After more than eight years, Nintendo has finally launched the Nintendo Switch 2, the much-anticipated successor to one of the best-selling game consoles in history.
Priced at ($449.99) for the base version and ($499.99) for a bundle with Mario Kart World, the Switch 2 certainly packs in a lot of improvements, but does it have enough fresh content to justify an upgrade?
Big on Features, Short on Games
Let’s get this straight—the Nintendo Switch 2 is a major step up from the original Switch. It’s faster, more powerful, and feels smoother in every way.
The screen is bigger, making handheld play more immersive, and it transitions between handheld and docked mode just as effortlessly as the first version. Setup is fast, and transferring your old save data is easy.
But while the hardware has improved, the games at launch leave much to be desired. The Switch 2 launched with around 25 titles, but only five are exclusive to the system:
- Mario Kart World
- Survival Kids
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
- Fast Fusion
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
Of these, Mario Kart World is by far the standout, offering exciting new tracks and gameplay that justify its inclusion in the bundle. However, the rest of the exclusive titles either feel like tech demos or haven’t made a strong impact yet.
Familiar Titles, But Better
One big plus is backward compatibility. Most Nintendo Switch 1 games work on the new console, and some have been upgraded to perform better. For instance, Pokémon Scarlet now runs much more smoothly on Switch 2, fixing many of the performance issues that plagued the original.
Zelda: Breath of the Wild also looks better and comes with a new feature through the Nintendo Switch app called Zelda Notes, where players can check achievements, maps, and gameplay data.
Controllers and Accessories: What’s New?
Nintendo has also released a new Switch 2 Pro Controller and a Switch 2 Camera.
- The Pro Controller feels premium, with better grip, customizable buttons, and a more comfortable design. It’s priced high at $84.99, but it might be worth it for serious gamers.
- The Joy-Cons are sturdier now, with HD Rumble 2 and mouse control features that work surprisingly well on various surfaces.
The camera, however, is less impressive. It’s mainly for using GameChat to video chat during online games and is limited in-game features. At ($54.99), it’s not essential unless you’re really into online multiplayer.
Nintendo Switch Online Just Got Better
Nintendo Switch 2 also brings in major upgrades for its online service. Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers can now play classic GameCube games like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soulcalibur 2. More titles like Luigi’s Mansion and Pokémon XD are coming soon.
N64 games have received upgrades too, including a rewind feature and a new CRT filter to give them that old-school feel on modern 4K TVs. These extras could be a great reason to subscribe if you love retro gaming.
Should You Upgrade?
So, is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth buying now?
If you’re a hardcore Nintendo fan or someone who must play Mario Kart World on day one, then yes—the Switch 2 offers a lot of value. It’s faster, more enjoyable to use, and has lots of potential.
But for most players, it might be smarter to wait. The current library doesn’t justify the steep price, and many of the new games are either already available on older consoles or coming soon in updated formats.
With no confirmed exclusives beyond Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17) and Kirby Air Riders later this year, the Switch 2 still feels like it’s finding its footing.
Summary
Big performance upgrade, better controllers, backward compatibility, and exciting GameCube additions to Switch Online. Few new exclusive games, pricey accessories, not a must-buy yet.
Worth buying only for diehard fans or those eager to play Mario Kart World. Everyone else can wait until the library grows.
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