In June of 2025, after much anticipation, the Nintendo Switch 2 released and immediately flew off store shelves. Hardcore fans sung its praises and went on playing the game.
Now here we are almost a year later, the hype has died down, and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles are no longer difficult to find at most retailers. While hardcore fans consider the console a must-buy, casual players who already own its predecessor may still be left on the fence. Is it really worth paying the price to upgrade from a Switch 1 when the Switch 2 has such a similar form factor?
The Switch 2’s hardware may seem similar to the Switch 1, but there are many changes that add up to a significant difference. The Switch 2 has a 7.9 inch screen compared to the original’s 6.2 inch screen. The bezels around the screen are also much smaller, making the screen feel even larger. The new Joycon 2 controllers feel significantly less fragile than the original Joycons. Instead of sliding into the console they snap in with magnets, which feels very secure and makes a satisfying snapping sound. There are other small hardware upgrades too, like a vastly improved kickstand. You can tell just from holding the console that it feels more premium and heftier than the original Switch 1.
The console boasts more power than its predecessor as well. The 1080p handheld screen looks noticeably better than the 720p screen of the original, and it can output up to 4k resolutions when connected to a TV. While still not matching the power of consoles like the Play Station 5 or Xbox Series X, the Switch 2 can still run many demanding games like “Cyberpunk 2077,” that the Switch 1 would not have ever been able to handle. There is an overall greater feeling of polish and speed when using the console.
The main new software feature of the Switch 2 is GameChat, a service that allows players to join voice and video chat lobbies together directly on the console. Some games integrate directly with GameChat, using your camera within the gameplay. Generally, I have not found myself using GameChat often. It is just easier to pull up an app like Discord and be on voice chat there. If a game releases that uses GameChat in an interesting way, then I may try it more, but for now it sits as a dedicated button on my controller that I only ever press accidentally.
Even though the changes in the Switch 2 do feel significant and are overall positive, they may not be enough to convince the average Switch 1 owner to drop $450 to upgrade. The only benefit to playing existing Switch 1 games on Switch 2 is mildly higher resolutions and framerates, sometimes with additional performance upgrades or gameplay content if the game has an upgraded Switch 2 version.
As with almost every Nintendo console, the main reason to purchase the Switch 2 is for the exclusive games. Nintendo always offers a lineup of high quality first party games to play for their latest console, and the Switch 2 is no exception. Games like “Mario Kart World,” “Donkey Kong Bananza” and “Kirby Air Riders” simply cannot be played anywhere else, including on the original Switch. For many, needing to play even just one of these games makes the price of the Switch 2 worth it. However, the Switch 2’s library of exclusives is still relatively small, even months after its release. Major game releases are also being priced higher at $70 and sometimes even $80, following recent trends across the gaming industry.
For people who do not already own a Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 is an easy recommendation. Getting access to the entire Nintendo Switch library as well as future releases in a handheld format with the latest hardware and features is more than worth the price. For those who already own a Nintendo Switch, it becomes a bit more difficult. If there is one or more Switch 2 exclusive games that you really need to play, and you have the money to buy the console, then I would say go for it. If none of the current games are super compelling to you, then I would recommend waiting until the game library fills out a bit more and there is something that directly interests you.
I have greatly enjoyed my time with the Switch 2 and its exclusive games. While rising prices for consoles and games may make it difficult to justify, there is just nothing that matches the feeling of playing the latest Pokémon game on a new Nintendo console. I hope everyone is able to make an informed decision on a Switch 2 purchase based on their specific situation and wants from the console.