The launch of a new Nintendo console is always an exciting time, and I was lucky enough to be able to get my hands on Nintendo’s latest hardware, the Switch 2, on its launch day. As a lifelong Nintendo fan, the Switch 2 marks the first time I’ve been able to secure the latest Nintendo console on its launch day.
What’s new about Switch 2?
Like the original Switch, the Switch 2 is a hybrid handheld and traditional game console, so you can hook it up to a TV or play it on the go in handheld mode.
The Switch 2 boasts much more power in both settings — docked games can hit both 4K resolution and up to 120 frames per second, which are significant jumps from the original Switch, and result in much smoother gameplay and a much better picture. Handheld mode also sees improvements to 1080p and 120 frames per second, another jump from the original. The Switch 2 also uses high dynamic range to make colors pop more.
The Switch 2 has a larger screen than its predecessor at 7.9 inches, compared to 6.2 inches. The Switch 2 also uses magnetic joy cons, which provide a much sturdier connection for the controllers than with the original Switch. As the Switch 2 is much larger, it is also more comfortable for people with larger hands to play in handheld mode.
Games
One thing that is common with console launches is a lack of new games, which is definitely apparent with the Switch 2. As of now, the only game brand new for the Switch 2 is “Mario Kart: World,” but it also includes most of the original Switch’s catalogue. Later this year, it will be receiving “Donkey Kong Bonanza,” “Pokémon Legends Z-A” and “Metroid Prime 4” from Nintendo along with several other third-party games exclusive to the Switch 2, including the highly anticipated “Hades II.” It is also worth noting that “Pokémon” and “Metroid” will both come to the original Switch.
Switch 2 makes up for the lack of brand-new games with free updates to previous games that has greatly improved performance. “Pokémon Scarlet and Violet” especially benefited from these updates as the games were a technical mess on the original Switch, but now runs at a near constant 60 frames per second, a dramatic improvement from it struggling to hit 30 frames per second.
With the benefit of new hardware, games that did not receive updates also are able to hit their target frame rates, which some could not do on the original Switch.
Additionally, some games received paid updates with new features, like “The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild” and “The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom.” While they looked great on older hardware, both games both look incredible, running at a 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. Both come with a $10 price tag if you already own the game or the upgrade is free with a Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack membership, which is about $60 a year.
Also included in that subscription is access to select GameCube titles, with more titles to be released periodically.
So far, I have been enjoying the updated “Breath of the Wild” and the new “Mario Kart” in the limited time I’ve had to play. “Mario Kart” has been fun as it has a larger player count of up to 24 players, the new knockout mode that eliminates players as you clear laps and the open world has been fun too.
At the time of writing, few third-party games have received the same updates Nintendo games have, but games like “Cyberpunk 2077” and “Street Fighter 6” are both available on Switch 2, with others like “Final Fantasy VII Remake” set to launch this winter.
Price
Here’s where things get a little dicey. The Switch 2 is going to set you back $450 alone or $500 with the “Mario Kart” bundle. That is just as much, or in some cases more, than the cost for a PlayStation 5.
Unlike the PS5, which is a more powerful console, the Switch 2 does not offer the media capabilities of the PS5 either, which ranges from all your favorite streaming platforms to the ability to play Blu-Ray discs, which can be a huge selling point.
Also of note with the price of the Switch 2 is the rising cost of games themselves. Without buying the bundle for “Mario Kart,” that alone is going to cost $80, a jump of $10 or $20 for most new releases. If you do not own “Tears of the Kingdom,” that is another $80. Not all games are going to be $80 as the next “Pokémon” game is listed at $70 for the Switch 2 version. To avoid the higher price for “Mario Kart,” I do recommend purchasing the bundle, as while it is fun, I’m not sure that it’s $80 worth of fun.
Given the uncertainty with tariffs on the federal level, I opted to purchase the Switch 2 now, as it is hard to predict how the market could change and if prices could increase because of tariffs in countries where the console is manufactured, like in China.
The verdict
If you’re like me and ingrained in the Nintendo ecosystem, I think the Switch 2 will be well worth the purchase in the long run with new games and familiar classics set to come out over the next couple of years. With more power and access to the original Switch’s library, there’s a lot to love about Nintendo’s newest console.
However, with better options for consoles with media features and more powerful hardware, a light launch lineup of games and a high price point, I don’t think you should be rushing out to get the Switch 2 right now. Once more games release and the price point potentially changes, I think it will be more worth it in the future.
