Nintendo Switch 2 launched in 2025 at $449.99 — significantly more expensive than the original Switch’s $299.99 launch price — and the question of whether it is worth buying has been debated extensively since. This guide gives you an honest, comprehensive answer: what Switch 2 does better than Switch 1, what its genuine weaknesses are, how it compares to a PS5, whether it justifies the price for new buyers and existing Switch owners, and exactly who should and should not buy one in 2026.
For the complete Switch 2 vs Switch OLED display and hardware comparison, see our article on Switch 2 vs Switch OLED — display, screen size, YouTube, and full comparison.
Is Nintendo Switch 2 Worth It — Quick Verdict
| Player Type | Should You Buy Switch 2? |
| New to Nintendo — no Switch history | ✅ YES — best time to start; full Switch 1 + Switch 2 library |
| Switch 1 owner who plays actively | ✅ YES — upgrade for Switch 2 exclusives + performance |
| Switch OLED owner — still enjoying Switch 1 | ⚠️ MAYBE — wait for a must-have Switch 2 exclusive first |
| Switch 1 owner who plays casually | ⚠️ MAYBE — Switch 1 library is complete; no urgent need |
| PS5 owner who wants Nintendo games | ✅ YES — Switch 2 and PS5 serve different purposes; both worthwhile |
| Budget buyer — $449 is a stretch | ❌ WAIT — Switch 1 / OLED excellent value at lower price |
| Only want handheld gaming | ⚠️ MAYBE — Switch Lite is cheaper; but Switch 2 has future exclusives |
Nintendo Switch 2 — What’s Actually Better
1. Significantly More Powerful Hardware
Switch 2’s biggest upgrade is raw performance — the console uses a custom Nvidia Tegra T239 chip with 12GB of RAM (vs 4GB on Switch 1) and delivers approximately 5-10x the GPU performance of the original Switch. In practical terms: Switch 2 runs games that were technically impossible on Switch 1, handles demanding ports like Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin’s Creed Shadows that would have been unthinkable on the original hardware, and runs backward-compatible Switch 1 games with Game Boost enhancements for better frame rates.
2. Larger, Sharper Display
Switch 2’s 7.9-inch 1080p LCD display is a meaningful upgrade in handheld mode — sharper text, more detailed game visuals, and a larger viewing area. The tradeoff vs the Switch OLED (which uses a better display technology despite being smaller) is real but the Switch 2’s display is excellent in absolute terms.
3. Switch 2 Exclusive Games
The Switch 2 exclusive library is the strongest argument for upgrading: Mario Kart World, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A are all Switch 2 exclusives or Switch 2-enhanced releases that are not available on Switch 1. For players who want to play the next generation of Nintendo games, Switch 2 is the only option.
4. YouTube and Media Apps
Switch 2 includes YouTube support — a feature the original Switch family never received in eight years of service. This makes Switch 2 a functional media device as well as a gaming console, usable for video streaming in handheld mode or on the TV.
5. Joy-Con 2 and Mouse Input
The redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers add a mouse-click input on the right controller that functions as a mouse on flat surfaces. This enables new gameplay mechanics in Switch 2 games (Drag x Drive uses it as its core mechanic) and cursor/aiming input in compatible titles. The Joy-Con 2 also fixes the drift-prone rails of the original Joy-Con — a significant quality-of-life improvement for long-term reliability.
6. 256GB Internal Storage
Switch 2 includes 256GB of internal storage — eight times the original Switch’s 32GB. This dramatically reduces the need for microSD expansion cards for most players, accommodating a large digital game library without additional cost.
Switch 2 Cons — Honest Weaknesses
1. Price — $449.99 Is Steep
At $449.99, Switch 2 costs $150 more than the original Switch at launch and $100 more than the Switch OLED. For a handheld-primary gaming device, this is a significant price point — approaching PS5 territory. The price is justifiable given the hardware upgrade and game library, but it is a genuine barrier for budget-conscious buyers.
2. No OLED Display
Switch 2 uses LCD, not OLED — a decision Nintendo made to control costs and achieve higher brightness and refresh rates. For players who own the Switch OLED and value its deep blacks and vibrant OLED display, Switch 2’s LCD is a step backward in display technology despite being larger and sharper.
3. Launch Library Was Smaller Than Expected
Switch 2’s launch window game library was criticized as smaller than what many players expected. While Mario Kart World was a strong launch title, some players found the initial lineup underwhelming compared to the original Switch’s remarkable launch window (which included Breath of the Wild). The library has grown through 2025-2026 as more titles release.
4. Game Prices Increased
Nintendo Switch 2 games launch at $69.99 for major first-party titles — a $10 increase from Switch 1’s $59.99 standard price. This reflects the broader industry trend toward higher game prices but adds to the total cost of building a Switch 2 library.
