As the official release date for theNintendo Switch 2approaches, some fans are still upset about one major issue the console poses. The high price of the console, as well as several of its launch games, has kept some players away, convincing them not to upgrade to theNintendo Switch 2, but to stick with the original Switch for a bit longer.
The hype around the Switch 2 is natural, especially with some of the incredible titles that have been announced for the console within its first year, but no matter how much they want to, some players won’t be able to purchase the console upon its release.
A few key roadblocks might be responsible for this, most notably thehigh price of the Switch 2 and its games. Even barring that issue, with such a highly anticipated release, it’s likely that there won’t be enough consoles for everyone who wants one. The sad fact is, despite what fans want, some players will be playing the original Nintendo Switch well into the lifespan of the Switch 2. However, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. There are still plenty of games on the Switch worth playing for fans who can’t afford the Switch 2.
Newly Released and Upcoming Nintendo Switch Titles
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
The great thing about the time between console generations is that most of the larger games will be released for both the old and new versions of the system. Thankfully,Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s July 22nd release datewill see it come to the original Switch as well as the Switch 2. This game will be an immediate purchase for manyPokemonfans, but even players who are new to the series might want to give it a go.Legends: Z-Awill play very differently from a typicalPokemongame, encouraging players to explore Lumiose City as they help redevelop it while catching and battling Pokemon in a real-time system for the first time in the series.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
As the follow-up to a largely overlooked game for the 3DS,Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Timehas been a surprisehit for developer Level-5. Building on the system from the 2014 game,Fantasy Life ican best be described as part life sim and part JRPG. The game features 14 professions, or lives, as the game calls them, for players to engage in, including combat lives, like Hunter, gathering lives, like Miner, and crafting lives, such as Cook or Carpenter. With an engaging story, a vast continent to explore, companions, dungeons, and more,Fantasy Life ihas plenty for players to love, and has already sold over 500,000 copies.
Overlooked Releases
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
TheXenobladeseries has been a bit of a dark horse for Nintendo. A majority of fans might only be familiar with the series through its representation in theSmash Bros.games, but a dedicated fan base has helped the series through four titles, some with updated editions. One of these re-releases isXenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, an entry that doesn’t quite fit into the story of the rest of the series, but maintains its themes and gameplay systems.
While the wholeXenobladeseries is worth checking out, and is one of only twofranchises that can be played entirely on the Switch,Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Editionwould be the best candidate to play without getting wrapped up in the rest of the story. Featuring an entire planet’s worth of open-world to explore and deep combat that includes multiple classes, it’s easy to lose hours in this game without even realizing it.
Budget-Friendly Favorites
Balatro
For those still trying to save up to buy the Switch 2, there are several cheaper games that still offer hours of enjoyment.Balatrois one of the surprise indie hitsof the last year, and can be purchased at a fraction of the price of most games. For those who may be unfamiliar,Balatroplays like a roguelike poker game where players add cards to their deck and jokers to give special effects while trying to accumulate enough money to pass to the next level. The game takes hours to truly master, and if the typicalBalatroexperience isn’t enough, it also features challenge modes to complete, adding to the fun and variety of strategies for players to try out.
Stardew Valley
Now considered one of the greatest cozy games of all time,Stardew Valleyshould need no introduction. It’s a pretty typical life sim where players are tasked with keeping up their farm while befriending the locals. But even though it started as a small experience,Stardew Valleyhas continued to receive updates on the Switch, adding new islands, festivals, items, and more for players to discover. So, even for experienced farmers, it may be worth starting a new campaign to see what’s been added over the last few years.
While theNintendo Switch 2 is already arriving at retailers, marking the future of Nintendo’s development efforts, the original Switch still offers experiences for fans new and old. So, whether they can’t afford the new console or are just biding their time until they find one, there’s certainly no shortage of content to keep players busy on the Switch.
Nintendo Switch 2
The successor to 2017’s Nintendo Switch continues down the same path as its predecessor, providing a hybrid experience that supports both home and handheld gaming. Launching on July 10, 2025, with games like Mario Kart World, the basic Nintendo Switch 2 bundle comes with the console, Joy-Con 2, straps for the controller, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable, and a Joy-Con 2 grip.
