart 8. Is it groundbreaking in any way, shape, or form? Not particularly. Much like the console itself, though, it does offer improvements over its predecessor in a number of key areas that make it feel like a clear upgrade. Gameplay is smoother, visuals are sharper, and the open world is a lot of fun to explore, even if players are unable to do so in splitscreen. The online multiplayer experience is a lot more enjoyable as well.
Unfortunately, the rest of the Switch 2's launch titles are a lot less exciting. The Switch 2 editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are unsurprisingly better than their regular Switch counterparts, but whether the upgrades offered will be enough to tempt those who've already completed these games back to the land of Hyrule is debatable, especially with players needing to pay for the upgrades. Sadly, third-party offerings don't do much to fill in the gaps.
That CD Projekt Red was able to get Cyberpunk 2077 running on the Switch 2 is undeniably impressive, but it's worth remembering that we're talking about a game that's now almost half a decade old. Some of the other Switch 2 launch titles are a bit more recent, but those who own other consoles or a half-decent PC will likely have played those that interest them already. It's also worth noting that 13 of the 24 launch titles carry an ESRB rating of Teen or higher, further limiting the options of younger players.
Should You Buy a Nintendo Switch 2 at Launch?
Despite its drawbacks, the Switch 2 remains a great console. Some may argue that the Steam Deck offers better value for money, but if you're looking to play new games from first-party Nintendo franchises like Mario, Donkey Kong, and Kirby, you don't really have much of a choice. As such, the real question isn't whether you should buy a Switch 2, but rather when you should actually get one.
If you or the person that you're buying for is a die-hard Mario Kart fan, then picking up a Switch 2 now isn't such a bad idea, especially if you already own games for the original Switch. Thanks to its backward compatibility, the Switch 2 can play regular Switch games, helping to offset its mediocre launch lineup. This also makes it a solid choice for those who skipped the original Switch, as standout titles like Super Mario Odyssey, the 3D Zelda games, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate run noticeably better on the new hardware, even without the aforementioned paid upgrades.
However, if you've already played all of the launch titles that interest you and have no plans to revisit your old Switch library anytime soon, you may want to think twice before rushing out to buy a Switch 2. Granted, the price of the console will likely be the same six months from now, but with Switch 2 stock limited in some regions and only one or two games to get excited about, waiting for more must-play games while taking a little extra time to budget might make the most sense for some people.
Final Verdict: Is the Switch 2 Worth It?
The Switch 2 is a fantastic piece of hardware with a lot of promise, but whether it's worth picking one up today depends heavily on your priorities and gaming background. For newcomers and Nintendo die-hards, the Switch 2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor and an on-the-go gaming experience that few other handheld gaming devices can match. For everyone else? Waiting a few months for more must-play games to arrive might be the best course of action, especially if you're not really a big Mario Kart fan.
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Operating System
- Proprietary
- Storage
- 256GB internal / MicroSD
- Resolution
- 1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)