5. Switch 2 Online Is a Separate Tier
Nintendo Switch 2 Online is a new subscription tier on top of Nintendo Switch Online — players who want access to Switch 2-specific online features and the Switch 2 game library additions need to pay the higher Switch 2 Online tier. Existing NSO subscribers need to upgrade their plan for full Switch 2 online functionality.
Is Switch 2 Disappointing? — Addressing the Criticism
Some players and reviewers described Switch 2 as ‘disappointing’ or ‘underwhelming’ at and after launch. The specific criticisms:
- Display: LCD instead of OLED — legitimate criticism for buyers upgrading from Switch OLED
- Price: $449.99 felt high given LCD screen — valid concern
- Launch games: Smaller library than Switch 1 launch — fair criticism
- Game prices: $69.99 first-party — industry-wide trend but still a sting
Counter-perspective: The ‘disappointing’ reaction was partly the result of years of rumor inflation — players had been expecting a ‘Switch Pro’ with 4K native output and an OLED display since 2021, creating expectations the actual product could not meet. Evaluated on its own merits rather than against inflated expectations, Switch 2 is a substantial hardware upgrade with a strong exclusive lineup, excellent backward compatibility, and genuine quality-of-life improvements. By mid-2026, initial disappointment has largely given way to positive reception as the game library has grown.
Switch 2 vs PS5 — Should You Get Switch 2 or PS5?
Switch 2 and PS5 serve fundamentally different gaming needs — comparing them directly misses the point that most players who want both eventually get both. The genuine comparison:
| Factor | Switch 2 | PS5 |
| Price | $449.99 | $499.99 (disc) / $449.99 (digital) |
| Form factor | Handheld + TV hybrid | TV/monitor only |
| Exclusive games | Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Metroid | God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon, FF |
| Third-party games | Growing; some performance compromises | Full quality; best third-party performance |
| Portability | ✅ Yes — handheld mode | ❌ No |
| Raw power | Significantly weaker than PS5 | Most powerful console |
| Online gaming | Nintendo Switch 2 Online | PlayStation Network |
| Best for | Nintendo exclusives; portable gaming | AAA third-party; PS exclusives; online |
If you have to choose one: get Switch 2 if Nintendo exclusives (Zelda, Mario, Pokemon, Metroid) are the games you most want to play, or if portability is important to you. Get PS5 if your priority is the best third-party performance, PlayStation exclusives (God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon), or online multiplayer in games like Call of Duty and EA Sports titles. The two consoles genuinely complement each other rather than competing — owning both covers essentially the entire gaming landscape.
Nintendo Switch 2 — Console Only Mode
Nintendo Switch 2 supports a ‘console only’ or ‘tablet only’ mode where the Switch 2 is used without the Joy-Con 2 attached — as a pure handheld tablet. In this mode:
- The Switch 2 touchscreen controls work for compatible games
- Bluetooth controllers (including Joy-Con 2 wirelessly, Pro Controller, or third-party controllers) can be used while the Switch 2 sits on a surface or is held
- Table mode: The Switch 2’s built-in kickstand supports the console for tabletop play with wireless controllers
For players who want to use Switch 2 primarily as a tablet without Joy-Con attached, this mode works well for lighter games and media consumption. For demanding games, the Joy-Con 2 attached or a Pro Controller provides better control precision.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller — Is It Worth It?
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($79.99) is the premium gamepad option for Switch 2. Key improvements over the Switch 1 Pro Controller:
- Gyro improvements: Better motion accuracy and lower drift than the Switch 1 Pro Controller
- Mouse input: The right analog stick area includes the same mouse-click functionality as Joy-Con 2 — usable for compatible Switch 2 games
- C button: Direct access to Switch 2’s online and game features
- USB-C charging: Same as Switch 1 Pro Controller
- Build quality: Premium feel; good grip; satisfying button travel
Verdict: If you primarily play Switch 2 docked on a TV, the Pro Controller is worth the $79.99. It is more comfortable than Joy-Con 2 for extended sessions, and the mouse input adds Switch 2-specific utility. It is not essential if you play primarily in handheld mode with Joy-Con 2 attached.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour — Is It Worth It?
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is an optional showcase application ($9.99) that demonstrates Switch 2’s hardware features — the mouse input, improved rumble, camera, microphone, and performance capabilities through interactive demonstrations and mini-games. It is not a traditional game but a hardware showcase similar to Wii Sports’ purpose for the Wii.
Verdict: Welcome Tour is not worth $9.99 for most players. The hardware demonstrations are interesting once but have limited replay value. If you want to understand Switch 2’s capabilities, the free Nintendo Switch 2 system menus and game demos in the eShop cover the same ground. Welcome Tour is primarily for players curious about every hardware feature — it is optional and skippable for most Switch 2 owners.
