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As both an avid video game lover and a die-hard Nintendo fan, I couldn’t have been more excited when theSwitch 2was finally announced.Metroid,Mario, andZeldahelped to define my childhood, so the mere thought of seeing some ofmy favorite video game franchisesmake 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 byconcerns 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 theSwitch 2is 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?
$299.99
$349.99
$449.99
720p / 1080p
1080p / 4K
6.2'' LCD
7" OLED
7.9'' LCD
60 fps
120 fps
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 onexpandable 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 Launch Lineup
At launch, the only new first-party Switch 2 game isMario Kart World, which serves as a worthy successor to 2014’sMario 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 ofthe Switch 2’s launch titlesare a lot less exciting. The Switch 2 editions ofBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomare 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.
ThatCD Projekt Red was able to getCyberpunk 2077running on the Switch 2is 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 that13 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 fromfirst-party Nintendo franchises likeMario,Donkey Kong, andKirby, you don’t really have much of a choice. As such, the real question isn’t whether you should buy a Switch 2, but ratherwhenyou should actually get one.
If you or the person that you’re buying for is a die-hardMario Kartfan, then picking up aSwitch 2now 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 likeSuper Mario Odyssey, the3DZeldagames, andSuper Smash Bros. Ultimaterun 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 withSwitch 2 stock limited in some regionsand 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 fewother handheld gaming devicescan 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 bigMario Kartfan.
