Switching It Up: Is the Switch 2 Worth It? 

Thumbnail and Banner Photo from Nintendo

Written by Spencer Vallis


A next-generation console release is always something to behold, and the Nintendo Switch has undergone its well-overdue upgrade with its successor: the Switch 2. Released on June 5th, 2025,  the name says it all – this new and improved sequel to the Nintendo Switch is meant to be an answer to many players’ qualms about the O.G. Switch. Many of these concerns and challenges stem from the Switch’s hardware not being able to keep up with the evolving landscape of gaming. Check out the following graph for the full details on the operating differences of the Switch 1 vs. the Switch 2: 

As shown above, it really was time for the Switch to undergo this transition to the next generation of gaming to keep up with competitors, including Sony, with their PlayStation 5, and Microsoft, with the Xbox Series X/S. 

The Hardware

With a sturdier body, the Switch 2 possesses a larger screen, a flexible kickstand to position your Switch however you’d like to suit your playstyle, and one of my personal favourite features: the magnetic Joy-Cons. On top of all of its brand-new physical attributes, the Switch 2 has significantly higher processing power, allowing players to experience their games in a much smoother way. Along with all of these exciting new features, the Switch 2 also comes with a hefty price tag, costing players $629.99 (or $699.99 for the limited Mario Kart World Tour bundle). This raises the question: is the hefty price tag worth the upgrade? 

With its impressive graphical and performance upgrades over its predecessor, the Switch 2 seems to be a worthwhile investment; however, if you’re a student on a budget, this investment in the next generation of Nintendo consoles may not be the best decision. When deciding to purchase a brand-new console, a few questions to consider are: do you currently have the O.G. Switch, and is its current setup functional for your gaming needs? Are there any new, exclusive games releasing that are worth the cost of upgrading your Switch? 

(Image From Press Start Australia. (June 2025). Here’s An Updated List of Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Titles)

The Library

Upon its launch, the Switch 2 was released with an extensive library of new, exclusive titles, including both original titles, as well as ports that players will need to upgrade their gaming setup to experience; Mario Kart World, the latest installment in the Mario Kart series, is the highlight that most gamers are anxiously waiting for. For myself as a prospective Switch 2 purchaser,my biggest concern would be: what games am I missing out on by not purchasing the Switch 2? The Switch 2, while having its own exclusive titles, was primarily released with ports. A port means a game that was originally released on competing systems like the PS5 and or Xbox now being released on the Switch 2. There are also upgrades to O.G. Switch games that are now able to take advantage of all of the hardware upgrades that the Switch 2 possesses. Examples of these ports include Street Fighter 6, Hogwarts Legacy, and Hitman, which are running flawlessly on the Switch 2, providing gamers with the ultimate experience.. 

Upgrades for existing Switch 1 titles are also able to take full advantage of the Switch 2’s significantly more powerful graphical and hardware features. These upgrades can completely change the experience that players have with these titles, creating the feeling of playing brand new games. Some of these upgrades are completely free, like the much-needed upgrade to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The Legend of Zelda series also benefits from these graphical enhancements, with both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, two juggernauts of games on the O.G. Switch, receiving upgrades. These upgrades render this duo feeling like brand new games again, with higher frame rates and greater resolution, placing them on par with some of the best-looking games on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. 

These upgrades to O.G. Switch titles are primarily rendered in graphical enhancements, making the experience a little bit more enjoyable for players. The greatest demonstration of these visual enhancements is within Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. On their release, these games were so heavily criticized for their poor performance that Nintendo released an apology for the experiences that players were having. However, with this performance upgrade, players will now be able to experience Scarlet and Violet in the way that they were initially intended to be enjoyed. Check out a side-by-side comparison here to see the Switch 2’s hardware in action on Pokemon Scarlet & Violet via this YouTube video: (465) Switch 2 vs Switch 1 - Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Graphics Comparison - YouTube

On the horizon, however, there are many exciting titles that players will be looking forward to. Already slated for this newest addition to the Nintendo family are: Metroid Prime 4, Donkey Kong Bananza, and a Switch 2-enhanced version of the forthcoming Pokémon Legends: ZA. These are all heavy hitters to the existing Nintendo franchise that players will be able to look forward to. 

Image from 9to5Toys. (January, 2025). Switch 2 Launch Games… 

Conclusion

The Switch 2 is here, and we are so excited to experience this next generation of Nintendo gaming! If you’re wondering my opinion, though, I think it’s worth holding off for now. With a hefty price tag and a lackluster library of exclusive titles, the Switch 2 is an investment that I personally can wait for. If, however, graphical enhancements to existing titles is something that you can’t wait for as a gamer, it could be worth the consideration. Backwards compatibility does ensure that you will be able to enjoy your existing games, but if you’re content with your current Switch set-up, I think you’re better off withholding your purchase until more exclusive titles that you’re anticipating are released for the Switch 2.

That said, it’s clear the foundation is strong—Nintendo has built a more powerful system that’s ready to grow. As more developers begin taking advantage of the improved hardware, we’ll likely see a richer library that truly defines this new era. So, while patience might be the best move for now, keeping an eye on what’s coming next could make that eventual leap all the more rewarding.

Jacob Butler