Best TV for Nintendo Switch 2
Switch 2 outputs up to 4K (upscaled) at 60fps when docked. For the best Switch 2 docked experience, look for:
- 4K resolution: Switch 2 outputs 4K upscaled — a 4K TV benefits from this more than a 1080p TV
- 120Hz panel: Switch 2 supports 120fps output for compatible games — a 120Hz TV enables this
- HDMI 2.0 or 2.1: Switch 2’s dock uses HDMI 2.0 for 4K60Hz output; HDMI 2.1 is not required
- Low input lag: Under 15ms game mode input lag — important for competitive games like Mario Kart World
- Recommended TVs for Switch 2: LG B4/C4 OLED (best picture + 120Hz + low lag), Samsung S90D OLED, Sony X90L (LCD, good for bright rooms), Hisense U8N (budget 4K120Hz option)
For most Switch 2 players, any modern 4K TV with HDMI 2.0 delivers a substantial improvement over playing on a 1080p TV. The Switch 2’s 4K upscaling benefits most from a quality 4K panel.
For the complete Switch 2 games guide — best Switch 2 games, Game Boost, and backward compatibility — see our article on Nintendo Switch 2 games guide — best games, compatibility, and what to play.
For current Nintendo Switch 2 pricing and purchase options, see the Nintendo Switch 2 — official Nintendo store. For independent Switch 2 hardware reviews, see Digital Foundry — Nintendo Switch 2 technical analysis.
Bottom Line
| Is Switch 2 worth it? | Yes for most players — especially new buyers and active Switch 1 owners |
| Best reason to buy | Switch 2 exclusives: MK World, Metroid Prime 4, DK Bananza |
| Biggest weakness | $449.99 price + LCD (not OLED) + $69.99 game prices |
| Is Switch 2 disappointing? | Initial criticism valid; reception improved as library grew |
| Switch 2 vs PS5 | Different purposes; Switch 2 for Nintendo + portability; PS5 for AAA + power |
| Console only mode | Yes — tablet mode supported; Bluetooth controllers work wirelessly |
| Pro Controller worth it? | Yes for TV players ($79.99); optional for handheld-only players |
| Welcome Tour worth it? | No — $9.99 for one-time hardware demo; skippable |
| Best TV for Switch 2 | 4K + 120Hz + HDMI 2.0 minimum; LG C4 OLED recommended |
| Should you upgrade from Switch 1? | Yes if you want Switch 2 exclusives; wait if casually satisfied |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth it in 2026?
Yes — Nintendo Switch 2 is worth buying in 2026 for most players. It offers significantly improved hardware, exclusive games unavailable on Switch 1 (Mario Kart World, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Donkey Kong Bananza), YouTube support, a larger 1080p screen, and full backward compatibility with the entire Switch 1 library. The main arguments against: $449.99 price, LCD instead of OLED, and $69.99 game prices. For new Nintendo players or active Switch 1 owners, the upgrade case is strong.
Is Switch 2 worth the upgrade from Switch 1?
Yes — Switch 2 is worth upgrading to from Switch 1 if you actively play Nintendo games and want access to Switch 2 exclusives. The performance improvements (Game Boost on Switch 1 games), larger screen, YouTube, 256GB storage, and Switch 2 exclusive titles all justify the upgrade for engaged players. If you play Switch 1 casually and are satisfied with your current library, waiting until a must-have Switch 2 exclusive releases is also a reasonable approach.
Is Switch 2 better than PS5?
Switch 2 and PS5 excel at different things. PS5 is significantly more powerful and delivers better performance for demanding third-party games. Switch 2 offers portability (handheld mode), Nintendo exclusives (Zelda, Mario, Pokemon, Metroid) unavailable on PS5, and the hybrid TV/handheld experience. Neither is objectively ‘better’ — they serve different gaming needs. Most players who own both describe them as complementary rather than competitive.
What are the cons of Nintendo Switch 2?
The main Switch 2 cons are: $449.99 launch price (higher than Switch 1); LCD display instead of OLED (a step back vs Switch OLED in display technology); $69.99 first-party game prices; smaller launch library than expected; Nintendo Switch 2 Online is a separate paid tier from standard NSO; and Joy-Con 2 are not backward-compatible with Switch 1 (they only attach to Switch 2).
Should I get Switch 2 or PS5?
Get Switch 2 if: Nintendo exclusives (Zelda, Mario, Pokemon, Metroid) are your priority, portability matters, or you want the hybrid TV/handheld experience. Get PS5 if: you primarily want the best third-party performance, PlayStation exclusives (God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon), or the strongest online multiplayer ecosystem. If budget allows, owning both covers the entire major gaming landscape — Switch 2 and PS5 have minimal game overlap and complement each other well.
